A Conversation with Andrew Bird: Crafting Music and Chicago Memories
It’s not every day you get to speak to one of your favorite musicians, and when that day comes, narrowing down your questions proves to be a bit daunting. Throughout my […]
Concert Preview: Nest at Schubas Tavern
Nest lead vocalist Stephanie Maieritsch walked over to me, wearing the friendliest smile I’ve ever seen, as I waited in the Old Town School of Folk Music lobby at Lincoln […]
CST’s Doreen Sayegh Brings the Bard to the City of Big Shoulders with Shakespeare 400 Chicago
Doreen Sayegh has been a skosh busy. Playwright and quote-machine William Shakespeare died 400 years ago this year, and a few folks still like to produce his work, so […]
Big Warm Fuzzy Secret Heart: My Talk with Jonathan Coulton + Paul and Storm
It was a beautiful, if hot, summer day in Chicago. Pride Fest and Puerto Rico fest were in full swing and the Cubs were playing at home. And I was reveling in […]
Gypsy In Your Soul: An Interview with Jazz Musician Alfonso Ponticelli
Alfonso Ponticelli and his group Swing Gitan will bring out the gypsy in your soul with their interpretations of jazz standards in the gypsy jazz style made famous in the […]
Caravan Palace at House of Blues Chicago: Step into this wonderland for a dreamy aftermath
This Saturday at the House of Blues, Caravan Palace will bring you a seamless blend of swing, gypsy jazz and electronic music as the band showcases its 2015 album, <|°_°|>, also […]
Book Review, The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years Music/ Friendly/ Dancing
“Hole-in-the-wall” is the most popular description for the beloved music venue The Empty Bottle. Local Chicago publishing house Curbside Splendor has released a coffee table book, chronicling the shows, personalities […]
Brother StarRace at Schubas: Praying for meaning
Brother StarRace hopes to convey its compassion for music and friendship to you at Schubas in Chicago Wednesday. In fact, banter, laughter and lighthearted friendship was oozing through the conversation […]
Communion: Anything For You, Leaves Everything On Me
Communion‘s debut video for their latest cassette tape Anything 4 U is anything but saintly. It’s sinister and seductive. At best, the almost two minute video for the song “Head Held […]
“A Man Alive”: Thao Nguyen talks new record before Thalia Hall show
San Francisco-based Thao & The Get Down Stay Down is back with the band’s fourth record, “A Man Alive.” Since its release earlier this month, the record has been praised […]
Gogol Bordello at the Metro Chicago: “It’s a celebration despite all odds”
Preparing for a performance on stage is to Gogol Bordello as breaking bricks is to martial arts. It’s natural. “I don’t do anything in particular” to prepare, said Gogol Bordello […]
“Your handy mobile band!”: A Conversation with Macie and Sima of Homme
Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham didn’t actually mean to start a band. In the summer of 2014, 22-year-old Stewart and 26-year-old Cunningham — who boast collective musical resumes that include […]