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
The first of two sold out nights at Old Town School of Folk’s intimate Maurer Hall, Cockburn’s show was geared up with arena sized lighting and sound production equipement, a bit overwhelming for the modest sized concert space. But that did not impact his intimate connection with the audience. At 72 he talks and performs to his audience with ease, wit… Continue reading Bruce Cockburn Live
The English quartet owns their stage vibing with the crowd from the first opening downbeat. Playing to the Halloween spirit, they surprised the audience by being their own opening act billed at The Gin and Tonics customed as, and playing a tribute to Oasis. The crowd went crazy only upping the energy for their own headline… Continue reading The Struts live in Chicago
