Girls! Rock Chicago at The Bottom Lounge on June 28, 2014

From the organization website www.girlsrockchicago.org: "Girls Rock! Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering girls’ creative expression, positive self-esteem and community awareness through rock music. Through our music education programs for girls ages 8 to 16, we are committed to educating girls about the musical, technical, and creative aspects involved in musicianship because we believe that young girls are rarely encouraged to explore self-expressive creative outlets and are less likely to be given access to musical and technical instruction or equipment. We believe that rock music can be a crucial tool in allowing young women to respond to preconceived notions of what they can do and what they can become."


Girls! Rock Chicago is a week long summer camp in Chicago for aspiring rocker girls!  Check out the group Meta3 below.  This 11-12 year old trio wrote the lyrics and music to "We are We" from beginning to end during this fantastic one week camp.  The end of camp culminates with a live performance at The Bottom Lounge club in Chicago.





Another, band named Cherie, comprised a dynamic duo of two very talented and more experienced older high school girls.  They were showstoppers and saved for last during The Bottom Lounge performance.  Can you say "I want the album" anyone?





The camp is run primarily by volunteers who donate their time and talents to the campers.  Each day goes from 9am until 4pm and the time is jam packed with music lessons, band practice, art activities (ie. Threadless t-shirt creatio), and girl empowerment discussions.  To get a spot in the camp the girls have to send in an "audition tape" which is loosely defined since it can even include artwork or reciting poetry.

I hesitated to post about this amazing camp because it is a very well kept secret (in the land of summer day camp experiences in Chicago) and I want my daughter to have a spot until she becomes too old to participate.   They also have a Ladies Rock program for us older wannabe rockers, just FYI.  So keep it on the down low peeps.  You are privileged to find it through my blog. Now SHUSH!

Dave Matthews at Northerly Island on July 5, 2014

Dave Matthew Band is always a pleaser especially when you are hearing him outdoors and Tim Reynolds has joined the band onstage. We won't get into the point how the changes at Northerly Island weren't to improve the acoustics (another time). So I think it took a bit for the band to work out some kinks but by Sister, we were already in for a treat. Haven't heard that since Toyota Park. Followed by Grace is Gone and I forgot about the rain. Tim and Dave pretty much played in perfect sync having played together for years. Boyd was also on top of his game and showed us some repect for the fiddlle. Digging a Ditch and Stay were grooving. Looking forward to seeing how the shows at the Greek compare. 

Post by guest blogger, K-Girl

Courtney Barnett at Schubas on June 23, 2014

Courtney Barnett and her band put on a great show at Schubas on June 23rd – a freebie as she called it -- as tickets were free to those who could make it out on a Monday night.  Having heard Courtney’s Avant Gardener on XRT a few times and again, I was expecting a younger Lucinda Williams with an Aussie twist, but that assumption proved what we all know about assumptions, which is that they are often dead wrong.  Instead her singer songwriter style balladry was put in the back seat for some post-punk, straight on rock ‘n roll, guitar rifts right on with her band.  Even Avant Gardener came with a kick to it, kind of like swimming in Lake Michigan with a bit of an undertow keeping things on the edge.  We were not in any old swimming pool. 

The whole set, while reflecting the shorter list of songs available to a new artist, was ever so satisfying with enough meat on the bones to satisfy the packed room of freebiests.  The most common comment overheard as we all trailed out was “That was cool!” and sure it was.  Great strong music, complimented by fun banter by Courtney with the crowd, asking the bar to offer free beer to us all (but then you can’t get it all she said, making light of the free entry) and suggesting that one by one we should introduce ourselves to the band, yet acknowledging we may not have time for that.  She also didn’t disappoint with an encore of just Courtney, with a singer songwriter style ballad.  If nothing else, it convinced the friend who came with me that, yes, I wasn’t crazy suggesting that he should come out and see this new act that sounded like Lucinda.  Scooping up one of her CDs with a smile, he didn’t seem to mind.

Looking forward to seeing her again on Day 1 of Lolla.  She already introduced a new song to us at Schuba’s that sounded just right and I look forward to hearing more.

Post by guest blogger, K-Girl

Joey Verskotzi at Tonic Room on June 17, 2014

Joey Verskotzi 

I ventured to The Tonic Room to hear Verskotzi perform an acoustic set. Tonic Room is a small bar near the Kingston Mines.  I was not aware of it as being a music venue until this invitation came along.  The acoustics are good in the bar and there is a make-shift stage with booth seating across from it.  The show started at 8 pm with an opening act by a band called Chambers from Denton, TX.  They played for the bartender, the other performers, and yours truly.  This looked like it was going to be a private show.  During their set I met Verskotzi’s wife, Francine.  They recently got married in December after having met at a friend’s reception.  I thought she had the “look” of a jazz singer and it turned out ironically that she actually is a jazz singer.  By day she teaches 8^th grade in St. Paul, MN. They are an adorable couple, she is the Diana Krall to his Elvis Costello.  She, the classy club singer and he, the curly-locked hipster indie folk pop rock singer.  I would love to hear some type of duet from them down the road. 

Having time for conversation after his set, Verskotzi filled me in on his background.  He began playing guitar at age 13 and is now only 23 years old.  Prior to discovering his love for guitar and writing, he felt that he really did not fit in with the kids he was hanging out with.  It was guitar and music that directed him to others who shared the same passion and he felt that he finally found his niche and the crowd he best fit in with.  His new release, Lemon Heart, is very professionally produced and written.   A testament to his hard work, perfecting his craft, and finding his niche.

From the band camp site as reviewed by  L'etoile Magazine: "Joey Verskotzi (who performs as Verskotzi) is an old-school singer-songwriter, that beautifully dying breed of chrysalis that used to dominate the rock universe.. Lemon Heart is a magnificent example of the form.. power-pop.. chamber-pop (the love of nifty arrangements and perfect harmonies), indie-pop.. perfect melodies & terrific singing all the way through."

I would add that for a debut release it is very mature in scope.  The tempo is varied on each track and while not repetitious has a distinct Verskotzi sound. Performed with a full band, the sound is rich and the lyrics are memorable with some catchy hooks.  His music is influenced by Jeff Tweedy and Death Cab For Cutie so if you are fans of Tweedy and DCFC front man Gibbard, you can’t help but like Verskotzi.  Two of my personal favorites are "Heartless Songs" and "Honey".   The album grows on you with each listen.  Having the opportunity to hear both songs acoustically and at what was to be practically a private show, was lucky for me (likely less so for him).  Seems like a far way to drive to have a great practice space.  Not sure why there was not enough advertisement but next time he could do a private show at my house and I will guarantee at least 50 people.  For a listen to Lemon Heart and a list of tour dates check out the bandcamp site here.

The only issue I have with Joey V is his last name.  It is extremely easy to misspell over and over again.  So if you are looking for his band, take special note of the spelling.  Not Vers-KOZI or KOZY - but KOTZI.  I digress and yes, I do have my issues.  This is a video I took at the show of a new song likely to be on his next release.  Enjoy.

The Lucent Dossier Experience at The Concord Music Hall on June 7, 2014

I invited Liv, my friend’s 21-year-old niece and my summer sitter to join me to see LDE.  To manage expectations I told her that the show appeared to be an amalgamation of Cirque de Soleil meets the circus meets vaudeville meets “Eyes Wide Shut” and might be a bit on the weird side.  My friend, Liv’s aunt, cautioned me that “Liv is a 50 year younger version of my mother (Liv’s grandmother) and is conservative” just in case I wanted to rethink and revoke my invitation.  I took the chance, afterall I was not expecting it to be some type of underground sex club since it was advertised and at a regular time at a regular club.  Not that I know anything about sex clubs so I am likely not the best source.

The show had two opening DJ’s (Radiohiro and Searchlite) starting at 9pm.  I am not much for opening DJ’s generally unless they are the main event.  These two seemed somewhat uninspired, playing singular beats without much thought to layering.  I also need lyrics to enjoy the beats but there were none.  As Liv aptly put it, “it should be more of a medley” of sound.  No one was paying them much attention and no dancing/body movement was observed.

The LDE started around 10:15 with live drum and electric guitar enhanced original electronica techno/dubstep music, belly baring female dancers, two male dancers, aerialist and a singer.  LDE is known for enlisting the talents of a variety of performers, almost without limit.  Some shows have flame throwers and tarot card readers in the audience.  Based on the ceiling height of the Concord Music Hall and the lack of evidence of any advance set up, we could not figure out prior to the show where an aerialist would perform.   They managed to attach a hitch to one of the stage lights and it fortunately was secure enough to hold the weight of the performer.

The costumes, hair and makeup were on the macabre and halloweenish side.  The costumes created in LDE are known for use of recycled objects such as feathers and bones and the use of airbrushed tribal body art.  Hair was teased and in disarray, tulle wedding type dresses were scrunched and cut short and designed with some sort of duct-like tape in the bodice.  Sort of Bridezilla meets “insert B movie horror film”.  Elsewhere the style has been described as an  “other worldly, haute couture” vibe.    Obviously many LDE fans were in the audience and this was not their first rodeo.  Some were dressed with fantastical hair, feather/hair vests, tribal make-up and belly baring harem pants.  Clearly the troupe merits followers and repeat show goers.

The music was loud (especially the base) but I was shamed by my young friend when I mentioned considering the possible use of my ear plugs.   If you don’t like electronic music you need not venture here either.   If you appreciate modern dance and hip-hop, you are safe to join in the experience.  Each dance is open to interpretation but for the most part had a sexual theme (still not a sex club or live sex act folks) although the individual pieces are not woven together into any coherent story line. Dancers were ushered on stage on a gurney for several of the dances.  One of the first pieces featured a more endowed female dancer dressed in white.  She was wheeled out by her male counterpart via gurney.  The prop was a white, light weight, billowy sheet.  The dance appeared to portray a wedding night fantasy/nightmare depicting the female trying to escape her male lover with the sheet frantically being whipped up and down as if a gale force wind were coming through a window.   At this point Liv turned to me and said “this is weird”.  To which I replied, “Oh Liv, you ARE so conservative”.  Tongue-in-cheek.  We laughed.

Another dance appeared to tell the story of rebuking unwanted sexual advances, both male/female and female/female.  This one was more on the humorous side.  Throughout, the dancers were very expressive, each acting out their parts and using facial contortions to highlight thoughts and emotion.  Another memorable dance involved one of the more lean and limber female dancers being brought on stage on the gurney wrapped inside a white lacy weblike  “cocoon”.  The male dancer poured water on her from a bowl until she was soaking wet.  She then slowly broke her way through her cocoon freeing herself and entering the world.  My interpretation of this piece was that this represented birth, the water being the amniotic fluid (OK, not rocket science but I still want credit for my figuring out the riddle).  The dancer was “clothed” in panties and a sheer bra as she entered the world and discovered and became aware of her body.  Needless to say, this was the mostly nude part of the show. 

Interspersed throughout the dances was a reprieve by the aerialist who I suspected was transgender.  This was not confirmed but just a hunch.   She demonstrated her aerial prowess as she hung from the stage light and twirled from various devices including a pole, aerial rope and aerial silk.  The company’s artistic director and creator is Dream Rockwell.  She sang, alongside the aerialist performance, during the show.  I had a hard time hearing the lyrics because there was so much base and reverb on stage.  It was next to impossible to listen to be able to fairly critique her vocals.  I did not think that her vocals were loud enough to fully appreciate what talent might exist but I suspect that, this being her “joie de vive”, the vocal performance might be somewhat gratuitous.

All in all, the show was entertaining and the dancers are indeed talented.  I suspect in a more appropriate space, this could be quite an elaborate show.  Each show appears to be different and includes varying types and numbers of performers depending on the venue.  Tonight was a more spare show only procuring the most essential pieces.  The troupe, hailing from Los Angeles, has performed consistently at Coachella, Lollapalooza, clubs and many corporate events.  I have learned that some of the performers are featured in commercials and videos including “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies” performed by the band Panic! At The Disco, a fantastic video.  So, possibly this is not a show that would be loved by the most meek, prudish, or conservative, it is however creative and provocative.  You might however want to think twice before bringing your grandmother but I think it is safe to bring someone younger even if she comes with a slightly conservative reputation.  On the other hand, if I brought my grandmother, she would have called me the conservative one.

Lucent Dossier Experience at Concord Hall on June 5, 2014

The Lucent Dossier Experience is described as an interactive experience that involves a live band, aerialists, dancers, contortionists, and sword swallowers amongst other performers.  Possibly a bit like Cirque de Soleil with a darker twist.  On their website it states that the audience is transported to a "fantastical realm where both brilliance and insanity fuse together to create an exotic kind of ecstatic bliss."  I am envisioning "Eyes Wide Shut" meets Cirque de Soleil meets Barnum and Bailey Circus.  I have been invited to review this show for the blog and anticipate a thoroughly unusual and engaging experience.  I am concerned that I won't be quite sexy enough to get my ecstatic bliss on.  I'll do my best.  My full review will be available post-show.  Consider attending and reviewing it yourself.  The Concord Hall is a very cool clubby space complete with VIP/bottle service area if you are so inclined.
For more information about The Lucent Dossier Experience check out http://www.lucentdossier.com

CIMMFEST: My 4 Day Diary

4 Days at CIMMFEST AKA “A Taste of Logan Square and Bucktown”

CIMMFEST for me turned out to be a great way to discover a lot of interesting films and music while exploring the more edgy areas of Logan Square and Bucktown and their diverse restaurants.

My CIMMFEST Diary

Thursday, May 1

Checked in at CIMMFEST HQ and picked up passes.  Headed to Subterranean to see the band Tall Walker.  Great show with some minor amp malfunctions.  The band was in great form with Nick’s powerful “emo” vocals in full swing.  I loved his hair.  Shaved on one side, full mane on top.   Had to be at work at 6:30am on Friday so this would have to be my early night for the fest. Please see my  interview of Tall Walker posted on an earlier blog entry.

Friday,  May 2

We started out at Logan Theater to see “Led Zeppelin Played Here”.  The movie had its moments but was a bit redundant and did not keep us highly motivated to stay to the end.  The documentary was, in a nutshell, about whether or not Led Zeppelin played at a gym at a Maryland youth center in January of 1969.  Although an enjoyable and novel movie, the investigator could not get a clear answer from his cast of characters which were very excited by rock 'n roll memories and memorabilia.  After the movie, we grabbed dinner in Logan Square at Telegraph.  Shared a bibb lettuce salad, bruschetta with ricotta cheese and beets, and mussels.   I liked the food and found it very fresh tasting.  I did find a few small shell pieces in my mussels so had to be careful before swallowing.  My friend was a harsher critic, having eaten there before and previously having a more memorable meal.   Service was great and the atmosphere was charming. I would check it out again.  We wanted to see another movie but decided that we should head to the Concord Theater to see Escort, a Brooklyn based disco orchestra.  The Concord is a very "dope" establishment.  Ripe for dancing and bottle service in the VIP section.  Unfortunately the band decided not to go on until midnight, although the schedule said 9 pm.  By midnight we were just about ready to call it a night.  We stayed for a few songs and although enjoyable, could not bring ourselves to party into the early morning hours.

Saturday, May 3

Tonight my husband came along for the Logan Square ride.  We started out at First Ward in Bucktown for a drink (Also known as Chop Shop).  Chop Shop is a restaurant and butcher.  The back room can be rented out for events.  An interesting space for sure.  We headed to Logan Square Auditorium to see Nora O’Connor, Andre Williams, and Murder by Death all from the Bloodshot records label.  O’Connor disappointed because it turned out to be her “other band” known as Precious Blood which is fronted by Danny Black.  I was not overly impressed by his vocals and thought he was flat a couple of times.  I have an ear for that sort of thing.  O’Connor sang back up vocals for him so this was “a fail” for me.  Next up was Andre Williams, a 77 year old R & B legend by report.  We left before his set though for dinner at Billy Sunday known as a cocktail bar with unusual food offerings.  I was told, upon our return, that Williams sang/spoke three songs and changed his outfit for each of them.  Now that would have been good fun but we missed it.   The restaurant was very eclectic serving up their own spin on classic drinks and food.  We had steak tartar, fried green tomatoes, and a very healthy tasting mushroom risotto.  They also had egg salad, pig ear, sweet breads and chicken and dumpling soup on the menu amongst other odd pairings.  The headliner band was Murder by Death led by Adam Turla on guitar and vocals, Sarah Balliet on cello, Vincent Edwards on keyboard and Matt Armstrong on bass.  They band was talented and Turla has a deep and penetrating vocal sound.  Unfortunately because the band “rocks out”, the lyrics were lost in the bad acoustics of the auditorium.  Not a great venue for a rock band.  My husband said that the band should be renamed “Murdered by bad acoustics”.  Oh well.  I would see them again at Lincoln Hall if they came back.

Sunday, May 4

This is the final day of music and movie events.  I am now officially exhausted from the past two 1 am nights, but carry on I must.  I met my friend to see Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song at Logan Theater.   The movie was a fantastic hip-hopera set to the lyrics of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  The film took the feuding families to a very trashy trailer park in New Zealand.  The characters playing the roles were fantastic.  A women, with what I believe was “Progeria syndome” (a genetic condition that causes extreme premature aging) played a major part.  I am a genetic counselor by profession so this was testing my genetic syndrome acumen.  The music was great and each actor lip synced each of the songs performed by other vocalists.  The cinematography and film style was detailed and interesting.  The first half of the movie, before the tragedy truly began, had several very funny moments also.  We were happy to learn that the sound track can be bought on iTunes.  After this movie we checked out the film “ Take Me to the River” which was about several artists such as Mavis Staples, Stax records, and the music industry in Memphis.  We left the movie and headed over to Trencherman for dinner before seeing Fulcrum Point, International Beethoven Project at First Ward.  Trencherman is a hard to get into restaurant but easy at 6pm on a Sunday night.   I shared a kale salad, chicken “tots” and a double (buttery) burger.  Yum.  I vowed not to eat the next day.  The atmosphere was fantastic and eating at the bar was a fun and good choice.    Fulcrum Point is a collection of experimental films and new music inspired by Ludwig van Beethoven.   The music was wonderful.  The first piece performed was Concerto 4, movement 1 with a film by James Kruml.  The film was footage of the Chicago lakefront and downtown but was somewhat amateurish and uninspired unfortunately.  The second piece, called “Light is Calling” featured violinist, Rika Seko and an interesting restored 1920’s silent film as background. The piece was dark, brooding and compelling alongside the film.  Next stop was City Winery to see Booker T.  The show was outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable.  He was a great but humble showman as he demonstrated by his introduction of each song.  His speaking and singing voice was smooth and soothing.  Her performed his big hits “Green Onions” and “Hang ‘Em High” as well as tunes like “Hey Joe” and songs from Bob Dylan and Leon Russell alternating from playing organ and his Les Paul guitar.  The night was capped off with a visit to Subterranean to see “Psalm One” perform rap and hip-hop.  She had a small but supportive audience and she noted this as well as being still able to “feel the love”.  She put a lot of energy into her show and met with her fan base afterwards for photos and hugs.  I have also posted an interview with Psalm One (AKA Hologram Kizzie) on a previous post.

Final Words

The CIMMFEST organizers accomplished the impossible.  The organization is not for profit and is supported by hard working volunteers, many of which have day jobs too.  This long weekend requires a lot of energy and stamina to both put together and to attend.  There is a lot to do and see crammed into this four-day extravaganza.  I am glad I have no plans until a wedding next weekend.  I am fried from all of the fun of this wonderful Chicago cultural and inspirational music festival.  I will need a full year to catch up on my rest for CIMMFEST, 2015.