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Monday, June 16, 2014

PHOTO RECAP: Liquid Soul 6/10/14 Lincoln Hall With March Fourth #OriginalPhotos

We had the great pleasure of catching a mind blowing lineup last week at Lincoln Hall, Liquid Soul AND March Fourth. Video clips are coming soon, (including a wicked human beat box) so check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. 



For now, here's ChiIL Live Shows' full set of photos in the slide show below. We've embedded our favorites under that.



The show was fantastic, with the the stellar horns we've come to expect, and an entirely unique melding of musical styles. They were captivating, whether the guys were throwing down amazing jams in the zone or throwing Roshambo (Rock-Paper-Scissors) to see who would lead on the vocals...



Here's the deal about Liquid Soul from their site: 
But there's really no substitute for catching them LIVE!







Liquid Soul is the Chicago-based band nominated for a 2000 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Founded in 1994, Liquid Soul has performed in 42 states and throughout Canada and Japan, plus shows in Germany, Turkey and Mexico. 




At the heart of Liquid Soul's sound, as always, is the fierce musicianship of the band itself. There's the renowned Liquid Soul horn section consisting of:



Mars Williams - Sax
Tommy Klein - Guitar
Josh Ramos - Bass (Phil Ajjarapu was bass on CD)
Tony "Kickdrum" Taylor - Drums
Doug Corcoran - Trumpet & Keyboards
Mr.Greenweedz - MC (Vocals)
David "Boy Elroy" Arredondo - Beatbox & Turntables









LIQUID SOUL HISTORY

Having exploded from a small underground street-jazz sound in Chicago, The Liquid Soul universe has been expanding at a dizzying pace. The Chicagoensemble's trademark mixture of jazz and urban dance music has virtually outgrown the term "acid jazz," incorporating everything from hard-bop to hip-hop in their celebrated sound. Down Beat magazine says Liquid Soul "sweeps the mold and mildew out of jazz-funk and breathes it back to glorious life." With a marathon touring schedule that has included everything from performing at the Presidential Inaugural Parade to headlining the first acid-jazz performance at the Newport Jazz Festival, Liquid Soul has evolved into an intuitively tight outfit that knows no stylistic limitations. The amalgamation of genres created by the 8-piece collective is a blend of pure musicianship, a fiercely passionate fire and the inherent fun of a pure dance groove. The result is a unique live music experience that draws a diverse legion of fans, spanning across multiple age and ethnic groups.


At long last, Liquid Soul is back with the follow-up to its 2000 Grammy-nominated CD,Here's the Deal (Shanachie). Evolution, the band's fourth recording, gives evidence that the dynamic unit has continued to develop its infectious trademark sound and take it to new heights. Liquid Soul called on the help of Grammy-nominated producer Maurice Joshua (N'Sync and Destiny's Child) and Frayne P. Lewis, the son of Ramsey Lews, this time around. The result is a fresh mix of butt-kicking jams, driving jazz-inspired tracks and hot dance numbers. Fans of Liquid Soul will be thrilled by the album's extra live tracks which capture the sheer magnetic energy of the band. Highlights include "Action Jackson," the rambunctious opener with the killer horn intro and thumping bass; "Sun Ra," the smooth and ethereal tribute to the celestial king; "Nina's in Jail," the funky spoken-word track reminiscent of Deborah Harry's "Rapture"; and the overpowering and live dance track "Rage Experiment."



The story of Liquid Soul goes back to 1994, when the band was at the forefront of a surging acid-jazz movement in the greater Midwest. Evolving from free-form hip-hop jams, the band coalesced spontaneously and soon found a home every Sunday night atChicago's Elbo Room. Word spread fast, attracting like-minded individuals to the small stage from far and wide. Thanks to these auspicious midnight marathons, Liquid Soul soon solidified into a steady working unit.



The group quickly morphed well beyond their improv-oriented acid jazz beginnings, and their do-it-yourself debut ("Liquid Soul") 
was quickly picked up and distributed by Ark 21 Records. 
The band was thrust further into the limelight after a much publicized gig at Dennis Rodman's birthday party. They relocated their perennial Sunday night show to the Double Door in Wicker Park and held it for almost four years (Feb. 1996 to Dec. 1999), rarely missing a Sunday even while playing nearly 200 gigs a year throughout the United States and Canada, plus performances in Germany, Turkey and Japan. Along the way, the band has gone on to both critical and national acclaim. They have opened for Sting, played at the Inaugural Parade and 21st Century Ball, and twice rocked the South By Southwest Music Festival, heralded by the Austin American-Statesman as "the single hottest showcase of the festival." And they recorded two more critically acclaimed CDs, "Make Some Noise" (Ark 21, 1998) and the Grammy-nominated "Here's the Deal" (Shanachie, 2000).

Live or in the studio, playing it hard or smooth, Liquid Soul is a fiery concoction of classy soloists, heavy rhythm merchants and hip-hop cognoscenti. They are in a group that thrives on contact with their audience. One cannot help being moved by Liquid Soul's ongoing party philosophy. The band's in-the-tradition repertoire extends from classic compositions by Ornette Coleman and Miles Davis to excursions on the latest breakbeats and mad samples. They continue to bridge the musical gap between standard jazz improvisation and urban rhythm. And as always, the band stays true to its roots with a continued philosophy of bringing jazz back to the dance floor.



Mars Williams - Saxophones
Mars Williams has studied with Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell, and has worked as an arranger and orchestrator. An open-minded musician who commutes easily between free jazz and rock, Mars has played and recorded with The Psychedelic Furs, Massacre (the Fred Frith/Bill Laswell group), Ministry, Billy Idol, Power Station, Die Warzau, The Waitresses, Pete Cosey, Billy Squier and virtually every leading figure of New York City's "downtown" scene. John Zorn credits Mars as "one of the true saxophone players--someone who takes pleasure in the sheer act of blowing the horn. This tremendous enthusiasm is an essential part of his sound, and it comes through each note every time he plays. Whatever the situation, Mars plays exciting music. In many ways he has succeeded in redefining what versatility means to the modern saxophone player." Despite his busy touring schedule with Liquid Soul, Mars manages to stay active on the Chicago underground improvising scene. In recent years he has toured and recorded with the Peter Brotzman Tentet, the Vandermark 5 and Cinghiale, teaming him with such musicians as Ken Vandermark, Hamid Drake and William Parker. And as a bandleader, he has continued to perform and record CDs with his own free-jazz groups such as the NRG Ensemble, Witches & Devils, Slam and, currently, X Mars X.









Best of:






















































Friday, June 13, 2014

INCOMING: Motoblot

MOTOBLOT IS HERE

We're getting ready to let 'er RIP! So grab your gear, top-off the tank and hit the highway... You're not going to want to miss this one!! 
Motoblot is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13-15
Tickets and Registration at: Motoblot.com



TRAFFIC ALERT: Inbound KENNEDY Expressway Construction

We Highly Recommend trying to avoid the Inbound Kennedy Expressway (I-94 East) due to lane closures near the Ohio Street exit <.  Using surface streets are recommended ( Ashland or Western or other alternate North / South Streets). If you are coming from North of Chicago we recommend I-294 to 1-290 as an Alternate.

Enjoy the bikes, hot rods, pin-up contest and entertainment from the Magic Hat stage all weekend, including Detroit Cobras, Wicker Man and the Chicago School of Rock, while you sip on a few beers that will be on tap: Genesee Cream Ale, Labatt’s Blue, Magic No.9, and a special brew only available on tap at MOTOBLOT, Magic Hat Dream Machine.


Check out our Agenda and be sure to Register Early and Purchase Your Tickets NOW at motoblot.com

Thursday, June 12, 2014

FREE Shakespeare in The Parks Schedule #Theatre #Travel #Chicago

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: Free Fam Friendly Fun in Chi, IL

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

FREE FOR ALL
by William Shakespeare
directed and adapted by David H. Bell
July 18–August 17, 2014


Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we ADORE Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. They have high caliber, professional, world class productions.  And if that's not enough to get you out to a show, every summer they take it to the parks for FREE.  Yes, outside... for free. Bring a picnic and chiIL out in Chi, IL this summer with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's fabulous fantasy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.  All ages welcome.


Here were our prior predictions on this production when it was performed in schools across the city & publicly in a sold out run at Chicago Shakespeare's Navy Pier home:


  • A new generation is realizing Shakespeare wasn't as snooty as they thought and he wrote about wacky, cross dressing, unfaithful, confused, hilarious, murderous, magical characters.

  • A zillion jr high and high school students are crushing on the charismatic cutie, Puck (Steven Lee Johnson)! It was already starting with the tweens as early as opening day-- "No... you go talk to him..." "No, YOU. Giggle giggle."
  • More than a few students are inspired to see more theatre and/or try their hand at writing plays and poetry.
  • More than a few students are inspired to check out more circus arts, thanks to the best. wall. ever. and his uber creative block juggling work. Kudos to you!



The complete performance listing for the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, touring FREE FOR ALL to 18 neighborhood parks across Chicago is below. 


Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

A Midsummer Night’s Dream



Back by citywide demand! Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks returns this summer and brings William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, FREE FOR ALL, to 18 neighborhood parks across Chicago. A specially equipped truck rolls into each park, a stage unfolds and a company of professional actors shares the delight of Shakespeare with families and neighbors of all ages. 



In this popular Shakespearean comedy, a quartet of mismatched lovers, a gaggle of hapless actors and mischievous sprites cross paths with the king and queen of the fairies, entangled in their own domestic dispute. Audiences will be transported to a wondrous wood brimming with paramours and possibilities where the inexplicable magic of falling in love—and the marvel of waking up from the sweetest of dreams—is discovered. Director David H. Bell has adapted this Shakespeare favorite into an acrobatic and riotously entertaining version of the play.


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 



Gateway Park

South Lawn, Front of Navy Pier

Friday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.

600 E. Grand Ave.



Garfield Park Conservatory

Sunday, July 20, 3:00 p.m.

300 N. Central Park Ave.



Tuley Park

Tuesday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.

501 E. 90th Pl.



Dvorak Park

Wednesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.


1119 W. Cullerton St.



Loyola Park

At the Farwell Avenue Entrance

Friday, July 25, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.


1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.



Washington Park

East of the Pool, 5531 S. Russell Dr.

Sunday, July 27, 4:00 p.m.


5531 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr.



Riis Park

Uphill Near the Picnic Groves

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 p.m.


6100 W. Fullerton Ave.



Piotrowski Park

Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.

4247 W. 31st St.



Gage Park

Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.

2411 W. 55th St.



Hamilton Park

Friday, August 1, 6:30 p.m.

513 W. 72nd St.



Frank J. Wilson Park

Saturday, August 2, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 3, 4:00 p.m.


4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.



Humboldt Park

Near the Boathouse

Wednesday, August 6, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.


1440 N. Sacramento Ave.



Welles Park

Friday, August 8, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 9, 6:30 p.m.


2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.



Columbus Park

Sunday, August 10, 4:00 p.m.

500 S. Central Ave.



Marquette Park

Adjacent to Rose Garden and Tarkington School

Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.


6743 S. Kedzie Ave.



Ridge Park

Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 p.m.

1817 W. 96th St.



South Shore Cultural Center

Thursday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 15, 6:30 p.m.


7059 S. South Shore Dr.



Eckhart Park

Saturday, August 16, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 17, 4:00 p.m.


1330 W. Chicago Ave.




Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Box Office: 312.595.5600 • chicagoshakes.com



Wednesday, June 11, 2014

INCOMING: Quinn Tsan Headlines Hideout This Thursday 6/12

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar:

Quinn Tsan will be headlining The Hideout THIS Thursday.  Click here for all the details and to reserve your tickets. 

Quinn, who has collaborated with Joe Pug and co-leads the group Medicine Women, has released a debut single entitled “Love of a Painter” and is recording her debut EP, Good Winter, which is set to release this summer






Quinn Tsan
Jones, Johnny Lewis, Female Basic
Thu, June 12, 2014
9:00 pm
The Hideout
Chicago, IL
$8.00

Quinn Tsan

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, singer/songwriter Quinn Tsan began playing music in 2008 after relocating to Chicago, IL to sing back-up for Joe Pug. Classically trained in dance though always having an affinity for music, Tsan quickly immersed herself in the local scene, going on to sing for Sarah Holtschlag, Rachele Eve, Johnny Lewis, and Sima Cunningham, among others.

It wasn't until 2013, when Tsan began playing guitar and writing her
own songs, that she defined herself as someone to listen to carefully.
The vulnerable and sometimes devastating quality of her voice combined with acoustic guitar offers a unique invitation to the audience, often leaving listeners spellbound by her melodic inflections and heartbreaking delivery. Tsan is currently recording her debut EP which is set to release late 2014.


Jones

Clay Hagen grew up in the Twin Cities. He’s been a singer since he was a kid and took up the guitar in high school to start a band with friends. A Night in the Box burst on the Minneapolis music scene in 2005 showcasing Clay’s powerful bluesy vocals and commanding stage presence. The soul and bluegrass band enjoyed a loyal following as a stage act and released two albums; “The Hustle, The Prayer, The Thief” (2006) and “Write a Letter” (2008). After a whirlwind five years, A Night in the Box split up to the disappointment of fans across the country. Clay went solo for a short time but missed band life. In 2011 he called on a few old friends - Nick Rush and Ian Tsan (Rambos, MPLS Henrys). The trio formed a new group called “JONES” and began a long distance collaboration between the Minneapolis and Chicago-based musicians. Clay would travel to Chicago for a weekend every few months and leave with a couple more songs. After 2 years of this, the band headed into Chicago’s Minbal Studios to record a six song EP. JONES is a hard-driving, electric blues/rock band and a perfect vehicle for Clay’s passionate performing style. The debut album will be released in late 2014.


Johnny Lewis

Johnny Lewis' musical background is not that of the ordinary new-age Folk Artist. Stemming from Minneapolis, MN, Lewis moved to Colorado in 2008 to pursuit electronic production for a number of touring acts including The Larva Ink, The Chalice, Bokonon and many more. Accepted into the festival community, Lewis opened extensively for national acts ranging fromThe Flaming Lips to Trampled by Turtles. After much success with touring electronic acts, Lewis came to terms with his obsession for acoustic music, which in turn, drove him away from production and into his passion - writing songs. Johnny Lewis melds the timeless north-country sound of acoustic guitar with sophisticated, colorful lyrics; attempting to the replant the poetic verse into a timeless songwriting style for a new generation of listeners. Johnny Lewis now resides in New York City.

Female Basic

"Where tall trees grow there strong roots be
Like songs set sail from women three.

Female Basic, as candid as their name depicts, sing songs straight to the point and straight to your heart.

Comprised of Rachel Landrum, Bekah Miller and Anna Phalen, 3 voices lift songs of old out of the dirt and shine them up with spit and glitter. 

Veterans to the music scene and fresh on a new idea Female Basic blend harmony and attitude perfectly on stage and off."

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

ACT OUT OPENING: The Last Ship Begins TONIGHT #BroadwayInChicago

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE OF 
THE LAST SHIP
ANNOUNCES RUSH SEATING
20 SEATS AT $25. AVAILABLE THE MORNING OF EACH PERFORMANCE DAY

Here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama we've been eagerly anticipating the opening of Sting's show for months!  At last it's HERE. Got your tickets yet?  We can not wait to check it out!





PERFORMANCES BEGIN TUESDAY, JUNE 10

The producers of the Pre-Broadway World Premiere of THE LAST SHIP will offer special rush tickets for all performances.  Ten pairs, 20 tickets, will be available to patrons, on the day-of-show, for $25.  These rush tickets will be available at the box office only, on the day of the performance, when the box office opens at 10:00 a.m. except for Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  

THE LAST SHIP, the new musical with music and lyrics by 17-time Grammy winner Sting, and book by Tony winner John Logan and Pulitzer Prize-winner Brian Yorkey – will begin previews on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. 52 St.) on September 30 prior to opening night on October 26, according to producers Jeffrey Seller and Kathryn Schenker.  THE LAST SHIP is directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello and has choreography by Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Steven Hoggett.

THE LAST SHIP will travel to New York following a pre-Broadway tryout June 10 to July 13 in Chicago at Bank of America Theatre.  Inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences, THE LAST SHIP marks the renowned musician's Broadway debut as a composer. 

THE LAST SHIP is set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, a close-knit community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard and the hardworking men construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride.  But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future.  He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind.  When Gideon returns home 14 years later, he finds the shipyard's future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else.  As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that defines their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.

THE LAST SHIP is a portrait of a community so bound together by passion, faith and tradition, they'll stop at nothing to preserve the only life they've ever known.


Performances of THE LAST SHIP will begin at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street) on June 10, 2014 for a five-week-only limited engagement through July 13, 2014.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

March Fourth Montage LIVE at Martyrs Chicago 6-2012 AND Current 2014 Tour Dates #OriginalVideo #LIVEShowFootage #HDVideo

March Fourth Montage LIVE at Martyrs Chicago 6-2012.  ChiIL Live Shows went back in the archives to bring you nearly a half hour of never before seen footage from March Fourth LIVE in a small club in Chicago. Check out their hula hooping, circus pole act held by a stilt walker, and much more. This circus, punk, gypsy, brass, funky, freaky band defies easy description and they are too much fun to see live.  Footage by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows.






On Tour NOW:
Spring 2014


*Tue. Jun 10 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)

Wed. Jun 11 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Center  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Thu. Jun 12 Davenport, IA River Music Experience  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Fri. June 13 St. Louis, MO 2720 Cherokee  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Sat. Jun 14 Kansas City, MO Boulevardia (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Sun. Jun 15 Columbia, MO The Blue Note  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Thu. Jun 26 Durango, CO Animas Theater  (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Fri. Jun 27 Louisville, CO Louisville Street Fair (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Sat. June 28 Salt Lake City, UT Utah Arts Festival (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)
Sun. June 29 Salt Lake City, UT Utah Arts Festival (JOIN/SHARE on Facebook)

Monday, June 9, 2014

March Fourth LIVE at Martyrs Circus Pole & Stilts Act #OriginalVideo



March Fourth LIVE at Martyrs Circus Pole & Stilts Act Nov 3 2012. Shot by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows.


Check out this wild duo on stilts and circus pole HELD by the stilt walker! We adore Portland's March Fourth and catch them every chance we get. We'll be shooting their show this Tuesday at Lincoln Hall with another favorite of ours, Liquid Soul!


Click here for the full show details.

Here's the basics:
Tues 6/10 at Lincoln Hall
8:00 PM   21+  $14.00

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