Chicago’s very own Gidgets Ga Ga has released ‘The Big Bong Fiasco’.

The band is offering a FREE download of their rocking song, “Good Enough”!

FREE download: “Good Enough” MP3

When we first heard Gidgets Ga Ga, we featured one of their tracks on Band Weblogs Podcast Show because we liked their high energy rock and old school sound. Be sure to check out this power-pop / rock band with an edge!

For the latest music, news and information, go to:

MySpace
Gidgets Ga Ga Official Website
Gidgets Ga Ga on Twitter

Chicago band Inchworm’s latest release ‘Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing’ has been in my iTunes player for a while now, and the tracks continue to shine with each listen.

Inchworm is a band that I feel quite passionately about, as I really like their music, with endearing vocals, top notch songs, quality musicianship – and they seem like a cool group of people!

Someday I’d like to see them play live, but in the meantime, it was a treat to have the opportunity to interview them.

Inchworm interview with Jenny May

Jenny May: It looks like congratulations are in order regarding your song “Waltz Through the Ashes”. Will it be appearing in a film? How did this occur?

Matthew: Thanks, yes it is. The film is called We Believe: Chicago and its Cubs. It is directed by John Scheinfeld who made the documentary “The U.S. vs. John Lennon”. It’s the first documentary to be sanctioned by the Chicago Cubs so we’re hoping it turns out being a big deal. The way it happened is Dan, our bassist, saw an ad on Craigslist looking for songs to be in a contest to be part of the movie. Being a lifelong Cubs fan I said “what the hell” and it turned out that of over 300 entries, ours being the only original songs, fans and web visitors voted both our submitted tracks into the top 5! The director then chose “Waltz…” as his pick for the film. Pretty cool indeed.

You’ve signed up to Twitter. What are your thoughts on the social network? Have you been networking?

Mike: Ah, networking… ya gotta keep up with the kids, right?

Brian: Honestly sometimes it’s annoying as hell. I have a “smart” phone and decided to install the Twitter app. I uninstalled it four days later because of all the pointless “news” that was sent to me. People LOVE talking about themselves. Maybe it’s just the ones Inchworm follows…

Dan: As annoying as it is though, we know it’s a necessary evil. With the amount of time people spend online nowadays and all the information that is forced into their heads, it’s important to keep your name in front of their faces, otherwise they’re gonna forget you exist.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of yours. Any plans on coming to England to play?

Mike: Thanks again Jenny, we do appreciate it. We’d love to come across the pond and play. However, with the economy the way it is, it’s looking pretty grim. If we do manage to make the trek, you should hook us with an opening spot for the Guillemots.

Do you have any plans on touring the US?

Brian: Kid Rock once wrote a song called “Devil Without A Cause”. One of the lyrics in that song is “I’m goin’ platinum”. This was long before he sold a single record for the major label he was signed to. Inchworm, Inc. has decided to adopt this business model and write some new songs: “Platinum Sunshine”, “Platinum Stuck In My Teeth”, “Platinum Umbrella”, etc. If “Field of Dreams” taught us anything, it was “If you build it, they will come”. We write about platinum, the platinum will come. U.S. touring will ensue. In the meantime we’re gonna keep playing local and regional shows, continue to build our fan base, and branch out from there.

If you could go on tour with any bands/artists, who would it be?

(Heads come together, whispering): Dr. Dog, Wilco, The Shins, Grizzly Bear, Neil Young, the F***ing Stones, Guillemots. Basically any of our influences we’d love to play with.

Are you signed to a record label? Do you have a manager? Would you like a change in your current situation or are you happy with the way things have been going?

Mike: We’re totally independent, but we’d welcome change. Change is good. Anybody who is willing to help us gain exposure and financial independence is somebody who we’d be interested in meeting with and talking to. So if you know anyone who fits that description, give ‘em our number.

How long has the band been together and how did you meet?

Dan: We’ve been together for some time now. We all met through Twitter! J/K. Brian and Matthew have been playing in bands and writing music together since high school and a few years ago through a mutual friend, met Mike as he was between bands. A couple years ago, a buddy of mine was playing a Halloween show with Inchworm as Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and said they needed a bassist. I showed up and we had a jam, had multiple laughs, a helluva lot of beer, and we all became buds. I joined the band directly after.

How did you come up with the name Inchworm?

Matthew: It’s a long story full of ghosts and hammers, lovers and saloons. Head to the media page for the whole story. It won’t disappoint.

Mike: And if you don’t believe that, it’s also the name of a John Coltrane song.

What is one of the best live shows that you’ve attended?

Brian: Radiohead at Rosemont Theater (2500 capacity) in 1997.

Mike: Recently, Dr. Dog at the Double Door.

Matthew: Neil Young alone and acoustic in 1999 at Rosemont Theater.

What is one of your favorite things to do when not playing music?

Writing music. Enjoying life. Playing video games. Crossword puzzles. Reading. Getting the occasional beer at the bowling alley. Go see our friends play music.

How often does the band practice?

Twice a week for the most part.

What is your song-writing process as a band?

Mike: Matthew and Brian bring in some bones, then the band puts on the meat.

Brian: Nobody likes skinny cows.

Dan: I want to barbecue.

Why the title ‘Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing’ for your latest release?

Matthew: We’d been brainstorming for a few months trying to come up with something that was relevant to our situation. Mike, an amateur semanticist and etymologist, was playing with words and twisted the cliché “wolf in sheep’s clothing” late one night. The more we all said it the more we liked it. It kind of summed up how we felt about ourselves and how we imagine most people thought of themselves. Most people are genuinely good humans finding their niche in a hard world. I mean, nobody wants to be the wolf, but we all know you gotta grow teeth if you want to eat.

How have you been recording music (studio, home etc.)?

Dan: We write and record as much as we can. We recorded “Sheep In Wolf’s Clothing” entirely on our own at a couple different locations, one being Mike and Matt’s home studio: The Holtz ‘en Baugher Ranch. We do a lot of work there with demoing new material and piecing together arrangements and ideas over time. It’s good to have a home base we can play with sounds in.

Brian: Recently we started working again with the engineer who recorded our previous release “Porchlight EP”. Matt Dewine is his name and he runs Pieholden Studios in southern Illinois. The studio is owned by the late Jay Bennett (r.i.p.), and runs strictly analog. We’ve been having a lot of fun with the great selection of vintage gear and odd instruments they have down there, and we’re underway on what we hope will be a new album released late this year. We’ll definitely keep you posted!

All: Thanks a lot Jenny for setting this up and for the support you give us. It means a lot to us. Take care and we’ll talk again soon!

Band Members:
Matthew Baugher ~ Vocals, Guitars, Keys
Brian Morrissey ~ Vocals, Guitars, Keys
Dan Ingenthron ~ Bass, Bkgd Vox, Keys
Mike Holtz ~ Drums/Percussion, Bkgd Vox

More from Inchworm:

- We’re giving away a free download of “Waltz Through the Ashes” in appreciation of the support we got from the fans for a limited time. www.inchwormmusic.com/waltz

- Next show: June 22, 2009 @ Schubas Tavern (3159 N. Southport., Chicago, IL) @ 8pm w/ King Sparrow, The Main Drag

- “We Believe” film premiere: June 12th @ The Chicago Theater (thechicagotheater.com)

Inchworm Official Website
MySpace
Inchworm on Twitter

“Riot Fest firmly established itself in 2006 as one of the best showcases for punk and underground music in the country.” – Jim Derogatis, Chicago Sun Times

Five years. What does it all mean? Five years equals 25,336 fans, over 150 bands, 946 stage dives, 4 a**hole bouncers, 2632 cases of beer, 172 hours in line, 1 FBI Sting, 23 business suits and too many broken ribs. That, my friends is something.

For a closer look at Riot Fests past, we’ve thoughtfully provided this great video:

Watch Riot Fest video:

Started in 2005, the men and women of Riot Fest strive to create a festival they would love to attend, with one eye on the legendary Chicago punk scene and the other on the bands that inspire them, with a special emphasis on reunited influential bands that all fans of punk and underground music grew up with.

Five years later, Riot Fest marches on in Chicago, their beloved hometown and announces their new Riot Fest West, three nights in Los Angeles!

While 2009’s entire line-up remains shrouded in mystery, a few of the mind-boggling choices for this year’s Chicago Riot Fest have been announced. Brace yourself.

Screeching Weasel, a seminal band from Chicago who took the ethos of the Ramones and added a bitter, witty twist will take the stage. NOFX will arrive from the North Bay with their explosive live show, drunken antics and anti-GOP agenda. Chicago represents with Alkaline Trio, who blossomed from the local scene and forged an international profile, releasing critically acclaimed albums. Seattle’s Murder City Devils are notorious for their drunken depravity while performing and their raw, lurid lyrics, which deal chiefly with rock n’ roll excess (especially drinking), truckers, sailors and women. Philadelphia’s satirical, snotty and irreverent The Dead Milkmen are known for their hit song, “Punk Rock Girl”, which was a favorite of MTV’s “Beavis and Butthead Show”. One of the original punk bands, the UK’s Cock Sparrer will return to Chicago for the first time, since, well, no one can remember when.

Riot Fest Chicago will occur October 7-11 2009 at Congress Theatre, Metro, Double Door, Subterranean and Cobra Lounge. A limited number of five day passes go on sale June 6th, for the low, recession-proof price of $99.00 – which will include 14 shows! Five day pass holders will have the opportunity to win tickets to one of 4 secret shows planned beginning in August and running until the Fest kicks off.

Riot Fest West takes its bow on November 12, 2009 – it runs through the 14th at four venues, Palladium, The Wiltern, Key Club and The Roxy in Los Angeles, the line-up will be announced shortly.

Buy 5 Day Passes to Riot Fest

Riot Fest Official Website
Riot Fest MySpace
Facebook

In today’s music market, it takes a truly unique voice to command the attention of listeners. Chicago-native Andrew Ripp combines a voice that invokes both vulnerability and soul with a talent for undeniable hooks, setting the stage for him to be a name you will recognize for years to come.

Operating independently of a label, Ripp focuses on touring and has recently shared the stage with Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Fiction Family (Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek) and Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, among others. This spring, Ripp and his band headed overseas to play for the U.S. troops stationed abroad.

Watch video – Andrew Ripp Live in Kuwait - “The Privileged Life” featuring Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers:

On his debut album ‘Fifty Miles to Chicago’, Ripp aimed to create an organic album reminiscent of those made in the 70’s and by artists like Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams.

Musicians Pete Maloney (Dishwalla, Tonic), keyboard player Will Hollis (Eagles), and steel guitar player Eric Heywood (Ray LaMontagne) were brought in to help create a timeless record based around Ripp’s rhythmic guitar playing and soulful voice. From the electricity of the full-band backed, organ-driven groove of “Get Your Smile On”, to the solo acoustic guitar and vocals of “It’s All Good”, and the heart-wrenching rock ballad of “Dresden Wine”, Ripp does just that.

“I wanted to make the record on my own,” Ripp states. “All the recordings I had done in the past hadn’t really represented me in the way that I wanted to be represented.”

Ripp co-wrote and co-produced ‘Fifty Miles to Chicago’ with songwriter Randy Coleman and brought on Dan Lavery, former bass player of the rock band Tonic, as producer. Funded by Andrew himself, the majority of the album was recorded in Lavery’s back-house studio in Los Angeles.

“This record really portrays who I am not only as an artist but as a person,” Andrew says of writing the album. “Honesty goes a long way because you can see right through it when somebody is slopping words on a page. And I feel like we took the time that was necessary to really work through every word.”

“…Throughout Fifty Miles to Chicago, [Ripp] evokes the sophisticated styles of Ray LaMontagne or Paddy Casey and even hints of Jeff Buckley across the quivering ‘Tim’s Song.’” – Illinois Entertainer

“Ripp has a strong voice that can still invoke vulnerability and he’s good at establishing a hook. You know, that part of the song that smacks you up side the noggin and demands you listen.” – cursedmonkeypaw blog

Andrew Ripp April 2009 Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change. Go to Andrew’s MySpace page for the latest dates and information.)

4/6 Skully’s Columbus, OH *
4/7 Intersection (Front Room) Grand Rapids, MI *
4/8 Mirimar Theatre Milwaukee, WI *
4/9 Cafe Montmartre Madison, WI *
4/10 Cubby Bear Chicago, IL (OPENING FOR RUSTED ROOT)
4/11 Jake’s Pub Bloomington, IN *
4/14 Ransburg Auditorium (OPENING FOR JASON REEVES)
4/24 Martyrs Chicago, IL (Artists for Harmony Charity Event W/ MATTHEW SANTOS)

* The Brew Opens

Andrew Ripp on amazon.com

Andrew Ripp MySpace

It’s so refreshing putting on music that when the first breath of a note begins, you can already tell the sweetness of what’s to come. Inchworm captures that sweetness with ease throughout “Simple Days Without Money”, the breezy, catchy opening track on their EP ‘Sheep In Wolf’s Clothing’.

I’ve been an Inchworm fan for awhile now – ever since dedicating a whole Band Weblogs Podcast Show to the Chicago based band – which is a very rare occurrence, and it’s great to hear their music again after being away from it for awhile. It’s always a good personal ‘test’ so to speak, when a band that stirred you the first time you heard them gives you that same exciting feeling the next time you listen to their music after a long break. There’s just an all around wholesome sound that Inchworm brings to the table – similar to The Band – endearing vocals and harmonies, quality musicianship and well written timeless songs.

“Green House Grown” swings along with a wonderful rhythm and piano with harmonies reminiscent of The Band. “You I Aim For” is another sweet, classic sounding track on the EP. “Learn to Grift” steers the listener in a different direction from the previous Americana feel of the other tracks. A more modern/indie sound along with superb drumming. “Waltz Through the Ashes”, as you can gather from the title, is a darker track with standout, sultry vocals and cool guitar parts – and tone – throughout.

“Silent Observers” is an appropriate closing track. I love the rustic sound of the piano at the intro, and the vocals waste no time coming in. There’s a great build to this song, with its humble beginning, then the beautiful harmonies, excellent dynamics, soaring guitar, steady bass and then gradually building up to a somewhat experimental grand finale. Brilliant.

This EP is HIGHLY recommended and goes into my “great music for sitting around a fire at night” category.

‘Sheep In Wolf’s Clothing’ Track Listing:

Simple Days Without Money
Green House Grown
You I Aim For
Learn to Grift
Waltz Through the Ashes
Silent Observers

If you happen to be in the Chicago area on October 10, 2008 – I’ve got the perfect night out for you. Inchworm’s CD Release Show!! If I could be there, I would.

10/10/08
Darkroom
2210 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
Time: TBD
w/ Swell and Sleep with the Fishes
$8 adv, $10 door

Inchworm Official Website
Inchworm MySpace

By: Jenny May

C Sharp Consulting, Ltd. announces the addition of recording artist Michael Manson to its roster of clients, as he releases his third CD, ‘Up Front’, January 22, 2008. Additionally, C Sharp announces the addition of Steve Stiles-Kames as a partner in the organization where he will share in the co-management responsibilities’ of Michael Manson as well as oversee the newly created booking agency division of the company.

About Michael Manson:

A native of Chicago, IL, Michael Manson joined City Lights and began performing regularly on Chicago’s jazz circuit in the late 80s. In the mid-90s, Manson joined Brian Culbertson in support of the City Lights CD (Long Night Out) and continued to play the Chicago jazz scene with band mate Steve Cole. An invitation to play the Montreux Casino Lights Festival in 1999 would put Manson on the road to national notoriety. Sharing the stage with the likes of Boney James, George Duke and Kirk Whalum at this festival led to connections that blossomed into a spot performing on the Montreux Jazz Tour. Since that time, the bassist has rapidly emerged as one of the new stars of contemporary jazz displaying his remarkable dexterity and command of the 5-string and piccolo basses.

Michael displays his remarkable gift of musical versatility, passion and precision both in concert and on recordings. As a producer/composer he penned his first Top 10 hit “Outer Drive,” followed by the R&R charting track “Just Feelin’ It” and most recently, the Top 20 “Coming Right At Ya.” With both unrelenting power and laid-back grace, the recording artists’ third CD entitled ‘Up Front’ will be available January 22nd and will be released under the quickly expanding Nu Groove Records label. Guest artists on the new CD include; Norman Brown, Steve Cole, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Najee and Paul Jackson Jr.

Regarding the release of ‘Up Front’, Manson said,

“In the making Up Front were moments of great joy, extreme focus, and some very exciting performances. We’ve taken some artistic license and “jammed” a little more on this project. I’ve made some new friends who have shared their gifts and old friends who chimed in as well. I’m very excited to share this with the people who love music. Enjoy.”

“I wish I could turn on the radio today and find a station that can guarantee all their music will sound as good as Michael Manson’s.” – Pop Matters

“…he has moved persistently from strength to strength, one association leading inevitably to another in a career that has brought him front and center with the most esteemed names in jazz, gospel, R&B, pop and rock.” – Echo Smooth Jazz

For additional information visit:

C Sharp Consulting, Ltd.

Michael Manson Official Website

Emerging from the ruins of this lost decade of rock comes a band that holds the gas can to the bonfire saluting the history of rock music. With a sound as vast at the Midwestern rust belt, created and developed through living and breathing Rock and Roll circa late 60’s through the massive explosion of 70’s rock, 70’s/80’s punk, and old school singer songwriter/Americana roots, Chicago’s Javelinas have crafted a traditionally familiar sound all their own. Using guitars and stories with a sound strong as a steel-belted radial tire – skidding, screeching and in control – Javelinas are a requisite fresh injection to modern Rock and Roll music.

Listen: “Red Shoes” MP3

Their new single “Red Shoes” reaffirms the hope that there is Rock and Roll in the tradition of Rock and Roll, not Whine and Roll. Twenty-plus year Chicago music veteran (Simple Simon, Blackmaker, and recently Michael McDermott) and true to tradition, guitarist Spiv’s crushing opening riff and the thundering rhythm section of drummer Chris Glynn and bassist Dan Postlewait are the perfect backdrop for imposing lead singer Chris McInnis and his tales that spin on the desperation, addiction, and stamina while going through the roller coaster of living in the trenches of the independent music world.

The new album ‘Seven Sisters’ (Kentland Records), the follow-up to their 2005 debut ‘Dirtbath’ (Kentland Records), taps into the psyche and history of Midwestern hard-living truths lived and inked by Chris McInnis. A Detroit native and singer/songwriter straight out of the absolute hell of the Detroit punk rock scene, McInnis offers a mature glimpse into the life of being fueled by music, reflects on past hard times, and comes out of it standing strong.

The title track “Seven Sisters” sheds light on the crumbling facade of the “unsung structures” in American workers’ history, while the Hendrix-esque barnburner “SSA” rips through the administrative red tape of his youth. Although true to Rock and Roll form by instrumentation, the inspiration of creating ‘Seven Sisters’ spawns sonic diversity in tracks like the twangy “High Horse”, the somber game of “Didn’t Hurt”, and the rootsy cabaret “The 102″.

Their album previews throughout the 2007 summer festival circuit and live performances on radio and on tour have foreshadowed the excitement that the songs of ‘Seven Sisters’ and the performances of Javelinas are bringing back to Rock and Roll.

Javelinas 2007 live shows:

Dates could change! Go to Javelinas website for the latest show dates and information.

26 October 2007 Uptowner, Charleston, Illinois
27 October 2007 Cranky Pats, Neenah, Wisconsin
31 October 2007 Skrine chops, FOREST PARK, Illinois
1 November 2007 WLUW live on air performance, Chicago
1 November 2007 Elbo Room CD RELEASE SHOW! Chicago
2 November 2007 Brauerhouse, Hillside, Illinois
3 November 2007 IQ’s, Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 November 2007 The Verve, Terre Haute, Indiana
7 December 2007 Mary’s Place, Rockford, Illinois
14 December 2007 Points East Pub, Milwaukee
22 December 2007 Crystal Corner Bar, Madison, Wisconsin

Javelinas on Kentland Records
Javelinas on Myspace

Photo courtesy Dakota Debonai

I didn’t really know what to expect from the venue, as the photos from Google earth made it look like a rock quarry. Turns out the venue was actually kind’a cool. It’s a weird combination of outdoor Amphitheatre with a roof and skyboxes suspended from the ceiling a couple hundred feet above the floor.

Photo courtesy Dakota Debonai

It has a grass general admission area beyond the covered part that actually looks under the skyboxes. It holds an amazing 30K people and from where I was (the 18th row) it looked full. When I was a kid I wanted to be a live sound “front of house” engineer and have always been interested in live sound setups. My best friend in High School (John Kerns), went on to live that dream. When I entered the venue, I thought to myself, wow the sound is either going to be good, or really bad, here. I suspect through the years, quite of few of each kind of show has been heard there.

From where I was the sound was quite good. I was on-axis with the stage left sound reinforcement stack, so any weird sound artifacts didn’t make it to me, thankfully. Not surprising the mix sounded much different than the Rush show at Red Rocks. The two venues could not be more different, as Red Rocks has what has to be the steepest seating angle of any venue, is narrow and deep, and only holds about half the people as the former Tweeter Center. I found the mix to have much more low-end then the Redrocks show, which is good with a band like Rush with such solid Bass lines in combination with perfectly mic’d drums. This was without a doubt the best drum sound reinforcement I have ever heard at any show, anywhere.

Photo courtesy Dakota Debonai

The concert was tight, opening with “Limelight” after a hilarious dream sequence video at the beginning. I missed the opening at Red Rocks so it was good to see the entire show from front to back. I really like the new album so I was happy that most of the new songs made it into the show. At Redrocks, I thought the strongest song was “Workin’ them Angels”. With the Chicago show, interestingly it was my least favorite song. (after “Circumstances” from Hemospheres). It seemed to me that the pace of the song was much slower in Chicago and it lost a little something. At the Chicago show I thought “Armor and Sword” was by far the strongest song. I think this had to do with the incredible low-end of the sound system or simply the mix that night. Interestingly, I haven’t given that song unusual airtime in my car, but I have to go back now as a result of that amazing sound. The bottom line is you simply have to play “Armor and Sword” loud and with a good stereo setup to appreciate it. It’s one of those songs that are magic when performed live. “The Main Monkey Business” was just a great instrumental piece with the same energy and excitement as the Redrocks show. As with Redrocks, a guest chef came out during that song and basted the chickens in Geddy’s Hen House Roasters “bass cabinets”, although in the Chicago show another chef made a second appearance later during a different song (there must have been two celebrities to appease that night

The big surprise for me was the inclusion of “Natural Science” in the play list. For some reason I thought that was a kind of personal top ten Rush song of mine but maybe not other Rush fans. However, after the song the guy next to me high fived the two 14 year old guys next to me and yelled “It doesn’t get any fu***ng better then that”. Well said, old dude that only drove 20 miles to the show (as oppose to my 880 mile plane flight).

I have read several of Neil Peart’s books, completing “Traveling Music” on this trip. In one of the books Neil outlines his amazement for the age demographic that follows Rush. I have experienced this first hand, now, myself with these two shows. There are a good number of teenage boys in the 14-15 age bracket that were in the audience. I can also verify that the ones around me were all musicians of some kind/level, also confirming what Neil said in his book “Traveling Music”. Don’t get me wrong, a full 50 percent of the audience is 35-45 year old guys like me. If I had to guess however, I would say most of the audience discovered Rush post “Moving Pictures” – 1981, based on their excitement levels about various songs. They aren’t “old school like me” This is also confirmed by Neil as “Moving Pictures” had twice the public appeal of any Rush album prior (maybe even since). The younger people were likely brought to this show or earlier ones by their parents. There were a lot of kids there with their parents, and it made me feel guilty that I didn’t bring Darby to the show (either one).

The encores were what I think is standard for this tour, “One Little Victory”, “A Passage to Bangkok” and “YYZ”. What surprised me at both shows was how well “A Passage to Bangkok” fits in with later generation Rush songs on ‘Snakes & Arrows.’ “A Passage to Bangkok” was released relatively early in their discography on the 2112 album in 1976. Personally, I find it unusual when old Rush and new Rush sound good back-to-back. After hearing this ordering, I think that song was a bit of foreshadowing of “Rush to come”.

I couldn’t get my camera into this Chicago show like I did the Red Rocks show. But a quick flickr search revealed that Dakota seemed to just fine. I don’t know Dakota but I thank Dakota for lending the photos to this blog post. The full set can be seen here and they are awesome!

It was a great show, and worth the trip to Chicago. I would go again, but I’m getting dangerously close to stalker behavior so I think this is it for this tour. I look forward to the next tour. I think I will take Darby with me to that one.

By: Todd Vernon

Posted by permission via The Grateful Web, from Todd Vernon’s blog, False Precision

Related: Rush live at Red Rocks review

WHAT: Ex-Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine makes his triumphant return to the music world with his new project, California Transit Authority. The band will be performing songs from their forthcoming album, FULL CIRCLE and signing autographs for fans at an in-store appearance celebrating the album’s release on August 14 2007 (Street Sense Records).

This will be the only retail outlet for fans in Chicago to purchase the new album, either at the in-store or after the release date.

Aptly titled FULL CIRCLE, CTA’s debut album brings Seraphine back to his roots after being unceremoniously ousted 17 years ago from Chicago, a band he helped found and define for 23 years.

Connections magazine raved: “Once in a great while, an album will be so irresistibly brilliant that you’ll long to hear it repeatedly. FULL CIRCLE is such an album. CTA has created a delicious blend of fusion-infused, jazzed-up funk with a powerful edge that oozes a passion for deeply intricate arrangements. All around perfection!”

WHEN: THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 2007
7:00 PM CT

WHERE: Borders Chicago
830 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

California Transit Authority Official Website

Cole’s solo career began in earnest after his first solo album, 1998’s “Stay Awhile” turned out to be a smooth jazz sensation, featuring a pair of #1 NAC smashes, “When I Think Of You,” and “Say It Again,” as well as the top 5 hit, “Where The Night Begins.” The success of this debut album culminated at the 2000 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards where Steve was the recipient of the Prism Award for Best New Artist. Cole followed the record’s success by performing and recording frequently, both as band leader and featured guest, with such artists as Boz Scaggs, Junior Wells, Brian Culbertson, Waymon Tisdale, KMFDM, Rick Braun, Peter White, Larry Carlton, and Jeff Lorber.

Steve Cole’s newest album, TRUE is his fifth major label release. With plenty of funk, R&B, soul, and jazz influences, Cole effortlessly bridges the gap between instrumental virtuosity, seamless ensemble playing, and a high-caliber creative chemistry that runs the stylistic gamut in what’s regarded as his finest album yet.

For more information on Steve Cole, please visit his official website at http://www.stevecole.net.

You won’t want to miss this tour!

25-May Seattle WA Benaroya Concert Hall Reunited with Brian Culbertson
26-May Incline Village NV Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Reunited with Brian Culbertson
31-May Denver CO Jazz@Jack’s w/The Sax Pack
1-Jun Austin TX One Word Theater w/The Sax Pack
2-Jun Phoenix AZ Celebrity Theater w/The Sax Pack
3-Jun Las Vegas NV Green Valley Ranch w/The Sax Pack
8-Jun Newport Beach CA Hyatt Newporter Amphitheater Reunited with Brian Culbertson
9-Jun Temecula CA Thornton Winery Reunited with Brian Culbertson
17-Jun Country Club Hills IL Country Club Hills Theater Reunited with Brian Culbertson
23-Jun Southfield MI Southfield Civic Center w/The Sax Pack
27-Jun Garden City NY City Café Solo Show
28-Jun Garden City NY City Café Solo Show
12-Jul Walnut Creek CA Broadway Plaza Solo Show
15-Jul Salt Lake City UT Salt Lake City Jazz Festival Reunited with Brian Culbertson
25-Jul New York NY CD 101.9 Smooth Cruise Reunited with Brian Culbertson
12-Aug Long Beach CA Long Beach Jazz Festival w/The Sax Pack
16-Aug Washington DC The Birchmere Solo Show
17-Aug Philadelphia PA Penn’s Landing Solo Show
18-Aug Annapolis MD Ramshead On Stage Solo Show
25-Aug Ontario CA Inland Empire Jazz Festival Reunited with Brian Culbertson
6-Sept Vienna VA Filene Center Reunited with Brian Culbertson
15-Sept Mableton GA Mable House Amphitheater w/The Sax Pack
28-Sept New Haven CT Lyman Center w/The Sax Pack
29-Sept Huntington NY IMAC w/The Sax Pack

Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Email
Website
Amazon Link

PR Distributed By MuzikReviews.com for Miles High Productions

With over 200 performances at 60+ venues, the Green Apple Music festival is the largest Earth Day celebration in America. The festival website states that the event “will be made carbon neutral” and “is committed to raising environmental awareness by combining live musical performances from diverse genres with educational outreach and cultural events suitable for all audiences.”

JamBase reports that bands and artists set to play at the Green Apple Festival 2007 so far include:

New York: Taylor Hicks, Laurie Berkner, Junior Brown, Benevento Russo Duo (Acoustic), Edwin McCain, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Fat Mama, Tower of Power, Zero, Particle, The Radiators, Baby Loves Disco, Mahavishnu Project, Hot Buttered Rum, Raq, Tom Paxton and Richard Shindell, Jerry Joseph, Brand New, Zero, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Jake Shimabukuro, Avishai Cohen, Hiromi, Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Ryan Montbleau, Over the Rhine, Cosmic Jibaros, The Bomb Squad, Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle, The Bridge, Jonny Lives, Phix and Brady Rymer.

Chicago: The Decemberists, Kaiser Chiefs, Umphrey’s McGee, The Disco Biscuits, The Smithereens, The Walkmen, Andrew Bird, RJD2, Mad Professor, The Del McCoury Band, Paul Green’s School of Rock, Flickerstick, JJ Grey and Mofro, Brothers Past, Hoyle Brothers, New Monsoon, Backyard Tire Fire, Juice and the Machine, The Lost Trailers, Mono, Mark Farina, Anathallo, Soulwax, and 2Many DJs.

San Francisco: Bob Weir and Ratdog, Stephen Marley feat. Junior Gong, Greyboy Allstars, Yonder Mountain String Band, Martin Sexton, Trans Am, Tea Leaf Green, Railroad Earth, Electric Six, Newmaster Sounds, Everyone Orchestra, Girlyman, Akasha, The Drastics, DJ Scheme and Plan B, May Lake, Kite Flying Society, Black Taj, The Sippy Cups and Smoosh.

From the Green Apple Festival website:

Free Concerts on Earth Day Sunday April 22, 2007

NYC – The Great Hill in Central Park
The Laurie Berkner Band with Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
followed by an afternoon dance party by Baby Loves Disco

Chicago – Lincoln Park Zoo
Umphreys McGee
The Disco Biscuits
Mad Professor
Todd Park Mohr (of Big Head Todd)
The Blisters
Deep Fried Pickle Project
Paul Green’s School of Rock
Ella Jenkins

San Francisco – Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park
Bob Weir and Ratdog
Martin Sexton
The Greyboy Allstars
Stephen Marley

For more up to date information about the Green Apple Festival lineups, venues, bands, schedules and more go to the Green Apple Music Festival Official Website.

More information about Earth Day at Earth Day Network

Other upcoming green and environmental awareness events include Go Green single by Dave Stewart and Al Gore’s Live Earth concerts.

By: Jenny May