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!

Valentine's Day Blues?...Funk That! Lets Boogie Woogie!

Personally, i don't get too excited about celebrating Valentine's Day, but this year is different. Traditionally, most people will spend Valentine's Day sending flowers and cards to loved ones, or planning that perfect candle lit dinner followed by some pink champagne and romp on the ole' bear skin rug. For us Kraft Cheese Singles, its a different story. Even though Valentine's Day has sort of become a Hallmark holiday, if you're a romantic at heart, spending it alone can be depressing. So with that said, i encourage all of you singles to cancel that reservation for one, and get some strange on the dance floor!

SMARTBAR , located at 3730 N. Clark St. (two blocks north of Wrigley field) is one of my favorite spots to get down on local, as well as national DJ acts. The sound system is supreme, the drinks are poured with a heavy hand, and they usually close up shop around 4AM. I also enjoy the "come as you are" atmosphere that this underground club exudes. You don't need to dress like a hoochie or break out your shiny jeans and sunglasses to fit in. When walking down the stairs of the entrance it reminds me of a basement party, filled with party people, looking to...um..party!

This Friday the 13th, SMARTBAR, will be a hosting some great DJ's that will bring the jams all night. A-Trak currently on his Infinity +1 CD Release Tour, will be headlining that night with support from two Chicago acts The Hood Internet, and Bald Eagle. Although A-Trak has made quite a name for himself in the world of DJ's, some people may recognize him as the official tour DJ of such super star acts as Kaye West, and....Kanye West. Also, a fun fact i learned from doing a bit of research is he is the brother of the tall skinny-guitar shredding-vocalist Dave-1, of the synth pop revivalist duo Chromeo.

DJ A-Trak has traveled all over the world, performing at DJ competitions, clubs, and music festivals in countries including Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Norway, all before the tender age of 18. The turntablist wunderkind has made himself a pioneer in this subculture of hip-hop just within a few years. In 2006, he released Sunglasses Is A Must, an autobiographical DVD compilation from his old battling days and up-and-coming career followed by a string of mix tapes and hip-hop productions.

Now on to the main event for this Valentine's Day celebration. Saturday Feb. 14th, I suggest keeping the dance party alive and hit the Abbey Pub for the 4th annual FlosstraPROMus.
Im not sure how this event came about since this is the 1st I've heard of it, but it is held on Valentine's Day and is hosted by Chicago DJ duo Flosstradamus. It will most definitely be a good party for the small price of $5. The doors open at 9PM, show at 10PM, 18 to dip and 21 to sip.

So if you're feeling lonely and you want to meet some singles, or you and your mate are looking to celebrate V-Day outside of the box, head out to this event for some drinks and an eclectic blend of dance mash-ups. Check out the sweet trailer below!!!

So to all the single ladies... I'm gon' go call my crew/ You go call your crew/ We can rendezvous at the bar around two ...(oh no he didn't!!!)

Oldies Night!

I cant begin to explain my love for the Oldies. Dick Biondi and the 94.7 WLS-FM Chicago crew has been my number one pre-set on the car stereo for quite some time now. Its a constant stream of feel good hits that make you want to dance like no one is watching. I sometimes wish i could travel through time and return to the era when "rock 'n' roll" was new and taboo. Now, when i say "oldies" I'm talking about everything from 50's rock 'n' roll to early 70's Motown and R&B. From Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys, all the way to The Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder... and everything in between.

Its amazing how this music has had a lasting impact on a lot of current music today. Its no secret that with advancements in technology, a lot of popular oldies of yesteryear are hits once again via mainstream hip-hop and dance music. Popular French electronica duo Daft Punk are definitely guilty of this pleasure, but that's what i love about them. They, like many popular artists of today, resurrect a lost hit making it come alive again with bass heavy beats and keytar synth sounds.

So now that i have expressed my love for Oldies like this guy, let me tell you about one of my favorite spots to enjoy such an eclectic group of songs.

The Burlington, located at 3425 W. Fullerton Ave. is a great place to grab a brew and take in some quality tunes. They are known to sponsor themed music nights such as Tender Tuesday on A Thursday: Classic country so tender you could cut it with a beer... and Disco Then? The first Thursday of every month they sponsor an Oldies Night hosted by Flosstradamus, one of my favorite Chicago DJs. Flosstradamus can be described as "2 DJs, 4 turntables, and lots of people getting buck on the dance floor," as stated on their myspace page. Every time i hear Floss is spinning at a bar or a club i definitely try to make it there. They bring the party everywhere they go spinning an eclectic mashup of electro, house, minimal techno, and sleazy R&B. So when i heard they would be hanging out playing oldies all night i had to be there.

After work, i met up with my friend Lucia and we took a brisk, 5 minute walk to The Burlington to enjoy some spirits and do the twist. Before leaving her apartment she introduced me to her new pet, who come to find out, was a Lionhead Bunny (seriously). I have never heard of this breed of bunny before, but it looked as awesome as the name sounds. I laughed out loud when i saw it. It's my pleasure to introduce you to my new friend Rocket.

Anyway, oldies night was a success at The Burlington! For a wintry Thursday night the joint was packed. With no cover charge, great tunes, and the $5 PBR & Beam shot special, it was no surprise seating was limited. As midnight approached, i found myself at the great divide of choosing sleep over the next soulful R&B classic to pour out the bar's sound system...with a 430 A.M. wake-up call i reluctantly i chose sleep.

Once again, i mos def enjoyed my time out at The Burlington. If you ever find yourself in the Logan Square neighborhood i strongly suggest stopping in for a beer, a shot, and place to rest your weary ears on some good music.