Neil Fallon--Clutch Interview With ChiIL Live Shows #originalvideo #bandinterview

Neil Fallon, lead singer for the band, Clutch, took time to talk with ChiIL Live Shows just before their show at The Vogue in Indianapolis.   Hear about the origin of the band's name, his license to lie, beard bands, Neil's take on balancing life on the road with being a dad to his toddler son, and more.   Their latest album, Earth Rocker was just released in March of 2013.

PRONG Announce European Tour Dates #originalvideointerview #showshots

Prong LIVE at The Vogue, Indianapolis  Friday the 13th, July 2012 All photos and video by bonnie kenaz-mara © 2013 chiIL Live Shows  We caught Prong at Cobra Lounge in Chicago last year, right as Carved into Stone was released.    The last time we caught Prong, we road tripped down to Indy to see them play The Vogue with Clutch and Lionize. Check out our exclusive interview in Chicago with Tommy and Alexei below. Click here for our prior Prong coverage including more LIVE show shots. New York Metallers PRONG have confirmed that they will be heading over to Europe this Summer. The band is scheduled to play a handful of festival dates as well as a string of headline dates. Currently, the tour is scheduled to kick off June 23rd in Clisson, France at Hellfest and will run through July 14th in Serbia at Exit Fest. More dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. A complete list of dates can be found below. PRONG are touring in support of their latest release Carved into Stone which was released in 2012 on Long Branch Records. The album which is quintessentially PRONG, stretches into the band's earliest and dirtiest foundations on which the band was founded on to the present as a staple of today's post-metal and rock scenes. Carved Into Stone can be ordered from Amazon HERE. Be sure to check out the deluxe iTunes edition which features an exclusive bonus track which is a cover of the Rammstein track "Feuer Frei". PRONG's video for "Revenge...Best Served Cold" can be streamed HERE. Visit the PRONG online merch store HERE. PRONG European Tour: 6/23: Clisson, France @ Hellfest* 6/25: Luzern, Switzerland @ Schüür 6/26: Freiburg, Germany @ Café Atlantik 6/27: Manheim, Germany @ Alte Seilerei 6/28: Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting* 6/29: Dordrecht, Holland @ Bibelot 6/30: Münster, Germany @ Sputnikhalle 7/12: Zlin, Czechoslovakia @ Masters of Rock* 7/14: Novi Sad, Serbia @ Exit Fest* *Denotes Festival Appearance* For more info visit: http://www.prongmusic.com  http://www.facebook.com/prongmusic  http://www.spv.de  http://www.longbranchrecords.com

ACT OUT OPENING: The Magnificents at The House Theatre #originalvideointerview

Dennis Watkins speaks with ChiIL Live Shows on his multigenerational, magical family history and the art of being Harry Houdini. We published this interview with Dennis Watkins, back during The House Theatre's latest remount of smash hit, Death and Harry Houdini. It was our great pleasure to be invited to Dennis' lovely northside home.  His passion for magic extends from the stage to his after hours, where he surrounds himself with vintage magic props that have been in the family, collector posters of renowned magicians, and even a Houdini coffee table volume.   Check out our mini photo tour of "the magician's lair" here. We got a rare peek into the home of magic man, Dennis Watkins, star of Death and Harry Houdini, The House Theatre's smash, sell out hit. His love of magic goes beyond his roles in Magic Parlour and Death and Harry Houdini. He's a 3rd generation magician whose home decor includes vintage tricks from his Grandfather's shop and sweet magic show posters, for his own endeavors and others. A big show banner from The House Theatre's first incarnation of Death and Harry Houdini 10 years ago, hangs just inside his front door. AN AMBITIOUS ALL-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE MAGNIFICENTS REUNITES TEAM FROM DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI Dennis Watkins’ personal script is led anew by Artistic Director Nathan Allen

The House Theatre of Chicago creates the magical world of a by-gone era in The Magnificents. This vivid and deeply personal play by Company Member Dennis Watkins begins performances January 18, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St). The Magnificents will run through March 10. ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows will be there for the press opening with the kids (9 & 11) this Sunday, and we'll have a full review up shortly thereafter.   We're all beyond excited and can NOT wait to see this show!

ABOUT THE PLAY First staged in 2007, The Magnificents is writer Dennis Watkins’ homage to his grandfather, Ed Watkins, the iconic and pioneering American illusionist who trained Dennis at a young age in the arts of prestidigitation and showmanship. The House and playwright Dennis Watkins revisit this deeply personal script with renewed vision and expanded skill including aerial circus arts and the poignant, magic-based storytelling witnessed in Death and Harry Houdini. Artistic Director Nathan Allen now steps fully into the 2013 development of the play as its Director. Company Member Tommy Rapley revisits his role as the Boy, performing astounding magical feats all designed by Watkins. In addition to writing and designing magic, Watkins (last seen as Harry Houdini) will star in the play. An extraordinary family, The Magnificents, delights in bringing magical entertainment to the crowds. But time has taken its toll on the family as our aging magician quietly accepts a wayward young boy as his protégé, imparting far more than the tricks up his sleeve. This touching story of what we must pass on before we can let go is told with spectacular classic magic, including Robert Houdin's legendary Blooming Orange Tree illusion. This is a delicate feast for the heart and senses. ABOUT THE ARTISTS THE MAGNIFICENTS is written by Dennis Watkins who also designs magic for the production. Watkins received a Joseph Jefferson Award earlier this year for his Magic Design of Death and Harry Houdini. The new production is directed by Nathan Allen and features original music by Kevin O’Donnell. Dennis Watkins will star in the role of the Old Man, and Company Member Tommy Rapley (also well known at The House for his extensive work as a director and choreographer) will revisit his role as the Boy, learning and performing extraordinary magic throughout the story. Company Member Michael E. Smith also returns to the cast in the role of Chase, the family’s clown. Guests artists include Lucy Carapetyan (Rose and the Rime, Lofty Deeds) in the role of Honeydew who will be flying through the Chopin on aerial silks, Jeff Trainor (company member with Barrel of Monkeys) appears as the strong man Harley, and Tien Doman (company member with The Hypocrites) rounds out the cast as Rosie, wife to the Old Man and mother-figure to the traveling troupe. Company Member Lee Keenan brings us all inside the creaking and crumbling tent with an intimate scenic and lighting design. With seating on two sides, audiences are in full view of the illusions and one another. Costume Designer Melissa Torchia (The Iron Stag King: Part One) crafts a darkly playful world where the on-stage and off-stage lives of The Magnificents’ troupe is blurred. Video Designer Jack Mayer’s (HBO’s Single Long) creations reveal the secret past of the traveling show and invite the audience even closer to many magic tricks. Company Member and Composer Kevin O’Donnell fills the space with a haunting score. Join The House for an extraordinarily magical production, The Magnificents.

Story and Magic by Dennis Watkins Directed by Nathan Allen January 18 – March 10, 2013 PREVIEWS: January 18 – 26, 2013 at 7:30pm REGULAR RUN: January 31 – March 10, 2013 SHOWTIMES: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm ADDITIONAL SHOWS: 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/3, 3/9, 3/10 all at 3:00pm LOCATION: The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre (1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL) TICKETS: All tickets are $25 at www.thehousetheatre.com or by phone at 773.769.3832, $10 Student and Industry rush tickets available at all performances. Tickets are now on sale. ARTISTS Featuring: Company Members Dennis Watkins, Tommy Rapley, and Michael E. Smith with guest artists Lucy Carapetyan, Tien Doman, and Jeff Trainor. Production Team: Lee Keenan (Scenic and Lighting), Melissa Torchia (Costumes), Kevin O’Donnell (Composer), Jack Mayer (Video), Nathan Allen (Director) and Amanda Frechette (Stage Management).

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO The House is Chicago's premier home for original works of physical and spectacle storytelling. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. In 2002 The House was hailed by the Chicago press as “The Next Big Thing.” In early 2007, following dozens of world premiere productions, and national attention from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Variety, and American Theatre Magazine, The House achieved even greater success with “The Sparrow,” which Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones called, “Among the very best original theater pieces I’ve ever seen.”

Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 56 Joseph Jefferson Awards (19 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007. Now entering its 11th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.THEHOUSETHEATRE.com

Black Tusk Video Interview With ChiIL Live Shows and More #metal

ChiIL Mama caught up with self proclaimed "Swamp Metal" band, Black Tusk, for an interview in the basement of Reggie's Rock Club--Chicago 6/21/12.   They were on tour with Municipal Waste, and we'll have our original interview with Municipal Waste, along with our live show footage and stills, up in the very near future.

Check out our LIVE show photos from Black Tusk at Reggies Rock Club 6/2012 here.  Footage coming soon.

Check out our past Black Tusk show shots from their last two gigs at Ultra Lounge here.

Black Tusk just came back through town Saturday 11/17 and killed it at Subterranean, opening for another favorite of ours, Red Fang.   

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have original stills and live show footage from Sub T up very soon.    It was a rager indeed!


Check out our video interview with Red Fang & original LIVE pit photos from their tour opening for Mastodon at The Riv 11-11-11 right here.





Red Fang Hank is Dead official video


Click here for official web sites:

Red Fang
Black Tusk
Municipal Waste

Oberhofer With Matt & Kim LIVE at Congress Theater TONIGHT #originalvideointerview #showshots

ChiIL Live Shows original Oberhofer LIVE show shots from Lincoln Hall 3-27-12 ChiIL Live Shows caught up with Oberhofer at their March 2012 album release show at Chicago's own Lincoln Hall.   Check out our back alley interview with 3 of the band members.   This interview will serve as a Time Capsule too--a window into the beginning of a rising rock band......Oberhofer.     When we first saw Oberhofer LIVE at Lincoln Hall, it was their 1st show after their March 2012 album release.     Quotes / "Expansive instrumentation and charming, unpredictable song structures" Billboard "The rising phenom Brad Oberhofer, the songwriter and front man for this band, sings with such a youthful urgency that sometimes he can’t contain it, and lets it out in yelps. He has a natural pop sensibility and the wisdom to toy with unconventional instruments." The New Yorker "A newly sophisticated musical playground." SPIN  "It's a credit to Oberhofer to take such small moments and build them into such a feeling of importance." Consequence of Sound "It's a visceral, hook-laden, and often beautiful teenage dream." Under The Radar  "Oberhofer's debut album, Time Capsules II, has the feel, the scope and the grandiloquence of a musical." The Guardian  "Time Capsules II is that kind of album: a buffet of familiar confections designed for easy digestion, painstakingly dressed and seasoned to demand repeat consumption" CMJ We ran into friends of ours there--industry insiders who worked for Spin for years, and raved that Oberhofer was one of their favorites from SXSW 2011.   Check 'em out for yourselves tonight at The Congress Theater opening for Matt & Kim.  All ages. Emotion is what drives the psychedelic catchy pop rock tunes crafted by the oft-effervescent Brad Oberhofer. Drawing on influences ranging from Brian Wilson to Descartes, the 21 year old is fixated on the idea of making philosophically minded, energetic melodies that just make people smile. “Music is this thing I just inherently do and psychologically, I have a desire to make as many people happy as possible. Music helps you think about stuff, it helps you feel, you know?” With an unforgettable way of speaking directly from the heart, Brad Oberhofer’s songs have a pulse that form the very core of what makes Oberhofer, Oberhofer. To put it quite simply, a great rock & roll band. Armed with a belief that you spend your entire life searching for the socially aware version of the 5 year old “you”, he tries to inject each song with the innocence felt by that same kid, sitting on the couch of his parents house playing the broken guitar he spent months teaching himself  how to play. Referring to his songwriting as “a time capsule of exactly how I’m feeling at a particular moment”, each song on his forthcoming debut, Time Capsules II, is a clear, unrestrained look inside the head of Brad Oberhofer. “Gold” is a reflection on two magical weeks spent with a first love that inadvertently initiated his musical endeavors. “Away Frm U” is an upbeat song about saying goodbye to that love. Like most of the impressive debut, the stand-out “I Could Go” shows that above all, his heart is on his sleeve in both his words and everything he creates, a trademark that suits his search for sincerity well. After moving to Brooklyn from his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, to attend New York University, Brad quickly immersed himself in the indie rock community forming the 4 piece which is now quite simply, Oberhofer. Catching the attention of Glassnote Records, the band officially joined the labels’ roster over the summer of 2011. Brad recorded the debut album Time Capsules II with legendary producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, The Rolling Stones & Morrissey among others) in Brooklyn last fall and are on the road for the next, playing shows and festivals around the world. One thing is certain – expect to see big things from this promising young band. It’s going to be quite a year for Oberhofer, the sky is truly the limit. Remaining Tour Dates / 11/08 - Rave Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI * 11/09 - The Vogue - Indianapolis, IN * 11/10 - Congress Theater - Chicago, IL * 11/11 - Majestic Theatre - Detroit, MI * 11/13 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH * 11/14 - Newport Music Hall - Columbus,    OH * 11/15 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY * 11/16 - House of Blues - Boston, MA * 11/17 - Wellmont Theatre - Montclair, NJ * * with Matt & Kim Time Capsules II | Tracklisting / 01. HEART 02. Landline 03. Away Frm U 04. I Could Go 05. Yr Face 06. oOoO 07. Cruisin' FDR 08. Gold 09. Haus 10. Homebro Links / Oberhofer Official Facebook Follow Oberhofer On Twitter Glassnote Records

PLAY LOCALLY: Our Top Weekend Picks for 18+ & Family Friendly Events

Keller Williams Interview With ChiIL Mama from ChiIL Mama on Vimeo.



ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama chat with Keller Williams about How Creatives Parent and How Parents Create


TODAY (Saturday)


American Girl Place

Meet the Author: Kathleen Ernst 1-3pm--free and open to the public.

Meet Kathleen Ernst, the award-winning author of Caroline Abbott’s six-book series! This informal session is your girl’s opportunity to meet Ms. Ernst in person and have her favorite books signed. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.

Event details by store

• Chicago: October 13
• Dallas: November 17
• Kansas City: October 14
• Seattle: November 18

Click here for full details.

Keller Williams at Park West (18+)8:30pm GA/ doors 7:30


ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?!   Highly recommended.   We've had the great pleasure of interviewing Keller Williams and shooting stills at his adult and kindie shows for years.  Check out our live show shots from Summer Camp Music Festival, Kidzapalooza, and Chicago's own Park West last year.   


This multitalented musician goes beyond the jam band genre with a plethora of great releases for adults, a kindie (kids' indie) album, and a kids' book/CD combo!!   We've given away loads of his CDs, and even the book/CD to our lucky readers.

This time through he's just playing for the big kids (AKA adults and kids 18+). 





It was great to meet Keller, his wife, Emily, and the kids, Ella and Cabell last year at Park West in Chicago.   Click HERE for our show stills and sneek peek.



Since ChiIL Live Shows & ChiIL Mama have a national following in the jam band and kindie communities check out Keller's upcoming tour dates beyond Chi-Town on his web site and keep up to date on Twitter, FB and social media sites. 


Check out some of our past Keller coverage on ChiIL Mama here and ChiIL Live Shows here.


Tickets are still available.   Click here for tonight's show details.



Sunday





Brunch With Gymnast, Gabby Douglas 


It's going to be a week of meeting heros and girls who rock.   My gymnast daughter is elated to meet two members of the US Olympic girls team.   Sunday we'll have brunch with Gabby Douglas and Monday we'll meet Aly Raisman at American Girl Place, Chicago.   Who are your heros?   

Olympic Champion Gabrielle Douglas will visit Chicago with her mother, Natalie Hawkins, to highlight a special event exclusive to mothers and daughters. 

What: Douglas will speak to hundreds of mothers, daughters and supporters at the “Pink Pearls & Pretty Dresses: Girls’ Empowerment Brunch.” The event is a fundraiser for Inspire Girls to Lead Our World (iGlow)—a Chicago mentorship program for young girls.

When: Sunday, October 14, 2012; 12pm-4pm

Where: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center; 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Why: The event will be a day of inspiration and empowerment for young girls and their mothers. It will also help raise funds for iGlow so that it can continue delivering resources and guidance for young women in the Chicago-land area.  In short, iGlow provides platforms for young girls to get answers to their questions about life and their struggles.

  

Aly Raisman Monday


Come to American Girl Chicago on Monday, October 15, for a chance to meet gymnastics two-time gold-medalist Aly Raisman! The first 300 girls in line at the Michigan Avenue entrance will receive a ticket to meet Aly, who will sign autographs and appear in photos from 5 – 7 p.m. Remember to bring your camera! Learn more about our Chicago store: http://bit.ly/Vi4LEn



All Weekend


Logan Center For The Arts Opening

Logan Launch Festival, October 12-14

The new Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts will officially open to the public with a free three-day Logan Launch Festival on October 12-14, 2012. The Logan Launch Festival will include ongoing activities throughout the building–and outside on the courtyard stage–featuring over 50 events organized for the occasion. The weekend highlights art of all sorts, with an architecture lecture by the Logan Center architects, plays written by alumni, film screenings and sound installations, the launch of family programming, Greek tragedy adaptations, and student talent. View the full schedule of events at loganlaunch.uchicago.edu.

Harvest Fest at North Park Nature Center