In 2001, a four-day, female-centric indie rock festival known as Ladyfest Midwest landed in Chicago with a mission to raise funds and treat spectators to sights and sounds of famed lady rockers such as Le Tigre, Tegan & Sara and Bratmobile.
Ten years later, the organizers have announced an anniversary edition to take place August 19-21 boasting talented local female musicians. The festival will also once again raise funds for the Chicago Women’s Health Center.
The festivities kick-off on Friday, August 19 with a dance party at Northwest side club Late Bar, 3534 W. Belmont Ave., featuring guest DJ’s Sam O’Rama from Laurie’s Planet of Sound, Maybenauts’ drummer and CHIRP DJ Emily Agustin, and Rebecca Crawford from Permanent Records. Crawford is also one of the original organizers of Ladyfest Midwest 2001.
Since the M in MTV stopped standing for Music ages ago, musicians have decidedly taken to the Internet when releasing music videos. Sites such as YouTube or Vimeo have opened the doors for bands who wouldn’t have even received airplay back during MTV’s heyday to create their own music videos, which can be seen by hundreds or thousands at the click of a button.
Chicago’s massive music scene features quite a few acts that still see the music video as a prominent art form. There were literally hundreds of music videos from local bands and artists released last year. Therefore, we decided to comb through the footage and choose 10 videos that struck us visually and sonically. This is Loud Loop Press’ Top 10 Local Music Videos Of 2010…
It was announced on the Maybenauts Facebook page late Thursday night that lead singer Leilani Frey has left the band. Naturally, this means the band will not be embarking on its “Rock the Rejection” tour, which we announced earlier this week. Donations have been refunded.
UPDATE: We reached Frey for comment about her departure, and she had this to say:
“The band and I were not seeing eye to eye on multiple issues, and rather than hold them back from what they wanted to do, I stepped out to do my own thing,” Frey said. “There are no hard feelings on my end, and I’m glad that I had the chance to work with them while I did.”
In other news, Ellie Maybe stated that the band does intend to soldier on as a three piece (for the time being), and have two shows scheduled for this week including this evening at Beauty Bar and Friday, October 15, at the Darkroom.
Some people just can’t take no for an answer. And four of those people are in the glam-rocking band The Maybenauts.
Maybenauts’ bassist Ellie Maybe told us a few weeks back that the band had auditioned for a television show that would take them on a tour of Route 66. However, the Maybenauts received word a few days ago that they did not make the cut.
Completely undeterred by this news, The Maybenauts have decided to go on the tour anyway and they’re calling it “Rock the Rejection” tour. The only problem is the lack of funds to make it happen.
I didn’t think it was possible for glam pop quartet The Maybenauts to get any cuter than they already are, but higher levels of adorableness were achieved on the set of the band’s new video for “Not Aware” off their Big Bang EP. The “Not Aware” video was shot at Late Bar in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Dressed in their finest sparkly duds, the group tangles with an evil panda who forces them to make a few lineup changes. Hilarity ensues. You can catch the Maybenauts for free when they perform at the Double Door on Tuesday, September 14. Before then, however, enjoy the vid:
Chicago glam rockers the Maybenauts are holding a video release party for fans and the curious alike at Late Bar, 3534 W. Belmont Ave., on Wednesday, September 1.
The quartet will premiere their first ever music video for the song “Not Aware” off its recently released debut EP Big Bang. The video was also shot at Late Bar.
The evening’s festivities will kick off at 9 p.m. and will feature DJ sets by Maybenauts guitarist Vee Sonnets (aka the space panda) and drummer/CHIRP DJ Emily Agustin. Other perks offered that night will include hors d’oerves and prize giveaways until the video’s debut at 11 p.m.
So what does one where to a video release party, you say?
Per the press release:
Elegant dress or space suits are encouraged but not required.
If you can’t make the party, the Maybenauts will live stream the party on their web site Maybenauts.com.
Chicago’s own glam rockers the Maybenauts have a special treat for you fine people.
The band has released its cover of the 1971 David Bowie single “Moonage Daydream.” The song is apparently a VERY popular among Chicago (ahem Local H) artists, but the ‘Nauts do it up in style. Singer Leilani Frey belts out the chorus with brutal feminine force and grace. Guitarist Vee Sonnets blasts each guitar solo with keen precision.
And don’t forget to check out the Maybenauts’ headlining show at Martyr’s tonight. The girls and space panda will appear with fellow Chicago pop-rockers The Powwows and New York indie rockers Your 33 Black Angels. The fun starts at 8 p.m. and costs $7. As always the show is 21+.
In 2001, a four-day, female-centric indie rock festival known as Ladyfest Midwest landed in Chicago with a mission to raise funds and treat spectators to sights and sounds of famed lady rockers such as Le Tigre, Tegan & Sara and Bratmobile.
Chicago glam rockers the 
Chicago’s own glam rockers the 
