Gaining widespread attention in the United States back in 1986 colloaborating with Paul Simon on is Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo are now familar world music celebrities. Drawing material from their long career, they are a message of love, peace and goodwill towards others. Combined with their high kicks, dancing, ensemble moves, expressive playfulness and lighthearted introductions… Continue reading Ladysmith Black Mambazo Old Town School of Folk Chicago
Midway through their 30th anniversary tour, fans were on fire for Blues Traveler this cold Chicago winter night. The first time back to the windy city in five years, House of Blues was packed to the rafters and ready for the journey. Not all originals members, this line up has actually played together longer than the… Continue reading Blues Traveler | House of Blues – Chicago | 2/3/18
Featuring David Satori (Beats Antique), Evan Fraser (Hamsa Lila) and Mark Reveley (Jed and Lucia), Dirtwire emerges from another dimension of music. Each member is a consummate showman. The band drums up enthusiasm with low-growling vocals, ambitious jaw harp solos and raw blues harp riffs. Exchanging instruments in a flash, they consistently brandished their versatility.… Continue reading Dirtwire | Concord Music Hall | Chicago, IL
A nearly-annual event, Bird performed perched on chancel in this cathedral-sized sanctuary making these concerts majestic and deserving of the space. The run of concerts titled “Gezelligheid” (a Dutch term for cozy, fun, and nice) created an atmosphere that was just that. Bird played amongst props that were several oversized theatrical-lit Victrola-styled speakers creating a whimsical stage set. Sound-wise, the church was an acoustically live room allowing a magnificent… Continue reading Andrew Bird's Gezelligheid
NYC third-wave ska ensemble The Slackers had the house skankin’ for three full-house performances this weekend 12/1-3 at Reggies Rock Club in South Loop. The special occasion was their performance of their 1997 Hellcat records release “Red Light” in its entirety. Also, they released a 180 gram vinyl collectors edition on Pirate’s Press Records to honor the… Continue reading The Slackers
