September 2011

MiddleWest Fest 2011 is Northern Illinois’ annual celebration of music & the arts.  September 9th and 10th employed the town plaza for an arts & craft market and also Sunday was an organized sidewalk sale. This being the second year, word is getting out that this is a good way to enjoy Northern Illinois and meet the new school populace as classes are in full swing.

With their second national tour approaching this year, opening for South Africa’s stars The Parlotones, the Chicago quintet Scattered Trees’ Daytrotter Session show their skilled, multi-layered heartfelt songs HERE.

In support of their upcoming EP "Follow The Rattle of The Afghan Guitar" out October 4th on Youth Conspiracy Records, San Diego indie-punk heroes Weatherbox have announced a series of US tour dates kicking off next month with friends the Sainthood Reps, who will also be supporting their latest debut album, "Monoculture," out now on Tooth & Nail Records. In addition to Sainthood Reps, additional guests performing along the way include The Coathangers, ANR, Girl in a Coma and more. Complete tour dates below

Zach Deputy releases his long-awaited studio album Another Day, today. The album captures Deputy's sensitive side, rich with soulful rhythm and blues numbers, ballads and the kind of 'feel good' enthusiasim that has made Deputy insatiably popular at music festivals and theater dates alike. A 'thoughtful singer and songwriter' (Palm Beach Post, 2011) Deputy can capture your heart as quickly as he does your feet.

Dorado Schmitt, legendary Manouche gypsy guitarist from the Strasbourg region of France, returns to Birdland to adoring fans.  Schmitt started coming to the Festival in 2002 and has  been a star attraction.  One of his goals has been to introduce his sons, young guitarists, to the NY audience as he did with Samson Schmitt who is now out on his own.  Young Amati joins his Dad at the Festival this year side by side as Dorado did with his Dad in the tr