Last night, Brother Ali stopped by Metro (fulfilling a longtime dream in the process, he told the crowd) for one of the final shows of the Fresh Air tour with Evidence, Toki Wright and DJ BK One. The noticeably slimmed-down MC put on an inspired performance, offering songs from his fantastic new LP, "Us," as well as many older selections. Our favorite aspects of the show:
1. The earnest vibe. Many rappers talk about how their music is all about love, but when Ali says it, you actually believe it. This was a guy who just seemed so damn happy to be able to share his stories with the audience for an hour or two. While this earnestness can become a little tiresome on record, it only enhances the live experience. One of the night's most powerful moments came during "Forest Whitaker," which you might call the rapper's theme song. As a video with various people holding signs proclaiming what they didn't like about themselves (e.g., "My smile is crooked," "I have a big belly") played in the background, Ali (who's albino) delivered feel-good lines like "To everyone out there who's a little different / I say damn a magazine, these are God's fingerprints."
2. They came to rap. Don't assume from the above that this was just one big love-fest. The night featured some hardcore lyricism, and, in Ali's case, there was no need for the now-ubiquitous hype man. Through songs like "Blah Blah Blah," political rant "Uncle Sam Goddamn" (updated to call out Obama for not bringing home the troops) and the straight ridiculous boast track "Bad Mufu**er Pt. 2," the rapper proved he can entertain all on his own, and showed why he's the rising star of the Rhymesayers label (challenging Atmosphere for supremacy).
Ali's labelmates acquitted themselves well, too. Evidence (of longtime L.A. group Dilated Peoples) entertained with a set that showcased his lyrical chops and his sense of humor on songs like "The Cold Weather" and "Letyourselfgo," and Toki Wright also impressed with a thunderous, complex rhyming style. BK One, who was behind the decks for the entire three-plus-hour show, got his moments in the spotlight as well, and made us want to hear more from his Brazilian-influenced debut LP, "Radio do Canibal."
3. The awkward dancing. You know it's a truly rockin' show when even the most rhythmically challenged attendees have no qualms about shaking their bodies. And from our vantage point in the balcony, we saw several fans getting into the act, from the guy in the VIP section waving his fist in a vaguely Arsenio-Hall inspired way to a girl doing hula-hoop moves without the hoop. We need more of this at Chicago shows.
Want to find more great shows? Visit Centerstage Chicago for a full calendar of upcoming concerts.
The Addams Family opens this weekend at the Oriental Theatre. (Jean Lachat/Sun-Times) The Addams Family 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday at Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre; $28-$105
Catch the first family of goth as this much-acclaimed musical makes a brief stop in Chicago (it runs through January 13) before heading to Broadway. There's much to be excited about with the show, opening Friday: It is based on the New Yorker cartoons, not the campy '60s TV show (or the goofy movies of the '90s); Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth play Gomez and Morticia (cada mia!); and Andrew Lippa is in charge of the music. No word on if he got any help from Hammer.
It's been a bad week for local music fans (at least, for those who like options). Over the past several days, we've learned that...
Sonotheque is closing on Sunday, having been sold to a group that includes Paul Devitt, owner of the Beauty Bar franchise. It's too early to tell what the new space will become, but you can bet that the final few shows will be packed with folks paying their respects.
Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston has closed, citing financial difficulties.
Add this to the recent news that the city would be cutting or at least downsizing some of its biggest lakefront music festivals (a move that sparked an ever-growing "Save Chicago Music" petition), and things aren't looking so hot. Here's hoping next week brings some better news...
What Chicago music venue could you not bear to lose? Tell us in the comments.
Every January, Schubas invites music fans to explore cutting-edge indie music in its annual Tomorrow Never Knows series. Think of it as a loosely packed, five-day-long Pitchfork Music Festival.
Well, for those of you hoping for more of the same this year, we've got some news: it won't be. Instead of five days of music at a single venue, you'll get it at two venues: Schubas and the newly opened Lincoln Hall is also getting in on the action.
The dates (Jan. 13-17) and initial lineup for the series were announced today, and single-show tickets and five-day passes go on sale Friday, November 13 at noon. Here's a taste of what's in store:
Wednesday, January 13
9 p.m.: The Cribs, Adam Green, The Dead Trees (Lincoln Hall)
Thursday, January 14
9 p.m.: Voxtrot, Solid Gold, Gemini Club (Lincoln Hall)
Saturday, January 16
2 p.m.: Paul Green's School of Rock presents Women Who Rock (Schubas)
10 p.m.: Final Fantasy (Schubas)
10 p.m.: Bowerbirds, The Rural Alberta Advantage (Lincoln Hall)
Sunday, January 17
2 p.m.: Paul Green's School of Rock presents Women Who Rock (Schubas)
9 p.m.: Clues (Schubas)
9 p.m.: Lee Fields & The Expressions (Lincoln Hall)
If you've got an extra $150, and you don't feel like spending it on 1/12 of a ticket to the Second City 50th Anniversary show, consider checking out tomorrow night's Millennium Network Chicago fundraising event at the House of Blues. Your ticket includes a performance by Common and an appearance by former President Bill Clinton -- see, the Millennium Network is a project of the Clinton Foundation, with the goal of addressing issues such as global warming, HIV/AIDS and childhood obesity. Take that, Carell.
Make your donation here (VIP tickets include a reception with Clinton from 8-9 p.m.).
Have you ever made a mixtape for a hopeless crush? Of course you have. Everyone's done it at one time or another. But not everyone is willing to share the crushing tales of heartbreak that are often intertwined with the sappy recordings.
Thankfully, there's Cassette From My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Lost Loves, a new collection of mixtape-related memoirs edited by Found magazine's Jason Bitner and featuring remembrances from the likes of Rob Sheffield (Love is a Mixtape), Ben Greenman (The New Yorker) and Rick Moody (The Ice Storm).
Bitner will celebrate the book's release tonight at Hideout (8 p.m., $5) with a group of special guests including The Onion A.V. Club's Kyle Ryan, artist Derek Erdman and illustrator Arthur Jones (who will tell the story of how he lost his virginity in Post-It Note form). While the event may unearth some long-repressed memories, it also promises to be full of laughter and fun. Who knows, you might meet even someone who will actually appreciate your Stone Roses-fueled courting ritual.
Artwork by Sergei Isupov looks over Navy Pier's Festival Hall during SOFA setup Wednesday. (Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)
SOFA Chicago Through Sunday at Navy Pier; $15-$25
Celebrating its 16th year, the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair hits Navy Pier's Festival Hall to present work from top international galleries and dealers. Check out the opening night preview gala on Thursday ($50) to get a first glimpse at the show's best work. Hors d'oeurves and wine are included. Tickets for the rest of the show are $15 a day, or $25 for a three-day pass. Get them here or at the door. More: Check out the Sun-Times' SOFA photo gallery.
Apparently, we weren't the only ones who heard a whole lotta grumbling about some of the choices made for this past summer's Lollapalooza lineup. Fest organizers were listening, and now they want you to back up your words. Until November 10, you can suggest artists for the 2010 fest (August 6-8) on the website. It's up to you whether you want to use your allotted five choices on obscure indie bands (like your own) or big-name hip-hop artists. This may just be a ploy so that Perry can pull out the ol' "if you didn't vote, you can't complain" excuse next summer, but it's worth a shot.
After a weekend full of low-brow debauchery (and isn't that what Halloween is all about?), you're likely craving some culture. As luck would have it, two appropriately avant-garde events are on the slate for this week: the Umbrella Music Festival and the Outer Ear Festival of Sound. While you won't have to choose between the two, we thought we'd take a moment to lay out the key aspects of each. After all, if there's one thing you arty types appreciate, it's straightforward Microsoft Word tables...right?
The Rocky Horror Show 8 p.m., through Saturday at the Athenaeum Theatre; $20
Do the Time Warp (again!) at this live theater production of the musical cult classic, with shows running through Halloween night. Dress up as your favorite character (and who wouldn't take the opportunity to emulate Meat Loaf as much as possible?), but leave the props at home. There are special goodie bags you can buy at the theater to join in on the action.
Lonie Walker's not your average Chicago club owner -- which is good, because her club, the Underground Wonder Bar, is far from your average Chicago club. Since 1989, the wild child has made her Gold Coast spot a haven for local musicians of all stripes (including the rockin' Walker herself), pioneering green business practices and remaining a committed charitable donor along the way.
Sadly, making it to year 21 might prove difficult, as the club's building, at 10 East Walton, was recently bought out. If things don't work out, a lot of people will have the blues, but Walker and her pals aren't wallowing. Instead, they're partying, celebrating a different year in the club's tenure every day, starting with a tribute to 1989 (complete with de-inflated drink specials) tomorrow night. The fun continues over the next few weeks, with the big 20th anniversary bash on November 15, featuring live music from 4 p.m.-4 a.m., drink specials, food and prizes, with proceeds benefiting the People's Music School.
So whether you've been a faithful patron since the days when the Gold Coast was one of the seedier sections of town, or you've yet to make a visit, now is the time to stop in for a trip down memory lane. Lonie will be waiting.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers 8 p.m. Thursday at Cadillac Palace Theatre; $37-$75
The longtime funnyman drops the standup routine for a five-string banjo at this leg of a nationwide tour for charity. He's joined by the Steep Canyon Rangers, who are regulars on Grand Ole Opry. And did you know Martin now has three Grammys to his name -- two for comedy albums and another for his collaboration with Earl Scruggs on Foggy Mountain Breakdown in 2001.
The Holy Hour House Band performs at The Kerryman.
Yesterday's news that the city may cancel or shorten several of its biggest summer festivals came as something of a shock, even if it makes good fiscal sense. Seriously, if the 50-year-old Venetian Night can be chopped, is nothing sacred?
You'd better have a backup plan to get your fest fix. We're not sure where else you can go to see boats loaded up with lights, but we do know of two upcoming ways to dull the blow in case (god forbid) the Celtic Fest is ever sent back to the Emerald Isle.
One: Magners Irish Sessions. This series of concerts sponsored by Magners Irish Cider, which began last month, features the city's best known traditional Irish musicians playing songs in intimate settings (plus, lots of cider). Upcoming events:
Friday, October 23: The Holy Hour House Band, 9-11 p.m. at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th, Oak Forest
Thursday, October 29: Danny Burns and The Defectors, 8-10 p.m. at Mystic Celt
Friday, October 30: Danny Burns and The Defectors, 9-11 p.m. at Hidden Shamrock
Thursday, November 5: Danny Burns and The Defectors, 8-11 p.m. at Abbey Pub
Two: iBAM!. Did you know the Celtic New Year is coming up soon? Celebrate it with three days of books, arts and music at the Irish American Heritage Center.
It starts with a $100 black-tie-optional dinner (6-11 p.m.) on Friday, October 30, with entertainment from the likes of Malachy McCourt and Black 47. On Saturday and Sunday, the fun continues, with a $5 admission fee getting you access to book sales, panel discussions, live dance, theater and more (11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily). Because it is Halloween weekend, expect a costume parade, face painting and a presentation on the life of Bram Stoker (writer of Dracula). You'll need to pay a little extra for access to the full Irish breakfast (11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday) and concerts from Black 47 (7 p.m. Saturday) and Maura O'Connell (7 p.m. Sunday). Tickets are available on the website.
It's a little odd that the Chicago Public Library, an institution that's probably shushed thousands of people over the years, last month encouraged locals to make noise, and lots of it. But ironic or not, the Sound Off! competition received over 40 entries from Chicago musicians eager to sing about their favorite city. Now the votes are in, with rapper Psalm One taking home the grand prize for "My Bucket Song" and Shawn Pennington's "Doors Closing" winning the people's vote.
Both artists will perform at the celebratory Sound Off concert, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Pritzker Park (344 S. State, across from the Harold Washington Library). It's free, so there's no reason you shouldn't be there and cheering for these great local artists. We promise, no one will give you a dirty look.
Psst...for a quieter library-sponsored event, check out author Michael Chabon, who will read from and sign his new memoir, Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Harold Washington Library's Pritzker Auditorium.
Think you've got what it takes to play the second annual Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival (December 12 at Congress Theater)? You don't have to crash the stage, Kanye-style, to make your voice heard. But you do have to act fast -- tomorrow is the last day to submit your band's songs to the fest's Last Banjo Standing contest. The winner, to be decided via online voting October 16-31, will get $500 and an opening spot at the event.
Whether you take home the prize or not, you can still go see the music. This year's lineup features Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Dr. Dog, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Van Ghost, The Giving Tree Band and more. Tickets cost $35, but keep an eye on this blog for a chance to win free tickets as the event nears.
Riot Fest Through Sunday, various theaters, prices vary ($70 for a three-day pass to Congress Theater)
Several rockin' shows (not to mention a bowling tourney) are spread out across five venues (Congress Theater, Metro, Subterranean, Double Door, Cobra Lounge) during this fifth-annual fest. We're talking mosh-inducing rock and punk including Chicago's own Screeching Weasel, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Naked Raygun and more. Oi!
Remember the classic Camper Van Beethoven song, "Take the Skinheads Bowling"? The organizers of this year's fifth annual Riot Fest do, and they're taking the directive to heart.
In addition to the fest's strong lineup of punk acts (performers include Screeching Weasel, Alkaline Trio, Naked Raygun, NOFX and more), there will be a "Drunken Bowling Tournament" on Friday and Saturday night at the Fireside Bowl. Members of many of the bands will be hitting the lanes for some friendly competition with the fans.
Registration for bowlers appears to be closed, but it'll cost just $3 to join the fun as a spectator. You'll get drink specials, giveaways, and the chance to see a hardcore dude use bumper lanes. The tournament starts at 10:30 p.m. on both nights, so you won't have to miss any of the shows.
If you're like most Chicagoans, you know the basics of what your Halloween night will look like: a whirlwind of played-out pimp costumes, $2 Miller Lites and contests crowning girls with low self-esteem. But since this year's holiday falls on a Saturday, you actually have two weekend evenings to fill. Instead of spending your Halloween eve egging houses and knocking over mailboxes (that's a federal offense!), why not spend it dancing?
Freaky Deaky -- featuring electronic artists Chromeo, Crystal Castles and Boys Noize -- will fill the Congress Theater with sexy synths, distorted vocals and flat-out catchy beats on October 30. The 17-plus event, opened by locals E-Six & Roan, Loyal Divide, Kid Color, Rob Threezy and Hiroki, costs $35, but we're giving away tickets for free.
To be entered in the drawing, add a fan photo of your craziest Halloween costume to Centerstage's Facebook pageadd a photo to Centerstage's Flickr group by Tuesday, October 20 at 3 p.m.
And if you don't have your weekend all planned out yet, be sure to check out Centerstage's Halloween guide, your source for costume shops, haunted houses, freaky theater shows and, yes, bar parties with $2 Miller Lites.
Hey, kids. In case you didn't know, that ruggedly handsome Brit who sometimes tags along with pop star Gwen Stefani isn't just some boy toy. He's Gavin Rossdale, and he headed up a pretty popular grunge-rock band in the mid '90s called Bush. The group hit it big with albums like Sixteen Stone and Razorblade Suitcase, but mainly faded from the spotlight at the end of the decade. Rossdale's still around, though, and starts up a solo tour soon that will hit Chicago's House of Blues on November 5. The show will double as a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois, part of Platform One Entertainment's Dare 2 Dream series.
The concert still needs an opener, and it could be you. All you need to do is submit your songs at SonicBids by October 9, and Platform One will pick a winner. We're guessing that covers of "Glycerine" are discouraged.
Svengoolie will be among the spooky stars at this weekend's Ghost Conference.(photo via myspace.com/svengoolie26)
Chicago Ghost Conference 5-11 p.m. Friday and 8:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday; Portage Theater; $50 for a two-day pass
Join paranormal experts and speakers for this annual event about all things otherworldly. This year's speakers include Lorraine Warren from A&E's "Paranormal State" and Jeff Belanger, paranormal author and creator of Ghostvillage.com, who join members of paranormal groups from around the country to educate, inform, network, share ideas and entertain others that are fascinated with the supernatural. If that's not enough, Chicago legend Svengoolie makes an appearance on Friday night.
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