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Friday, August 2, 2013

TODAY Lolla Bands On Our Radar: Brick + Mortar play the Lolla BMI stage at 2:10pm on Friday



The band has a great sound and an amazing back story.  They released their debut “Bangs” EP on July 30. The singer's blood diamond smuggling dad inspired a lot of their music.  Check them out. 

Brick + Mortar (Asbury Park, NJ) are an indie rock, drum and bass duo formed by Brandon Asraf (bass guitar, vocals) and bandmate John Tacon (drums, electronic samples, vocals).  Brick + Mortar have garnered a notable amount of regional success since their 2008 formation, making them a significant part of the musical and artistic culture of Asbury Park, New Jersey as it is the first electronic drum and bass pop duo to have such success in the area. 

Since middle school, the two bonded further over their shared interest in the artistry of songwriting.  As Brick + Mortar, they began focusing more heavily on the use of electronic samples in their music as well as relying less on improvisation and more on structured pop songs.  Brick + Mortar represent the underground, the oppressed, the disillusioned, and voiceless.  Fusing driving percussion, grooving bass, eclectic samples, and anthemic vocals, the band creates a new world sound that is so fresh you truly need to hear it for yourself. 

The roots of several of Brick + Mortar's songs stem from the incredible experiences of lead singer Brandon Asraf's childhood as the son of a international blood diamond smuggler.  In the band's lead single "Bangs", the bass hits like a massive punch to the face, and the narrative of the ultra-violent accompanying video, based on the life of Asraf's father, is likely one of the more brutal stories you've ever bore witness to.  "This video opened the door for us to be more than a band.  People seem to wait for that song to sing their hearts out at shows," explains Asraf of the impact the single has had on the band.  To quote Nylon Magazine, “There’s an undeniable energy that charges through New Jersey-based duo Brick + Mortar…Lead singer Brandon Asraf’s voice has a ferocious punch to it and effortlessly moves from solemn croon to savage cry without losing an ounce of passion along the way. Tensions build and tribal beats boom under biting lyrics. These guys will hit you like a delightful ton of bricks (pun intended).”

Brick + Mortar are set to release their 7-song EP titled “Bangs” on July 30th, and includes favorites such as “Bangs”, “Heatstroke” and “Old Boy” along with brand new tracks “Terrible Things”, “No I Won’t Go”, “Locked In A Cage”, as well as “Keep This Place Beautiful” which was co-written by Justyn Pilbrow (The Neighborhood - “Sweater Weather”).

Brick + Mortar's consistent performances quickly gained them a strong following as one of the best live bands in the Asbury Park music scene. Notable support for national acts include performances with Galactic, Jimmy Eat World, H.R. [Bad Brains], and Cymbals Eat Guitars.  Their live show is a party that erupts like a magnetic sonic volcano catching the attention of everyone in the room, drawing them to the stage full of intrigue and energy.

Aside from touring Brick + Mortar will also be busy with several other projects this Fall, including putting out a fully animated music video created by artist Richie Brown and focusing on writing for their debut full length.  "The goal is to make our album an audiovisual experience.  I feel like the songs we are working on are our best yet.  We are ready to make a full length record.  We are not for the faint of heart.  Our brash, gritty, whip-smart sound foregoes guitar in favor of bass, drums, and electronic samples.  At our shows, the audience is part of the band.  That's what makes playing each show uniquely exciting and inspiring. We will give you 100% every time because we truly love what we do.  Hopefully, you give us 100% back".   

VIP Lolla Fun at BED HEAD® HOTEL: CHICAGO 2013 #lolla


ChiIL Live Shows will be there... will you?   Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for vicarious VIP Lollapalooza fun.   

THIS FRIDAY AUGUST 2 - SUNDAY AUGUST 4, 2013



RSVP FOR GENERAL PUBLIC:

Click HERE to watch a recap of the Bed Head Hotel: Miami 2013
party with Diplo, Tommie Sunshine & more


"Hands down, one of the hottest events this year"
- Elektro Magazine

"Just when you thought this party couldn't get any more crazy, in comes Diplo and DZA…"
 - The Huffington Post

Lolla DJs On Our Radar: "Harlem Shake" Baauer Saturday at 4:30 at Perry's



Baauer’s behind the “Harlem Shake” which became a YouTube phenomenon and propelled Baauer to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 5 weeks and is one of the biggest selling singles of 2013.  He was the first at the time unknown artist to score a #1 Billboard Hot 100 generated mostly by streams after Billboard revamped the chart to include streaming numbers along with sales and airlplay.

Baauer is definitely one of the most exciting young DJ/producers on the scene.   In addition to his own projects and touring, he has kept impressively busy with superlative remix work for artists including The Prodigy, No Doubt, Disclosure, AlunaGeorge and more.

The next Baauer single is coming through Priority Records on August 13th 

It is a collaboration with Grammy-winning JAY Z producer Just Blaze called “Higher” featuring JAY Z.

The track has been up on Just Blaze’s soundcloud for six months and has over 1.5 million plays.

He’s currently on tour and is playing big festival shows at Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Electric Zoo.


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Lolla Bands on Our Radar: GRiZ Sax Playin' DJ #lolla


Check out GRiZ Saturday at Lollapalooza. Just off a tour with Bassnectar, 23-year-old Grant is an adorable music nerd. He plays the saxophone during his set for a funky vibe unlike any other DJ.

Grant's chill, upbeat presence and sophisticated music style has won him tons of admirers.  Jason from True Blood fanboy'd him during Kanye at Gov Ball, and Edward Sharpe (GRiZ's favorite singer) also paid his respects.

He's got a new full-length album due out in fall,  and lots of exciting things coming up! 

Interview with Grant on Jay Z's Life & Times http://lifeandtimes.com/griz-the-soul-house-edm


ChiIL Out Chi, IL With Rad + Refined Lolla Style #lolla #fashion

Yes, music lovin' fashionistas, it's time for the Rad + Refined pop up shop at the Dana Hotel and SpaChicago music festivals are hot and require a LOT of walking, so comfort is key.   Lollapalooza is not the time for stilettos and club wear, but you don't need to don a ratty old concert tee either.   Want to stand out from the sweating masses and see and be seen?   ChiIL out with ChiIL Live Shows and let Rad + Refined be your fashion gurus.


July 30th - August 1st: Appointment only, for a more personalized shopping experience

August 2nd: Open house from 9AM-7PM (RSVP is still required)

And if you didn't know, Jacqueline Rezak has recently collaborated on a few pieces with Brandi Cyrus for the new Rad and Refined clothing line, and Brandi will be in attendance the morning of July 30th! Designer Michelle Madonna will have her That Madonna Girl halos on sale the entire week, but will be in the shop Friday, August 2nd. And of course, Jacqueline will be there all week styling, and helping customers shop, and she's so excited to see YOU there!


Happy Shopping!

Hard Rock Hotel Lollapalooza Lineup #lolla

Hard Rock Hotel will be hopping for Lolla weekend with private music showcases for media, artists & VIPs.   Some of ChiIL Live Shows favorites will be on hand.   We'll have an exclusive interview with Roscoe Bandanna from Summer Camp Music Festival up in the near future.   They're playing the Hard Rock Hotel's CK ONE MUSIC LOUNGE.   I love my job!   

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for shows on our radar and photo & video filled recaps, band interviews and more!

There will be great celebrities on hand at each of the events including Camilla Belle, Kellan Lutz, Dita Von Teese, etc., in addition to amazing performances by headliner Salt-n-Pepa, Steve Aoki, Jessie Ware, Eve and many more TBA.

 CK ONE MUSIC LOUNGE
The ck one color cosmetics brand will present the ck one Music Lounge – an exclusive VIP artist lounge and acoustic performance venue – this year at Lollapalooza. Guests will enjoy makeovers from the official ck one color cosmetics global celebrity makeup artists – Jodie Boland and Hung Vanngo – as well as an exclusive ck one color cosmetics manicure bar. In addition, attendees can challenge bandmates to a game of ping pong or foosball in the lounge. 

Performances: Jessie Ware, Eve, Rosco Bandana, Brick + Mortar, Stalley, The Mowgli’s, Blondfire, Héloïse, The Savior Faire and many other TBA.
  
Date: Friday, Aug. 2 - Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  
IT’S SO MIAMI LOUNGE
This year, The BMF Media Group returns to Chicago during the Lollapalooza Music Festival to present the It’s So Miami Lounge, a highly-anticipated three-day oasis at the coveted Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The VIP and artist retreat will provide the ultimate music experience for attending media, talent, artists, industry executives, and tastemakers alike. 

The It’s So Miami Lounge is presented by The Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Clearasil®, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Starbucks® Iced Coffee, Herbal Essences, Polaroid Sunglasses, District®, Unite4:good, Heineken Light, smartwater®, vitaminwater®, Vita Coco Coconut Water, Blue Microphones, VH1, Code of Conduct, and Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.

DJ sets by MR. BEST, Franco V, Mike Nouveau, Jeffrey Tonnesen and DJ Cobra. Celebrity guests will include Dita Von Teese, Kellan Lutz, Josh Henderson, Aaron Paul, Alexis Knapp, AJ McLean, DJ Pauly D and many more TBA.

Date: Friday, Aug. 2 - Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013
Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.


#ASOSRocks VIP AFTER-PARTY SERIES
This year, The BMF Media Group returns to Chicago during the Lollapalooza Music Festival to debut the #ASOSRocks VIP after-party series at the coveted Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The #ASOSRocks after-parties will feature exclusive musical performances and custom brand experiences for attending media, talent, artists, industry executives and tastemakers alike. #ASOSRocks will offer guests access to a number of exciting ASOS experiences, including a showcase of the brand’s new collections, a digital tablet wall displaying exclusive content, and contests offering the chance to win a $6,000 shopping spree, as well as $1,000 gift cards, to asos.com

Festival-goers will also be gifted with ASOS festival survivor kits and $50 gift vouchers to asos.com. On Aug. 2, VH1 will kick off the first #ASOSRocks VIP after-party –“#ASOSRocks + VH1 Rules” – with exclusive live performances and surprise guest appearances. VH1 will also be capturing footage and artist interviews for its Top 20 Video Countdown and news programs. #ASOSRocks is presented by ASOS, VH1, and Heineken Light

WHO: 
Friday, Aug. 2
Saturday, Aug. 3
Sunday, Aug. 4

PERFORMANCES BY:
Ivy Levan
St. Lucia
Emeli Sandé
Deap Vally
The Dolls: Mia Moretti & Margot
Salt-n-Pepa
Skaters
Angel Haze
MS MR

DJ SETS BY:
Penguin Prison
Mike Nouveau
Ana Calderon
DJ Mom Jeans
Jeffrey Tonnesen
Supreme Cuts

Date: Friday, Aug. 2 - Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.


 

HARD ROCK HOTEL CHICAGO LOBBY TAKEOVER
This year, The BMF Media Group returns to Chicago during the Lollapalooza Music Festival to bring back the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Lobby Takeover. The hotel lobby will feature gifting, and other exciting experiences for attending media, talent, artists, industry executives, and tastemakers alike. Courtesy of RadioShack, guests can try out an impressive showcase of SOL REPUBLIC new products including Tracks headphones, Sound Track headbands and a brand new product. Attendees can also pop into a photo booth to create fun animated GIFs to post and share. 

In addition to a variety of giveaways, Polaroid Sunglasses will be offering pedicabs to and from the festival, while guests looking to cool down can pick up ice cream and shaved ice from the ASOS cart. The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Lobby Takeover is presented by the RadioShack Experience with SOL REPUBLIC, Polaroid Sunglasses and ASOS.

Appearance by Steve Aoki on Friday, Aug. 2 and many more TBA.

Date: Friday, Aug. 2 - Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013

Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

ACT OUT OPENING: Redtwist Presents More Red & Dark Red Series



Off-night MORE RED Series
A Chicago Premiere

All-American
By Julia Brownell
Directed by Scott Weinstein

Aug 3 - Sep 9, 2013

Chicago Premiere
All-American
By Julia Brownell
Directed by Scott Weinstein 


SCHEDULE 
Opens: Sat, August 3, 3pm
Runs: Sat, 3pm, Sun & Mon 7:30pm
Closes: Mon, Sept 9
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $20 (seniors & students $5 off)

Part of Redtwist's new off-night series called MORE RED. Performed in rotating rep with Redtwist's MAIN season show, The Beautiful Dark, and its DARK RED late-night series show, Drunk and Ready.

Scott Weinstein, recent director of the acclaimed play She Kills Monsters, tackles the game of football in Redtwist's tiny space. All-American asks the question, "Can the daughter of an ex-NFL player become the next star quarterback?"

PLAY
All-American is a sharp and witty family drama about the strife within a "football family," featuring Katie, a 17-year old high-school quarterback encouraged by her hard-driving, ex-NFL dad to be the first woman to play college and pro ball. Katie is an excellent football player, but her practical mom and insightful twin-brother see the writing on the wall: dad's dream is delusional and his goal for his daughter is obsessive. His inability to accept his own post-football life threatens his daughter's physical and emotional well-being, and the stability of the entire family. 

CAST
Michael Bartz (Jake), Matt Edmonds (Aaron), Bryce Gangel (Katie), Kimberly Logan (Beth), Andrew J. Pond (Mike), Annie Sauter (Natasha)

STAFF
Scott Weinstein (Director), Daryl Blalock (Stage Manager), Garvin Jellison (Lighting Designer), Daniel Carlyon (Sound Designer), Olivia Leah Baker (Costume Designer), Will Allan (Football Coach & Consultant), Jessie Chappe (Casting Director), Jan Ellen Graves (Graphics, Marketing), Charles Bonilla (Box Office Manager), E. Malcolm Martinez & Johnny Garcia (Box Office Associates), Johnny Garcia (Associate Producer), Michael Colucci & Jan Ellen Graves (Producers)







Late night DARK RED Series
World Premiere

Drunk and Ready
by Scott Woldman
Directed by Michael Osinski

Aug 9 - Sept 7, 2013

World Premiere
Drunk and Ready
By Scott Woldman
Directed by Michael Osinki 

SCHEDULE 
Opens: Fri, Aug 9, 10:30pm
Runs: Fridays & Saturdays, 10:30pm Closes: Sat, Sep 7
Running Time: Approximately 85 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $15

RESERVATIONS
Call: 773-728-7529
Website/tickets: www.redtwist.org

Part of Redtwist's new late-night series called DARK RED. Performed in rotating rep with Redtwist's MAIN season show, The Beautiful Dark, and its MORE RED off-night series show, All-American

The only time you can see it onstage before it becomes a feature film! 

PLAY
Drunk and Ready is part of our late-night "Luv Cycle" series from our resident playwright, Scott Woldman. An ongoing roller coaster ride through the rocky realm of relationships. 

A year after seeing her fiancé flattened by an ice cream truck, Kimberley is finally returning to the world of dating. Fortunately for her, she has her two best friends to help navigate the awkward minefield of stoners, hipsters, posers, and one-liners. This hilarious new comedy exposes the unlimited amount of male stupidity that women endure just to enjoy a night on the town. 


CAST
Elizabeth Argus (Courtney), Matt Babbs (various), Allison Estep (various), Chris Petlak (various), Amy Rapp (various), Giuseppe A. Ribaudo (various), Jason Rohn (Hot Pants)

STAFF
Scott Woldman (Playwright), Michael Osinski (Director), Allison Queen (Stage Manager), Garvin Jellison (Lighting Designer), Daniel Carlyon (Sound Designer), Olivia Leah Baker (Costume Designer), Jessie Chappe (Casting Director), Charles Bonilla (Box Office Manager), E. Malcolm Martinez & Johnny Garcia (Box Office Associates), Johnny Garcia (Associate Producer), Michael Colucci & Jan Ellen Graves (Producers)
  
Redtwist is located at 1044 W Bryn Mawr, 2 blks W of LSD, 2 blks E of the Red Line El station. Street parking (paybox/meters until 10pm, Free on Sundays) is available on Bryn Mawr, side streets, and Broadway. Please reserve 48 hours in advance. Credit cards accepted by phone and online via BuzzOnStage to guarantee seating.

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