Time for a PARTY!

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Wow.  I can’t believe it’s been literally decades that I’ve known John Schenk and often hosted charity concerts that he’s put together for his Rainbow Foundation.  From UFO’s Pete Way to Jim Peterik to Randy Jackson to Dennis DeYoung to Shooting Star to Kevin Chalfant to Rik Emmett…the list goes on and on.  His many charity shows benefited sick children and their families.  Their stories were tragic yet somehow these events were so fun!  His giving spirit always impressed me, and his ability to put on a great rock concert that helped so many heartbreaking situations really amazes me.

This Saturday, May 13 it’s time to celebrate two decades of concerts/charity events…by having another concert!  Swing by The Penny Road Pub  to catch a great show from Firehouse and UFO’s Paul Chapman while celebrating 20 years of The Rainbow Foundation helping children and families in crisis.

Ticket’s are only $13 in advance (get them through ticketweb) or $16 at the door.

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Twitter Saves A Life

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team
This story is so unbelievable and makes a great case for the true benefit of embracing social media.

Eric De La Cruz is a 27 year old man in serious need of a heart transplant, but unfortunately due to many reasons he is unable to get on the transplant list.   Rather than give up, his family us utilizing Twitter to raise funds to save his life (he needs $150k just to be evaluated and get on the transplant list.  Then he’ll need $780k total to get a heart).  Can you spare $1?  If you would like to donate or find out more about Eric, click here.  Amazingly, over $228,000 was raised in less than 24 hours!

Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails saw the twitter posts and has generously offered to lend a hand.  Click here to see how you can enjoy NIN and also help out Eric De La Cruz.

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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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Slipknot Does Not Leave Chicago Hanging

Maureen Vana, NBC Chicago Street Team

Put on a mask , splash some fake blood behind your ears, and get ready for a good time. Whether you’re into the music or not, it’s undeniable that Slipknot will give you something to raise an eyebrow at. The Allstate Arena played host to the band along side openers Trivium and Coheed and Cambria last Friday night. 

Click here to read the rest of this post and view photos from the concert on nbcchicago.com.

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Chicago Bluegrass And Blues Festival

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Bluegrass and blues are two distinctly American music forms, and for the first time Chicago gets a festival honoring both.

The Chicago Bluegrass And Blues Festival takes over the Congress Theater on November 22. I’m particularly excited because almost every band is from Chicago! The great lineup includes The Avett Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, and Mike Mangione.

There’s also a “Last Banjo Standing” contest. Between now and October 16 listen to several local bands and vote for the one you think should take the stage.

To get you ready, each week until the inaugural festival one of the performing acts will be TLT’s Band Of The Week! This week it’s the David Grisman Quintet. He’s a legend in acoustic music circles and even created his own style of music. Called Dawg, it’s a mix of bluegrass, jazz, swing, Latin, and gypsy. Grisman’s “Dawggy Mountain Breakdown” is the theme song for NPR’s Car Talk.

GIVEAWAY: Each week I’ll be giving away two tickets to the festival! Details to come.

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Jesse McCartney ate salmonella-laced tomatoes and DIED!!

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

…No, he didn’t. Sorry for the false alarm, I just wanted to get your attention. If you’re a Jesse McCartney fan, though, you’re in luck: not only is he not-dead, but you can see him play at Park West on August 16! …ok, actually, you probably can’t, as it’s sold out. I’m such a tease!

Meanwhile, speaking of tomatoes: the falsely accused and anticlimactically vindicated fruits are back with a vengeance, screaming, “EAT ME!” at the Slow Food Chicago Tomato Festival and Potluck Supper this Thursday. Tickets are only 20 bucks for nonmembers! yum!

Meanwhile, speaking of the walking undead: dinosaurs live and growl (or whatever dinosaurs did) at United Center August 14-17. Billed as a “20 million dollar spectacle”, it features 15 life-size dinosaur reproductions, and portrays a dramatic explanation of the beasts’ evolution and demise.

Meanwhile, speaking of bestial evolution and decline: it’s Madonna’s birthday AGAIN! (Didn’t we just celebrate that last year?) Celebrated at Boystown’s Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, Kit Kat Diva Katherine will perform as Madonna, depicting her evolution throughout the decades.

Meanwhile, speaking of the wrong decade: can someone explain to me who Jesse McCartney is?? Seriously, I thought he was that guy from High School Musical who’s dating the nude-poser, but I looked him up on wikipedia and now I’m totally confused. Oh, well.

If you’ve got anything I’ve missed for this weekend, write me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com. Be sure to type “Lodewyck” into the Search bar in the upper right hand corner to see my previous blogs, and to watch my segments with Nude Hippo.

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Wiggle-Time

 Jennifer and Brooke, NBC5 Street Team

 

Been there. Done that. Got a T-Shirt.  But somehow, I’m going back the Allstate Arena for more Wiggles.

My little nephew Artie is coming to town next month and once his plane touches down, its definitely Wiggle-time once again.  We’ll be going to see Sam, Anthony, Murray, and Jeff during their two day stint in Rosemont August 9th and 10th.  

  

Last Year, I was impressed.  The Wiggles graduated from a typical stage with $50 worth of props to a more elaborate set.  I say they forked out a good $150.  O.k.- seriously, for those of you who know anything about the Wiggles, you know they keep it simple but very appealing to the little ones. I’m just amazed that these guys are still touring the world and putting on an excellent show—they’re no spring chickens.

 

This tour is called “Pop Go the Wiggles Live!”  Hummm, I wonder what they have in store this time. I bet a stage full of surprises!

 

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Pitchfork Festival on Playboy.com

Maureen Vana, NBC5 Street Team

Last weekend thousands braved rain, humidity, and sloppy terrain to take part in Pitchfork’s annual music festival. Over 30 bands graced 3 stages complete with artists ranging from hip hop legends Public Enemy to Japanese experimentalists Boris. Along with hours of music the fest included an abundance of food, activities, and DIY artwork from a wide variety of vendors. For the total Pitchfork wrap-up and huge photo galleries by Playboy.com photo editor James Trevenen and myself, head over to our editorial feature in the arts and entertainment section on Playboy.com.

See photos from Pitchfork Music Festival

See Full Pitchfork Galleries and Coverage on Playboy.com Editorial

(Type “Maureen Vana” into the search bar at the top of this page to see my past concert photography and reviews)

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This week’s band: Inspector Owl

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

If The Killers and Talking Heads had a love child and Kill Hannah babysat, it would sound like Inspector Owl.

This group of five uses programming and synth with violin, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums to create a blend of electronica and rock. That combination could just be a hodge-podge of noise, but they’ve managed to create energetic dance music that has a garage band edge.

Their current EP, “Life Finds A Way,” is available for free, but only until July 1 so grab it right away.

Inspector Owl is headlining this Thursday at the Metro as part of Mobfest. The show’s also free if you get there before 9pm and only $5 after.

Inspector Owl

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Mike Ness Visits Park West

Maureen Vana, NBC5 Street Team

Last week Mike Ness, front man of Social Distortion, played two dates showcasing his solo material at Park West in Chicago. Ness’ set primarily consisted of material off his 1999 release Cheating at Solitaire and was highlighted with a few cover songs including a stripped down version of Social D’s “Ball and Chain”. His encore included “If You Leave Before Me”, “I Fought the Law”, and a last minute addition of “Ring of Fire”.

See Photos From Tuesday’s Show

Ness’ warm presence and heartfelt commentary made the evening feel like a group of friends sharing a drink and some tunes, as opposed to a concert with a musical icon who has 30 years of rocking under his belt. His ability to maintain this accessibility is a quality that draws fans to sell out his concerts time and time again. Chicago’s double performance is a reminder of how wonderful it is when an artist shows they have more then one trick up their sleeve.

(Type “Maureen Vana” into the search bar at the top of this page to see my past concert photography and reviews)

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Looptopia: More Raise High The Roof Beam Please!

Kaylee King, NBC5 Street Team

I officially experienced my first Looptopia event and let me tell you there is nothing better than seeing my fellow Columbia College students doing something that totally rocks!

I just saw Raise High the Roof Beam, a band made up of Columbia students, at the Urban Outfitters on State. And they did a whole lot more than just raise high the roof. The 5-piece band rocked out to a crowd of probably 50 or so. Lining the steps in the store, people in ultra hip fashions and artsy haircuts were pushing their way through to hear them play.

All I have to say is way to go Columbia! And way to go Looptopia! If you are contemplating heading out for the action tonight, contemplate no more. This event is going to keep you guessing and not to mention entertain the heck out of you too. So even if you missed Raise High the Roof Beam, there is plenty more to do in the Loop tonight. The night is young my friends. Get your Looptopia on!

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