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The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Buddy Holly Edition
Today we pay tribute to one of the great original rock and rollers, Buddy Holly. This bespectacled Texan proved particularly adept at fusing R & B with pop and country tropes, and he shared with Chuck Berry the ability to write lyrics that teenagers could immediately identify with. Moreover, he matured as a songwriter at a startling rate, showing melodic and arranging chops that still make historians wonder if rock would have gotten to some places sooner had Buddy not died in that tragic plane crash. Holly’s influence loomed large in the early ’60s, as most strongly evidenced in the early work of The Beatles (whose name was a takeoff/homage to the name of Buddy’s band, The Crickets) and The Rolling Stones (the latter who first hit the U.S. charts with a cover of Buddy’s “Not Fade Away”), and, most obviously, the band that named themselves after him, The Hollies. Let’s pay tribute to one of the true innovators in rock by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Van Morrison
He started out in an Irish garage band (which makes sense, since he’s Irish) called Them, who were raw and passionate. Indeed, so raw that when their instant classic “Gloria” came to these shores, radio stations considered it too hot to touch, and Chicago’s very own WLS-AM convinced The Shadows Of Knight to record a tamer version, which became the hit version in the States. Van overcame that, next garnering chart success with the ubiquitous “Brown Eyed Girl”. But he wasn’t just a pop singer. With albums such as Moondance and Astral Weeks, he developed a blend of jazz, folk, rock and, most of all, blues that became very influential. Of course, it helps that Morrison was blessed with some of the most soulful pipes around. After his early triumphs, Morrison never stopped exploring, whether it would be skiffle, pure blues or more atmospheric stuff. Let’s pay tribute to this living legend, by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesCome for the Circus. Stay for the Conor Oberst. Or Bobby Womack.
If everyday life isn’t enough of a circus for you, go see the El Circo Cheapo Cabaret performing Saturday Sept. 21 and Sunday Sept. 22 at 5 PM as part of Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements at the Riverfront Theater, 650 W. Chicago.
CHIRP is proud to be a media sponsor of this event featuring trapeze artists flying over your head, clowns scaring the bejeezus out of you, hat jugglers juggling hats, sideshow freaks freaking you out on the side and more. Much more.
If you purchase your tickets using the links below and manage not to get eaten by a clown you can stay for the evening’s headlining act for absolutelyFREE. On Saturday that means a chance to see Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst live in concert. Or if Sunday’s more your night, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer soul legend extraordinaire Bobby Womack will be on hand to make you shimmy and swoon.
This offer is exclusive to CHIRP listeners and quantities are limited. You must attend the matinee show to receive your wristband for the evening shows! Get your tickets at these links:
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Linton Kwesi Johnson Edition
Today is a special day for a true reggae innovator, Linton Kwesi Johnson. The native Jamaican moved to London as a child and became a major figure in the reggae scene in England. Johnson was dubbed a ‘dub poet,’ as he put his pointed lyrics about life and struggle to fantastic reggae back tracks, often produced by the great Dennis Bovell. LKJ’s hypnotic cadence locked together well with the great grooves beneath him. Moreover, he took reggae’s burgeoning social consciousness to an entirely higher level. In honor of Johnson, go grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Michelle Nadeau writesJoin us for the Exclusive, Secret, Popup Dining Event of the Year: Dîner en Blanc!
CHIRP is the proud music provider for the official pop up dining event here in Chicago on Friday, August 24 at 7:00pm at a secret location, organized by Dîner en Blanc Chicago.
Over 1,000 diners will participate in the prestigious event, coming from 20 meeting points throughout Chicago, dressed entirely in white, led by a group of volunteers, to the secret meeting place, promising to have a spectacular view!
In true Dîner en Blanc style, participants will be asked to bring their own tables, chairs, food and drinks. As an added treat, world-renowned Chef Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia will be creating gourmet picnic baskets that may be purchased in advance for the event, complete with wine pairings.
Dîner en Blanc and Dîner en Blanc International Inc. has grown to include 24 host cities globally. This year, Chicago is pleased to join these prestigious ranks by officially launching this celebrated event in affiliation with the original Dîner en Blanc International and will run in accordance with the high standards put forth by the Dîner en Blanc International Inc. trademark.
CHIRP is excited to provide the soundtrack for this foodie event and it’s official debut here in Chicago. Click here for more details about this prestigious event, imported straight from Paris. And make sure to register now so you don’t miss it!