These Cats Are All That Acclaimed Musicians (SuperGroup!), Local Talent (Magicians!) Blend at CAU's Art and Music Showcase this Saturday
By Hannah Frank, March 4, 2010
Gypsy jazz guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli and Saxophonist Mars Williams are solid enough talents to warrant their own weekend headlining slots. But by sharing the stage as part of the singer-songwriter Ellis Clark’s “SuperGroup” at the Viaduct Theater this Saturday night, music fans might ask themselves, “Did I hear that right?” Especially after you add another half-dozen or more outsized talents to the band. Not to mention, all the extras poured into the evening.
Ellis Clark is a long-time friend of Chicago Acoustic Underground, which is hosting its third event. The past two Viaduct shows saw upwards of 200 people pack the Roscoe Village venue.
Clark said it was a “great personal pleasure” to bring the group together – in fact, he could hardly sleep after an early practice. The line-up includes Jon Brant (one of Chicago's best bassists), Brad Elvis (Drummer of The Handcuffs and The Romantics), Jim Hines (Percussion for Brian Wilson's Grammy-winning “SMiLE” album), Geoff Benge (The Webstirs, Epicycle, and Liz Phair), Carlyn Engelmann (keyboardist of The Chamber Strings), Chloe Orwell and Phil Angotti (vocals) and Mike Bezin (trumpeter and leader of The West End Jazz Band). Also of note with his Rock ‘n Roll pedigree: Mars Williams (sax) has worked with Billy Idol and The Psychedelic Furs and is widely known for his improvisation skills.
More than a list of names, Chicago Acoustic Underground is trying to nurture local bands as well, and up close with CAU, you can see first hand the real commitment it has to original music.
Enter Dawn Xiana Moon, a woman for whom “singer-songwriter” is just a phrase. This multi-instrumentalist is at times breathless and other times quietly fierce as she blends Sarah McLaughlin and bits of Jewel into her own intelligent folk-pop. I am particularly eager to see Moon, who is a classically-trained pianist,with a full band as they support their recent album effort.
Speaking of new albums, GoodbyeHome will be showing off tracks from their soon-to-be-released record. Imagine the organic nature of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon intercepted by folk musicians with a lot on their mind and a lot of instruments on hand. The group is what I would call “AA” or “Atmospheric Americana.” Firmly rooted in Americana, yet without any hint of rawness, their sound is polished and enveloping. Frontman Gregg Combs is staking ground as an accomplished singer-songwriter. The full band includes a new violinist and rumors of a guest tuba player are circulating.
The Road Underneath the Headlight Sonata Hannah Frank Talks Personal Music, Songwriting with Todd Murray (a.k.a. Sincerely, Iris)
Story and Interview by Hannah Frank, February 15, 2010
[Editor's Note: Hannah Frank, she of Hannah Frank Trio, is playing with Sincerely, Iris on February 18 at Goose Island Brewery at 9 p.m. sharp. Go to our Live Shows post for info, or click on the flier below.]
Todd Murray, a Chicago singer-songwriter, is not the first to be inspired by Jeff Buckley — but he may well be the first to relate that inspiration to sensitivity and balance. His stage moniker, Sincerely, Iris, came about as a reflection of these views on music. "[Iris] is sort of feminine, I kind of like that aspect. I really like girl singers like Billie Holiday and I like Jeff Buckley and how he had that feminine aspect to his voice. That's what music is to me — the harder stuff and the more sensitive stuff all in one."
Murray’s most recent collection, Headlight Sonata, stands out among the acoustic masses thanks to a full-house hand of solid folk-pop songwriting and a shim of shoulder-shakin’ blues. Like Buckley, Murray studied jazz, and his main instruments are guitar and voice. His approach to arranging and producing his music is much more considered than most folk acts. Murray was schooled in Kentucky and Colorado but he is not a jazz player or a theory guy. He opposed learning music note for note, yet eagerly applied jazz’s "crazy chords and weird progressions” to his songwriting.
"I remember being in class and instead of studying I'd go write a song," says Murray. He also found ways to compose songs while working odd jobs. As a front desk clerk at a hotel in Ohio, he used the quiet late night shift to jot down lyrics. One summer, while serving as a general labor "grunt," he would sneak away to his car to write down some lyrics before getting back to mowing the lawn.
On Headlight Sonata, Sincerely, Iris fills out Murray’s solo live act with layers of guitar lines, bass, and drums. Murray also uses effects pedals and different tracking techniques to obtain an array of guitar sounds. For example, what sounds like mandolin on his track “Boys, Girls and Fools” is actually a quickly-strummed guitar double tracked with the guitar tuned an octave or a third higher.
One of his catchiest tunes is "Cemetery Blues." The imagery, hook, and lyrics come together gracefully. "At the beginning of the song he [the narrator] is kind of sad about death, he's not ready for it,” says Murray. “After complications with money or relationships — all the things of life in general — by the time you get a little older, you're like, 'Bring it on, I'm ready, I've had enough.'"
Murray says tugging on heart strings and connecting with people are the most important things when writing songs or approaching music. "I always want to write lyrics and approach a song from a personal level. It's always personal for me," shares Murray, "as opposed to making sure it has an amazing hook or that it's super-catchy."
Black Math UPDATE: Look for a new record in 2010 put out by Permanent Records. Expect some fresh gems to be played at Hideout. Until then, almost all of Black Math's pre-2010 output is available for FREE download. 11 newer songs here, including the solid "ReadingMysteries" (vocals by Xina) and "Walking@Night" (vocals by Xina/Jimmy). Their Counterfeit Unrealities EP is here (or you can buy it for $5 here, along with their 7" self-titled vinyl record for $7, shipping included). Guitarist/co-vocalist Andrew has some solo tunes here under the Bright Creatures moniker.
Dan Patrevito and Friends :: 2/19, 2/24, 3/8 & 3/14 Sounds Like: Blues to make you "Hide the Women and Children" (quoth Dan) Cost: Free Where & Cost: 2/19, 9-12:30 a.m, at Hotti Biscotti (free). 2/24, starting at 10 p.m., at AliveOne (free). 3/8 they open early from 8-8:45 p.m. at Martyrs ($7).3/14, doors 8 p.m. at
Primary Voting is Tuesday, February 2 Here's a Helpful List of Links for Would-be Voters
By David Shuey (with Mary Kuhn), February 1, 2009
Post-election addendum & results: The quickest list of results I found was at the Sun-Times, so go there. Frankly, my it took me a few minutes to find.
This morning on WBEZ, Toni Preckwinkle, who defeated Todd Stroger and two others to be the Democratic nominee for president of the Cook County Board, mentioned her disappointment with voter turnout – hovering somewhere between 30 to 35 percent. Know what's almost as frustrating? Actually finding results for the smaller races, like those pesky judges. Well, just like my Oscar ballot, I want to know the winners. I don't think I've ever seen complete election results –I'm talking every race – printed or posted anywhere in the past five years. (And as far as my 15-minute search today tells me, they're not.) What I did find was the Sun-Times linking you to this site: the Chicago Election Board of Commissioners for the City of Chicago, which has a "Go" button to bring you to the right race. It's tedious. Play around. See if your judges won. Or your State Central Committeewoman/man. (Hm, broken down by gender – I don't think I knew that.) Ironically, search "Illinois election results" brings you to the official State Board of Elections page– a page that renders no useful information.
Original pre-election post: Okay, I know "nobody votes" during the primaries. But I little bird told me upwards of 20% of the voting population might, so that sounds like somebody, right? I also don't expect this to be an exhaustive, or even straightforward, list of links that eases your voting decision. Chicago and Illinois simply doesn't make it easy. Thanks to Mary Kuhn, who put in the grunt work back in 2008, I'm reprising her helpful voting guide, double-checking the links and adding comments here or there. And I know we're not all soothsayers, but please help our state avoid further transgressions.
1. Are you registered? Check your voter registration status at the Board of Elections Commissioners for the City of Chicago site. If you aren't, it is too late to register in Illinois. You still can do so for November's general elections.
2. Print a sample ballot. This makes going to the polls a quick and simple task. Enter your address here and you can print a sample ballot that will be almost exactly like your ballot when you go to vote. Mary says, "I mark my sample ballot before I vote, then I mark my selections on my real ballot based on the sample ballot."
4. Research local candidates & judges (optional). I find the Chicago voter guide to be helpful in researching candidates. Enter your address and the guide will only show you info for your candidates. And find out who those mystery judges really are at VoteforJudges.org.
5. Find your polling place. We encourage you to VOTE EARLY to avoid complications and long lines. Go tothis site for times/locations. If you're skipping this round and voting during the general elections on November 2, go here.
Chicago 6 Corners has added a yummy new dish – Restaurant reviews brought to you by The Taste Buds, a posse of Chicago 6 Corners contributors with strong opinions and healthy appetites. Sounds like me, you say? Well, you too can be a Bud. Just jot us a quick e-mail at chicago6corners (at) gmail.com and we'll add you to the list. (We're informal. Occasional attendance works.)
For our inaugural review, The Taste Buds chose Roscoe Village's Kitsch'n– self proclaimed as "Chicago's Cult Favorite: Comfort Food & Brunch Destination." We took their advice and came for brunch to power us through a marathon shopping spree at Village Discount Outlet right down the block (the Taste Buds pictured here, tho' Dave was manning the camera; that monstrosity in front of us is our collective purchases!).
This review's Buds include: Alyssa, Ellen, Emily, David, and me (Scarlett).
David: Kitsch Factor: High! Billy Dee "Lando Calrissian" Williams' ill-fated decision to promote Colt 45 on beer signage is in full effect (above Kitsch'n's 21st century register, no less). "It works every time!" he says with a Claire Huxtable look-alike hanging off his shoulder. What's next, Billy? Pushing crack?
Breaded Egg Factor: Speaking of crack, the coconut-infused french toast with drizzly berry sauce is enough to push me to The Dark Side of gluten addiction. Texas toast – Ditto!
Coffee Refill #: Passes the Mr. Pink Reservoir Dogs test. 5 cups. Never less than 1/3 cup full.
Affordability: Less than $10/breakfast item. So...average.
Scarlett: Kitsch Factor: High, as the name infers. The doodads, knickknacks, and chotchkies sent us all down memory lane. Mork! (Robin Williams at his best.) Barbarella!! (Jane Fonda at her perkiest.) Candy Land!!! (We quickly discovered you're either in the Sorry school or the Candy Land school, but rarely both.) The one disappointing break in the kitsch fever was a big screen T.V. billboard pushing conference space.
Caliente Factor: SPICY! After being turned off the chicken and waffles by our server (she might have heard me drooling over a memory of L.A.'s Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles), I opted for the chilaquiles, which were delicious...and Hot Hot Hot!
Coffee Refill #: Being one of those that strives for that magic combination of cream and sugar in my joe, I found the coffee refills slightly manic. But that's my worst complaint. We didn't wait a second for a table. We were pampered with attention. And after a small mishap in the kitchen, where my plate landed chila-side-down, our server went to great lengths to get my fresh plate to me muy rapido!
Alyssa: The Classics Factor: 1. Green eggs and ham! (fresh spinach & basil leaves packed into a fluffy omelette garnished with ham); 2. endless cups of coffee; and 3. a lemon slice chandelier! (lemons in the water too, maybe so you won't suck on the chandelier)
Emily: Been Here Done That (& Will Do It Again) Factor: This fantastic brunch, lunch & dinner spot never fails to please. The fun and unique atmosphere is a great place to relax with friends. The brunch menu features crab-cake eggs benedict (YUM) and is now available all day long! Oh, and Kitsch'n is also a bar! Did someone say pancakes and beer? Score 1 for the good guys! (Tho' the silverware-in-the-toaster table centerpiece made me nervous.)
Ellen: There's a chicken in my salad Factor: Excellent!
Going Dutch Factor: So Cool. The check is automatically divided to show what each guest owes.
Overall: *Our* kind of kitsch. Thumbs UP (a'la Fonzie...Ayyyyy!)
Hot Rockin' (and cheap) Shows to See in Frigid January Pick One, Two or Three
Compiled by David Shuey, January 13, 2010
Rockin' is a broad word, but I promise that all these bands have full-bore guitars and drums. Can't promise bass, though.
Dan Patrevito and Friends (including Emily!) :: 1/13 Sounds Like: Blues to make you "Hide the Women and Children" (quoth Dan) Cost: Free When: Wednesday, January 13, 10 p.m. (sharp!) Where: AliveOne, 2683 N. Halsted St.
Ike Reilly :: 1/18 Sounds Like:Cursing Americana joke-folksters wage the American war on terror & the drugs
Cost: $10
When: Monday, January 18, 10 p.m. (sharp!) Where: Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Links: MySpace
The Gnomes :: 1/23 (see goofy graphic on left, with The Returnables and Telenovela) Sounds Like:Infectious indie rock melodies that infect your inner-ear with dark ditties ("I'll Kill You Later" a refrain inspired by the Three Stooges, Andy tells us)
Cost: $5
When: Saturday, January 23, 10 p.m. (for the Gnomes opening) Where: Quenchers, Fullerton & Western Links: MySpace; their last write-up on Chicago6Corners; and their first C6C write-up (Do we love 'em? Yes we do.)
The Chicago Metaphysical Circus :: 1/22
Band(s): Psych Collaborative (Dark Fog, Plastic
Crimewave Sound, VEE DEE, Sadhu Sadhu, Great Society Mind Destroyers,
Black Wyrm Seed, w/ DJ Velcro Lewis) Sounds Like: Hopefully as psychedelic as their poster
Cost: $10
When: Friday, January 22, 8 p.m. Where: The Hideout
White Mystery :: 1/22, 1/23, 2/4 & 2/6 (busy!) Sounds Like: Um, to quote myself in last month's post, "A burning line of music, leaving a skid mark in your own scalp"; to quote Alex White, "The musical direction is FORWARD and the feel is POWER!" So there. Cost & Where: Free on 1/23, Flo’s Algiers Lounge, 5436 W Montrose Ave. On 1/22, they open at Metro, $6 advance. On 2/4, they open at Empty Bottle, $5 limited advance. On 2/6 (February, we know, but feels like January) they open at Beat Kitchen, $10, 17+ show. Average cost per show for all four: $5.25. That's less than a dollar per song! Links: Our recent Q&A interview on C6C with Ms. Alex White; MySpace; and new, minimally rockin' website; even more songs.
Canadian Biker Ladies Down Shift to Chicago, Handlebar
Almost four years ago a talented and driven group of writers, photographers, designers, artists and bikers relaunched a magazine for pedal-powered people in Vancouver, BC. Soon after, in true grassroots fashion, they asked people here to write stories and send photos about Chicago bike haunts, such as Handlebar and Cal Liquors. The magazine grew (both online and physically), distribution extended beyond Canada, to several cities in the States. Then it showed up in Chicago – free and widely available thanks to distribution by local gear-heads like T.C. O'Rourke.
And this week, you can meet, drink, chat bike history, and talk about bike collaborations (hey, you too can write stories and get published in 14 North American cities) with the publisher, Amy Walker, and reps from Momentum Magazine. Or as Amy put it:
Do you live in Chicago? If yes, the 3 ladies of Momentum (Amy, Tania, Mia) are coming to visit you! Come down to the Handlebar for a low-key celebration of bike culture in Chicago. Thanks to the wonderful and incredibly organized T.C. O'Rourke for arranging this party! For those of you that pick up Momentum for free in Chicago, you can thank the lovely T.C for delivering them - by bike - all around the city.
Where: Handlebar, 2311 W. North Ave When: Monday, February 23, 2009 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. What For: Meet Momentum Magazine people; drink beer; talk bikes; offer your ideas and talent!
Q&A with Alex White Secret to White Mystery is No Mystery
Story and interview by David Shuey / main page photo by Yuri Alexander, December 18, 2009
It's a drizzly October 20th, and on a whim I decide to see Japan punk legends – and Kurt Cobain favorite–Shonen Knife at Bottom Lounge. The all-female power trio shred the crowd in two in their bizarre neon pant-suits, but it is the opening act, White Mystery, that leaves me scratching my head. But only after rocking it.
The young duo comes on stage in a wave of red curls for their bustling sound checks. White Mystery go straight into the music, but not before the drummer hunts down a plug to get his own fan working (see pic after bump). Very DIY. Seems the air currents not only cool down brother Francis White, they also blow tresses to-and-fro for dramatic effect as his sister, the established Miss Alex White, blows away the crowd with killer licks and raw power vocals.
Still, this is no Chicago's answer to the White Stripes in reverse. (Switch the genders on the drum kit and guitar/vocals duty, turn the black hair bright orange, etc. Eh, okay, maybe that's a stretch.) Their spectacle is transparent. As witnessed again one month later at Empty Bottle, White Mystery IS a burning line of music, leaving a skid mark in your own scalp as it proceeds to nail the bored arm-folder in the back row. This was evident down in front, as C6C pal Scarlett and I joined a pond of head-bangers and dancers, including legendary Dan the Fan– a WM regular, I notice, after two shows (also see pic below). Even the kids can bare witness, as seen on Chic-A-Go-Go.
After a back-stage all-ginger head photo-op, we ask for an interview. Below is an exchange this month with Miss Alex White about where her and her brother are from and where they're going.
C6C: Off
the bat: By all appearances, real and imagined, you're brother and sister. Real Deal, or another Fantastic Hoax in order to
garner the killer rock 'n roll name, "White?"
Alex White: Real deal. We were born at Swedish Covenant
Hospital to the same parents in Chicago in 1985 and 1987 respectively.
The last name "White" is Pennsylvanian Dutch. Click here for baby photos.
C6C: How
would you describe your current musical direction as White Mystery? Is
it a FEEL you're going for, or is your fast-paced combination of
stripped down guitar/vocals/percussion a vehicle to carry the SONGS
forward?
Alex White: The musical direction is FORWARD and the feel is POWER.
C6C: Follow-upquestion: And "stripped down" or "garage rock" – these are terms
bandied about for certain bands. Do you embrace it? Is it by necessity,
i.e., keeping things simple and economical? Or is that a preferred
musical direction? (i.e., when you get huge, will you go straight for
the keyboards and electronics?)
Alex White: Both terms have been used in print to describe White Mystery as well as my history of musical projects, including Miss Alex White and Hot Machines. I prefer the two piece format, though I've played with a full band and the Mucca Pazza horns in Miss Alex White & Red Orchestra.
C6C: What
are some of your favorite 2-pieces? And if not digging that, what are
some of your favorite "family" bands in history? Bee Gees? The Osmonds?
Partridge Family?
Alex White: Chicago locals The Yolks, Smith Teenage Dream – a sibling two
piece with Hal from the Smith Westerns and his brother Cadien who
shreds.
C6C: I noticed that hair plays a big part in your shows – a
perfect combination of auburn color and movement. What bands of the
past do you look to for Hairspiration? Would you ever consider Locks
for Love if the red curls ever got in the way of "the music"?
Alex White: An agreement was made in October 2007 to stop
cutting our hair and it's been that way ever since. There are also White
Mystery buttons with my real hair pressed in them that only twenty five
special people have. Click here to see. Francis
donated his hair twice to Locks for Love when it was longer than his
shoulders, and my personal hairspiration is Poison Ivy from the Cramps.
There is a photo album of red head friends on the White Mystery MySpace.
The Arts of Life Holiday Wine Tasting at WineStyles
By Emily Grider, December 12, 2009
Join The Arts of Life at the Loop's WineStyles for a lovely night of tasting holiday wine. The Arts of Life, an arts studio for adults with and without developmental disabilities, will showcase winter-themed art that is also available for purchase – a perfect gift for the fast approaching holiday season! The Arts of Life will provide hors d'oeuvres at this event with the $20 ticket price, as well as a live performance of Christmas songs by one of their talented artists.
This relaxing event is being held at the WineStyles South Loop location (1240 S Michigan Ave # D) on December 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. and 10% of all purchases made that night will benefit The Arts of Life studio.
As an aside, The Arts of Life studio will also utilize this opportunity to collect gift donations for their studio's holiday party! Donate a cool gift that one of the artists will love – hats, socks, brushes, pins, art books, toothbrushes, etc. – and receive a web-only exclusive from The Arts of Life Band! All donations from this event go straight to the artists' enjoyment of the holidays.
What: Holiday Wine Tasting Benefiting The Arts of Life Where: WineStyles South Loop Location, 1240 S. Michigan Avenue, #D When: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Offering: Just $20 gets you wine, appetizers, art and holiday jubilation Advance Tickets: Available here.
RIP: Mercury Cafe Closes Doors due to 'Economic Times' P.S. We'll Miss You
By David Shuey, October 9, 2009
My Spidey sense must be off. I biked by Mercury Cafe this week after-hours, half-glanced through their large Chicago Avenue windows, and didn't notice anything amiss. I'm sure the thought passed me, as it sometimes does, "Good 'ol Mercury Cafe. I should stop by more often. I'm glad to see them open and burgeoning during this shitty economy." *
How wrong I was.
Minutes ago, after glancing at an email thread from Chicago Indy Media discussing where to host their next meeting, Mitchell Szczepanczyk broke the news: They're closed. My caffeinated heart sank. Indeed, on their website, the owners confirm the fact:
IT IS TRUE --- MERCURY CAFE IS CLOSING IT'S DOORS BY OCTOBER 4TH.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. UNFORTUNATELY THE ECONOMIC TIMES PROVED TO BE A BIT TOO MUCH.
C6C has met there since our inception. At our last Chicago 6 Corners planning meeting there this summer, the place was humming more than ever. And as the Mercury Cafe owners said in the above post, it was a great place for groups to connect: "It was nice to see that everyone from books clubs to knitting clubs to Muslim/Jewish open mic to feminist meet ups could find the place comfortable enough for themselves."
I'm sad. So many memories are there. You could always get a table or couch. Internet was free. Refills were cheap. The sandwiches were to die for. The art was authentic, local, and plentiful. (I have some photos of their Bike Art display I should find and post.)
And it really seemed like more and more people were going there. Like they made it over the hump. Guess not.
Apologies that there's no real reporting on this, beyond the fact you can't go there anymore. And the obligatory/obvious opinion: It sucks. If you have anything to add, please put it on the comments section, or write one of our editors and we'll post it. Also, if anyone is in contact with the owners or one of the charming baristas, and wants to write something up, we'll be happy to share.
Photos of stuff you can buy and a list of other West Town coffee ships after the jump:
Better Than Your Garden-Variety Chicago Saturday: 2nd Annual Brew Not Bombs Benefit + Local Favorite The Gnomes at Bottom Lounge
By Scarlett Stoppa (with bits by David Shuey), September 16, 2009
Local indie bands! Home brew and vegan pizza-making contests! Brew and pizza samples! Raffle prizes! And all for just $8, with proceeds to benefit Cob Connection and Iraq Vets Against the War.
Cob Connection is a local nonprofit practicing a veg-friendly translation of the popular Chinese proverb: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Through one of their after-school programs local young adults convert vacant lots into thriving community gardens and farms, develop farmers' markets, and donate a portion of their crops to the local food pantry. That's almost as tasty as their $25 organic market basket filled with chard, kale, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, herbs, tomatoes, and more! Become a Facebook fan of "Cob Connection - Urban Organic Produce," show up any Saturday between 10:30am and noon (bring your own bag) at the site on the corner of Crystal and Kedzie (between North and Division on the west side of Kedzie), or call The Cob directly at 773-346-1205 to get your basket and connect with this great organization.
And if you still happen to be riding the Iraq War fence, the collective opinions of 1700+ Iraq War veterans may just help you make up your mind.
David Shuey says: "I happened to catch the Iraq Vets Against the War Benefit at Epiphany Church last fall. It was breathtaking. Before Mucca Pazza came out to raise hell, the entire crowd was entranced by one ex-soldier talking about hell – and humanity. The stuff you don't see on TV. Everyone was completely silent, and some moved to tears by the stories. But it's not depressing, it's real – and provides context, much more than your standard anti-war speech. One was about being hugged by an Iraqi under the strangest circumstances, I remember. On the stage were people, some barely of drinking age, who saw the counterproductive 'regime change' and nation-building bullshit firsthand, then reversed their minds on why they were there. I admire that."
Both are worthy causes – and did you catch that part about CRAFT BEER?
There's little in the world more magical than a songwriter
rich with allusion, and Andy Larson, The Gnomes' frontman and songsmith, is
rolling in it. Noting his fondness for the jellyroll-style entendre perfected
by Mississippi Delta bluesmen like Bo Carter, you might even call him filthy
rich. But, like Shakespeare, he's more than a bawd. He’s a lover, intoxicated
by the world around him, a balladeer eager to pay homage to life’s
intoxicants – whiskey, zen, gin, the night sky, music & musicmakers, "human emotion
& physical love," unconditional love, and, of course, cunning wordplay & delicious irony (a
la “Elizabeth Kubler Ross Has Died”). He drinks them all in and, with gnominous
benevolence, crafts songs that leave us tipsy. And our pain...“a memory, and memory's history.” For this show, and on the forthcoming album Gnomes III, Andy says: listen for a veer between
late-Beatles-inspired introspective pop and garage rock paeans to
physicality "Human Emotion / and Physical Love." There's a
psychedelic waltz thrown in for slow dancers as well called "The
New Aire."
Who's Rockin' Indie-Style: The Gnomes Also Playing: Soft Targets, Last Fast Action, and Hey Zeus Where: Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake (map) When: Saturday, September 19, 2009. The Gnomes play second, at approximately 10 p.m. Free CD: Sayeth the always endearing Gnomes, "We'll be previewing songs from forthcoming 3rd release. Get a free copy of Gnomes I or Gnomes II [ed. note:their excellent first 2 albums] with admission. See you there!" What? Even More Free Stuff: Free
MP3 download of "The New Aire" here.
David adds: "I said it all in my previous Gnomes write-up here. They'll make you drunk-happy, or a happy drunk. You won't even need the beer. Also, rock 'n roll heaven dwellers Richard Wright (and Sad Syd) would have loved that homage cover on the left. Animals mastermindRoger Waters would sue. "
Canadian Biker Ladies Down Shift to Chicago, Handlebar
Almost four years ago a talented and driven group of writers, photographers, designers, artists and bikers relaunched a magazine for pedal-powered people in Vancouver, BC. Soon after, in true grassroots fashion, they asked people here to write stories and send photos about Chicago bike haunts, such as Handlebar and Cal Liquors. The magazine grew (both online and physically), distribution extended beyond Canada, to several cities in the States. Then it showed up in Chicago – free and widely available thanks to distribution by local gear-heads like T.C. O'Rourke.
And this week, you can meet, drink, chat bike history, and talk about bike collaborations (hey, you too can write stories and get published in 14 North American cities) with the publisher, Amy Walker, and reps from Momentum Magazine. Or as Amy put it:
Do you live in Chicago? If yes, the 3 ladies of Momentum (Amy, Tania, Mia) are coming to visit you! Come down to the Handlebar for a low-key celebration of bike culture in Chicago. Thanks to the wonderful and incredibly organized T.C. O'Rourke for arranging this party! For those of you that pick up Momentum for free in Chicago, you can thank the lovely T.C for delivering them - by bike - all around the city.
Where: Handlebar, 2311 W. North Ave When: Monday, February 23, 2009 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. What For: Meet Momentum Magazine people; drink beer; talk bikes; offer your ideas and talent!
(Photography by Adeline Sides)
Opera Cabal, a Chicago based ensemble of performers, presented a multi-media experimental production of opera, music and theater: *USW* | und so weiter | et cetera | and so forth |. The Chicago Premiere was held on February 19, 2010 and February 20, 2010 at Curtiss Hall (Fine Arts Building).
Photography by Mia Aigotti
Chicago, what makes it tick? About Face: Faces of Chicago provides a glimpse through the lens of Mia Aigotti as she captures in portraits the faces and personalities that make up Chicago.
"Dreams Can Come True", is the guiding theme of the one-day Art exhibit at the South Side Community Art Center on September 20, 2008. The event united artists and patrons to commemorate the 2008 Presidential Election and to show their support of Barack Obama.
Photography, by Adeline Sides
Megan and Dave's 8 month adventure (December 2007 - August 2008): Starting in a cozy Berlin flat, to Spain, Morocco, Senegal and onward. French lessons and a fellowship with online microlending portal Kiva in Cameroon are in the mix.
On September 30, Chicagoans gathered for a silent candlelight vigil honoring the Buddhist monks, the students and the civilians in Burma who are daily demonstrating in the streets of Burma.
Photography by Adeline Sides
"Once you 'got' Pop, you could never see a sign the same way again. And once you thought Pop, you could never see America the same way again." Andy Warhol
Photography by Aay Preston-Myint et al ... Latham Zearfoss, one of the organizers, explains: "We wanted to do something to counter the glossy corporate takeover of Pride."
Photography by Norma Rios, May 2007
"Smoke could be seen for miles. I couldn't help but notice the contrast between blue skies and the lovely house ...
