Kinky Boots--Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein Creatives & Cast Members #BroadwayinChicago #worldpremier

ChiIL Live Shows shots--Chicago Press Conference 9/28 for World Premier of Musical Kinky Boots (Oriental Theater)

Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, creatives and cast members....and some seriously kinky boots and sweet shoes, too!


ChiIL Live Shows was stoked to be invited to a press conference with the masterminds behind Kinky Boots.  We dug hearing Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, creatives and cast members at a press conference earlier in the day.   They all raved about how much they dig Chicago and we're universally enthusiastic about the show and the original indie film that sparked the idea for the adaptation.   Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often, as we'll have loads of original video clips from the conference up soon.

I was slated to volunteer at Facets Multimedia last night--home of one of the largest video rental sources for indie and multicultural film in the nation.   I've volunteered there for 22 years, this month.   I was elated that they not only carry the original Kinky Boots movie, but it wasn't rented out!  After my volunteer shift I went home and promptly watched it.  The movie was as endearing and edgy as the production staff said.  The message of acceptance, cooperation and understanding is timely and right on in all the right ways.   

After the kiddos are in bed, we highly recommend checking out the film, with it's unlikely bond between England's drag queen scene and a struggling, old school, mens' dress shoe maker.    The sociology, psychology, human nature, and good old fashioned great story telling make this culture clash and ultimate blending, completely compelling.

We'll be reviewing the pre-Broadway world premier here after the show runs in previews for a few weeks.   We'll be checking it out on October 17th.    Want in on cheaper preview tixs?    The show starts the 2nd.

ChiIL Live Shows Saturday At North Coast Music Fest #photo filled feature

Check out ChiIL Live Shows Photo Filled Recap of North Coast Music Festival 2012--Saturday

We're rockin' NCMF for the 3rd year.   Of course the people watching is prime.





 

  





We ran into old friends and made a few new ones.   



Predicted thunder storms held off for the most part.   Hope we're as lucky for  Sunday.

   

  The sets we caught were Future Rock, The Rapture,  Atmosphere, Girl Talk and Umphrey's McGhee.

We had another annual Shreddy Shirt Boy (AKA:  Mat with 1 T) Sighting!

Even the Sheeple got in on the action!!

Highlights were The Rapture, who blew away the Coast Stage with sweet sax, cow bell, and rockin' vocals reminiscent of P.I.L.  We really dug them live and would catch them again in a second.  

 




Girl Talk wasn't as stellar as the last time I saw him, but his sets are always a big dance parTAY, and yesterday was no exception.   He hand picks dancers throughout the day, to join in on stage, so there was an enthusiastic, colorful crew of eye candy.



UM played a rockin' fest finale that was the icing on the cake.   We've watched them grow over the years from a semi-interesting, minor jam band to a force to reckon with.   

NCMF hosed us this year, and instead of all access & pit photo passes like the past 2 years, we were stuck with GA.   There have been some management changes behind the scenes at NCMF and they seem to have forgotten who their friends are.   So, we don't have any close headliner shots this year--their loss.   

We do, however, have loads of close pit photos of Umphrey's McGhee from Summer Camp Music Fest 2011 & 2012 we'll work up into an all UM feature and share here, with our readers.   So, if you're an old UM fan or someone new whose mind they blew last night, check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have more sweet, photo filled features, tour news, free downloads, and reviews for you, in the very near future.

The line for the Groupon Silent Disco was massive.   And we didn't see too many people over doing it on the party favors to the point of needing a police escort or an ambulance ride.   We only saw a few children, less than past years, despite the official party line-- kids welcome-under age 10 free.   

I must say though, the NCMF litter was crazy over the top and we hit a LOT of music festivals.    Despite a recycling nod on the NCMF site and signage, the crowd trashed Union Park and seemed to not use the garbage and recycling cans much at all!    That said, there was a huge lack of garbage cans outside of the VIP lounge and by Groupon, so people were just dropping their empty cups and food trash in piles.

We split the headliners, catching half a set of Girl Talk and half Umphrey's McGhee.   A huge, enthusiastic  crowd was gathered for both.   There were more "toys" at UM--glowing poi balls, hoops, and the ubiquitous glow finger glove wielders.  
 

Seems like even the newbies without spinning talent can now get in people's faces and wiggle their fingers around, and find an appreciative audience.  We got some stellar hoops shots this year.

We'll be back today covering NCMF from Mathien and IndigoSky at 2:30, till the final notes of Pretty Lights fade out at 10pm.   Check out our must see list right here and our sweet Camaro SS loaner from Chevy--NCMF12 Sponsors, right here. See you out there.   And once again, check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have loads more NCMF recaps, Riot Fest previews and features, and more.

Badfish & Scotty Don't Rock House of Blues Chicago 2/4/12 (photos)

Badfish and Scotty Don't rocked House of Blues Chicago, February 4th, 2012. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL....early and often. We've got show video footage and CD reviews coming soon!

Full Service Opens for Badfish-HOB Chicago (photos)

Here are ChiIL Live Shows original shots from The House of Blues-Chicago show on 2/4/2012.    It was our great pleasure to see Badfish and Scotty Don't live.    Local favorites, Midwest Hype, opened and we enjoyed a first listen to Full Service, pictured above.

It may still be winter in Chi-Town but all 4 bands made us want to dance barefoot and welcome the summer festival season in with a vengeance.    We had a chance to check out Full Service's self titled CD,  released in 2011, with 10 fun tracks including Lately, Coconuts, Hi Ho, Gymnasium, Ramona, Tasteless Gravy, Rocketships (LIVE), Hotter in the House, Trumpets & Hallways.    It may just make you wanna pack up the tent in a micro bus and hit the road!   Keep an ear out for these boys on the summer circuit.    They put on a sweet, live show.


Give them a listen at their main site, Full Service Music, here.

They're currently rockin' Austin, TX (their current home base) and just premiered their documentary, "TAKEOVER!", about their unique, determined underdog style of co-opting tours and scrambling their way up from the parking lot scene to the main stage!.   Check out the details on their Takeover!  Facebook page and website.


Home is Where The Yard Is Vol 1 is now available, too.   

ChiIL Live Shows will have HD videos from that night, from all 3 bands, coming soon.   So check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   See you out there.

 

BONEdanse-This Is A Damage Manual (photo filled feature)

BONEdanse--This is a Damage Manual was so excellent I came back for the closing performance in Theater Wit's space and brought Sagezilla, too. 
   

There were quite a few kids in the Sunday afternoon audience and she thoroughly enjoyed the show (and the bone candy & skull shaped lollipops at the afterparty).  

I figured she'd dig the show, since at age 8, she's all about 80's punk, grrrl power, and being mighty, and Atalee Judy and her troupe are some of the mightiest. 

We also did a little shop therapy and increased our BONEware wardrobes by another tee and a fleece.



Their run at The Wit is over, but they do have some exciting shows coming up at Viaduct Theatre and in conjunction with the Chicago Park District.  




Check out their main site for details and follow them on Facebook, to stay up to date.