Well, if you couldn’t tell by stepping outside this morning, Summer is ending and Fall is near. It’s practically chilly in the shade! Still, Chicago’s festival season and outdoor performances roll on. Of course there’s the North Coast Music Festival set to take over Union Park this weekend. Be sure to check out our North Coast Music Festival Preview before heading out there this afternoon. Also set for this weekend is the Joyous Outdoor Event with music curated by the Metro and featuring My Gold Mask, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and more.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This weekend, we’re highlighting Chicago’s own California Wives at Schubas, Bitchin Bajas at the Hideout, Bash On Wabash and so much more!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Continue Reading…

By Staff  \  comments

Chicago’s Umbrella Music Festival, celebrating jazz and improvised music from Chicago and more, have announced the final schedule for this year’s event, which goes down this November 3 – 7.

Things kick off on Wednesday, November 3, with an evening of free concerts titled “European Jazz Meets Chicago,” which is co-presented by Umbrella Music, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and ten European consulates and cultural organizations. This concert will feature some of Europe’s best improvisers, some with their own groups, some solo and some collaborating with their Chicago counterparts. Additionally, the “European Jazz Meets Chicago” event will be expanded to a second night of concerts this year on Thursday, November 4.

The festival continues into the first weekend of November with performances at Chicago venues including the Hideout, the Hungry Brain, Elastic and the Chicago Cultural Center, which will feature world-renowned artists such as David S. Ware, Ellery Eskelin, Mark Helias, Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, Andrew Cyrille, Wadada Leo Smith and more.

Continue Reading…

By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

Chicago psychedelic, prog-rock band Michael Columbia have new material they’re just itching to unleash.

Michael Columbia drummer Dylan Ryan gave us his own description of what to expect.

“We’ve got like 20 new songs that we’ve been working on over the last two years.” Ryan said. “Some of them sound like they could be J Dilla. Not exactly, but it’s definitely sample-worthy. Some of it even has a post-punk sound. Real tight minimal bass lines that are pretty melodic.”

Ryan said they will unveil some of the new tracks on August 27, at the Hideout. The trio will also perform several old tracks that were recorded before multi-instrumentalist Chris Kalis joined.

Continue Reading…

By Christopher Paicley  \  comments

Just days before Kid Sister returned home to Chicago for a headlining spot at Mad Decent’s Block Party at the Hideout the rapper recorded a set for Daytrotter Sessions.

The Chicago wordsmith performed four songs from her 2009 album Ultraviolet including “Pro Nails,” “Daydreaming,” “Right Hand Hi” and “Switch Board.”

You can stream Kid Sister’s entire set right now or download it for free in 128K MP3 format at Daytrotter.com.

Daytrotter is loving on Chicago. It was only last week that we told you about fellow Chicagoans The Light Pollution recording their own Daytrotter Session.

By Audrey Leon  \  comments

Whew! Anybody else have a long week? Well, good news, the weekend has finally arrived. Summer is slowly fading away, so better get out there and enjoy the warmth while you still can. But if the heat and outdoors aren’t for you, no worries, there are plenty of great reasons to stay inside…inside one of this city’s many amazing music clubs!

There are tons of great shows we’re highlighting this weekend including the Mad Decent Block Party at the Hideout, Slayer and Megadeth at the UIC Pavilion, Through The Pain: Benefit for Matthew Leone at Double Door and Hard Rock Hotel, Elsinore at Lincoln Hall and so much more!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Continue Reading…

By Staff  \  comments

As we first reported in July, Diplo’s Mad Decent records is taking over the Hideout’s annual block party this Saturday, August 21, with one populated by the record label’s artists and friends.

The official lineup for this weekend’s party has been revealed and it’s a doozy. Chicago’s own Kid Sister, Ghetto Division, and Freddie Gibbs will appear at the party. And there’s going to be airhorns!

Continue Reading…

By Audrey Leon  \  comments

Yes, yes, it’s Lollapalooza weekend. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few killer local shows going on this weekend. And because of that we’ve got you covered.

Big weekend ahead, so let’s jump straight into it, shall we?

Continue Reading…

By Staff  \  comments