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The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Ray Davies Edition
Ray Davies is one of the most important figures in ‘60s rock music. He’d be deserving praise if he had only written “Waterloo Sunset”, which former Village Voice music critic Robert Christgau called (and I’m paraphrasing) the best song in the English language. Utilizing the same blues and rock ‘n’ roll influences as his British Invasion counterparts, Davies (with the help of brother Dave) created some of the first riff rock on classics like “You Really Got Me”, planting the seeds for heavy metal and punk. He quickly advanced to more sophisticated territory. In so doing, he got away from aping American sounds (especially vocally) and really creating a British vocabulary for rock music. His initial observational songwriting was closer to Dylan in spirit, but soon he was creating lovely vignettes that touched on specific experiences that were sometimes witty and sometime poignant. While their commercial prospects waned somewhat, The Kinks reeled off one of the great album sequences in history, from Face To Face to Something Else to Village Green Preservation Society to Arthur (and one could argue Lola... too). Davies’ influence loomed large on many British acts, including XTC, Madness and Blur, inspiring even more classic music. Of course, he couldn’t keep up that pace, but he is still a warm and wonderful live performer and still might have classic song or two in him. Let’s celebrate Ray’s birthday by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.
Kelsey Phillips writesThe Green Music Fest Is This Weekend, and CHIRP Will Be There!
Craft beer. Eco-friendly vendors. Free bike parking. Craft beer (yes I said it twice). Live music. The quintessential Chicago summer festival. This weekend (June 22nd/23rd), Wicker Park will once again fence itself off from traffic and open it's gates for some great live music and environmentally-sustainable shopping.
The Green Music Fest, on Damen Ave. between North and Schiller, reflects the environmentally-conscious community it is located in, throwing local retailers, crafters, food vendors, and of course, beer brewers alongside some great live music. The festival's Green Initiative includes a mission to connect eco-conscious Chicagoans with these environmentally sustainable products and services, all the while giving the city the kind of weekend festival it has come to know and love. You'll find everything from biodiesel generators, compostable food service disposable items, and free bike parking.
The bands are nothing to scoff at either; with two stages and plenty of local acts, you can see anyone from Manchester Orchestra on Saturday to Talking Heads tribute band This Must Be The Band on Sunday (check the website for a full lineup). There's a $5 suggested donation, and festivities start both days at noon and end at 10 pm. Hop on your bike and head over!
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWeekly Voyages: Friday 06/21 to Thursday 06/27
(Do you have corrections or updates for this list? Send us an e-mail.)
Friday June 21
Red Tail Ring
Abbey Pub 9pm, 21+
Reckless Life- Guns N Roses Tribute Band
Abbey Pub 10:30pm, 21+
Sonny & The Sunsets, Little Wings, Temporary Pharaohs
Beat Kitchen 9pm
The Maine
Bottom Lounge 5:30pm
Souls of Mischief
Bottom Lounge 9pm
The Van Goghs, Eddie Franks, More Gorgeous, Vanarays, Diana Lawrence
Double Door 8pm, 21+
The Hoyle Brothers
Empty Bottle 5:30pm 21+
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday David Thomas Edition
It’s time to wish a happy birthday to the man once known as Crocus Behemoth. David Thomas helped found the short lived but extremely important proto-punk band Rocket From The Tombs, and once they split, formed Pere Ubu, the self-proclaimed avant-garage band. With the large and oddly compelling front man whose quavering high voice somehow was perfect for an ultra-arty take on rock tropes, Pere Ubu has been making important music over five decades. From spooky to rocking to pretty darn catchy (the band’s Cloudland album is one of the great pop albums of the ‘80s), Thomas has managed to put his stamp on everything he’s done. And he’s had some nifty side projects too. In honor of Thomas, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Kelsey Phillips writesTime for the 6 Corners BBQ Fest!
You all know the intersection. For the third year in a row, Chicagoans will descend upon Milwaukee, Irving Park, and Cicero for some live music and, of course, darn good barbecue for the 6 Corners BBQ Fest. This Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, you can enjoy all the pulled pork and baby back ribs you care to consume, all from six local restaurants.
Accompanying your turkey legs will be two stages that will host local musicians like folk artist Ezra Furman and alt-rockers Molehill (check the website for a full lineup). No worries if you can't find a babysitter, this is a kid-friendly fest complete with a Kids Corner that you'll probably enjoy just as much as the kids will.
This is a great local festival hosted by the Six Corners Association, which was founded in 2002 by local businesses to revitalize their district. Live entertainment starts at noon both days, and a $5 donation is appreciated. Stop by the CHIRP table and say hello!