Traveling down the winding one way streets in the town of Elgin, IL; to the hip, venue- bar in the downtown area called Mad Maggie's. Family Groove Company played there Friday evening thundering music through the streets. The Chicago based band drew attention to this city's suburbia, a reverse transit ...view article
On Thursday, Summer Camp Music Festival kicked off the 12th edition in fine fashion. The pre-party has come to be a showcase for Chicago bands, and yesterday featured Zmick, Van Ghost, Family Groove Company, Digital Tape Machine and Cornmeal, all from Chicago. Also, to end the day ...view article
Umphrey's McGee is starting off 2011 with a bang, playing a four night run at the Mayan Holidaze party in Mexico, then down the East Coast, for their winter tour. January also marks the end of the Kevin Browning reign at the soundboard. Kevin's transitioning into a new role at Umph's headquarters ...view article
Bluegrass in my mind is envisioned as a small town gathered together to enjoy a knee slap and a yee- haw as well as to enjoy the simple subtleties of the strings while letting the worries of everyday life be lifted with the steps and spins of dancing. Hot Buttered Rum with the Coop opening at Clearwater ...view article
When we woke up at the hotel Sunday morning it was raining hard. It looked like it had been raining all night. When we left the festival the previous evening things were really muddy, and we figured it was going to be even worse today. We checked the schedule and saw that things were getting ...view article
Blount Harvey takes the foundation of traditional hip-hop and weaves its way into modern day neo-soul, creating an infused blend of classic R&B, funk and fresh jazz rhythms. With up to ten members in range, the seven-piece collective performs live aweing audiences with their undeniable sound ...view article
With a brisk start to November in Chicago, a crowds outside the House of Blues barred the chilly winds for a late night party. Conspirator, featuring Aron Magner and Marc Bownstien of the Disco Biscuits as well as BoomBox, a breakthrough duo featuring Russ Randolph and Zion Rock Godchaux. These bands ...view article
The Cambridge Room, in the Dallas House of Blues, may be the most intimate venue around. With a capacity of 250, and stuffed couches around the perimeter, it feels like you’re watching your favorite band in your own living room. I was fortunate enough to catch Cornmeal there last Wednesday. ...view article
Saturday evening in Chicago always tends to be an interesting evening no matter where you are venturing, so much to do and such good music all around to see. This can truly make or break a band yet for Kinetix seeing the draw and the hype of the audience sets this band apart. Traveling to Wicker ...view article
Winding down their fall tour, Widespread Panic played a show at the old Lyric Opera House, now known as the Model Performing Arts Center. The venue isn’t a place you’d expect to see a band like Panic, but the acoustics are great and really enhanced the show. There was limited room for dancing ...view article