Pages

Showing posts with label Dugan Kenaz-Mara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dugan Kenaz-Mara. Show all posts

Friday, August 1, 2025

Review and Photo Feature: The Crane Wives at The Vic Theatre Chicago July 26, 2025

The Crane Wives

Beyond Beyond Beyond Album Release Tour

Closing Show at The Vic Theatre, Chicago 7/26/25 

Photo Credit for all: Dugan Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows


GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

The Crane Wives, as always, put on a spectacular show for us at The Vic, closing out their Beyond Beyond Beyond Summer Tour 2025 with a sparkle. We’ve loved The Crane Wives and their music for years now, and seeing them in person again was such a treat. Last year, we reviewed their concert at Thalia Hall, and since then, they’ve brought us more of everything great they had to offer. They’ve upped the whimsy, showed us their care, and brought out many of the songs their fans have been waiting to hear live. 

Set List:

Scars

Arcturus Beaming

Never Love an Anchor

Allies or Enemies

Predator

Pretty Little Things

Take Me To War

Steady, Steady

The Moon Will Sing

The Hand That Feeds

Mad Dog

Queen of Nothing

Curses

Black Hole Fantasy

Tongues & Teeth

Encore:

Bitter Medicine

Sleeping Giants

One standout detail that set this performance apart from their previous show was the scenery. The stage was full of cutouts of trees, cattails, and forest creatures, setting a scene reminiscent of the cover of their 2015 album “Coyote Stories”. In a whimsically mysterious opening (that I didn’t catch photos of, working my way through the dense crowd before the performance) a masked individual went around placing lanterns across the stage. These lanterns illuminated the scenery and provided depth and ambiance to the stage environment. It felt like watching a scene in a play where everyone could be immersed in the story, rather than a band on a stage. The backdrop projection gave off enough light to silhouette the scenery nicely, and the shifting colors and images it displayed kept the stage from becoming dull whenever the musicians weren’t in motion. 

During a break between songs, one of the lead singers brought up the fact that they've been a band for 15 years and have been performing in Chicago for just as long. They were really appreciative towards their audience and you could feel the mutual love in the space. The crowd sang along to every word and was treated to a well-balanced mix of songs from the Crane Wives' newest album and old favorites from their previous albums. The band mentioned how happy they were to be able to break out their older songs for this tour, that they don't get the opportunity to play as much anymore. 

It’s also worth mentioning that although I don’t have any pictures, their opener Árný Margrét, an Icelandic soloist musician, is worth checking out. 

Truly, the most inspiring aspect of the concert was seeing the wonderful community the Crane Wives have cultivated. After the concert, I was able to talk to multiple friends who were there and all of them mentioned how lovely the community was and how everyone seemed to take care of each other. The musicians also took to social media after the show, reposting Instagram stories their fans had posted from the crowd. They definitely know how to make their supporters feel seen by fostering a sense of appreciation within their community. 

Gathered below are a few comments from friends who saw the show. They are lightly edited, but direct quotes:

"Immaculate vibes in the audience" -Kit M.

“I thought the crowd had a lovely community vibe. People taking care of each other, looking out for other people’s space, and being very in the moment together.” -Sam W. 

“I thought the concert was amazing, the vibe was awesome and the whole performance of the crane wives was high energy but still able to keep the calmness of some of the songs. The lights and projections were really cool and really well done. Also, it was really hard not to get a good view. It was just an amazing concert. 

The opener wasn’t really my vibe. She did awesome, and if she was my vibe, I would have loved her.” - Chase P.

“Funnily enough, I first listened to the crane wives through an online friend. They made a playlist for me that had “Metaphors” on it and I was like wait… this is so good?? I’ve always loved folksy acoustic music but I REALLY loved their sound. (Imagine my surprise the first show I saw them live that they had not one but TWO lead vocalists!) I just felt really seen by their lyrics. It made me want to keep pursuing music and songwriting late at night in my room with my guitar. :”-) 

They just have such an immersive discography and honestly I feel like I have a Crane Wives song for every single one of my own lil characters.” - Maja T


Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of 
Northwestern University's theatre program.


Grand Rapids, MI-based indie rock band The Crane Wives (1.4m Spotify monthly listeners, 713.5k TikTok likes) are ready to charm live audiences once again, heading back out on the road this spring in support of their highly acclaimed new album Beyond Beyond Beyond, out everywhere now. 


Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture), while their harmony-dense melodies support deeply resonant lyrics, exploring the vulnerable and the ugly sides of the human condition. The band has built a global community and has amassed over 1m Spotify monthly listeners and 100m total streams with their unparalleled, spirited live show, evocative lyricism and glimmering harmonies.



Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered," the band recently released their sixth full-length studio record, Beyond Beyond Beyond, to high praise, with Glasse Factory calling the album “a testament to the band’s ability to turn personal struggles into universally relatable anthems." 

Niner Times describes the new release as “angsty, haunting and gritty,” praising its departure from the more traditional folk sound of The Crane Wives’ previous records. Since its release in September 2024, Beyond Beyond Beyond has accrued over 7 million streams on Spotify.


The pulse of The Crane Wives is delivered by Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums), creating a driving, dynamic backdrop while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury establish expansive and gritty conversations between their electric guitars. A web of three-part harmony helps to soften the blow of their emotional candor, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal.


The Crane Wives have 6 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more.



Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube



Thursday, July 4, 2024

Photo Feature and Review: Crane Wives at Chicago's Thalia Hall 6-29-24

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

INDIE/ALT ROCK BAND

THE CRANE WIVES

LIVE AT THALIA HALL IN CHICAGO, IL ON JUNE 29, 2024

All Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara ©2024 




Guest Review
by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

It was almost exactly two years ago that one of my best friends introduced me to the Crane Wives’ music. He played me “Curses” and I put it into my playlist immediately. From that point I slowly gathered more of their music for myself, discovering all throughout that many of my friends loved their songs. I started noticing it in the background music of our lives - during car rides and hangouts - and began feeling how much emotion their songs brought into every space they touch. I’m happy to report that the emotions The Crane Wives pump into their music are felt tenfold live. 

The best part of the show was undoubtedly the community the performers have cultivated. There was a strong queer presence in the crowd, with multiple members showing pride flags and folding fans. I particularly loved that everyone was able to bond even when the band wasn’t on stage. During the changeover between the opener and headliner, an audience member pulled up pictures of a pride flag and a UK flag, which the rest of the audience cheered or booed respectively. They also sang along to ‘Red Wine Supernova’ by Chappell Roan and traded friendship bracelets. 

One of the lead vocalists recounted a story about how the band had, years ago, performed at a nearby restaurant for an audience of 3. The same restaurant where they dined before this concert. She emphasized how much the band appreciates their audience and the immense support they receive, and it was evident the audience's impact on the band is as immense as the Crane Wives' on their fans. Eagle-eyed fans might even be able to spot friendship bracelets around the bands’ wrists, highlighting further the bond between audience and performer.

In comparison to other live concerts I’ve had the pleasure to shoot, the audience was near the top of my list for energy and enthusiasm. The entire audience belted along to favorite songs like “Take Me To War” and “Steady Steady” during the set, sharing wholeheartedly in the Feminine Rage release session that the band created space for. 

Chicago Set list:

Nobody

Allies or Enemies

Take me to War

Empty Page

The Well

Queen of Nothing

Never Love an Anchor

Daydreamer

Scars

Steady Steady

The Moon Will Sing

Arcturus Beaming

Bitter Medicine

The Hand That Feeds

Tongues and Teeth

Curses

How to Rest

The Crane Wives performed not one, but two currently unreleased songs from their upcoming album Beyond Beyond Beyond, coming September of this year. “Scars” and “Bitter Medicine” were like treats for the audience, prompting them to explore grief and vulnerability in a safe space. These songs were complimented by their newest release “Arcturus Beaming”, which explores hope and healing—imagining a better future while holding space for distress. Something I’m sure all of us can use a little of right now. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of 
Northwestern University.


Crane Wives 

NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR STARTS JUNE 5: GET TICKETS HERE


ANNOUNCE LUSH FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM

BEYOND BEYOND BEYOND

DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 6

PRE-ORDER THE LP HERE


"The Crane Wives charmed us again this year with its harmony-laced folk-rock..polished sound and dynamic energy..proves just how much fun the band is having with its music.”



"The Crane Wives are a four-piece band that have an uncanny ability at crafting goose-bump inducing three-part harmonies.”

"They’re an impeccable band with incredibly tight instrumentation and harmonies that, paired with an inclination for catchy hooks and scintillating lyricism, make a strong case for their burgeoning popularity.”


Grand Rapids, Michigan based indie rock band The Crane Wives announce their self-produced, rousing fifth studio album Beyond Beyond Beyond due out September 6 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the announcement, the band shares the first taste with anthemic, empowering track and lyric video “Arcturus Beaming” out now. Plus, The Crane Wives will embark on a summer tour across North America kicking off tomorrow in Milwaukee, WI. See a full list of dates below and get tickets now here. Their first project since 2016, Beyond Beyond Beyond sees the band evolve into a guitar-driven, self-assured group who is unafraid to experiment and explore new territory.

Beyond Beyond Beyond, the fifth studio record by The Crane Wives, explores the mixture of fear, joy, and deep vulnerability that occurs when a person is on the cusp of changing the course of their life. The eleven track album is a circular journey that asks heavy questions of the listener: Am I strong enough to change? Am I brave enough to take the risk? Do I deserve the chance to be happy? It offers the listener momentum to move forward, a guide through dark spaces with shimmery other-worldly melodies and an encouraging push to venture forth into the unknown. 

Beyond Beyond Beyond is an electric departure from the Crane Wives’ previous releases, prominently highlighting the lead guitar work of songwriters and singers Kate Pillsbury and Emilee Petersmark. Drummer Dan Rickabus contributes darker, stormy and dynamic rhythms to this record, while bassist Ben Zito creates narrative movement in the songs with his rooting, counter-melodic approach. The album is self-produced by the four-piece collaboration, and engineered & mixed by Zito at his studio, Centennial Sound. The band invited guest violinist Samantha Cooper and guest cellist Jordan Hamilton to help portray a distinct emotional voice. The album was mastered by Heba Kadry. The band’s longtime collaborator, visual artist Rebecca Green returned to create her fifth piece of album artwork for the project.

Rickabus shares that the band collaborated like never before throughout the album creation process. “We tried to challenge ourselves to shake loose from our old patterns and explore what is possible between the four of us. Those brave experiments mean even more to me when I think about the lyrical content of the album. The album begins with inner-conflict, and moves through a very human process of growth toward a bold belief in possibility, and an attempt to create change. So, that sense of creative experimentation really resonates.”   

“Arcturus Beaming” is a triumph of curiosity and bravery, expressing a journey to uncharted spaces through swooping vocals and anthem-esque rhythms. With an exhilarating determination, Kate Pillsbury’s evocative lyrics invite the listener to wonder what is possible beyond their preconceived notions and norms. The song’s building energy culminates in a realization of personal empowerment. “Nothing will change until I change.”

Watch: "Arcturus Beaming" (Official Lyric Video)

Vocalist and guitarist Kate Pillsbury shares the track was born while she found herself moving through a crucial healing process as she learned to listen to herself, be gentle with herself and take actions to mitigate her problems. “‘Arcturus Beaming’ is about holding grief and gratitude simultaneously as I have stumbled forward through the pain. In an era when it’s justifiably easy for many of us to gravitate toward doom and gloom, 'Arcturus Beaming' is about holding strong to a radical imagining of a better future, and doing the work to cultivate that future, which I believe requires healing ourselves on an individual level so that we can be fortified in the work required to heal our communities.” 

This summer, The Crane Wives will captivate audiences throughout North America. First through the Midwest, including an already sold out show in Madison, WI, then to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, down the East Coast, including another sold out show in Hamden, CT, and concluding in their home state in Ann Arbor, Michigan. See a full list of dates below and get tickets now.

The Crane Wives formed in 2010 and have captivated audiences across hundreds of stages around the U.S. since. The band has built a global community and has amassed over 1M Spotify monthly listeners and 100M total streams with their unparalleled, spirited live show, evocative lyricism and glimmering harmonies. The group has shared stages with The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and more. In 2017, they won JBL’s “Best American Band Contest” and were named one of Paste Magazine's “12 Michigan Acts You Should Be Listening To Now,” Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered”, the band has been the recipient of several local accolades such as the WYCE Best Rock/Pop album for their 2016 full-length studio record, Foxlore. Now, in 2024, The Crane Wives prepare to enter an all-new, dynamic phase of their artistic identity where they learn to trust themselves, dive deeper lyrically and take sonic risks like never before.

"Arcturus Beaming," is a sweeping, healing journey of self-improvement where the group balances grief and gratitude at once. Beyond Beyond Beyond, the lush fifth LP by The Crane Wives is due out September 6 and available for pre-order now. Don't miss The Crane Wives live this summer across North America with tickets on sale now here. Connect with the rising rockers now on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.


The Crane Wives

Live Across North America

Summer 2024


06/05 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI

06/06 - Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI (SOLD OUT)

06/07 - Amsterdam Bar & Hall - St Paul, MN

06/08 - Englert Theatre - Iowa City, IA

06/09 - Slowdown - Omaha, NE

06/11 - Recordbar - Kansas City, MO

06/13 - Rose Music Hall - Columbia, MO

06/14 - Delmar Hall - St Louis, MO

06/15 - Hi-Fi Annex - Indianapolis, IN

06/29 - Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL

07/15 - Axis Club - Toronto, ON

07/16 - Club Saw - Ottawa, ON

07/17 - La Sala Rosa - Montreal, QC

07/19 - Higher Ground Ballroom - Burlington, VT

07/20 - State Theatre - Portland, ME

07/21 - Royale - Boston, MA

07/23 - Lark Hall - Albany, NY

07/24 - Space Ballroom - Hamden, CT (SOLD OUT)

07/26 - Levon Helm Studio - Woodstock, NY

07/27 - Iron Works - Buffalo, NY

07/28 - Mr Small’s - Pittsburgh, PA

08/15 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO  (SOLD OUT)

08/16 - Washington’s - Fort Collins, CO

08/17 - Gothic Theatre - Denver, CO

08/18 - Strings Pavilion - Steamboat Springs, CO

08/20 - Soundwell SLC - Salt Lake City, UT  (SOLD OUT)

08/21 - Treefort Music Hall - Boise, ID

08/23 - Wonder Ball Room - Portland, OR  (SOLD OUT)

08/24 - South Sound Block Party - Olympia, WA

08/29 - Sonic Lunch - Ann Arbor, MI


Beyond Beyond Beyond (LP) Tracklist

01. Scars

02. Bitter Medicine

03. Higher Ground

04. Predator

05. Say It

06. Mad Dog

07. Arcturus Beaming

08. Time Will Change You

09. Black Hole Fantasy

10. Red Clay

11. River Rushing

The Crane Wives Bio

Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving sound of the indie genre. Having performed hundreds of shows on stages across the country, they gravitate toward high-energy melodies while their lyrics extol the shadow side of the human condition, delving into mythology and themes of darkness and inner conflict. The band has amassed over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, racking up over 100 million streams on their most popular songs and accumulating listenership from far-flung corners of the US to the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Winners of the JBL’s “Best American Band Contest” in 2017 and named one of Paste Magazine's “12 Michigan Acts You Should Be Listening To Now,” The Crane Wives have 5 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more. Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered”, the band has been the recipient of several local accolades such as the WYCE Best Rock/Pop album for their last full-length studio record, “Foxlore.”

The pulse of the Crane Wives, Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums) create a groovy backdrop integral to the band’s sound, while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury duel on electric guitar and strongly-belted vocals. The band softens the blows of their emotional candor with soulful three-part vocal harmonies, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal. To date, they have released five full length albums, including their 2020 live album, “Here I Am.” 

Their new album, Beyond Beyond Beyond arrives September 6th.

For more information on The Crane Wives, please visit: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter/X | Soundcloud | Bandcamp

All Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara ©2024

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

REVIEW: World Premiere of Otherworld's GARTERS: A QUEER IMMERSIVE ROMANTASY PLAY A Perfect Pick For Pride Month

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

 OTHERWORLD THEATRE'S WORLD PREMIERE OF

GARTERS: A QUEER IMMERSIVE ROMANTASY PLAY
(18+)

From l to r Chloe Basset, Kylie Carrol, Bruce Holtman, Quinton Walker - Photo by Nadir Waxali

Evocative Theatrical Journey Explores Themes of Romance, Gender Identity, 
and Representation

GARTERS is thoughtfully crafted for mature audiences aged 18 and older; viewer discretion is advised. 
 
May 31 - July 7, 2024


Guest Review
by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

In Garters we follow the tale of the knight Sir Yvain on not his, not her, but their quest to retrieve a magical object for their king. Garters does an excellent job of exploring and explaining the nonbinary identity in a way that elucidates some of the struggles nonbinary people face. The play also uses a butterfly motif as a representation of gender and calls attention to the existence of the chimera butterfly - a naturally nonbinary animal - to easily lead people with no knowledge of gender identities into the conversation. If you’re looking for a performance during pride month, Garters is a perfect pick. 

Jenny Hoppes and Kira Nutter - Photo by Nadir Waxali

Before seeing the show, there are a few things to take note of. First, it is rated R for sexual content. There is a bed placed at the center of the audience, and despite being obscured slightly by a veil, the audience members closest to it are mere inches from actors getting intimate. In a similar vein, the rest of the audience is incredibly close to the action. The house is tiny, with approximately 23 seats in 2 rows, meaning the actors (and their swords) get fairly close. The ensemble also talks to the audience during transitions between acts. Finally, because of the close nature of the seats, accessibility may be a concern for some people. We noticed that the seats at the end of the back row were high up without a step, and the gentleman next to us had trouble getting to it. Of course, the front row is still a great option and asking others to move may have helped make an easier path to those seats, but it is still worth noting. 

Garters is a story full of fantasy tropes that features the plentiful twists and turns that come with the genre. There’s a sprinkle of murder, a dash of espionage, and more disguises than you can count. 

The plot has just enough fantasy worldbuilding to make you feel like you’re actually a part of the world. We learn slowly throughout the show of the secret connections between characters, the folk tales that the people of the land heard growing up, the different occupations and lifestyles in each region of the journey, and most importantly the existence and importance of magic in the world. I loved how the magic brought morality questions into the story that we don’t face in real life. After all, if you can’t rule a kingdom without magic, should you really rule at all?

Yvain played by Kira Nutter - Photographer Parrish Davis-Sauls

A definite highlight of the show was the stage combat. Thanks to the intimate space, all of the action was easily visible and the audience got to feel like they were in the heart of it. One fight involves the entire cast, and utilizes swords, staves, and a rope for clever combat that you don’t get to see often. 

An additional fun tidbit is that there was a raffia fan laid out on each seat for the audience to use. They could be used as actual fans if the theater got too hot, but were also perfect for hiding your face from an intimate moment or talkative actor. 

Otherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theatre production company in North America, presents their world premiere mounting of playwright Natalie Zutter’s GARTERS: A QUEER IMMERSIVE ROMANTASY PLAY, running May 31 - July 7, 2024 at the theatre’s storefront location at 3914 N. Clark St. Tickets ($27 with some pay-what-you-can tickets available for each performance) available at www.otherworldtheatre

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of 
Northwestern University.

L to r Jenny Hoppes and Kira Nutter - Photo by Nadir Waxali

Once, two girls disguised themselves as boys to train to become knights. Seven years later, an unconventional knight and a worldly whore fallen on hard times meet at a brothel in the middle of nowhere and embark on an epic quest. Inspired by the works of Tamora Pierce and Jacqueline Carey, GARTERS is an epic fantasy play about the limited roles available to women and nonbinary folks in quest stories, and what happens when they don’t get to be the hero but don’t want to be the damsel. Experience an evocative theatrical journey exploring themes of romance, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ representation, thoughtfully crafted for mature audiences aged 18 and older.

GARTERS performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased at www.otherworldtheatre; there are a limited number of Pay-What-You-Can tickets available for each performance. 

Hedy played by Jenny Hoppes- Photographer Parrish Davis-Sauls

Written By: Natalie Zutter
Directed By:  Blake Hood

Cast: Kira Nutter (Sir Yvain), Jenny Hoppes (Hedy), Jerome Michael Jones (Varic), Lauren Miller (Lady Dagomar), Chloe Basset (Lady Clotilda), Bruce Holtman (Innkeeper), Quinton Walker (Bandit), and Kylie Carroll (Laundress)

Production Team: Abbey Schnell (Stage Manager), Parrish Davis-Sauls (Costume Designer), Blake Hood & Tiffany Keane Schaefer (Set Designers), Sam Campos (Fight Director), Becca Schwartz (Intimacy Director), and Jake Mayer (Media Designer), Schnell & Hood (Lighting Designers)

Dates: May 31 - July 7, 2024

Press Opening: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7 p.m.

Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Location: Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St.

Tickets: General Admission: $27 with a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets available for each performance. GARTERS is thoughtfully crafted for mature audiences aged 18 and older; viewer discretion is advised.




ABOUT OTHERWORLD THEATRE COMPANY
Otherworld Theatre Company (3914 N. Clark St.) was founded in 2012 to bring a theatrical experience to the science fiction and fantasy genre. The Company’s work celebrates the depth of human imagination by engaging spectators in high quality storytelling. Otherworld Theatre Company stages original works in its pay-what-you-can Chicago, Illinois venue, presents virtual programming online, and produces immersive Live-Action Role Playing events through its partner company, Moonrise Games. For more information: www.otherworldtheatre.org


Google Analytics