Strange Fruit-The Beatles Apple Records DVD #Giveaway

"Strange Fruit: The Beatles' Apple Records"  Documentary DVD  In 1968, under a haze of publicity, The Beatles opened their collective door to all manner of musicians, writers, artists, film-makers, inventors, designers, freaks and more than a fair share of opportunist sharks. But, despite a hefty investment, little of substance was forthcoming from these assorted misfits outside of the music that emerged from one division of the potential empire; Apple Records.  Even discounting those Apple platters that featured as artist the collective or individual names of the company's bosses, music that stands the test of time superbly was released under the stamp of this enterprise. Music which remains available still and both popular and exciting more than 40 years after the majority of it was produced.  Strange Fruit- The Beatles' Apple Records is the story of a record label which came to exist under extraordinary circumstances, produced extraordinary records and was operated under extraordinary guidelines.   Featuring new interviews with former label M.D. Tony Bramwell, members of Badfinger, The Iveys and Elephant's Memory, Jackie Lomax, Brute Force and David Peel, plus musician and Beatles expert Chris Ingham, author and journalist Mark Paytress and Apple biographer Stefan Granados.  The film also includes archive footage of Apple artists and the organization for which they recorded as well as interviews from the vaults, location film, rare photographs and of course, the music upon which the label made its name.  Press: “Pleasantly surprising in its detail, 'Strange Fruit -- The Beatles' Apple Records' should satisfy the die hard fans of the Beatles, as well as more casual music enthusiasts looking for balanced, informed account of the last throes of the band and their risky, curious venture of running a label.”      —Kevin Jagernauth, INDIEWIRE “This is an excellent overview of an often overlooked aspect of the Fab Four's legacy. Easily earning a Highly Recommended rating, it's perfect for the purist and novice alike. Today, many artists have their own boutique label. Sadly, few seemed to have learn the lessons taught to them by the biggest band in the history of music - and their own egoinfused folly. ”      —Bill Gibron, DVD TALK “An excellent documentary film which has been well researched and edited. With experts like Apple biographer Stefan Granados, it presents a great insight into Apple Records and will be a fab addition to any fan's library. ”      —David Bedford, BRITISH BEATLES FAN CLUB Click here to Purchase  Enter here for your chance to win (list price $19.95). Like ChiIL Live Shows on Facebook and/or follow us by e-mail (side bar to the right) for the first heads up on give aways, free downloads, tour news, original band interviews, original pit photos, and more.    *Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Winning rocks!   Entries accepted through midnight on 9/14/12.   Winner will be announced on the 15th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to MVD for providing a review copy and a give away copy.

Help Out: Musician Joseph Arthur Teams with (Big Lebowski) Lawyer Ron Kuby to Locate Van/Artwork/Musical Equipment Auctioned by the City of New York

 

“I want a f-cking lawyer, man.  I want Bill Kunstler, or Ron Kuby.” - the Dude

 

Famed civil rights attorney Ron Kuby has agreed to represent musician Joseph Arthur and help him locate his touring van filled with musical equipment and canvases of his artwork.  The van was secretly auctioned by the City of New York on August 23, and Joseph has no rights to his property.

 

We are desperately seeking the buyer so that Joseph can retrieve his artwork and other items of great sentimental value.

 

“Lord knows there are more important things in the world than a missing van with some art and amps in it,” says Joseph.  “There has been a heartening outpour of support, and it has deeply been appreciated…I will rise above this and one day laugh at it. Thank you all again for your enormous support.  It means a lot.” 

 

While Joseph was overseas, his touring van (usually kept in gated parking) was in the repair shop.  The repair shop temporarily moved the van to the curb where it was seized by NYC Marshal Robert F. Soliminie for $361.10 in unpaid parking tickets that Arthur believe had been paid.

 

The full story, by Joseph:

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/j1q0nq

 

Vehicle:  2003 van, Dodge Ram, white 

Photo:  http://tinyurl.com/8vgtzt6

 

Contents:

• 1970s Fender Twin amp in a blue road case with JAYHAWKS stenciled in white lettering.

• Eden Traveler bass head

• Ampeg 4 X 10 cabinet

• Joseph’s nearly-completed set of hand-drawn tarot cards

• CD recorded for recording live shows, two mics

• CD burners -- two towers 

• Many large paintings rolled up in canvas 

Sing this to any Ramones song:

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/j1uo1q

 

Donations towards a private investigator are welcome here:

www.JosephArthur.com

 

If anyone has any information or can offer additional help, please contact:

Carla Parisi at kidlogicmedia@gmail.com or Peter Wark at peter@dkd.com

100+ Likes-Winner Announced for Colin Quinn Long Story Short DVD

Woo hoo!   We broke 100 likes on our new Facebook Page, so as promised, we're giving away Colin Quinn's Long Story Short DVD to a randomly number generated winner who happens to be Paul B. of Chicago.   Congrats!

Here's our prior review and more info on the DVD:

ChiIL Live Shows Facebook Page #Free Give Away

ChiIL Live Shows has a brand spankin' new Facebook Page and we could use some like love.    We'll be running loads of free downloads, worldwide tour news, live Chi, IL show dates/features in the theatre and music scene, and new artists that will only appear on our FB page.

Then we'll run also run a feed from the blog with our original band video interviews, live show shots, give aways and reviews.    To kick things off right, we're giving away Colin Quinn's Long Story Short DVD to one of our random likers as soon as we hit the big 100, thanks to our friends over at MVD.   We're more than half way there!

 
First up-this sweet DVD-Colin Quinn-Long Story Short ($19.99). 

 

Remember Colin Quinn-side kick on MTV's Remote Control?   He's nobody's sidekick now!!   We were front row, center on opening night, when he came through Chi-Town with his freakin' funny one man show.  Now he can be all yours, to play at will, without leaving the couch.   

 

His wise and wickedly witty take on humanity and history had us laughing out loud.  Even now, months later, his schtick is still stuck in my head.   I can't sit down to work without his rant about bloggers and cavemen coming to mind.   I'm a bit flattered, though.   He mostly lampoons people groups, and only a few professions made the cut.   Note to Colin...bloggers may have the cave man keyboard stance, but we're the cockroaches of the publishing world...surviving, thriving and multiplying while traditional media is dropping like the dinosaurs.

 

I know you WANT this DVD.

 

COLIN QUINN - Long Story Short
on DVD and Blu-ray 

The one-man show directed by Jerry Seinfeld
                                                         
"Hilarious!" New York Times

Nominated for a 2011 Emmy Award
 Taped before a live audience at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York City, Colin Quinn: Long Story Short showcases the comedian's keen observations in the uproarious history of the world, juxtaposing modern-day human behavior with the rise and fall of empires.

Colin Quinn began his comic career in New York as a regular on the comedy show circuit. Colin made his television debut as co-host of MTV's popular game show "Remote Control". Quinn landed a spot on the legendary late-night show, "Saturday Night Live" where  he entertained audience for five seasons. After SNL, Quinn tackled societal issues on "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn". Colin's first one-man show Sanctifying Grace, began off-Broadway in 1994 and was later produced as Colin Quinn - An Irish Wake and played at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Last summer, Colin appeared in the Adam Sandler comedy "Grown Ups". He can be seen in Sony's "Donny's Boy" opposite Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, June 2012.

From his personification of Caesar as the original Italian mobster, to his complaints about Ancient Greece and Antigone giving way to Costco and Snooki, Quinn is at his satirical best, taking on the attitudes, appetites and bad habits that have toppled the world's most powerful nations.

First running on Broadway, then airing on HBO, the show's Broadway run was extended due to the popularity. Quinn has been touring Long Story Short throughout 2011 and took a show to the highly acclaimed Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal where it received tremendous accolades. Directed for the stage by Jerry Seinfeld, the Broadway show was produced by Eva Price and Richard Martini. 

Bonus Features:
- Commentary with Colin Quinn and director Jerry Seinfeld
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage
- Press Event Footage

Press:
"Quinn is a Master. A Polished Act." - Daily News
"Colin Quinn nails it.  State of the art." Time Magazine
"Brisk and Seinfeldian" New York Magazine


 
Click this link for more info

ABOUT VIDEO SERVICES CORP.
Founded in 1993 by former rock critic Jonathan Gross, Video Services Corp. is a leading independent DVD distributor with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto. With a vast catalogue strong in television, sports and comedy, some of VSC's releases include the Canadian hit Corner Gas, The Roller Derby Chronicles The Tom Green Show, The WHA Chronicles and Spectacle: Elvis Costello With.... VSC also owns the e-commerce websites sportonvideo.com, laffstock.com and jewishflicks.com.

ABOUT MVD ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
MVD Entertainment Group (previously known as Music Video Distributors, Inc) was founded in 1986 by Tom Seaman, an industry veteran of more than 40 years, whose background includes retailing stints with Record Hunter, Sam Goody, Musicland, CBS Retail, and wholesale experience with Jem Records. MVD initially acted primarily as a one-stop, buying all labels' music-related VHS releases and reselling to music and video stores. In the last 10 years, MVD has transitioned from being a one stop/wholesaler for music video to a corporation consisting of three major divisions: MVD Visual, MVD Audio, and MVD Distribution. Some of the artists MVD has worked with include Sublime, Pixies, Bad Brains, Devo, The New York Dolls, Iggy Pop, the MC5, Dead Kennedys, Danzig, Marillion, Ween, Shane MacGowan, Stryper, Johnny Winter, and much more. Since 1999, MVD has released over 1500 exclusive titles. For more information, visitwww.mvdb2b.com.

We Dig Gypsy Punks, Furious Frank #official video

We dig Chi-town's own gypsy punks, Furious Frank.   Check out their creative, new video for Lament.    They had me at gypsy punk.....but dark humor, rockin' horns, and animated mandolin don't hurt either!!

The clip was created by Tiny Markers and “Lament” is a stand-out track from Furious Frank’s most recent album, The Map & the Territory (Southern Love Records).

Want more?   Check out Furious Frank's main site right here.

North Coast Alternative: Blane Fonda & Panda Riot at Hideout Saturday

Shut out of sold out North Coast?   Or do you prefer to hide out from the sweaty Labor Day weekend masses and do something more low key?

Blane Fonda will be sharing a bill with local dream pop outfit Panda Riot at The Hideout on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Blane Fonda will be playing material from their most recent album, Foolish Croon, and are giving away the exclusive track "Sounds Like Static" with album purchase right here.

Blane Fonda

Panda Riot

Sat, September 1, 2012

9:00 pm

The Hideout

Chicago, IL

$8.00

Tickets

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Blane Fonda

• Links

Performer Magazine
"The fivesome is at once energetic, magnetic and overwhelming with its insuperable undertow of synth-driven power pop."

Chicago Tribune
"Wetzel's elastic voice, an instrument capable of inhabiting moody, introspective passages and soaring, stadium-ready choruses, proved a natural fit for Blane Fonda's new, swaggering style."

Loud Loop Press
"If the record is any indication, Blane Fonda are poised to become one of Chicago's most exciting and intriguing indie rock acts."

Panda Riot

• Links

dreampop band from the center of your heart

Play Locally: Featured Facets Films-Patang

PATANG

 "This film is joyous, but more
than that: it's lovely in its construction"
-Roger Ebert

Critics' Pick! "Lovely, unforced"
-New York Times



FACETS FILM DIALOGUE
with filmmaker Prashant Bhargava

"Patang" is playing at Facets @ 7pm and 9pm through Thursday the 30th. Jerome McDonnell interviewed Milos and the director on WBEZ, and the director is going to speak after ALL the 7pm shows for the whole run. 

Parking map  

1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago IL 60614
800.331.6197

Sales hours:
    9am-5pm, Mon.-Fri.

Rental hours:
    10am-10pm, Mon.-Sat.,
    12pm-10pm, Sun. & holidays

FACETS CINÉMATHÈQUE

August 2012

Chicago Encore
EngagementFacets Film Dialogue
with filmmaker Prashant Bhargava

PATANG
(THE KITE)

WINNER World Cinema Feature Indianapolis Intl Film Fest

WINNER Best Narrative Feature Hawaii Intl Film Fest

Critics' Pick! "Lovely, unforced... [director Prashant] Bhargava lets his story...tell itself, unfolding slowly as he follows filmmaking's most basic and most sinned-against dictum: Show, don't tell"
  -New York Times

"Bhargava's naturalistic approach to capturing the sights and sounds of a city in full revelry on rooftops and in the streets is colorfully vivid"
  -Los Angeles Times

"[Bhargava] allows us to discover these people in mostly glancing, sidelong moments, as if he were capturing their lives on the sly. It's rare for a filmmaker to integrate with such seamlessness the staged and the 'caught.'"
  -Christian Science Monitor

 "This film is joyous, but more than that: it's lovely in its construction"
  -Roger Ebert

 "The director is both a humanist and a real talent"
  -Chicago Tribune

"A feast for the eyes"
  -TimeOut Chicago

Set against the dynamic and colorful spectacle of India's largest kite festival, the Uttarayan, Prashant Bhargava's debut feature tells the story of Jayesh, a Delhi-based businessman who returns to his Gujarat roots with his young daughter Priya. Ostensibly going home to Ahmedabad to relive his childhood memories and introduce his daughter to the tradition of kite-flying, Jayesh has some unexpected news for the family's future. He plans include selling off the family home, moving his relatives into a modern condo, while also trying to avoid unresolved issues from his past which leads to unexpected consequences.

Patang, directed by Chicago-born-and-raised Bhargava, who started his career as a graffiti artist, is a family drama which avoids Bollywood clichés as well as using a dynamic combination of actors and non-professionals to showcase a complex narrative about contemporary India. Using the kites as a metaphor for the way the past controls his characters no matter how high they fly, Patang captures the jubilant and striking visuals of the festival that accentuates his background as a graphic artist, while laying out a multi-character story of discovery and hope.

Directed by Prashant Bhargava, India, 2010, 95 mins. In Hindi and English with English subtitles. 

Facets Film Dialogue

Filmmaker Prashant Bhargava, who is a Chicago native will be here in person for a Q&A after select screenings. 

Official site     Director interview     New York Times     Los Angeles Times

Christian Science Monitor     Roger Ebert     Chicago Tribune     

WBEZ Eight Forty-Eight     Vocalo 89.5     


Remaining Showtime:
Mon.-Thurs., Aug. 27-30 at 7 & 9 pm — Q&A with director following the 7 pm shows 

Tickets:

$9 general admission 

Play Locally: TONIGHT The New Folk CD Release/Paper Thick Walls Opens

Monday, August 27, 2012 8:00 PM
21+ $6.00  

Click here for Schubas main site

• Practice Space presents:
• The New Folk The New Folk CD release
• Paper Thick Walls

The New Folk celebrates the release of their debut album Sea Fever with an August 2012 “Practice Space Presents:” residency at Schubas, but the story behind The New Folk began in 2005 as Singer/Songwriter Todd Kessler went in to the studio to record his debut album. That album, entitled We Are The MusicMakers, was released in 2006 and with the backing of his original band helped Kessler to make his name and music known in the local Chicago music scene. In 2007 and 2008, in the midst of touring the Midwest, Kessler teamed up with Producer Greg “G-Ball” Magers to record his next two albums, The Veronika EP and Boomerang, only garnering him more praise and recognition on the road and at home. 

 It was while recording The Veronika EP that The New Folk began to take root with the addition of Bob Parlier on Drums, Sam Smiley on Guitar and Graham Burris on Bass. The quartet began playing out in 2008 in support of Boomerang, still under the name of Todd Kessler, but it was during the next two years and the addition of a String section (Elana Hiller and Chris Bauler), a Horn section (David Ben-Porat and Ben Bell Bern) and a second vocalist (Molly Parlier) that the band began to make waves with their signature Alt-Folk-Pop sound. 2009’s double-single release Golden Bird, along with headlining shows at Schubas, Lincoln Hall, Double Door and Millennium Park, solidified the bands place as a respected group in Chicago, and in 2010, the band began playing shows under the name Todd Kessler and the New Folk. 

 With over two years, countless shows and a slew of new material, the band, now billed simply as The New Folk, teamed up with producer Manny Sanchez to begin work on their debut album, Sea Fever, in August of 2010. Two years and hundreds of studio hours later later, Sea Fever will be released this August under Kessler’s label Wyzguy Records.

**Click here for ChiIL Live Shows' past Paper Thick Walls live show shots**