March Madness!!!

With Spring in the air, more and more people are starting to come out of hibernation to have some fun. I thought i would start of the month by highlighting a few shows and events that are happening in Chicago throughout March, just in case Spring cleaning isn't at the top of your to do list.

I usually make it a point to keep up on the calenders and schedules of various venues and clubs in the Chicago land area. When i see something that tickles my fancy, I'll whip out my interactive calender and plug it in. As i scroll through my BlackBerry, i notice that there is a lot to see and hear this month spanning a wide variety of musical tastes and genres. So lets check out what March Madness has in store for us besides a little B-Ball.

MARCH 5th
Now, i have written about this event before, so this is just a friendly reminder. The first Thursday of every month, The Burlington, in Logan Square, sponsors an Oldies themed night hosted by Chicago DJ duo Flosstradamus. It starts at 10PM, free to get in (21+), $2 PBR, $3 shots, and the best oldies jams this side of The Mississippi! 'Nuff said...

MARCH 7th
Back in the early 70's John Prine was like the new Dylan. His musical styling flirts with everything from acoustic folk to rockabilly to straight-ahead country. Originally from Maywood, IL, Prine spent most of his youth writing songs and perfecting his folk bluegrass craft right here in Chicago. Eventually he made his way down to Memphis where he'd make a name for himself on the singer song-writer scene. Thanks to my Father, John Prine has been one of my favorite music story tellers since i can remember. This Saturday i get the privilege of sitting front row to enjoy some old fashioned pickin' and grinnin' by the one and only John Prine. Tickets are still available and the show starts at 8PM at the Genesee Theater in Waukeegan, IL.

MARCH 13th
If you're looking to get a jump start on the summer jam band scene, check out Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9). Formed in the late 90's in Georgia, STS9 is a melting pot of breakbeat-infused psychedelic music with improvisational elements that follow suit with many current jam bands. I last saw STS9 at Lollapalooza 2007 and it was a really fun show. They will definitely keep you grooving all night long. STS9 will be performing next Friday the 13th at The Congress Theater, door open at 7PM. BYOGS!!! (Bring Your Own Glow Sticks)

March 14th
Now for something completely different...

I can always count on Schubas Tavern to provide me with buzz worthy music at dive bar prices, and this month is no exception. Saturday March 14th, Schubas will host a double bill featuring Portland based musician and multimedia artist Yacht and iPod commercial phenoms Chairlift. I have seen Yacht open for Vampire Weekend and it was very entertaining to say the least. Yacht performs with extreme high energy, melding heavy acoustic percussion with an array of electronic noises driven by positive lyrics and hypnotizing mantras. If you like LCD Soundsystem, you will like Yacht. So i suggest you make it out to Schubas for some high quality brews and to catch some bands that are on the up and up. I've already got my ticket! ($12)

MARCH 18th

Synth-pop trio Cut Copy will be performing later this month at The Vic Theater with support from keyboard-drum inspired duo Matt & Kim. This is going to be a great show with two high energy bands that always deliver the party. Both groups have just started their North American tour in support of their new releases and have already sold out in some cities including Chicago (Daaaang!). So if you want to be included in the fun try your luck with the scalpers or you can catch an after party DJ set with Cut Copy and friends at one of the premier gay bars in Chicago, Berlin.

MARCH 21st
Once again we return our attention to the corner tavern with the stage in the back known as Schubas. Saturday March 21st, New York based folk rock acoustic pop singer song-writer Ari Hest will be performing two shows in the same night! The first show starting at 7:30 PM and then again at 11PM. Ari is just a great live performer. His voice is even better live than on the record and his song writing abilities are unparalleled to a lot of current "top 40" artists. Ari has been very busy the last year and a half launching "52" ,which was a song writing project where he released a new track every week for a year. For a small fee, you could enjoy a new Ari song every week. Pretty impressive if you ask me. In addition, he has just started a new tour to support his third official release set to drop March 10th entitled Twelve Mondays. I have seen Ari many times (OMG!!! maybe he'll remember me!!!) and its gets better every time whether he is solo or with his band. With two shows in one night there is no excuse to miss this one.

MARCH 28th
To wrap up the month, East London art punkers Bloc Party will be performing at The Aragon Ballroom. Bloc Party will for sure rock your socks off. Their debut album, Silent Alarm, appeared early in 2005 and was released by Vice Records in the States to widespread acclaim. Bloc Party brings a great blend of alternative indie rock to the stage without the sloppiness of a garage band. The couple of times i have seen them, their performances have been flawless and left your ears ringing. Go to this show... you'll thank me later.

Well it looks like this month is going to be great for live music in Chicago. I'm sure i have left a few shows out, but its hard to cram everything this great city has to offer into one blog post. I have definitely chosen an eclectic blend of shows that can satisfy any music lovers palate. Now its your job to go out there and get a taste of the goods. Hopefully after reading this, i have encouraged you to broaden your music horizons and check out some shows you normally wouldn't. So start marking your calenders, you wont want to miss out on these must see events!