Dec 15, 2015
All Star Vibe's "Stash" series is specially designed to meet the needs of the local band and their friends.Instead of toiling around at smaller bars and clubs, they package four complimentary acts on the big stage -- the grand environs (and central location) of Chicago's House Of Blues.One of the advantages is that...
Sep 23, 2015
Words & Photos: Tara Gracer PhotographyOn August 29th, All-Star Vibe Entertainment produced Summer Stashat the House of Blues with local bands assembled in one of their trademark seasonal events.The Pistachio Brothers were the first of four acts -- the duo, AJ OReilly and Ian Engels, brought a soulful acoustic feel to the welcoming crowd....
Jun 20, 2015
The Dead are celebrating 50 years this summer, but David Nelson had started playing with Jerry Garcia even before that.When New Riders begin to gig steadily in 1969, Jerry provided the pedal steel, Mickey Hart the drums and Phil Lesh the occasional bass. So when NRPS bring the Psychedelic Last Supper to Chicago to coincide with...
Sep 25, 2013
We've reached the end of another festival season here in the Midwest and with each passing year it seems like the variety, breadth and ambition of both major and micro gatherings serve to push festival culture just a little further. Music lovers know that the festival is a great place to experience new music, but...
Jul 18, 2013
Summer. City of Chicago. Outdoor show. Phish. Believe it or not, this combination has never come together before. And we get it this weekend for three whole nights.It's enough for an area resident to rejoice, but given the dearth of other Midwest shows, and a Saturday sell-out, I'm expecting many will be making the...
May 30, 2013
Another Summer Camp is in the books. Despite the many many festivals hosted in these parts during the summer, and and its sometimes schizophrenicbookings. it's still the closest think we have to Chicago to a major jamband festival. We'll even forgive them for taking place in the late spring. In the week since the festival...
Apr 20, 2012
UPDATE (5/22/12): The location of Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival 2012 has changed to Lyran Park, 4781 S. Bend Rd. in Rockford, ILThe Whippersnap Festival is back this year with some quality headliners, an action-packed undercard and a few more surprises in store.This year's festival will be held July 19th, 20th & 21st at Lyran Park in...
Nov 22, 2011
Months ago, I was pumped about the announcement of two night Umphrey's McGee run in Chicago over Thanksgiving weekend. Little did I know at the time, but by the time this extended weekend would arrive, that party would start in Chicago well before UM takes the stage, and continue all the way through to Thanksgiving...