4/20 Means Metal in Chi-Town Tonight at Cobra Lounge & Empty Bottle

 photo credit:   Freeman Promotions


Prong-live at Cobra Lounge TONIGHT.   ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?   We'll be shooting stills and have a full review up shortly.


Prong Premiere New Song on Noisecreep 

New Album Carved Into Stone In Stores April 24th on Long Branch Records
 
Check out the exclusive premiere of "Ammunition" courtesy of Noisecreep HERE.

PRONG are currently on tour with Crowbar and Witchburn, in support of their forthcoming release Carved Into Stone which is set for an April 24th release date on Long Branch Records, a division of SPV.

The song "Eternal Heat" is streaming courtesy of Metal Insider.
 
PRONG has completed work on their Long Branch Records debut with producer Steve Evetts.  PRONG (whose lineup includes bassist Tony Campos and drummer Alexei Rodriguez) has taken a major step forward in their constantly evolving brand of sonic schematics.

Carved into Stone is quintessentially PRONG. It stretches into the band's earliest and dirtiest foundations on which the band was founded on New York's Lower East Side to the present as a staple of today's post-metal and rock scenes.

PRONG recently unveiled the tracklisting and the album art for Carved Into Stone. The artwork was created by Vance Kelly (Down, The Sword)

Carved Into Stone Tracklisting
1) Eternal Heat
2) Keep on Living in Pain
3) Ammunition
4) Revenge ... Best Served Cold
5) State of Rebellion
6) Put Myself to Sleep
7) List of Grievances
8) Carved Into Stone
9) Subtract
10) Path of Least Resistance
11) Reinvestigate

With Crowbar and Witchburn:

4/20: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge
4/21: Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
4/22: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In 
4/23: Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music Hall
4/24: Shreveport, LA @ Riverside Warehouse
4/27: Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch*
4/28: Temecula, CA @ The Vault*
4/30: Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones*

*PRONG headlines


Noisecreep says:
On April 24, Prong will release Carved Into Stone, the post-metal pioneering band's eighth studio album. Produced by Steve Evetts (Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die), founding vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor commented about the album, "It was hardest I've ever worked in the studio on any record I've ever been involved with."

"I always believed there were many dimensions to Prong," says Victor. "Every record we've been associated with different scenes - hardcore, metal, industrial - even dance! I think this record brings all of that together and sounds very modern at the same time."

In this Noisecreep exclusive, we're proud to bring you the exclusive premiere of "Ammunition," a track off of Carved Into Stone. The song is a lean and mean slab of riffy metal that will have you air-guitaring at your desk within seconds!



*Check out ChiIL Live Shows pit photos of Dillinger Escape Plan from their show on 11/11/11 opening for Mastodon at The Vic right here.  


For more info visit:
http://www.prongmusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/prongmusic
http://www.spv.de
http://www.longbranchrecords.com

Cobra Lounge is sold out for tonight

If you missed out, head over to Empty Bottle instead (or after).  Bloodiest goes on at midnight and ChiIL Live Shows will be shooting there as well!

Click here for all the Bloodiest details

Fri Apr 20 2012 10:00 PM

• Bloodiest (Vinyl LP release)
  • Official Website
  • Facebook
• Planetsexploder (EP release)
  • Facebook
  • Bandcamp
• Winters In Osaka
  • Facebook
  • Bandcamp

$8 (advance), $10

Get a free mp3 download from Bloodiest! After your purchase you’ll get a link to download "Fallen". Enjoy!

Featuring members of 90 DAY MEN, ATOMBOMBPOCKETKNIFE, STERLING, and YAKUZA – BLOODIEST continuously blow our minds and our eardrums with the menacing and malevolent classical and drone inspired metal found on their debut Descent, an album whose LP release we are celebrating to night.  

Trebuchet Magazine says a listen to the LP will leave you “almost comatose. After returning to a normal state of mind a few minutes after the album has finished, uncurling from the fetal position on the floor you’ll find yourself in if you have truly been listening, the only thing that will come to mind is simply, ‘What the fuck was that?””  

That can only mean fantastic things when churned out on the Empty Bottle stage.  To gear you up for the auditory beating, we are excited to welcome back PLANETSEXPLODER celebrating a release of their own – an EP they’ll have available at the show that lives up to their reputation for being so loud they were asked to relocate out of their old practice space so as not to upset the neighbors.  WINTERS IN OSAKA return to open here tonight -  having gone past their punk influenced noise roots, the outfit is now creating quieter, spookier ambient/drone music and has added members of HARPOON and BONGRIPPER to the fold.   

If you’re looking to have your mind shattered this 4.20, this is where you need to be.

With special guest: Lagunitas Brewing Company! Celebrating 4.20 with a Tap Takeover of these flavor-packed Draft Offerings:

Lagunitas A Little Sumpin Sumpin
Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
Lagunitas Dog Town Pale Ale
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale
Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale
Lagunitas India Pale Ale
Lagunitas Maximus Ale
Lagunitas Pilsner
Lagunitas Waldo

  

*Lagunitas IPA is seriously my fav beer, though I could be talked into A Little Sumpin Sumpin, too.   

Human Nature-The Motown Show-Dancing With The Stars 4/23 & Performing at Akoo 4/29!

AUSTRALIA’S #1 VOCAL GROUP – HUMAN NATURE – TO PERFORM ON
ABC’S ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS,’ APRIL 23

“Human Nature: The Motown Show” at the Akoo Theatre, April 29

ChiIL Live Shows will be there.   Get your tickets today, for this award winning, family friendly, one night only appearance.
 
Human Nature, Australia’s #1 pop vocal group, is the latest artist scheduled to perform on ABC’s hit television show ‘Dancing With The Stars.’  On Monday, April 23, the chart-topping group will bring their distinctive vocal talents to next week's Motown-themed episode along with legends Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Martha Reeves.
 
Exploring their passion for singing great harmony and inspired by the extraordinary music of Motown, brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney teamed up with high-school mates, Phil Burton and Toby Allen. They would go on to form the international pop vocal group sensation Human Nature, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1 in their native continent, selling millions of records worldwide and garnering 23 platinum awards, 70 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits.
 
Human Nature will make its Chicagoland debut as part of  its first-ever U.S. tour for one performance only at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 North River Road, Sunday, April 29 at 7 pm.
 
Tickets for “Human Nature: The Motown Show” at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont (formerly the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 North River Road) range from $29 to $57.50 and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 800-982-2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
Released last month, Human Nature’s first U.S. release, The Motown Record includes several tracks produced by Harvey Mason Jr. (Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Glee) and their DVD, Human Nature Sings Motown, was produced by longtime Grammy® Awards show producer Ken Ehrlich. The CD features 11 tracks offering Human Nature’s own authentic take on Motown hits and classics including the bonus track “Get Ready,” a song they recorded with the legendary Smokey Robinson.  The DVD also features a full concert by the group, a special appearance by Smokey Robinson, plus 40 minutes of bonus content.
 
For more information visit www.humannaturelive.com.

CHI, IL LIVE CIRCUS-SAVE THE DATES-Cirque Shanghai Year of the Dragon

ChiIL Live Shows original Cirque Shanghai shots from 2011
 
"CIRQUE SHANGHAI: YEAR OF THE DRAGON"
COMES TO NAVY PIER PEPSI SKYLINE STAGE
MAY 24 - SEPTEMBER 3

MAYDAY...MAYDAY...Tickets Go On Sale Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m.
  
Cirque Shanghai returns to Chicago's Navy Pier this summer with a magnificent new show "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" beginning Thursday, May 24, 2012.  The production will run through September 3, 2012 (Labor Day), rain or shine, at the Navy Pier Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

Tickets will go on-sale Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. and will be available via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai.

"Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" is a spectacle for audiences of all ages, featuring performers direct from China who are leaders in their craft of tumbling, juggling, balancing and more. This year's production features an incredible line up of awe-inspiring acts, including favorites such as Bike Balances and Hoop Diving, as well as an all-new Group Chair Stack, Teeterboard act and the Wheel of Death.

China's finest daredevil motorcycle troupe, "Imperial Thunder," returns with not two, not four, but five motorcyclists riding at break-neck speed within a steel globe - more than ever before in this death-defying feat.

Directed by Miao Miao Chen, "Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" is presented in this exclusive U.S. engagement by Navy Pier in conjunction with International Special Attractions, Ltd. (ISA) production headquarters in Shanghai, China.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

"Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon" will perform May 24 - Sept. 3, with regular run performances as follows:

Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.
Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m.
Friday at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.

There will be additional performances on Sunday, May 27 at 8 p.m., Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 3 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15.50 - $29.50 and will be available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting www.grouptix.net.

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS TONIGHT: Girl You Know It's True & Red Baraat

  

Girl You Know It's True

Pictured L-R: Sentell Harper as Rob and Armand Fields as Fabrice (Milli Vanilli). Photo by Ben Chandler.

Girl You Know It's True

John Zinn as Bixby. Photo Credit RE Casper.

Tonight's the night.   We've been promoting both of these via FB and Twitter for weeks.   We'll have a full theatre review and photo filled band feature for you in the near future.   But nothing beats being there!   Here's the deal:

ACT OUT:   CHI IL LIVE THEATRE-OPENING TONIGHT

Girl You Know It's True 

Pavement Group

Chopin Theatre

Pavement Group was featured in the original Steppenwolf Garage Rep with their production of "punkplay" in 2010. The company continues to seek emerging voices nationally, and they are thrilled to present the world premiere of a dangerous new voice in American Theatre, Bixby Elliot's "Girl You Know It's True" this spring. 
"Girl You Know It's True" will play the Chopin Theatre April 12 - May 13.

PAVEMENT GROUP PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
BIXBY ELLIOT’S  “GIRL YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE”
APRIL 12 – MAY 13, 2012 AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE
 
Pavement Group presents the world premiere of “Girl You Know It’s True” at the Chopin Theatre downstairs studio April 12 – May 13, 2012.  Written by a dangerous new voice in American Theatre, Bixby Elliot, and directed by Pavement Group Artistic Director David Perez, “Girl You Know It’s True” is a hilarious and bold indictment of the institution of theatre and true intent behind the act of creation.

When a forty-something, Caucasian male playwright fails to get his work produced he conjures up a radical new identity for himself. Instantly his stand in - an African American Lesbian woman in a wheelchair - shoots to fame. Told in tandem with the infamous Milli Vanilli scandal, “Girl You Know It’s True” is a divisive new play that is certain to provoke discourse. Inspired by the rise and fall of the pop/rock duo Milli Vanilli, “Girl You Know It’s True” was a semi-finalist for the O’Neill Conference in 2011, finalist for New Harmony, finalist for Kitchen Dog Theater New Works and an advanced round entry for PlayPenn 2011. 

“Girl You Know It’s True” features Samantha Bailey, Cyd Blakewell, Eli Branson, Armand Fields, Sentell Harper, Alexander Lane, Keith Neagle, Michael Salinas, Jake Szczepaniak and John Zinn. Scenic design is by John Wilson, lighting design is by Janna Webber and Tim Schoen, sound design is by Jeff Kelley, prop design is by Aimee Plant and costume design is by Emma Cullimore.

Performances will run April 12 – May 13, 2012, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.  Press opening is Monday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and there will be an additional industry night performance Monday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.pavementgroup.org.

Bixby Elliot’s work includes “Blueprint” (produced by Tony Award-winning producer Arielle Tepper Madover as part of her new works Summer Play Festival (SPF) under the direction of Drama Desk Nominee Jonathan Silverstein and starring Emmy Award-winner Peter Strauss), “Abraham Lincoln was a Faggot” (developed by Epiphany Theater, finalist for the O’Neill Theater Conference in 2010, finalist for New Dramatists, Seven Devils Development Conference, Pandora New Play Competition and a semi-finalist for New Harmony Workshop), “Treasure Island, FL” (SouthernRep New Play Festival Winner, New Orleans); “PN1923.45 LS01 volume 2: The Book Play” (New York Premiere: NYC International Fringe Festival, director Stephen Brackett), “Hotel Oracle” (New York premiere at Walkerspace/SoHo Rep, director Stephen Brackett) and “I Am Not Peter Pan” (New York premiere: Cherry Lane Theater; Edinburgh Fringe Festival Best of Fest Winner, director Cary McClelland).  Bixby is a graduate of the MFA playwriting program at Columbia University.  Current projects include work on two original television projects and a new play titled “Birds Do It.” Visit bixbyelliot.com.

David Perez is the founding artistic director of Pavement Group. He is a Chicago-based director and playwright. Local credits include: “punkplay,” “fracture/mechanics,” “Lipstick Traces” and 365 Days/Plays for Pavement Group. Additionally he has worked with Empty Space Theatre, Angry Blvd, Steppenwolf, Teatro Vista, Collaboraction, American Theatre Company, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Around The Coyote and About Face Theatre. In fall 2012 he will direct Pavement Group's world premiere of "Breaks and Bikes." David was also controlled by the internet and twitter for seven days on behalf of Leo Burnett at the Cannes Advertising festival. It was pretty popular. You should check out the insanity at davidondemand.com. He also hosts Leo Burnett's web series #askdavid. David is a proud graduate of Cornish College of The Arts.

About Pavement Group
Founded in 2006, Pavement Group is a Chicago based collaborative of theatre artists who look nationally for emerging voices to produce fresh plays that make contact with new audiences. The company is committed to immediate and immersive work that is thought provoking, not thought providing.  Pavement Group unlocks a conversation between the audience and their humanity.  Pavement Group was founded by Brittany Barnes (Managing Director), Julia Dossett Morgan, David Perez (Artistic Director) and Tim Schoen.  The company now also includes Jeff Kelley, Mary Krupka (General Manager), Keith Neagle, Chip Davis, Heidi Koling and Jeremy Smith.  Artistic Associates include Mallery Avidon, Cyd Blakewell, Matt Farabee, Alexander Lane, Jessica London-Shields, Aimee Plant, Cassy Sanders and Janna Webber.

For more information visit www.pavementgroup.org.

Red Baraat-Schubas

ChiIL Live Shows will be there to shoot the show.   Can't wait!

 

 

Monday, April 16, 2012 8:00 PM    
18+ $15.00

• Red Baraat
• Matt Jennings

Schubas says:  It’s a sound so powerful it has left the band in its own utterly unique and enviable class. These days you are as likely to find Red Baraat throwing down at an overheated and unannounced warehouse party in their Brooklyn neighborhood as you are at the Barbican or the Montreal Jazz Festival, or Lincoln Center. It’s a band unquestionably on the ascent playing some of the most prestigious festivals and theatres worldwide, and keeping their chops razor sharp in basements and sweaty sold out clubs across New York City. Leading an audience as diverse and joyful as the band itself, Red Baraat has subsumed a plateful of global infuence, fused it, and is now exporting it Brooklyn-style to the world.

Check out Schubas main site to buy tickets and for more information.

*Can't make it to Schubas tonight or you're under 18?   You have another chance to catch RED BARAAT, THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED DHOL 'N' BRASS PARTY BAND in Elgin this Friday, 4/20!

ECC ARTS CENTER FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY,FRIDAY, APRIL 20
Children ages 5+ are welcome at many ECC events, but do need to purchase a ticket.  Contact the venue for age guidelines/restrictions specific to Red Baraat.
 
Red Baraat comes to the ECC Arts Center’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Known for its explosive stage performances, Red Baraat melds North Indian rhythm Bhangra with a host of sounds including brass, funk, go-go, Latin, and jazz to create a wildly exciting musical experience. The Wall Street Journal calls Red Baraat “a big band for the world,” and the Chicago Reader hails them as “fun as hell.” The April 20 performance will include selections from their upcoming album, “Shruggy Ji.”

Chi, IL Live Dance-Multicultural-"From the Arctic to the Middle East (Broken Narratives by an American Flamenco Dancer)"

Shows on our radar this week:

This sounds like an amazing collaboration.   Check it out for 3 nights only!   Seating is limited and all proceeds will benefit Clinard Dance Theatre, a not-for-profit organization.

Clinard Dance Theatre is proud to present "From the Arctic to the Middle East (Broken Narratives by an American Flamenco Dancer)" on April 20 and 21 at 8:00 p.m. (CST), and April 22 at 7:00 p.m. (CST) at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 207, in Chicago.

Artistic Director Wendy Clinard will lead audiences on a journey inspired by travels with her daughter to Syria while reading the Arctic travel epic, "Kaloona" The work fuses connections between the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the physical and those between the essences of struggle and celebration. Clinard questions the forces that shape human history and interdependence.

From the Arctic to the Middle East (Broken Narratives by an American Flamenco Dancer) is an interdisciplinary multimedia work that includes an original score by composer and music director Steve Gibons, performed on contrabass, guitar, oud, percussion, violin and voice. The work presents contemporary flamenco dancers in unique context with live video projections by Marco Ferrari.

From the Arctic to the Middle East (Broken Narratives by an American Flamenco Dancer) uses the timeless tools of story, song, music and dance to provide an odyssey and a sense of transcendence, which gives the feeling that the journey has just begun.

Find out why Lucia Mauro of the Chicago Tribune says "Clinard places the intricate presentational aspects of flamenco in a vital, contemporary context."

Tickets are $20; $15 for seniors and students and are available through the Clinard Dance Theatre and Links Hall Websites.

Reggies Round Up-Past Photo Features and Upcoming Shows on Our Radar

Reggies Rock Club is one of our Chi-Town favorites for great sound, a sweet selection of beer for those who go for quality or cheap quantity, and excellent line ups.  

Check out ChiIL Live Shows archives for loads of live show shots from Reggies with many more to come.   We've shot an eclectic assortment from a bunch of hard core and punk shows, to Nashville Pussy and Steampunk burlesque.   
 
Check out our past coverage of one of our up and coming home town favs--O' My's right here.


Past Reggies favorites shot by ChiIL Live Shows.   Click the links for our photo filled features:

Nashville Pussy
Carnivale Delirium (steampunk music, burlesque & side show oddities)

Supersuckers

D.R.I.

The Stranger

World Inferno Friendship Society

Macabre-Yakuza-Novembers Doom-A Corporate Death

Pig Champion & War Brides

Coming Soon:   
ChiIL Live Shows video interview with The English Dogs with a cameo appearance by The Casualties.   Live show videos and stills!


Here are Reggies upcoming shows on our radar.

Friday, April 13 • 8:00 PM • Ages 21+

NERD CITY PRESENTS C2E2 AFTER-PARTY "MONSTER'S BALL" $10 ADV / $15 DOS

BUY TICKETS!

CHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJECT Website As the world’s cultural and political climate evolves, so does its music. Rooted in the turbulence of social change, afrobeat coalesced decades ago from a fiery political landscape of Nigeria in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Now, with the polarized state of the world since the turn of the millennium, afrobeat again grips the world – this time, the American musical climate. EUFORQUESTRA Website The band is known for their diverse sound and eclectic repertoire, covering a number of traditional and progressive sounds ranging from (but not limited to) reggae, dub, afrobeat and samba to ska, highlife, funk and jazz.

Saturday, April 14 • 8:00 PM • Ages 18+ • $15.00

Steampunk Chicago & The Squidling Brothers Circus present:Gearbox Fantastique II

BUY TICKETS! $15.00

THE SQUIDLING BROTHERS Website With glass walking, human block head, sword swallowing and other such feats to shock and amaze by The Squidling Brothers Sideshow! JELLYBOY T CLOWN Website Master of Ceremonies and clown extra-ordinaire Jellyboy T. Clown HELLBLINKI Website Live gothic cabaret by Hellblinki! V IS FOR VILLIANS Website Theatrical electro rock by V is for Villains STEAMPUNKS! And steampunk DJs The Lords & Ladies DJs on the Fusion-O-Scope!

Friday, April 20 • 8:00 PM • Ages 17+

$8.00 ADV / $10 DOOR

BUY TICKETS!

THE O'MYS THE O'MYSWebsite The O'My's are a band of scoundrels and hooligans holding down Rock'n'Soul for the windy city. They will not be stopped and are taking all of the booty. "Free your mind and your ass will follow" WILD JESUS & THE DEVIL LETTUCE FAMILY PARTY BAND Website Wild Jesus and The Devil’s Lettuce Family Party Band is a community of musicians with the uncanny ability to surprise you every time they take the stage. As one might expect from such a strangely named group, Wild Jesus’ sound ranges from noir waltzes all the way to effects laden, impressionistic, psychedelic grooves. KIRBY KAISER Website A melting pot of soul, jazz, doo-wop, vintage pop, and harmony-driven '60s girl group music.

Saturday, April 21 • 9:00 AM

RECORD STORE DAY IN RECORD BREAKERS!!

We'll have exclusive RSD releases, free hot dogs & soda, and in-store performances including... SWIMSUIT ADDITION Website Swimsuit Addition embody both the fierceness of Rrrrriot Girrrrl rock and the melodic sense of power pop. ELECTRIC TOUCH Website Incendiary rock band originating in Austin, Texas fusing classic and contemporary influences resulting in a high energy live show and arena-ready anthems. MAGICKS Website The beauty of Magicks sound is that it is as accessible as it is indecipherable. Although the Chicago native cites hip hop, rhythm and blues and shoegaze as initial influences, the end product is much more. Magicks is a high minister in the "Church of What's Happening Now", managing to blend a virtual primer of today's most influential sounds into one cohesive package that actually sounds good (to even the most jaded critic). This is dreamy pop music crafted by a psychick warrior. Equal parts pleasure and challenge to the modern ear. SEAN AND TOM OF EMPIRES Website A HARD DEDICATED BAND GOING THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES IN LIFE AND STILL MANAGING TO PUT OUT GOOD MUSIC AND PLAY SHOWS CLOSE OR FAR...AND AFTER THE UPS AND DOWNS WITH BAND MEMBERS THAT ARE DEDICATED AND THE NON DEDICATED ONES WE APPRECIATE AND RESPECT YOU FOR THE HELP.. OWEN Website In the past decade, Chicago's Mike Kinsella has played a variety of instruments in a handful of bands including Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, The One Up Downstairs, American Football, Owls, Maritime, and Aloha. Owen is his solo project. THE SWEEPS Website The Sweeps could never disappoint. Their songs are catchy, their stage presence is amazing, and the energy from their fans is intoxicating! MITCH MEAD Website Mitch Mead's songs are equal parts heartbreak and humor, misery and mirth, sci-fi and fantasy. And each one is roughly 25% alcohol by volume. This Michigan-born, Chicago-based singer/songwriter wields an energetic and highly literate brand of folk rock that is as much melancholy as it is euphoria. Call it what you will, this is folk music that refuses to sit down. NEW DIET Website

Wednesday, June 13 • 6:00 PM • All Ages

mPshows.com presents facebook.com/mpshows twitter.com/mpshows

BUY TICKETS!

SIX FEET UNDERWebsite Tampa, FL's SIX FEET UNDER (SFU), featuring legendary godfather of death metal vocals Chris Barnes, has been delivering unapologetic death metal since 1993. SFU continue to do what they do best; delivering bludgeoning slabs of metal that leave fans hungering for more. Legendary death metal vocalist Chris Barnes, along with guitarist Steve Swanson continue to follow the dark and demented path that merges what Outburn Magazine calls "tried and true death groove" with stomach-turning lyrics and themes. DYING FETUS Website Self-reliance and musical integrity are two principles which Dying Fetus have always lived by. The band formed in 1991, during the height of the death metal explosion of the early '90s, and have matured into one of the premiere extreme death metal/grind-core acts ever to come out of the massive global metal underground. The band is recognized worldwide as a prime example of songwriting perfection, combining an innovative mix of technical virtuosity and catchy song structures to create the ultimate blend of death metal, hardcore, and grindcore. Intensity unparalleled, and musical power unrivaled, they are the leaders of the new generation in extreme music. Their sounds and lyrics are a brutal response to the everyday stress and pressures of reality in our age, while also providing the ultimate escape from it. REVOCATION Website REVOCATION combines the energy of old-school thrash metal and the twisted musicianship of death metal. In May 2008, Revocation self-released their debut full-length CD 'Empire of the Obscene.' It highlights each band member's individual talents and showcases their ability to write memorable songs, while still maintaining complexity and aggression.

Saturday, June 16 • 7:00 PM • Ages 17+

PUNK ROCK PSYCHOBILLY! TICKETS $12 ADVANCE, $15 DAY OF SHOW

BUY TICKETS!

KOFFIN KATS KOFFIN KATSWebsite With over eight years of touring internationally and 1000+ shows, the Detroit based Koffin Kats new home is on the road. This trio kicked it off in June of 2003 with the mission to not stop for anything. Vic Victor (Lead Vocal, Upright Bass) would join forces with long time friend Tommy Koffin (Guitar) and start laying the ground work for the sonic assault known as The Koffin Kats. They put together songs with subjects ranging from Sci-Fi to dealing with the horrors of the real world. With Eric “E Ball” Walls (Drums) they began in small local bars playing for beer and eventually made their way out of the Mid West. The next couple of years proved to be up with numerous North American tours and down with drummer changes. During this time they released their first three albums - S/T (2003), Inhumane (2005), and Straying from the Pack (2006). These releases and the tours caught some attention and helped get the name of ”The Koffin Kats” noticed in the wide world of punk & psychobilly. In 2007 Vic and Tommy hooked back up with Eric to get ready for the fourth album, Drunk in the Daylight (2008), and began what the Kats are now known for… NON STOP TOURING & TRYING TO MAKE EVERY SHOW A PARTY. With their love for their fans and for the road they set out to play everywhere willing to listen to them. In the recent years they have been able to make a name for themselves in Europe as well and have been included on tours with some of the tops acts in psychobilly such as Mad Sin, Nekromantix, & The Meteors. In 2009 they released “Forever For Hire” and at the years end Tommy left the band to pursue a normal life. Shortly thereafter EZ Ian Jarrell took over the guitar and hopped on tour. While on the road they worked on material that would become featured on a split album with The 12 Step Rebels in released in Spring of 2011. Now The Koffin Kats are currently on a North American Tour and have signed with Sailors Grave Records to release the next full length "Our Way & The Highway" in January 2012. HORROR IS DEAD Website Horror Is Dead was formed in the lifeless, grey city of Bartlett, IL in 2006. With harmonized vocals, intricate bass lines, technical drumming, and dramatic guitar riffs, HID brings a new element to the Horror Punk genre. The outspoken, now mastermind behind HID, Johnny Marland has given a new way to look at horror lyrics, and a new chemistry to the music. With original member "Mega" Mark Harrison, and new drummer Brian Leh, HID intends to beat the life back into what is believed as a dead form of punk music.....

Saturday, June 23 • 1:00 AM • All Ages • $10.00

SCHOOL OF ROCK

BEST OF THE SPRING SEASON BEST OF THE SPRING SEASON Website The Best of Season show is an arrangement of the best songs from the School of Rock spring show season. This show is special because we get to see the students perform their best one more time and we partner up with the other schools in the region (Chicago, Highwood, Evanston, Mokena and Naperville!)

Saturday, September 22 • 7:00 PM • Ages 17+ PSYCHOBILLY ALL THE WAY FROM BERLIN/UK!!! $15 IN ADVANCE AND $18 AT DOOR BUY TICKETS! FRANTIC FLINTSTONES FRANTIC FLINTSTONESWebsite THREE BLUE TEARDROPS Website Three Blue Teardrops formed in the fall of 1991. A three piece trio of drums, upright bass and guitar, the band began writing and performing original songs that combined elements of 1970’s punk , gut bucket blues, jungle swing, gospel, garage rock, hillbilly jazz and country harmony to the 1950’s style raw rockabilly sounds of our Rock-N-Roll forefathers to create their own contemporary sound that was not stuck in the trappings of rockabilly, psychobilly, punk, blues or any single musical sub genre. GAMBLERS MARK Website It all started in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, where a young David discovered great Blues music at the local pub in the city of Arcadia. It wasnt long before False Idols was formed, they became an eclectic trio whose music style was difficult to coin. After invading the local music scene for nearly three years, the trio dedcided to go their separate ways. Meanwhile, the skills of a young musician were forming, as Dan-e took on the task of learning to play the drums. Inevitably, Dave and Dan-e decided to join forces and establish Gamblers Mark. They had a great run the first time around, but were faced with obstacles to overcome. In reinventing themselves and reinforcing the GM unit, they decided to let Dan-e take over the upright bass and call on Ricky Lobo to take over the drums and back-up vocals. With over nine years drumming experience Ricky proved to be a good choice for the missing link. Gamblers Mark fronted by guitarist and lead vocalist David Arechiga, with Dan-e Arechiga on bass and back-up vocals, and Ricky Lobo on drums and back-up vocals remains a trio whose style isnt easily coined. They bring together many sounds including Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Surf, Ska, Corridos para mover las nalgas, and reved up 50s rock n roll. NOTHING TO GAIN Website From the fires of hell they rise with powerful guitar riffs, pounding bass lines, and intense drummming to make a permanent scar on the Chicago music scene. With influences such as The Koffin Kats, Mad Sin, Eddie Cochran, and Johnny Cash they're not here to tell you how to dress, who to be, or what to believe in. They sing of your nightmares and quiet possibly some of your dreams. Lifes to short to worry about money, politics, and religion so fuck all of that and lets have a good time!!

CIMMfest Kick Off This Thursday-Queens of Country Film

ACTORS LIZZY CAPLAN & JOE LO TRUGLIO
ATTEND CHICAGO PREMIERE OF QUEENS OF COUNTRY FILM,
THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 12
***OPENING NIGHT OF CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL MOVIES & MUSIC FESTIVAL

WHO: Actors Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls, Bachelorette) and Joe Lo Truglio (Wanderlust, Super Bad)… 

WHAT: will attend the Opening Night of the 4th Chicago International Movies & Music Festival, featuring the Chicago Premiere of their film, Queens of Country… 

WHEN: Thursday, April 12

7pm - film screening; 8:15pm - Q&A 

WHERE: Wicker Park Art Center, 2215 W. North Avenue

MORE: Also in attendance are directors Ryan Page and Christopher Pomerenke, and producer Chris Topper McDaniel.

Queens of Country stars Lizzy Caplan as the prettiest girl in a small Arizona town, obsessed with old time country stars, who finds a lost iPod filled with songs that speak to her sensitive heart. Jolene Gillis is convinced the owner is her soul mate and she is thrust into a sexy, heartwarming and hilarious adventure of mistaken identities, ATVs, line dancing competitions, kidnappers, time machines and doppelgangers. 

Queens of Country is among the 50+ films from over 20 countries that will be screened at the 4th Chicago International Movies & Music Festival taking place throughout Wicker Park and Logan Square through Sunday, April 15. For more information, visit www.cimmfest.org.