We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
We're happy to be nominated in four categories for the Reader's 2024 Best of Chicago poll. Find them all here and cast your ballot by December 31!
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Rising from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo in the 1990s, Wilco has been the definition of a "Chicago staple" for 30 years. The release of the band's new EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud continues the group's musical odessey, rooted in country and folk while stretching in all kinds of different tonal and structural directions. |
by Eddie Sayago
The beach is always a refreshing way to cool off in the summer, as many of us make our way to the various spots along the coast (East, West, the Great Lakes, etc.) whenever we need an escape from the heat. Here are five songs to accompany your next beach read or swim.
A homage to the largest urban beach in the United States, this place must be worth the trek for the Ramones. The original lineup (Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone) are from the Forest Hills neighborhood in Queens, which means it would take about 40 minutes to get to Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, or nearly double that if you take the subway and bus.
Luckily they can hitch a ride to the beach once known as the “Irish Riviera” thanks to the large community from the Emerald Isle. A getaway for the idle rich in the 18th century, Rockaway Beach became popular with the masses once the railroad station and the amusement park Rockaways’ Playland opened in the early 1900s.
by Andy Frye
The once-young music fan in me was lucky to catch local favorites PINKSQUEEZE when they played at Cobra Lounge on May 11 with indie rock veterans Skating Polly. The all-queer foursome—comprised of Ava (vocals/guitar … she/her), Anna (bass… she/her), April (vocals/guitar… she/they), and Logan (drums …they/them)—released their first full-length album Be Gay Have Fun last summer to great acclaim.
Pinksqueeze’s presence at that warm Saturday night show seemed to signal the band had brought summer back early, exclusively for their friends and fans at Cobra Lounge. Certainly, Pinksqueeze put on a performance that was everything you'd expect from the band: kinetic, emotional, outspoken, and super fun.
The Chicago band’s guitarist, April, described it as a homecoming in more than one way.
"We always love playing at the Cobra Lounge, and this was such a fun show. We were excited to play with Skating Polly…they are such a rad band that we've been listening to.” She added "Some years ago, our bassist Anna interviewed Skating Polly early in their music career—so it felt like a really special full circle moment to play with them. And they were really lovely to meet and play with."