ChiIL Live Shows

Friday, May 4, 2012

Ballad of a Salad-LIVE at Hideout-Chris (Sandman) Sand

ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama had a chance to catch Chris (Sandman) Sand and Tony Rogers at their recent Chicago show at Hideout. Here's Ballad of a Salad live and the music video version, shot last summer in Tony's kitchen, below.

*Check out our full video interview with both musicians here.

We'll have a shorter version of just the How Creatives Parents and How Parents Create excerpt here in the near future.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Summer Camp Music Festival Kicks Off Season #SCMF12

Here are some of ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama's highlights from 2012

It's nearly Summer Camp (SCamp) time again and ChiIL Live Shows will be back covering the start of the big, summer music fest scene again.

Every Memorial Day weekend, starting on the Thursday before for early bird ticket holders, the fields and forest of Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe are transformed, as colorful tents and even more colorful people descend on the park to rock out to great bands, eat tasty, multicultural food, shop, learn and play together.

We've been raving about Summer Camp Music Festival in Three Sisters Park in south western Illinois for years now, and covering all their 2012 artist announcements and ticket tiers on our Facebook and Twitter Feeds.

Moe

But Summer Camp isn't something you can just read about. It's something you have to experience!

Late Night With Cornmeal:

Sure the lineup is impressive, but sometimes the real show is out in the audience! Whether muddy or dry, rainy or warm, SCamp is a rockin' fun time.

Summercamp is multigenerational

Kids Camp

A positive place for all the Summer Camp kids to get together!

Join the fun with all sorts of games and activities like jewelry making, face painting, water fun, arts and crafts, hair wraps, and as much creative fun as we could pack into a single weekend!

Kids area is for parents to enjoy with their children and all activities are free. It's open early every day and closes before the main acts in the later afternoon and evening. In past years, my own kids, Sagezilla and Du-Jay have loved catapulting water balloons at "the hippies" walking by on the paths with giant sling shot, water balloon launchers. It's a playful, fun way to drench the great unwashed masses.

Sagezilla got her first hair wrap ever at Summer Camp and both kids adored learning knot work and making their own hemp bracelets with super cool beads.

The staff at the kids' area is sweet, friendly, fun and knowledgeable and they are eager to help families make the most of their Summer Camp weekend.

Past kids' activities have included 56 Hope Road w/ music from Mr. Dave & an amazing drum workshop with Greg. There have also been demos and lessons by awesome juggler, Dean Franzen, Ruthee the balloon artist from the unique twist, and water wars from fun-on-the-run! It's the perfect space to make some music, paint your face, juggle some water balloons and have a blast!

And the kids usually have a sweet, decorated golf cart parade through the grounds on the last day, all painted up and playing music!

Kids under 6 are FREE with a paying adult and kids 6-12 are half price at the gate.

Click here for our photo filled feature on the best of SCamp 09

Summercamp is World Class Music

Avett Brothers

Umphrey's McGee & Moe

Avett Brothers

Kellar Williams

Les Claypool

We shot thousands of photos over 3 days of Summer Camp in 2009 & 2011 and we'll be back to shoot 4 days in 2012! Check back with ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often throughout May for huge photo filled SCamp features including past recaps and original live show shots of this years' line up that we shot elsewhere.

Check out Summer Camp's main site here to order your tickets, plan your schedule and more!

Lineup Highlights Include:

PLUS

Weir, Robinson, Greene Acoustic Trio

Gigantic Underground Conspiracy

Yonder Mountain String Band

Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

Also featuring a special Make a Difference performance by Everyone Orchestra

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar-This Thursday Spiritualized at Metro #Album Review

There's a certain subset of our friends who NEVER miss a Spiritualized show on the off chance it's Jason's last. He's not only still among the living, but just released a new album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light, and Chi-Town's right at the tour's start. This is one show not to miss.

Spiritualized
Metro- Chicago, IL
May 3, 2012 8:00 PM 18 & Over. Valid State or Federal ID Required for entry.
Doors open at 7:00 PM.
Also appearing: Nikki Lane.

Don't be put off by the enigmatic Spiritualized site. Tabs reading Perscriptions, Admissions, Pharmacy, Outpatient, Complimentary Medicines and Side Effects will not get you a box full of e-junk from cheap Canadian pharmacies, but an ear full of Spiritualized to cure what ails you.

Fat Possum in the US and Domino imprint Double Six in the UK is the new home of psych rockers Spiritualized. Their new album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light, their first since 2008's Songs in A&E just came out April 19th, a month delay from the original anticipated release.

Spiritualized

Sweet Heart Sweet Light

The 7th album from Spiritualized is in stores now. Look for Spiritualized on tour in North America in May. Tickets are on sale now. The LP is in store June 05 and can be pre-ordered now.

In January, Spin's David Marchese quoted Spiritualized frontman Jason Pierce as saying:

"I had the rather foolish idea last November that I could deliver the record that's been sent out and keep working on the real version," says Pierce, speaking on the phone from his Manhattan hotel room. "I'd meet the delivery date they need for reviews and things like that and nobody would be any the wiser that I'd be carrying on with the mixing."

So, erm, the version of the (very good) album that we've been listening to is not the version that fans will eventually hear? "I think it's quite different," explains Pierce. "People say that all the little mixing moves I'm doing now are just for myself, but to me they're no different than the mixing moves I did at the start of the process. Balancing things is what mixing is. Some bits are more realized and closer to what I wanted them to sound like, but I'm in the unenviable position now where the [album] that's out there isn't finished."

Pierce isn't particularly worried, though, about confusing reviewers by having these quasi-completed version of Sweet Heart kicking around. "With the reviews," he scoffs, "sometimes it's like they've got a different album anyway. Just don't ask Pierce if it's hard for him to resist the urge to keep tinkering with his majestic sounds. "Tinkering?" he says irritably. "Is that what you think I'm doing? Tinkering?" No no no no. Silly question. Poor choice of words.

Regardless, barring any wholesale changes, when Pierce is done doing what he needs to do, Sweet Heart Sweet Light is shaping up to be another stellar entry in the band's beautiful catalog.

ChiIL Live Shows got a recent press peek at the NEW new album, and are impressed with the mix. Hey Jane is a strong start to an impressive track list. Then Little Girl blew us away. We're particularly fond of Headin' for the Top Now and I Am What I Am. Mary is wrenching and wonderful. This album is an enticing amalgam of Jason's influences in such diverse genres as jazz, blues, drone and gospel, and his own past collection of works.

That extra month of perfectionistic fine tuning was well worth the wait! I do get it. I'm married to a location sound engineer who is super sensitive to audio mixes, and I tend to get a bit OCD myself when it comes to writing and visual arts. When things are visually unbalanced or off kilter, or I have to suffer through poor writing, it bothers me in an almost physical way that begs to be rectified.

Then there's that scary fact that once things are printed and distributed, they're indelible and can't be improved upon or fixed, even if your future life wisdom shows you a better phrase. At least with music there's always the live shows, where anything goes and new arrangements that go above and beyond the studio tracks are possible.

We can't wait to see Spiritualized break out the new and old material at Metro tomorrow.

Despite Jason's requisite pain and death laden lyrics, this album is decidedly upbeat compared to his past, and a poignant joy to listen to. If music is your drug, try Sweet Heart Sweet Light on white vinyl! This perceptive perscription's a sure cure that'll leave you euphoric. Highly recommended.

We're still waiting for final confirmation but plan to be on hand to shoot stills and possibly catch an interview with Jason, if humanly possible.

Sweet Heart Sweet Light Tracklist:
01. Hey Jane
02. Little Girl
03. Get What You Want
04. Too Late
05. Heading For The Top
06. Freedom
07. I Am What I Am
08. Mary
09. Life Is A Problem
10. So Long You Pretty Things

Spiritualized 2012 -- Remaining Tour Dates

05/02 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
05/03 Chicago, IL Metro
05/04 Detroit, MI The Majestic Theatre
05/05 Toronto, Ontario The Phoenix
05/07 New York, NY Terminal 5
05/09 Boston, MA Paradise
05/10 Washington, DC The 9:30 Club
05/11 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
05/12 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
05/13 Atlanta, GA The Variety Playhouse
05/15 Dallas, TX The Granada Theatre
05/16 Austin, TX Emo's East
05/18 Tucson AZ The Rialto Theatre
05/19 Phoenix AZ The Crescent Ballroom
05/20 San Diego CA Belly Up Tavern
05/22 Los Angeles CA The Wiltern
05/23 San Francisco CA The Fillmore
05/25 Portland, OR The Wonder Ballroom
05/26 Vancouver, British Columbia The Rickshaw Theatre

We've been promoting the Spiritualized show for months on our ChiIL Live Shows Facebook page and Twitter feed, and the time is finally here, TOMORROW at METRO (18+). Doors at 7pm. Tickets are still available at the door.

2012 is a huge year for anniversaries, with Metro celebrating 30 years and XRT celebrating 40! So check out some Chi, IL Live Shows at one of our favorite Chi-town staples. They may have dropped the Cabaret from their name, but Metro still boasts an impressive, eclectic line up of bands coming through. Check in with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for the heads up on our highly recommended list.

Chi, IL Shows and More On Our Radar Tonight-Timon of Athens Opens at Chicago Shakespeare & Marla Rose at Women & Children First

Tonight

Timon of Athens 
by William Shakespeare 
directed by Barbara Gaines 
April 24 – June 10, 2012

ChiIL Live Shows will be there for opening night of Timon of Athens tonight at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. We can't wait to see renowned actor, Ian McDiarmid in the lead. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often. We'll have a full review up shortly.

In a high-risk world of quick profits and borrowed luxury, Timon is a god among men. But can this titan survive when the tides of fortune turn? From performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on Broadway to the Star Wars film series and beyond, internationally celebrated actor Ian McDiarmid is brilliantly matched to the challenging role of Timon. And Artistic Director Barbara Gaines' gripping new production features the kind of inventive staging and electrifying performances that always makes an evening at Chicago Shakespeare one to remember—book your tickets today!

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Marla Rose (vegan agitator, author, and local mother to young son, Justice, speaks at Women & Children First in Andersonville at 7:30pm) Marla's quite a character and a long time friend of ours. She's recently written a new book, The Adventures of Vivian Sharpe, Vegan Superhero which we'll be reviewing soon at ChiILMama.com.

Tonight she's on with Geeta Maker-Clark, reading from This I Believe on Motherhood.

This I Believe: On Motherhood
This I Believe, Inc.
An offshoot of the popular public radio series This I Believe, This I Believe: On
Motherhood is an inspirational compilation of original essays, offering the insight and
wisdom of sixty contributors—celebrated and unknown—exploring what is arguably the
most complex of all human relationships: that between a mother and her children. Two
local contributors, Geeta Maker-Clark and Marla Rose, will share their stories from a
collection that would make a wonderful gift for all mothers and mothers-to-be.

This I Believe: On Motherhood (Hardcover)

By Dan Gediman, Mary Jo Gediman, John Gregory

$19.95

ISBN-13: 9781118074534
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: John Wiley & Sons, 4/2012

Other Editions of this Title

Check out the event details here.

Sandman (The Rappin' Cowboy) & Tony Rogers Interview With ChiIL Live Shows

ChiIL Live Shows caught up with Chris "Sandman" Sand of the award winning documentary, Roll Out Cowboy, fame and local fav, Tony Rogers.

Live footage shot at Chicago's own Hideout.

Generally our interviews average 15 minutes, but they had so much great footage, and interesting banter that this one turned into more of a full length feature! Hear about Septembeard, the little red bathrobe video, and Chris & Tony's take on everything from how creatives parent and how parents create, to two dead vocal coaches, and their current and upcoming musical endeavors. Check out the humor and talent of these two true originals!

Here's Pt. 1 of 2: Tony Rogers - "Call the press and send their best" ("making of" mini documentary) referenced in our interview above.

Pt. 2 of 2: Tony Rogers - "Call the press and send their best" (Official Music Video)

Monday, April 30, 2012

Sandman LIVE at Hideout Chicago-Persian Den of Sin

It was great to see Sandman, of Roll Out Cowboy documentary fame, back in Chi-Town for a concert at The Hideout Thursday night, 4/26. Check out ChiIL Live Shows' original footage of his hilarious live performance of Persian Den of Sin. We'll have our video interview with Sandman (AKA: The Rappin' Cowboy or Chris Sand) and local fav, Tony Rogers, along with loads more live footage from both of their sets coming soon. So check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.

Sandman flew out to NYC from Chi-Town, for the DVD release of Roll Out Cowboy. The award winning doc had a Chicago Producer and Director--Elizabeth Lawrence and Warner Boutin. Check out their main site here, for purchasing links, FB page, cast/crew list, and more.

The Mariachi Man Drinks to a Cinco De Mayo Burlesque

Diva LaVida as El Mari Chi Chi
"The mariachi man's music is set to the tune of guns!"

*photo by Jason Brown, www.jbrownweddingphoto.com

One day only, May 5th, Gorilla Tango presents a multicultural Mexican, interactive drinking game, Burlesque Show!

Pints, pasties...parodies of cult classics like Desperado...what more could ya want for Cinco de Mayo?!

Come check out EL MARI CHI CHI: A ROBERT RODRIGUEZ BURLESQUE.

The Mariachi Man Drinks to a Cinco De Mayo Burlesque

Gorilla Tango Burlesque is pleased to present “A Very Special El Mari Chi Chi: A Cinco de Mayo Burlesque” on Saturday, May 5 at 11:59pm at Gorilla Tango Bucktown (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647). For one day only, in celebration of Mexican Heritage and drinking holidays everywhere, GTB the cast of El Mari Chi Chi will perform an interactive drinking theme burlesque show!

The audience may keep up with the characters on stage and take a drink for each time a character takes a swig. Written by the Salsation Theater Company, this show is a parody of Robert Rodriguez’s cult classic, “Desperado.” El Mari Chi Chi runs every Saturday at midnight at the Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the theater box office, or by phone (773-598-4549), or online at www.gorillatango.com.

Mari, a guitar playing musician, was a man in love until his amor, Conchita, wrongfully crossed the path of Mierda, the powerful drug selling gangster, who ultimately took her life. Now Mari hitchhikes town to town with only his guitar case to return the murder of his lost love to Mierda. With Buscame as his ally informant, Carolina - his new love interest, and his fellow mariachi players – Lorenzo & Fidea, he vows to take down Mierda’s militia.

Can a mariachi guitar player overpower such a strong militia with just his street smarts and stunning good looks? Will Mari defeat the demons of his nightmares while looking for his own true love? And will his little amigo, Nino, ever learn to become a real mariachi player in such a corrupt town?

With Robert Rodriguez’s memorable characters from the indie film classic, Desperado (1995), the women of Gorilla Tango Burlesque add a Latino flavor to their well known repertoire of nerd parody shows. Cameo appearances from well known Rodriguez collaborators, such as Cheech Marin and Quentin Tarantino, should have audiences recognizing references to the proud Mexican Director’s filmography.

Not just boys' fun...Gorilla Tango Burlesque is very girl positive and playfully hilarious. There are plenty of couples and women in the audience.

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Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood.

Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available. Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.

Venue provided by Floyd's Pub, Chicago, IL.

www.gorillatango.com – 773.598.4549
Gorilla Tango (Bucktown) - 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre - 7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077