I wanted to begin with my history with The Hold Steady as a jump off point referencing high school girlfriends, the record store I worked at in college, and driving from Columbus […]
Rock ’n Roll’s Don Quixote: A Night with The Hold Steady
Review: Cedille Records’ New Releases Lead up to Annual Soirée
In the lead-up to its annual fundraising Soirée on September 8, this week Cedille Records will be issuing Souvenirs of Spain & Italy, a collection of quartets and quintets performed by guitarist Sharon […]
Review: Propane! Propane!, Fashion Week, and Eye Flys Bring the Noise to Reggies Music Joint
I’m a big fan of fast, hardcore music, but sometimes you need to slow it down, and sludge metal and noise rock really are the pinnacle. Distorted guitars, nihilistic vocals, it’s all […]
Mambo Kings and Tropical Weather Transported Grant Park to Cuba
The Grant Park Orchestra does not often play back-up to a jazz combo. On the other hand, the Mambo Kings, veteran performers of Afro-Cuban jazz, have been teaming up with orchestras for […]
Review: Hessler Duo Showed a Bright Future on Wednesday
Wednesday’s installment of the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts featured the Chicago introduction of the Hessler Duo. Taiwanese-American Violinist Yun-Ting Lee and Korean pianist Youn-Jung Cha met at the Cleveland Institute of […]
Review: Nilüfer Yanya Sells Out First Chicago Headlining Show
If you’re keeping up with those “Best of 2019” lists, you’re likely no stranger to Nilüfer Yanya. The British singer-songwriter shook the music scene with the much-anticipated release of her debut album […]
Preview: Thirsty Ears Classical Street Festival Airs This Weekend
The fourth annual Thirsty Ears Festival 2019, Chicago’s only street fair centered on classical music, takes place this Saturday and Sunday on Wilson between Hermitage and Ravenswood. Hosted by Access Contemporary Music, […]
Review: USA and Russia Peacefully Coexist at Grant Park Music Festival
But it is also clear that Artistic Director (and Conductor) Carlos Kalmar has an abiding appreciation for American and Russian composers. Sometimes they will end up on the same program, even on […]
Photos: Death Cab for Cutie’s Sold Out Lollapalooza After Show
With over two decades and nine albums under their belt, it’s no surprise that Death Cab for Cutie’s fan base came out in droves for their show at Metro. The evening obviously […]
Review: Anderson .Paak Filled out House of Vans with Ecstatic Vibes
A few months ago I had the opportunity to see Anderson .Paak in a huge venue with a bright and expansive stage setup that was easily one of the more entertaining shows […]
Review: Bryan Ferry Brings Avalon to Chicago
It’s hard to put my finger on what initially drew me to Roxy Music. It’s possible that it was the dramatic, campy album artwork I’d find in record stores or maybe it […]
Review: Huiping Cai Played Wonderfully at the Cultural Center
Chinese pianist Huiping Cai gave a resounding recital of a varied program at the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesday afternoon. Produced by the International Music Foundation, these free concerts take […]
