Lend A Hand to Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Fans of Chicago’s “chamber pop collective”, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, are shocked and saddened by the news that the band was involved in a serious car accident in Indiana on September 24th while on their way from Chicago to Cincinnati. The accident was caused by a blown tire that sent the van rolling and finally landing upside down on a median. The band recently celebrated their newly released CD, “…and the horse you rode in on” on Bloodshot Records and performed live at the label’s 15th anniversary celebration at Hideout’s block party on September 12th.

In a statement from the record label, Alison Hinderliter, Jay Santana, and Ethan Adelsman were released from the hospital with minor injuries. Elia Einhorn and Mary Ralph remain hospitalized with more severe injuries, but are expected to be released or transferred to a nearby hospital soon. Band member, Mark Yoshizumi, is in serious condition and was airlifted to Christ Memorial Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL with serious head, neck, and back injuries.

Aside from the terrible accident that has caused pain and injury to the band members, there is now a good deal of financial damage as well. Their van was totaled and all of their equipment was destroyed. Bloodshot Records has established a PayPal account on behalf of SYGC where fans and friends can donate to help get the band back on their feet. If you would like to help:

1. Sign in to PayPal and send donation to tsygc@bloodshotrecords.com
2. Send this email link to friends/contacts: Donate and Help SYGC
3. Click on the button in this news story: Updated News On SYGC

Bloodshot Records will continue to update the bands recovery progress and any news which you can find by clicking “news story” the link above.

In the meantime, we all wish the band a speedy recovery and send our best thoughts to them during this difficult time.

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Grape Juice Records Anniversary Bash!

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Chicago’s very own Grape Juice Records celebrates it’s 5 year anniversary with a big bash on Thursday, September 3 at Double Door!  How big of a bash?  Well, they’ll have a 6 band line-up including The Lower 48 and Phillip Morris.  Also look forward to a special appearance by Duff Goldman, Food Network’s “Ace Of Cakes”,  not only performing in his band, …soihadto…, but also bringing along a very special custom cake.  So if you ever wondered what those fancy cakes taste like, now is your chance to find out.

Grape Juice Records is one of Chicago’s growing labels with a grassroots philosophy and a full roster of some great indie and folk inspired bands.  “We like people. And the environment. And a lot of other things, too. That’s why we have each band choose an organization, to which we’ll donate a portion of our revenue from that band’s album sales. The band can match our contribution, for twice the giving.”

Tickets are $6.  Double Door is located at 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.  Doors open at 7 p.m., shows begin at 8 p.m.  Show up early and receive a free CD compilation, “Grape Juice Family & Friends Vol. 1″, a splendid sampling of their bands’ music.  And don’t forget to have your cake and eat it too!

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Chicago Music Scene Gets A Stimulus Package

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Join your fellow music lovers at Beat Kitchen on Friday, August 28th for the Stimulus Music Show, an eclectic show featuring live music from bands such as the underground, Brit influenced Blah, Blah, Blah and Chicago’s own indie/psychedelic, Loyal Divide.   This is the first show of its kind bringing forth not only some up-and-coming indie bands, but also everyone who attends will receive a discount card good for promotional discounts at some of the city’s favorite places.

Among the many businesses offering Stimulus discounts – Threadless Tees and ICream plus free stuff from Time Out, Wow Bao, and 312UNES (312 Beer).   Discounts are valid for a month, so you’ll be able to reap the rewards of the Stimulus Music Show until summer’s end.

This is first in a series of upcoming Stimulus shows.  Keep an eye out for future shows with new music and even more discounted offerings from local businesses.  For more information and a free music sampler download, click here.

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Curtis Evans: “More Songs About Loneliness” CD Release

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC5 Street Team

Back in 2006 my friends and I were invited by a musician to see Curtis Evans at Wise Fool’s Pub. What I was told back then was that he was a talented songwriter, well known and well respected among many local musicians for his songwriting as well as his support to the local music scene.   I heard he was someone who definitely had a musical future ahead of him.  Since then I’ve seen Curtis play with his band, solo, and in collaboration with other local bands at venues such as the Abbey Pub, Schuba’s, Subterranean, and Double Door.  He’s had a number of shows in New York, Austin’s SXSW, and also in Belgium.   His music ranges from aggressive alternative rock to country laden folk, but I’ve heard him most recently singing solo with an acoustic guitar.  His voice is fantastic.  And it is true, he is an extremely talented songwriter and heartfelt performer.

Curtis Evans

His upcoming release on Grape Juice Records premiers this Thursday at Beat Kitchen and is entitled, “More Songs About Loneliness”.  I approached listening to it with a bit of cautious curiosity;  I tend to shy away from melancholia and the title worried me a bit since I am particularly fond of Curtis’ more edgy side.  But much to my surprise, I didn’t find these songs to be melancholy, but rather warm, honest, and melodic.  My favorite from this CD is “Jenny Wade”, a song with a little darkness and some keyboard effects that sound fantastic.  Really good job, Curtis.  Give us more.

In a recent Chicago Tribune article, Curtis “admits a fondness for homespun recordings that allow for the occasional mistake…”, but I promise you, these “occasional mistakes” are all part of the authenticity of Curtis’ music.  Catch him live on Thursday!

• Curtis Evans – “More Songs About Loneliness” Release Party
• Thursday, December 18th
• Beat Kitchen – 2100 W. Belmont

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