If you’re keeping count, you’ll notice thats five headliners – one less than Lolla’s recent transition into the nigtly double headliner scheduling of the past two years. Well, Time Out Chicago has the scoop that the final and sixth headliner looks to be French pop-rockers Phoenix, who, if confirmed, will be making the leap into headlining territory much like Kings Of Leon did at Lollapalooza 2009.
Last weekend, Chicago post-hardcore outfit Gauge reunited after 16 years to perform three shows: one in Milwaukee and two in Chicago. Here’s a clip of the band playing “Autopilot” during their final reunion performance at the Bottom Lounge last Saturday night. No word yet on if the reunion was a one-off or more shows will be booked. The clip was shot by fan Ray Zschau, and you can also buy Gauge’s EP Mints and their 21-song release II at gauge.bandcamp.com right now.
Going through Wilco withdrawl, Chicago? While it may be a while until the full band plays another windy city gig, enigmatic frontman Jeff Tweedy will perform two solo shows at the Vic Theatre this weekend.
1. Because JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound are Chicago’s newest soul sensations. Sure there’s Pitchfork and Lollapalooza that celebrate Chicago’s alternative-indie rock side, but it was Jazz, R&B, blues and soul music that dominated this city’s musical landscape for much of the early 20th Century. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound recapture that spirit and energy with a soul-meets-funk-meets-post-rock sound with an incredible live show to boot. If you haven’t seen them play yet, you really haven’t lived.
Wow. Sunshine? Non-freezing temperatures? Is this really Chicago? Better enjoy it. Knowing this place, a blizzard is waiting in the wings before Spring has officially sprung.