Chrisette Michele Dishes On Epiphany

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chrisette Michele is taking a different approach with her sophomore album, Epiphany.

The Grammy award winning singer isn’t stressing anymore about what people think about her and her music. Instead, Chrisette now says, “If they don’t like me or my music –that’s ok and thanks!”

Chrisette sat down with me for a private dinner with a select group of friends on Tuesday (April 21st) at Hyde Park hot-spot Park 52. The fabulous dinner was a four-course taster and also served as a intimate listening session.

Sporting a blue and gold trimmed Polo Rugby jacket with matching gold bracelets by Scoop NYC, Chrisette discussed everything from how Ne-Yo made her have a epiphany to stress and bleeding vocal cords.

The fabulous intimate event was sponsored and hosted by Bleu Magazine and editor in chief extraordinaire Lenox Magee. (Thanks!) Also, specials thanks to Mega LLC -Dr. Renee Matthews!

Epiphany is the follow-up to Chrisette Michele’s critically acclaimed gold selling debut, I AM. Epiphany will hit stores on May 5th.

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Peterik Party at FitzGeralds Saturday!

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’re invited to Grammy™ Award winner Jim Peterik and his son Colin’s tandem CD release party this Saturday (April 11th) at FitzGeralds in Berwyn.

“This is the thrill of a lifetime, to be sharing the stage with my son”, says the elder Peterik.

Jim Peterik is well known as the singer/songwriter for The Ides Of March and Survivor in addition to his many songwriting credits for other artists.  His latest project Lifeforce is quite a departure for the rocker – it’s smooth jazz featuring singer Lisa McLowry.  The self-titled Lifeforce CD casts some of Peterik’s greatest hits such as Vehicle and The Eye Of The Tiger in a totally new light.  Hear for yourself when Lifeforce jams at FitzGeralds.

Jim’s son Colin is the singer, songwriter and keyboardist for the very uniquely named Lobster Newberg.  Fresh from their first national tour, Lobster Newberg will open the show, celebrating their second CD “Actress”.

As an extra added bonus, if you go to the FitzGeralds Saturday you will receive a golden ticket that can be redeemed at the merchandise table post-show for either a “Lifeforce” or “Actress” CD.  Sweet!  That sure makes the low $15 ticket price an even better deal.

If you want to hear Jim Peterik tell his fascinating rock story take a listen to my interview with him in Cara’s Basement.  Be sure to listen to the entire episode – he does an absolutely amazing acoustic live performance of “Vehicle” at the end!

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You can (practically) rock with U2 this weekend!

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

With all the hupla this week over U2 coming to town, the big let down was the fact that they never even played a single note.  Sure, it was cool that a few hundred lucky souls got to be in close proximity to such a legendary band as they spun music and answered questions, but many folks in Chicago were hoping for some kind of surprise performance. 

You’ll fiinally get the chance to see U2 live when they play Soldier Field on September 12, kicking off the North American leg of their world tour.  But what if you don’t want to wait until the fall to hear U2 play live in Chicago?

If you saw me walking around Chicago Tuesday afternoon with Bono that was actually the lead singer of Elevation, the greatest U2 Tribute band. You can catch them:

Friday, March 13…Abbey Pub, Chicago

Saturday, March 14…McGee’s, Chicago

Tuesday, March 17…Durty Nellies, Palatine

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Entertainment News for March 13, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

Not Acceptable!                                                       

 Social workers inspected the home of octuplets mother Nadya Sulemanin La Habra, CA yesterday (March 12).  As they deemed her future home unacceptable and decided her babies should remain at a Bellflower Hospital for several more days, Nadya had a team of cameras following her every move — possibly for a new reality TV show??

Howard K. Stern is Busted!

The longtime companion and attorney of Anna Nicole Smith was charged March 12th, for conspiring to furnish drugs to the Playboy pin-up in the years leading up to her 2007 death from a prescription medication overdose. Stern and one of the doctors charged voluntarily turned themselves in to police Thursday night (March 12th) and were immediately arrested and booked. Another doctor who is facing the same charges is reportedly expected to turn himself into police on Monday.

Chirs Brown  Says…  

Don’t believe everything you read.  Contrary to a New York Post report claiming that Chris Brown had fired all his staff — including the manager who allegedly sent the text message that caused this mess in the first place — his mom/co-manager Joyce Hawkins has issued a statement saying it’s all – “unequivocally” – not true

She says: “Reports that Chris is looking to replace his team, including Mark Geragos, Tina Davis and Mike Sitrick, are false. There are only two people who could make a change at that level on Chris’ behalf: his business attorney Kenny Meiselas and me — and neither of us were the source of this information. To the contrary, Kenny told the media outlet that broke this item, that the information they had was false. So there is no room for doubt or misunderstanding, let me state unequivocally, that no change is planned or being made with respect to Mark Geragos, Tina Davis or Mike Sitrick. We are very pleased with the work they are doing.”

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!                                                                                   FRIDAY: Social Twenty-Five opening tonight! It’s being called the perfect blend of sports and style—sort of the Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen of River North watering holes. Social Twenty-Five 25 W. Hubbard St (between Dearborn and Wabash)

SATURDAY DAY: Dye The River Green Party at Fulton’s On The River! Green beer, prime viewing spot and Kegs N’ Eggs ?! Fulton’s On The River 315 North LaSalle 9am-4pm

SATURDAY NIGHT:                                                                                                JBAR-  Sexy drinks, hot music, the A-list crowd and DJ Rock City! What more could a girl want?! J BAR – 600 N. Rush Street – Chicago, IL 60611

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Here’s what you missed at the U2 “secret show”

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Well, the rumours were true.  The “secret” location for U2‘s live event in Chicago last night wound up being The Metro on Clark.  I was among the lucky few who were bussed to the location, and when we saw “Stand Up Comedy, U2” on the sign board when we pulled up to the Metro, everyone clapped & screamed.  There were TV crews and throngs of fans waiting nearby, hoping to get a glimpse of the band.

We walked into the Metro around 6pm but the “show” wouldn’t start until 8pm.  My husband asked the bartender if they had any food and she suggested getting a Guiness because “it drinks like a meal”.  So, it was two hours of drinking and no food for a few hundred folks – you can imagine how high the energy level and volume of the crowd was by the time Shirley Manson of Garbage strolled onstage to introduce U2.

This was a live radio event simulcast all over the country, so the radio geek in me was fascinated by how technically trouble-free the event was pulled off.  Each member of U2 chose a song to play, and they explained the story of why they chose each song before playing it.  Larry Mullen was first (OMG he looks really amazing up close!).  Thank goodness he chose “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones, because prior to the broadcast the dj at the Metro played that song and for some unknown reason abruptly stopped playing it and threw on a country song resulting in an angry crowd screaming profanities at that poor guy.

The best part of this intimate U2 experience was what did not get broadcast across the country.  As each song played and during commercial breaks Shirley Manson fielded questions from the crowd.  It’s too bad that no one was able to record this part because there were some great questions and fabulous answers.  Such as…

Someone asked The Edge if he would ever sing lead vocals in the future since he has such a great voice.  Bono stepped in and said jokingly that “his BACKING vocals are particularly good”, causing the audience to erupt in laughter.

Bono was asked to name his favorite song on their new album No Line On The Horizon.  He said that his favorite part was actually about 1/3 of the album, particularly “Breath” because it’s autobiographical.  “Here we are, traveling town to town selling you our wares”. 

When asked what their favorite song to play in concert is, Larry Mullin said it’s “a song that hasn’t even been written yet”.

Several members in the audience commended Bono on his humanitarian work, including the One campaign.  How did Bono feel when the wall came down in Germany?  “The idea that geography decides whether you live or die…I want to outlaw that.”

The sweetest answer came from Bono when someone asked him his secret to having such a good marraige.  “I don’t feel like I’ve fully gotten to know her”, he said.  “She’s a very beautiful person, but hard to know.” And he explained how he met his future wife as a kid when she was “in class with The Edge, that bastard!”

Prior to the show I had fun walking around Chicago with the lead singer of the U2 tribute band Elevation.  NBC5 filmed as folks came up to him asking for his autograph! To say he is a total Bono clone is an understatement.  See for yourself – check out the pictures here.

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Entertainment News for March 10, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

It’s been a productive and lucrative year so far for OctoMom Nadya Suleman. Not only did she accept some much-needed help from Angels in Waiting but she’s also scored herself a half million-dollar home in La Habra, CA. The 2583-foot four-bedroom, three-bathroom house boasts a huge yard and is conducive to building add-on rooms. Just perfect for a mother of 14! The official buyer is Nadya’s father, Ed Doud.

Michelle Obama covers The New Yorker’s biannual Style Issue, which hits newsstands this week. To no surprise, much of the article focuses on the First Lady’s arms. This is just days after an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times, in which the author proclaimed: “The only bracing symbol of American strength right now is the image of Michelle Obama’s sculpted biceps. Her husband urges bold action, but it is Michelle who looks as though she could easily wind up and punch out Rush Limbaugh, Bernie Madoff and all the corporate creeps who ripped off America.” Well said!

Comedic political commentator Bill Maher and political host and commentator Ann Coulter will speak at the Chicago Theatre on Wednesday, March 11th. Start time is 7:30 p.m sharp!

And…the word from Twitter to 312Diningdiva is that super group U2 is officially in Chicago right now and the secret location for their highly anticipated appearance tonight is The Metro!  Good luck getting in!

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An intimate U2 experience…FREE!!!

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

U2 is definitely an “arena rock band” with the ability to instantly sell out any venue they book. Getting tickets, even if you’re willing to pay top dollar, is always a challenge.

Here’s spectacular news: you can see U2 up close & personal for free! U2 is celebrating the release of their new CD No Line on the Horizon next week by coming to Chicago for an awesome live event on Tuesday, March 10. This will most definitely not be a huge arena show. It will be much more intimate and private, with the location being kept top secret. Shirley Manson of Garbage will be the host and U2 will actually be “deejaying”! You cannot purchase these tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime-experience, you must win to get in. And I’m just the gal for that…

I’m giving away a bunch of free U2 tickets next week on “The Mix”. You’ll have three chances to win each day (Mon-Fri): at 10:20am, 11:20am and 1:20pm. Just be sure to be listing to 101.9 WTMX at those times and I’ll tell you what to do to win.

Good luck!!!

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Michelle Obama & Desiree Rogers Fashion Problems!

 LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team
Of all the issues surrounding the White House these days, believe it or not, fashion is causing an uproar.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s green, sleeveless, tea-length dress was a hit Feb. 25 when she presented the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize to Stevie Wonder. And with all eyes on the First Lady, Obama choose another unknown designer for the high profile event, Wonder’s wife Kai Milla.

But the First Lady’s affinity for unknown designers and modern taste has come with its share of criticism. And her main love for all things sleeveless seems to be the source of the controversy.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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FREE Screening Party of TNT’s Saving Grace

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Who says the stars are only out in Hollywood.  So many TV shows are now holding exclusive premiers right here in Chicago.   In fact, I have the pleasure of moderating a TNT show premier next week – actor Kenneth Johnson will take part in a Q/A session right after the premier of  “Saving Grace” is viewed at Chi Bar inside the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago…this Tuesday, February 24, 7pm-9pm.

If you want to take part in the fun, the good news is that it’s free to attend - but you’ll need to preregister.  Tickets are first-come-first-served, so hurry and shoot an email to savinggracechicago@gmail.com if you’re interested.

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FALL into Angels & Kings TONIGHT…

Ashley Lobo, NBC Chicago Street Team

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman and New Trier Brotally buddy Alex Beh present their pair of fun flicks tonight! Not only can you meet two famous Chicago boys, but you can support a charitable cause. “The Laundry” is executive produced by Trohman and written/directed/performed by Beh. Some familiar faces are: Tony Hale (Arrested Development), Colleen Camp (Clue, Election) and Joe Nunez (Seven Pounds, Superbad). The evening will also feature Beh’s awarding winning film, “Sugar.” In between the big party you can catch the cool sounds of DJ Matt Roan, Yuir Lane and Andy Davis. All of the cash raised will benefit; Falling Whistles, a new non-profit for child soldiers in DR Congo.

When:
February 5 : 9 p.m.
Price:
No cover (Suggested $10 donation)

Angels & Kings
Neighborhood: River North
710 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
312-482-8600

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Celebs Hit Chicago On Tuesday!

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

September 08, left with a definite B.A.N.G. and along with the heat it took away the celebrities as well! Now there have been a few sprinkles of celebrities here and there but call me crazy because it always seems as though Chicago keeps getting the same stars over and over again like: MTV “The Hills” stars, Girls Next Door, Common or some random D-lister (Jessica Simpson) REALLY just how many times has she been in Chicago recently?!

Now, if you’re anything like me then your in desperate need of some heavy duty, all night celeb filled clubbing! I’m not kidding, with the below negative weather and lack of reasons to strap on my Christian Louboutin knock-offs I’m going through nightlife withdrawals here! Heck, at this point I need a party fix like Brit Brit needs her CrAzY meds!

So thank goodness the ladies at XA Agency and The Patton Group are putting back on their super girl capes for December 16th, and saving the day once again! This time it’s in the form of Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.

Michigan Avenue Magazine will be hosting their high profile V.I.P. holiday party Tuesday-Dec 16th, at Manor nightclub. The fab party starts at 8pm but if your not on the list or know someone at XA there’s a strong possibility you might be sitting this one out!

And if you can’t go downstairs then why not go upstairs to Stay nightclub where ther’s always a party and at Stay you can definitely “Stay” if you catch my drift!

Now, my personal sources are telling me that Chris Brown and Rihanna will be stopping by Stay after Jingle Bash, and of course The Patton Group and XA are both denying this but one can never can tell what really goes on in Chicago behind the velvet ropes! *wink*

So two hot spots in one night, sounds like a plan, right! And if you have a hangover Wednesday morning then do blame me! Peace, love and P..A..R..T..Y!!!

 

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A True Radio Legend: Clark Weber

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Anyone who grew up in Chicago and listened to the radio in the 60′s have fond memories of Clark Weber. I didn’t move here until 1989 but I’ve heard about him over the years and was very excited to pick up his new book, “Clark Weber’s Rock & Roll Radio: The Fun Years, 1955-1975″.  It’s a really cool coffee-table book with lots of great pictures and extremely entertaining stories.  The best part is the CD that comes with it with plenty of radio clips from back in the day.

I am so glad that I made a point of meeting him at a book signing.  He’s had quite an interesting life & career in radio.  I admire him and consider him a mentor.   His book is a must for anyone who is a fan of radio or a fan of music from the ’50′s-’70′s.

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Free Performance By The Plain White T’s!

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

With the price of concert tickets becoming increasingly unaffordable, whenever there’s an opportunity see a band for free you should jump on it.  This is one of those opportunities…

Chicago’s own Plain White T’s, who have had a HUGE year thanks to the immense success of their catchy song “Hey There Delilah”, will be performing an acoustic set at the Best Buy in Downers Grove tomorrow (Friday) at 4pm.  I have the honor of introducing them on behalf of 101.9 WTMX “The Mix”.  Stick around after their set and you’ll get to meet them and even have them sign a copy of their new CD “Big Bad World” (it’s on sale now) for you.

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An InTREEging Event With Marty Casey This Saturday

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Okay, a few months ago, when Marty Casey abruptly left The Lovehammers…my FAVORITE BAND…I was beside myself.  Angry, disappointed, and a slew of other not-so-happy emotions.  I bit my tongue, literally, purposely not speaking on the record to anyone in (or formerly in) The Lovehammers.  I figured it’d be too easy to spew something in the heat of the moment that might be regretted later.  I knew that after some time passed emotions would subside.

I’m somewhat surprised that I’m ready to see Marty Casey perform this weekend.  My daughter’s birthday is this week and she’s never had the chance to see him play, so part of her gift is to experience his acoustic performance Saturday at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.  Marty will be there this Saturday afternoon 3-5 in the store signing autographs and then performs a live acoustic set at 5:30p.

The first 100 people to purchase his “Trees” dog tag necklace will receive a free CD single of “Trees” (a special acoustic version featuring Marty Casey and Dave Navarro).

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Nike+ Human Race: Backstage With Fall Out Boy

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

It was a thrill to bring Fall Out Boy onstage at Soldier Field last Sunday after the Nike+ Human Race. Prior to the race I had the priviledge of moderating their press conference. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look courtesy of fellow street team member Jim Grillo (you’ll also see fellow street team member Jen Knoedl ask the first question):

Fall Out Boy was quoted from this press conference in The RedEye earlier this week. In the video above you were clearly hear that I was the “reporter” who asked the question covered in the article that appeared in The RedEye on 9-2-08:

“Fall Out from Nike+ race
Fall Out Boy performed an exclusive concert on Sunday night at Soldier Field for runners who participated in the Nike+ Human Race 10K.

Before the concert, the band members talked to the press. A reporter asked Pete Wentz if there was a lot of political talk in his household, especially since his parents met while working for Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden.

“My dad was a Philadelphia lawyer, so there was never an argument won by me my entire life,” Wentz said. Wentz went on to talk about how his dad was excited that Wentz performed at the Democratic National Convention.

“My dad was like, ‘Watch out for Joe Biden—tell him I say hi,’ ” Wentz said. “I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to run into him, Dad.’ “

NBC5 Street Team member Theresa Carter posted great pictures of the Nike+ Human Race HERE!

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UR Chicago Magazine Goes On Indefinite Hiatus

Erik Sorensen, NBC5 Street Team

18 months after taking over as publisher of UR Chicago, En Prise Entertainment has regrettably pulled the plug on the print edition of their beloved magazine , citing printing costs in a difficult economical time as the primary culprit.

Founded in 1997, The popular lifestyle and entertainment magazine reached a monthly circulation rate of 45.000 copies and has been an editorial hub for all things art in Chicago for years. Keeping the city’s hipsters and artists updated with trends in nightlife, music, theater, art, film, dining and fashion isn’t an easy task – (especially on a monthly basis); but the publication’s enthusiastic and up-to-speed staff have been steadily providing a labor of love that will undoubtedly be missed.

Before you drain your tear ducts completely, though, you should know that UR Chicago will be concentrating all of its future efforts into the online realm via their website, URChicago.com. The site will update daily with album, book, film and gave reviews in addition to cluing Chicago in on the “what’s what” of indie nightlife.

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Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Oprah is taping her season premiere at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago this Wednesday.  There was a post about it earlier but I wanted to make sure you knew that you couldn’t simply show up on Wednesday – if you want to get in, you need to come to Millennium Park TODAY (Saturday, August 30th) at 12pm for reservation information. Audience Coordinators will be located on the East side of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion along Columbus Drive just behind the McDonald’s Cycle Center.  Click HERE for all the details!

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Eddie Vedder + The Stanley Cup = A Perfect Evening!

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

I love my husband more than words can say. Seeing him happy makes me so happy. Without a doubt his favorite rocker is Eddie Vedder and his favorite sport to watch is hockey – specifically, the Detroit Red Wings. As he would say to anyone who questions his loyalty to the Wings…two words: Stanley Cup. Lot’s of ‘em. So what a thrill it was to be with him last night as he got to experience them both together.

Pearl Jam is an amazing band to see live and I’m happy to say we’ve had the pleasure many, many times. Part of the appeal is not only the band but also the fans – everyone seems to be instant friends at every show which is pretty cool. We saw Vedder with The Who and on another occasion with Robert Plant (my all time favorite rocker) at the House of Blues – wow, those were spectacular shows. We were pleasantly surprised to see Vedder walk out onstage during a Springsteen concert at The United Center a few years ago (absolutely the highlight of that show even though he sang my least favorite Springsteen tune, “My Hometown”). But this was a rare Eddie Vedder solo tour and we were ecstatic to be at the closing night in Chicago.

We made it to our seats in the Auditorium Theatre about 10 minutes before Eddie Vedder hit the stage, just in time to see Chris Chelios walk out onto a balcony holding the Stanley Cup! The crowd went absolutely crazy. My first thought was “does he carry that thing around every where he goes?” and my second thought was “I want to touch it!” but unfortunately we were too far away.

Eddie Vedder was in top form, his voice and guitar playing perfect and his interaction with the crowd at times halarious. At one point he told a drunk heckler to shut the F-up, then said “That was impolite. I meant to say shut the F-up…please.” Later in the show he said he wasn’t going to get “too political” and then someone walked behind him on stage with a massive “Vote For Barack Obama” sign. Vedder wore a white lab coat, making him look either like a crazy scientist or the musical genius he is. Included in his song selection were many mainstream and deeper Pearl Jam songs, four Who covers and selections from his soundtrack to the 2007 film ”Into the Wild.” After the last encore he brought out “Into The Wild” director Sean Penn (who it turns out was singing backup onstage – I was too far away to realize it), opener Liam Finn, and many other people he credited with making his solo tour such a great success.

Excellent show. But the best part was seeing my husband smile nonstop for hours, from the time he saw the Stanley Cup until his head hit the pillow when we got home.

(There’s already video popping up on the internet from last night’s show)

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Interview: Disturbed Lead Singer David Draiman

Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival rolled into the the First Midwest Bank Amplitheatrer in Tinley Park yesterday.  It was a metal-head’s dream concert with bands like Slipnot, Dragonforce, Mastodon, Machine Head, Five Finger Death Punch, Walls Of Jericho, & Airbourne part of the line-up.  My favorite band that played at Mayhem Fest was Chicago’s own Disturbed.

Talk about a hometown success story.  Disturbed has sold over 10-million albums worldwide.  They are currently enjoying mass success with their aptly titled “Indestructible” album, their third in a row to debut at number one.  That’s no small feat.  Only six other rock bands have released three #1 albums in a row:  Van Halen, Pearl Jam, U2, Dave Matthews Band, Staind and Metallica.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Disturbed lead singer David Draiman a few hours before they hit the stage.  Wow.  Such an intelligent man.  The full interview will be featured on a future episode of my podcast Cara’s Basement.  But you can hear a good chunk of it right now, including him describing how Disturbed layed the ground work for their success a dozen years ago in Chicago, on The Chicago Music Guide website.

 

 LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW HERE

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The Outlaws rock Itasca this weekend!

Cara “Cara’s Basement” Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

It was just last fall that Hughie Thomasson, founder of the legendary Southern rock band the Outlaws, suddenly passed away. He suffered a heart attack at a way too young 55 years old. The Outlaws formed in the late ’60′s and their “triple guitar assault” resulted in them becoming the first rock band signed by Clive Davis at his then label, Arista Records.

I’m so glad the band decided to continue touring – I remember emceeing a show with them for a small suburban Chicago station I worked at back in the early ’90′s, 103.9 WABT “The Wabbit”, at a huge field in St. Charles and they blew me away (I imagine that huge field is now a shopping center). You’ll surely understand the “triple guitar assault” term if you go see them this Saturday night (July 12) at Washington Park during the Itasca Festival.

Type my name in the search bar to see/hear more of my posts including interviews with Alanis Morissette, The Bravery, Lovehammers, Triumph’s Rik Emmett, Matthew Santos, Shooting Star, Mike Tafoya, Absentstar, comedian Lee Camp & more.

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New Lovehammers Song & Video!

Cara “Cara’s Basement” Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Hey, wasn’t it just a few weeks ago I was lamenting about the lead singer bolting from one of my favorite bands, Lovehammers? Well, I was pleasantly surprised to see a myspace bulletin spreading the word about a new Lovehammers song & video being released this Friday.

I tried to contact Dino from the band to no avail to get details about it. I even called the president of the record label where the Lovehammers were recording new material (as Marty left – don’t even get me started) and he wasn’t even aware of exactly what they are releasing. So, it’s a mystery. Obviously, it’s something that was in the can before Marty Casey left to join L.A. Gunz. But what song? Is it a live recording with concert footage as the video? Is it a studio recording? Are the guys in the video or is it animated? What’s Marty’s part in all this? Is this all just a silly farce and someone is playing mindgames with us Hammerheads???

Guess we have to wait until Friday to find out.

Type my name in the search bar to see/hear more of my posts including interviews with Alanis Morissette, The Bravery, Lovehammers, Triumph’s Rik Emmett, Matthew Santos, Shooting Star, Mike Tafoya, Absentstar, comedian Lee Camp & more.

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Lovehammers Update

Cara “Cara’s Basement” Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Wow, so many people commented on my post last week about Marty Casey abruptly leaving The Lovehammers. Just wanted you to know that The Lovehammers will NOT be performing this Friday at WTMX’s 8th Annual Eric & Kathy Golf Outing. I eluded in my previous post that they were (they did not officially cancel that gig until yesterday), so I just wanted to clarify.

There’s a heated discussion on the current state of affairs of Marty Casey and the Lovehammers on the www.Lovehammers.com message board and also the www.MartyCasey.com message board. Check ‘em out if you desire. I hope to have an audio interview soon – but frankly, I’m allowing a bit of a cool-off period so no one (including me) says anything they’ll regret, since anything posted on the internet lives on infinitely.

Type my name in the search bar or click HERE to see/hear more of my posts including interviews with Lovehammers, Alanis Morissette, The Bravery, Triumph’s Rik Emmett, Matthew Santos, Shooting Star, Mike Tafoya, Joe Taylor comedian Lee Camp & more.

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Marty Casey Leaves Lovehammers

Cara “Cara’s Basement” Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Be still my broken heart. 

He put the love with the hammer – or was it the other way around? 

Lovehammers singer Marty Casey has announced that he’s leaving LH to front L.A. Guns.  Read his blog about it HERE.  I suppose Marty feels it’s a great career move and I’m sure it was an extremely difficult decision, but I’m so bummed that my favorite band is now without my favorite lead singer.

I will certainly follow this situation closely and let you know what’s up next for Lovehammers.

I do know that the Lovehammers have committed to rock at WTMX’s 8th Annual Eric & Kathy Golf Outing on Friday, June 13 at the beautiful Willow Crest Golf Club at Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort.  You should go to what may very well be their last Chicago area gig with Marty Casey and help The Super Jake Foundation.

I’ve done several interviews with the Lovehammers.  Check them out on my podcast Cara’s Basement and also at The Chicago Music Guide.  And, you can WATCH an oldie but a goodie on youtube.

Type my name in the search bar or click HERE to see/hear more of my posts including interviews with Lovehammers, Alanis Morissette, The Bravery, Triumph’s Rik Emmett, Matthew Santos, Shooting Star, Mike Tafoya, Joe Taylor comedian Lee Camp & more.

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