Latest blog headlines Uncommon Ground prepares its 12th annual Jeff Buckley Tribute (11/09/2009 11:34:50 AM) Is Chicago losing two of its coolest under-the-radar venues? (11/09/2009 11:27:49 AM) Do Lollapalooza's job for it -- and help save the other summer fests (11/05/2009 9:46:07 AM) Weezer, "Raditude" (Geffen) [3 STARS out of 4] (11/04/2009 4:18:35 PM) Demo2DeRo: Jesse Palter & the Alter Ego (11/04/2009 4:17:38 PM) Bon Jovi at Soldier Field, July 30 (11/04/2009 8:27:23 AM) Jesus Lizard to celebrate New Year's Eve at Metro (11/03/2009 8:22:51 AM) Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: On the mend (11/02/2009 9:48:56 AM) This weekend's picks: Bible of the Devil, Kool Keith (11/02/2009 9:47:33 AM) U2 Ticket Onsale Info (11/02/2009 9:42:50 AM)
Lucky stars unite for Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
Jim DeRogatis: In addition to being an extraordinarily talented group of singers, songwriters and musicians, as well as some of the nicest people you’ll meet on the Chicago rock scene, the biggest reason for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir’s success is that no local band works harder. Now the beloved group is crawling back to life after the catastrophic automobile crash the group suffered on Sept. 24.
Jim DeRogatis: In addition to being an extraordinarily talented group of singers, songwriters and musicians, as well as some of the nicest people you’ll meet on the Chicago rock scene, the biggest reason for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir’s success is that no local band works harder. Now the beloved group is crawling back to life after the catastrophic automobile crash the group suffered on Sept. 24.
Demo2DeRo: Denise La Grassa
A veteran of the Second City Touring Company, suburban Chicago native Denise La Grassa made her mark in that talented troupe with a bit called "Make-A-Song," writing and performing tunes on the spot based on any topic the audience shouted out. That loose, carefree and immediate vibe still permeates her third album, the recent DIY release "April Dreams," but don't let it fool you into thinking the music is tossed-off.
A veteran of the Second City Touring Company, suburban Chicago native Denise La Grassa made her mark in that talented troupe with a bit called "Make-A-Song," writing and performing tunes on the spot based on any topic the audience shouted out. That loose, carefree and immediate vibe still permeates her third album, the recent DIY release "April Dreams," but don't let it fool you into thinking the music is tossed-off.
Clubs so loaded with fun Halloween shows, it's scary
As much as the legions of tiny trick-or-treaters who'll fill the city streets this weekend, Chicago's always-vibrant underground rock scene loves Halloween.
Bob Dylan typically atypical in concert
Jim DeRogatis: Bob Dylan's new disc of massacred holiday standards is a miserable listening experience. But thankfully there wasn’t a harsh, croaking rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing" in evidence Thursday night as the favorite son of Hibbing, Minn., played the first of a three-night stand at the Aragon Ballroom.
Jim DeRogatis: Bob Dylan's new disc of massacred holiday standards is a miserable listening experience. But thankfully there wasn’t a harsh, croaking rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing" in evidence Thursday night as the favorite son of Hibbing, Minn., played the first of a three-night stand at the Aragon Ballroom.
Demo2DeRo: Ideamen
Though they remain resolutely unfashionable, a number of impressive groups in the Chicago underground are devoted to forwarding the progressive-rock traditions of the '70s, including the instrumental virtuosity and musical eclecticism, with hints of more modern and metallic sounds a la Coheed and Cambria or System of a Down. To this list we can now add the South Side quintet Ideamen.
Though they remain resolutely unfashionable, a number of impressive groups in the Chicago underground are devoted to forwarding the progressive-rock traditions of the '70s, including the instrumental virtuosity and musical eclecticism, with hints of more modern and metallic sounds a la Coheed and Cambria or System of a Down. To this list we can now add the South Side quintet Ideamen.
