Unique to the video is that it was produced by Ashley Huicochea, an aspiring student videographer who won a Chicago Public School’s district-wide competition to produce the video. The event benefited Chance the Rapper’s art fund, SocialWorks, that empowers Chicago’s youth through the arts, education and civic engagement. After an opening set by local Chicago… Continue reading Jamila Woods Charity Performace
Singer, songwriter, composer, politician and activist Yousou N’Dour is likely the most internationally famous Afropop superstar known in western culture. With an impressive catalogue of thirty three releases (excluding collaborations and compliations) dating back to 1984, he is prolific to say the least. His 1990 collaborations “Shaking the Trees” and “Mercy Street” with Peter Gabriel brought his name to the forefront… Continue reading Yousou N’Dour
Consisting of guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts, drummer Simon Allen, bassist Pete Shand and Joe Tatton on organ and piano, The New Mastersounds get down to business. No frills, no stage antics, just infectious dance music that is incredibly tight. Their rhythmic nuance reveals years playing together. Melodies are accessible yet not simple. The music… Continue reading The New Mastersounds Live
Loud, energized and passionate, Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood and crew delivered a moving 90 minute set of politically charged rockin’ music. Progressive and outspoken they do not hesitate to let their position be known beginning with the opening song “Surrender Under Protest”. “Compelled Yet Not Defeated, Surrender under protest if your must.” Their 2016 release ‘American Band’ sums them up… Continue reading Drive-by Truckers
Divided between three color-coded stages, Pitchfork Music Festival’s line up has constant acts performing largely avoiding complete overlap. Timed so that fans can catch nearly all sets with the exception of a few head-to-head afternoon time slots one can take in much of what is offered. Factoring in easy access, and short distances between stages Union Park is a… Continue reading Pitchfork Music Festival 2017
Friday, July 7th, Harper hit The Taste of Chicago stage sporting a Chicago Cub’s world champion tee-shirt and was quick to share his love for the city speaking to his past experiences that deeply influenced him; music and food. Clearly Harper has an affinity for Chicago, and Chicago for him. Touring with his original entourage of The Innocent Criminals,… Continue reading Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals
Immediately recognizable is that distinct jangly Rickenbacker guitar sounds that threads through The Beatles, Tom Petty, The Byrds, The Jam and early Who. The Cairo Gang, who’s namesake is from the IRA members responsible for Dublin’s “Bloody Sunday” nearly 100 years ago makes for an obscure reference packed with potentially curious meaning. That aside, they have a solid, tight sound. Add to their performance Kelly’s subtle charisma and showmanship, the… Continue reading The Cairo Gang
Two absolutes. 1) It is impossible to cover even half of the acts, 2) This festival continues to showcase up and coming acts that quickly ascend toward great popularity. This year no exception. The big headliners, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chance the Rappers and Lorde were attended as expected but the secondary stages, for their sizes where… Continue reading Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival 2017
They performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall playing a mini-set on Sunday, May 14. The 2011 Hall of Famers joined in for the last several songs of Alice Cooper’s “Spend the Night” concert which is touring through June 24. The night’s set included the pulsating “Muscle of Love”, “Billion Dollar Babies” the irreverent “School’s Out”, “No… Continue reading Original Alice Cooper Band Reunion
