In honor of Clinical Trials making their Chicago concert debut at Reggie’s on February 16th, I forced the ladies to let me sit in on one of their band practices as I caught their punk-pop rocking goodness on camera. Here’s a quick little edit I put together of one of my favorite songs, “Devils”.
If you’re in NYC this Thursday, Clinical Trials will be playing Hotel Chantelle and we’ll be celebrating Somer’s birthday so come say hi!
I’ve been wanting to see Lissie in concert ever since hearing her Daytrotter Session years ago, but outside forces have always put the kibosh on those plans. Monday night, I’ll finally get to see the Rock Island, Illinois native take the stage at Webster Hall.
As soon as her latest album, “Back to Forever” was released in October, it landed in my “Best of 2013” playlist (so I obviously recommend checking it out if you haven’t already). She’s got such a lush sound packed with energy and raw emotion while maintaining a beautiful raspiness. It’s easy to hear why she’s been compared to Stevie Nicks but I would also add Neko Case and maybe a little bit of the Wilson sisters from Heart.
If you’re going to the show on Monday night, try your best to bring a can of non-perishable goods and/or a $10 donation to the IMAGINE campaign to help fight hunger. This is from the press release:
Lissie has been selected to serve as Hard Rock’s IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER artist ambassador in the United States. Hard Rock International, together with Yoko Ono Lennon and WhyHunger, just launched the sixth annual IMAGINE campaign, a global effort to fight childhood hunger and poverty through the support of sustainable agriculture education and nutritional feeding programs.
Fans can support the IMAGINE program by bringing a value of $10 retail or $10 donation to the show. Hard Rock will “match” any/all food donations and fans who donate will get an Imagine backpack and bracelet.
Here’s one of my favorite tracks from her latest release:
And a favorite from her 2010 release, “Catching A Tiger”:
Hope to run into some of you Monday night!
After the gorgeous weekend we just had, I’m not even going to hate on the temperature drop and overcast skies today. I hope your weekends were filled with fun and you were able to get your grill on.
As per usual, we’ve got some awesome shows coming to our city and I’ll even be at one or two of them. Also, next weekend, May 26th, The L Stop (who I also write for) is celebrating their first anniversary and the party should be hella fun. We’ve even got Red Hot Annie, one of Chicago’s premiere burlesque dancers, who will be providing some entertainment for the evening. Get your tickets now and note that the price of admission (be it VIP or regular) includes a three hour open bar. Grab your tickets now!
Download the Chicago Venue Menu Podcast for May 21-27 (right click “save as”)
Monday Picks:
Lee “Scratch” Perry, Subatomic Soundsystem, Illuminati Congo, Impala Sound Champions @ Lincoln Hall
Icky Blossoms with Fools Gold @ Schubas
I’m really psyched to hear the Icky Blossoms since Sarah Bohling of Tilly and the Wall is in the band and Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio and Maximum Balloon produced their upcoming self-titled debut. Grab a free track from their website.
Tuesday Picks:
M. Ward @ The Vic
Opposites with Bully in the Hallway, T’Bone and Costanza @ Fireside Bowl
Chicago’s own Bully in the Hallway are letting you name your own price for a download of their most recent album, Crooks and their Castles.
Gemma Ray opens for Ane Brun @ Lincoln Hall
I am so excited to be going to this show – Ane Brun is an incredible performer. Check out her cover of “Joga” during the 2010 Polaris Music Prize tribute to winner, Bjork:
Indie electronic duo, Auto Body, have just released a hot dance track that is making me rethink my self-imposed weeknight curfew. This Thursday, May 17th, they’ll be playing a record release show at Beauty Bar and I’m pretty sure it’s gonna get sweaty. Be sure to head to their website for a FREE download of their EP tomorrow!
Seriously, this weather is giving my immune system a one-two punch to the chest and it’s killing me! Hopefully you all are better rested and less congested than I and will be able to enjoy some of the great shows we’ve got coming our way this week. Download the Venue Menu podcast for May 7th – May 13th and check out more info below.
Monday Picks:
Yellow Phone Music Conference FREE @ Double Door Networking Event: Monday May 7 | Acoustic Performances | DJ Sets | Hosted Bar from 7-9pm
Tuesday Picks:
Jenny Owen Youngs @ Beat Kitchen
Sea & Cake with Golden Retriever @ The Empty Bottle
Wednesday Picks:
Lee Fields & the Expressions with the O’My’s @ Lincoln Hall
Thursday Picks:
Smoking Popes at the Doc Martin Store on Milwaukee
It’s free but there’s limited space so go to their Facebook page to find out more info and get there early!
Ty Segall with White Fence @ Lincoln Hall
Saturday Looks Good To Me, Wild Moccasins, Love of Everything @ Schubas
Justin Townes Earle @ Park West
Download: “Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now” (Courtesey of Bloodshot records) and listen to his visit to NPR’s World Cafe.
Friday Picks:
St. Vincent @ The Vic SOLD OUT
Check out Annie Clark’s interview with The Guardian where she talks about the music she grew up listening to. Also grab a free download of “Surgeon” here.
Maps & Atlastes, So Many Dynamos & Sister Crayon @ The Metro
VHS or Beta @ Empty Bottle
Saturday Picks:
Grouplove @ The Metro SOLD OUT
Father John Misty & Har Mar Superstar @ Schubas
Andrew Bird @ Auditorium Theater SOLD OUT
Quintron & Miss Pussycat @ Empty Bottle
Sunday Picks:
A celebration of Levon Helm @ Old Town School of Folk Music
Chubby Jones 