Items filtered by date: November 2007

The world is an amazing place - but also, sometimes, pretty lackluster. I had the opportunity to see Dredg at the House of Blues in Chicago last week, but this show was unlike any other show the band has played in Chicago. Since achieving a fair amount of success earlier in their career and being signed to a major record label (Interscope), the band was given little to no promotion and subsequently dropped from Interscope.

Several years ago, Circa Survive went on tour with Dredg as the opening act - but this time around, Dredg opened up for them. An interesting role reversal to say the least - after talking to quite a few people in the crowd, half of the people were huge fans of Dredg and the other half were only attending the concert to watch Circa Survive and had no idea who Dredg was.

The guys from Los Gatos, CA put on a great show - featuring material spanning their discography and introducing the crowd to a new song from their upcoming album. The sound at the House of Blues for Dredg was terrific, and rivaled any other group I've seen at the venue. It was great to see the fans of Circa Survive who had never heard of Dredg getting into their music and generally enjoying themselves. I wasn't originally sure if the genres of music the two bands play were particularly compatible, but I'm happy to have been proven wrong in this instance.

It's very infrequently that an opening band outshines the headliner, but this show belongs in that handful of discrepancies. I would encourage everyone to listen to Dredg, but above all else, you NEED to see a show. Having been a fan of live music since attending my first concert, Dredg is a band that exhudes more pure energy in their performances than any other I've seen. In my opinion Dredg is far overdue to become a household name like Incubus, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc and they have absolutely no business opening up for flavor-of-the-week bands like Circa Survive.. but hey, as long as Dredg is playing music I will go and see them - whatever the ticket may be.. and you should too.

http://www.dredg.com

It’s always a pleasure to see an act that is completely unique. Something they do is without a doubt nothing like any other group that you have ever seen. Their show, their gimmick, their music, takes you on a musical journey letting your mind roam freely. Within the band Strictly Jug Nuts, they have captured a live music show that is incredible, original, and leaves a warm feeling within you after they are done.

Strictly Jug Nuts came out to wow the crowd and show off their talent as they always do. Band leader Skip Landt hasn’t been playing banjo for a long time, but he has advanced well on his instrument of choice. For the kind of music being played it may not be the most technically difficult pieces, but to your ears it is magical. Landt helps lead this group of ten musicians into a masterful presentation every time they play.

The group covers some old songs such as “Summer-time” and “My Blue Heaven” that are done in their own style. They move along, chugging through music so effortlessly and always leaves a smile on the face of the onlookers from ear to ear. What an incredible act to see and they continue to amaze audiences.

In 2009, Strictly Jug Nuts was the winner of the Battle of the Jug bands competition. They beat out some great groups during their run for the head spot, but no one could’ve beaten them. The group is just that good. For the 2010 competition, they were invited back to lead off the competition with an unfortunate rule. The previous year’s winner can play as an exhibitionist, but they aren’t eligible to win. The group took the stage at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 North Knox Avenue - Chicago, IL 60630) with their heads held high. All ten of them were proud to be back and they played as if they were going for the win. If they would’ve been able to qualify, they would’ve been in the running for the main spot again.

They played a few songs leaving your jaw on the floor. The song “Ragmama” was a great little number that had a nice feel to it. The song flowed as it was driven by the musicians. People tapped their feet to the sounds as the songs moved along. They also played three other wonderful numbers; “Richmond Woman Blues,” “You Shouldn’t Say That,” and “29 Ways.” It was a perfect selection of songs for this crowd that came out. Everyone was happy to see this group perform.

Five incredible bands entered the competition with the winner based on audience votes. Bands that entered the competition were: One More Thump, The Schticklers, The Hump Night Thumpers, The Slap & Tickle Band, and The Barehand Jugband. In the end, The Schticklers, claimed the top seat and Strictly Jug Nuts had to pass the torch on to a very deserving band of musicians.

In 2011, Strictly Jug Nuts will be back in the competition fired up and ready to go. As they practice their music and prepare for each and every show, they do so as if it is a competition. They pour their hearts and souls into the music; living their dreams of being a working musician. They are one of the most unique groups in the city of Chicago and really something to see. Strictly Jug Nuts is just awesome. Next years competition can’t come soon enough.

Musicians in the band Strictly Jug Nuts are:

Skip Landt – Banjo, Vocals

Chuck Krauser – Guitar, Vocals

David Kachelon – Harp, Vocals

Fran Landt – Jug, Kazoo, Vocals

Andy David – Guitar, Vocals

Ginny Morin – Spoons, Kazoo, Vocals

Richard Stowell – Mandolin, Vocals

Jacob Fishman – Washboard, Vocals

Petrie Fishman – Kitchenware, Vocals

Steve Brownstein – Electric Washtub Bass

When I told my boyfriend that I was going to be reviewing Powerman 5000 at the Cubby Bear, he thought I was joking. How can a Glee loving, pop music enthusiast possibly enjoy the hard rock of Powerman 5000? Simple; the music is the perfect blend of pulse racing, head pounding, pure rock. Their angry anthems rocked the walls of the Cubby Bear on November 17^th, and amidst the black-leather- wearing groupies were girls. Yes, girls listen to Powerman 5000. The music is not going to be found on a typical iPod mix of the North Shore girl, but Powerman does have a subconscious appeal that pulls in fans from all walks of life, even the Ugg wearing Wrigleyvillettes. Take “When Worlds Collide,” off their album “Tonight the Stars Revolt!” The song epitomizes the energy and the anger that Powerman 5000 injects into all of their songs:

What is it really that motivates you
The need to fly or this fear to stop
I'll go along for the ride but surprise
When we get there I say 9 of 10 drop
Now who's the light and who is the devil
You can't decide so I'll be your guide
And one by one they will be hand chosen
Now this is what it's like when worlds collide

Powerman embodies a sense of controlled chaos. It’s the kind of music that matches your anger and frustration after a tough day at work; the music that pumps you up before a big match. Sure it isn’t for everyone, but just give it a try after a long day and see if it doesn’t channel all of that negative energy out of you – because let’s be honest, some days yoga and meditation simply does not cut it.

In concert, Powerman 5000 is a little difficult to appreciate. While the Cubby Bear is a great bar, the acoustics aren’t that of a concert hall, so while the music permeates the room the lyrics end up falling just shy of screaming, leaving your ears ringing and wanting a soft ballad. Powerman 5000, at least for beginners, is best listened to in your car, the bass turned up.

Cartoons making a Buzz.     Cartoons art at its finest.         Stay tuned.     

Warning: Some of these cartoons contain  material  and language suitable to viewers 18 or older. 

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Silencing The Lamb

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Space Negroes

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Enter the Ranger

BRITEHORN

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 Lyle's Last Asteroid

Ryan Hartford

50 Cent Cartoon- When Thugz Cry 

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Fat Guy Sports 

 Dale Zawada

Looking like a combination of the 1980s Musclemen mini action figures, Rob Zombie comic books and Fangoria magazine, Gwar takes the stage with a no-holds-barred attitude. Having been around since before Rob Zombie,they’re everything one would expect. Playing metal music in their natural clothing and letting people wonder if any of them are the original members.




The time is October 26, 2010, and the place is House of Blues.  The lights dim and the green laser lights with fog are on and the zombies spewing blood creep onto the stage with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” resounding. Aiming for fans and photographers alike, Gwar sprays blood everywhere. The fans who wore white to celebrate the event are now head-to-toe in red. Wanting blood like a vampire in *Blade*, the crowd receives their sustenance to live.



Flattus Maximus strums an opening chord and the crowd becomes rowdier than the at a Justin Bieber concert. The energy is ironically happy and positive. The fans of Gwar take their music seriously and you better not call it a joke. They’re an army of plenty and are willing to cast these people to outer space if they choose to insult their form of entertainment.



Gwar brings the essence of a true experience to the stage. They play metal music and bring more props than a sex toy salesperson; and unlike that salesperson, Gwar actually uses their props in person. They include fake genitals, dead pig fetuses and robots with buzz-saw arms that rip apart evil aliens and creatures.



Gwar has continued to set the bar for metal bands from other planets and Earth. They never apologize and they never back down from what they do best: performing a top quality show that could make anyone enjoy the art of Metal.

Hell in a Handbag Productions knows how to celebrate the Halloween season…with, uh… Rip Nelson? Absolutely! You read correctly. In their newest production “Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular”, written and directed by David Cerda, the audience is taken back to 1976 where actor/comedian Rip “Wooga Wooga” Nelson hosts a Halloween special featuring a guest list that includes Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Brooke Shields, Bob Dylan, Phyllis Diller, Donny Osmond and many more. With no shortage of boozing, one-liners, temperamental guest stars and super-seventies pizzazz, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular takes the audience on one hell of a hilarious ride.  

Currently running at Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark) Fridays and Saturdays through November 6^th, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular is possibly one of the funniest shows around. Ed Jones is masterful as host Rip Nelson, capturing every quirky nuance of the character and successfully projecting it in his own distinctive and comical way. The cast is exceptionally strong as each personality is played brilliantly and hardly a moment goes by where laughter is not heard by the audience.

For those of you that have seen other Hell in a Handbag productions such as “Lady X” or “Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical”, you’ll be sure to familiarize with their unique and witty blend of humor. For those of you that have never experienced any of the company’s past shows, wait no longer. You will be in for a night of riotous laughter from beginning to show’s end.  

Open Your Handbag! Please!!!

The Rip Nelson Hell-In-A-Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit

WHERE: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark Ave., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 7, 6pm—9pm

WHAT: Open Bar, Buffet, Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment, Celebrities, Special Guests, Raffles and Live Auction

COST: $50

Purchase tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/133536 or call 1-800-838-3006

For additional information or questions, call the Handbag hotline @ 312-409-4357

Chicago, IL – Hell in a Handbag Productions presents Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit…a benefit that Handbag fans have come to expect…uproarious FUN!

Join Rip Nelson, the star of our current production The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, as he presents a star studded variety telethon to help raise money for Chicago’s #1 camp and parody theater company, Hell in a Handbag Productions! Rip and his guests, Bob Dylan, Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Lucille Ball, Charo, Chicago diva Lynne Jordan as Nell Carter and many more* will sing and dance their way into your heart and hopefully your Handbag!  

Guests will enjoy an open bar, which includes Mary’s well cocktails, domestic bottles and Miller Lite draft along with yummy delicacies from Hamburger Mary’s kitchens!

The event will also include a raffle, photos with your favorite Hell in a Handbag celebrities and an exciting live auction where you can bid on a chance to meet the REAL Patty Duke at a Chicago screening of Valley of the Dolls, or meet the REAL John Waters and see his one man show. We’ll also be auctioning off a walk on part in Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer 2010, spa treatments and an assortment of fantastic items and packages just in time for the holidays.

Join the entire glamorous Hell in a Handbag ensemble and special guests for a camp-tac-ular evening at the beautiful and spacious restaurant/nightclub, Mary’s Attic for Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon. Help us keep Chicago FABULOUS !

Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement

HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.

Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit entity.

*At least that’s who they told us they were….

On Halloween eve, a group of traveling musicians graced the ears of concert goers at the Rialto Square Theater (15 E. Van Buren ~ Joliet, ILL. 60432). Five men took the stage just after 8:00 P.M. to entertain a full house. Ian Anderson and crew came out quietly and started to play “Life’s A Long Song.” It was a memorable time.

One lone spotlight came on and shined on the main attraction as he strummed away on his half sized acoustic to open up the night. During the entire relaxed sit down performance there wasn’t one bad note played by anyone in the group. It was a flawless evening of music.

Ian Anderson, obviously the person everyone came to see, was having an incredible performance as usual. His guitar playing was just as smooth as ever. He switched from guitar to singing to flute and jumped back again. Sometimes he did it all within a single song. He is a real showman. At one point he put on his spectacles and read a story to the audience that had been initially done by Jethro Tull on Passion Play. “The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles” was definitely the highlight of the evening hands down. This may have been the first time the reading had taken place since 1973 and it was long overdue. As Ian usually won’t play much from Passion Play, this came as a shock to most of the true fans. The place was filled with smiles from ear to ear.  

The songs selected were aimed at more of the true fans. This show was for the people that had been listening to Jethro Tull for decades. Classic pieces such as “Up To Me,” “Nursie,” and “Budapest” were amongst the songs played, but newer pieces were played as well.

A new song called “Hare in the Wine Cup” is an unreleased ditty about a rabbit that had taken up residence in Ian’s backyard while on tour. Before he had the chance to get home to see it, one of his pets, a terrier, had gotten a hold of poor Mr. Rabbit and there wasn’t much left of him after that. As the song was introduced, Ian explained, that this song was all that they had to remember the little guy with.

A few other works that were heard were “Wondering Again” Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” and another new one called “A Change of Horses.” He also dedicated a song to the previous bass player, Dave Pegg. He explained that Dave enjoyed a drink from time to time and was known to turn blue from excessive drinking. He then introduced the song “In the Grip of Stronger Stuff.”

Everyone waited for the most popular song in the Jethro Tull library to come out. They waited to hear the six note introduction to that song. The group threw everyone off at first when they did “Aqualung” in a completely unique melancholy sounding arrangement. The song was done very much like a Quentin Tarantino movie. The middle came first, then the beginning, and finally came to an end. Some fans seemed to be turned off, but the true fans who have heard this song so many times before, found it to be refreshing. They had taken the song completely apart and put it back together and made a different song out of it. This was no longer the heavy classic rock song that everyone knew so well, but it had become a new work that gave a new feeling to “sitting on a park bench.”

Ian toured again without Martin Barre and Doane Perry, but in those spots were some very worthy and capable musicians. On drums was James Duncan who played with finesse all evening long. Not once did he hit the drums with over exerted force and nor did he have to. The amazing dynamics of this well seasoned professional was a delight to hear. He had very large shoes to fill and did so without a problem at all.

Florian Opahle filled the stage left position on guitar. A few people were asking were Martin was; that they missed Martin. Once Florian played his classical guitar piece in a flamenco style, the crowd welcomed the young six string master with applause as he ripped through quick guitar riffs effortlessly. A little later in the show he had another solo, this time on electric. He nailed a piece by JS Bach and in the middle he put in a Van Halen signature tapping piece as well. He definitely gained the hearts of everyone in the room.

Amazing performances of ebony and ivory were done by Mr. John O’Hara. This incredible musician provided the delicate classical piano sounds, the amazing Hammond B-3 power, and all the sounds and patches needed to make this show perfect. He tore up “Thick as a Brick” and the opening of “Locomotive Breath.” His capabilities were incredible. When the applause came he was motionless in acknowledging the audience. He knew what he did was good and didn’t need to ham it up for the crowd.

Dave Goodier provided the deep notes during the evening that were both heard and felt. The bottom end was the perfect accent to everything being played. During “Bouree” he stepped up to play a middle solo part. He was just phenomenal in everything that he did. Dave also became a multi-instrumentalist during “Thick as a Brick.” He went back and forth during the beginning of the song playing bass with mallets in his hands and teeth to quickly taking the mallets to trigger the notes on a glockenspiel. Everything he did was beautiful.

Ian made mention to the fact that his flutes from time to time wind up in some strange places. As this one legged rock flautist has been the influence to all other flautists since he picked up the instrument, it is truly amazing how far his influence goes. Like let’s say outer space? He made the announcement that one of his flutes made it into the hands of an astronaut that was going to be doing a tour of duty on the International Space Station. She would be bringing the flute with her into outer space. It is amazing how many people this man has touched with his music. He made a further announcement that if you should see a long silver thing floating through space; it may be that the rest of the crew got tired of listening to it being played.

The show may have been the best Ian Anderson show ever. The crowd had their ears graced by music provided by the five outstanding men on stage. As the flawless evening came to close it left concert goers happy and smiling. Over two hours into the show, it ended way too soon. The group of traveling musicians disappeared into the night hopefully to return again. We will be looking for them to return.

"Get your motor runnin'...Head out on the highway... Lookin' for adventure...And anything that comes our way!" That was exactly the mood I was in last Saturday. The weather was not too hot or too cold, and everybody and their mother seemed to be out in Chitown's streets, while on my way to see James Apollo play.
 
The Underground Lounge, non-ironically, is indeed not above ground. The lighting is nice and dark for people wanting to hide their pussy-pulsating zits, milk-chocolate-brown- stained fangs, stubborn-darn dandruff, and the list could easily go on and on!
 
However, I would rather tell you about a guy I sort of got to know there. After my shameless poking and prodding of James Apollo's drummer, Devon Wilkerson, I discovered he is a Sagittarius who has an ultra cool sky-diving, scuba-diving, goat-saving mom who had bought her sons musical instruments when they were quite young. Devon had taken over his brother's drum set and, now, not only tours with, James Apollo, but also, band's named "The Horde" and "The Harem." Wilkerson did not bitch or moan throughout the examination--he answered all my questions, and could not have been more gracious in the process.

The show was about to start, and James Apollo's roots rock 'n' roll and Americana sound, coupled with lyrics probably billions of souls could identify with, were expected to come straight from his heart.

The first song played was "Happiness," which was a smart choice, given no one at the bar seemed as if he or she raced from a wake, where the embalmed person in the casket, shockingly, did not wake up.
 
James Apollo's music definitely reminded me of the kind played in the background of Old Westerns Movies. Plus, the semi-cowboy-ish clothed, James Apollo, combined with his take-charge stage presence, efficacy in rounding up his band and getting his audience to get wild, very well may have lots of ladies and gents wanting to save a horse and ride a cowboy!
 
Also enticing to get a wee bit rowdy, were James Apollo's heartfelt, sexy sweet and tender vocals, as well as, his stomping and hopping onstage, while the tempos of many of his songs unforeseeably were to become climatic, along with Wilkerson's strong, passionate and precise drum-playing.
 
The band's chanting in the blast-off of a handful of James Apollo's tunes shot right through the bodies of the audience, too, with x's, xy's and what-have-you's eagerly jumping on the bandwagon, amazingly dancing in time to James Apollo's ever-so-quick beats. I thought, golly, am I dancing with Meth-Head Desert Rats here or what?
 
James Apollo and his band exited the stage after about an hour of intensely intoxicating performing, and I was itching, scratching and nearly drooling to score another such adrenaline fix.
 
A pretty lady I spoke to after the show, was still all giddy and elated, and said "James Apollo and his band are awesome--great--I love them! Cutie, Allie Powell, was really wowed by James Apollo, also, and stated she loved the saxophonist coming out into the audience because it showed their music has no barriers.
 
According to the several straight men I have talked to over the years, who are outside of the music industry, they should only be so lucky to get responses and praises regarding their love-making from the ladies, as those above, which were solely about James Apollo's music performed live!
 
Tying it up, James Apollo is not just a one-trick pony, as the Naked Cowboy appears to be, since the latter merely plays guitar in his undies in New York City's Time Square. James Apollo is a serious talent with growing artistical depth and success, while the Naked Cowboy is busy dodging pigeon droppings.
 
For information on James Apollo's CDs and Tour Dates, you can visit: www.JamesApollo.com

*Photo by Tracy Walsh

Grandson of country icon Hank Williams, Hank Williams III(aka Hank III, or III) puts on a show that is truly unclassifiable.  Known to typically perform for three hours, Hank III plays classic style country  back to back with hardcore metal, often blending elements of both into single songs.  Last Saturday I had the privilege of witnessing this uncommon feat at Eagle's Club in Milwaukee.

Lasting an hour and a half, his country set alone could stand as a full concert.  These songs averaged around three minutes each, so you can imagine how many tunes had to be played to fill that time.  Hank dug into the best of his material from the last decade, including nearly all of Straight to Hell, as well as a few from his 2010 release Rebel Within.  Along with the III originals, there was also a performance of Hank Williams' “I'll Never Make it Out of This World Alive.”

As your ears start to twitch with country twang, you begin to welcome a change of pace.  After finishing up “Dick in Dixie,” III's denouncement of 'pop-country', there begins a segue set of 'hellbilly' music. This consists of the same lineup of musicians, only that Hank switches to electric and the band lets their hair down.  It's rougher and a tad faster, and gets the crowd pumped up and moving.  By the time this part of the show wraps up it has been over two hours.  I noticed some people starting to leave, but the inexhaustible Hank III returns to play out the night with Assjack.

At this point the band had all reworked their wardrobes and plugged into more standard rock equipment.  I prepared myself for the possibly horrendous, awful imitation of Hank's metal inspirations.  It’s sometimes fit to say an artist should stick to what they do best.  As it turned out, Assjack wasn't a half-assed act - or half-bad.  Transcending many of the heavier music genres, drawing from metal, punk, grind and touches of thrash, Assjack allows for a release of restlessness for those not yet ready to go home.

While admittedly not the most accessible attraction, a Hank III show is no doubt an impressive demonstration.  The way Hank and his ‘Damn Band’ mutate their evenings convinces me of a working formula that couldn’t be pulled off by just anyone.  This is an energetic group, and hardworking to be sure.  Hank seems to be immersed in an incredible musical living.  Along with his prolific song writing, he records, mixes, and masters many of his own projects.  The latest Assjack album was even performed entirely by Hank III.  If you have a broad appreciation in music, or like your headliners to give you your moneys worth, check this act out.

 www.hank3.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5Ha3Ufh-M&feature=related

Beats Antique brings two rhythmic styles of music together. With the combination of electronic house sounds and middle-eastern drum beats, this group is one that will turn you into a belly dancer. David Satori and Tommy Cappel are classically trained musicians who provide a rhythm that is as tight as ?uestlove on his three piece drum set, and producer/arranger Zoe Jakes belly dances to the counts of each pulsating drum. The three of them are able to drum tightly and cleanly. They provide a great show that is more of a celebration of rhythm and dance than a traditional concert.

If you love a fusion of belly dancing with electronic beats, this is the band for you. Beats Antique display music very well, and they are just as engaged with their live performance as they are with their music. Job well done!