Dexter Shines at The Shrine

Dave Leonard, NBC5 Street Team, (Video) In this day and age of ringtone rappers, one-hit wonders, and soft-core sex-laden R&B, it’s like a breath of fresh air when a hidden gem can shine through all the filler. With a small selection of songs in commercial radio’s playlist, consumers sometimes are force-fed a daily dose of “microwave music” where the supply often overshadows the demand. Quality soul music is more abundant than one may think…you just have to “listen”. Julie Dexter is here to fulfill that demand. The world-renowned, Birmingham, England-bred, singer/songwriter displayed her dynamic range at a rare showcase this past weekend at the new “it” spot, The Shrine (located at 2109 S. Wabash). Julie Dexter’s vibrant style and jazzy vocals exude soul and her followers came out to support her. The showcase presented by IGM Entertainment had a record crowd turn out to hear the UK songstress perform favorites such as “Ketch A Vibe” and “Faith” off her 2002 album, “Dexterity”. The very popular jazz group, Zzaje, backed the intimate performance at The Shrine. Dexter, who has shared the stage with soulful legends such as Sade and modern heavy-hitters like Jill Scott, Eric Roberson, and Amel Larrieux kicked off her set with a tribute to another legend that inspired her by the name of Michael Jackson. She later transitioned to a jazzy bebop version of Beyonce’s “Déjà vu” that would have made the best “scatters” proud. After paying homage to other greats, Julie Dexter gave the crowd what they came to see…a one-hour set spanning her decade plus career from her first EP, 2000’s “Peace of Mind” to 2005’s “Conscious”. It’s not too late to get familiar with this classically trained musician who writes, arranges, composes and produces her own music. “The Julie Dexter Collection” drops this fall. Do yourself a favor and “Ketch the Vibe”. www.juliedexter.com

Read Full Post »

Feels so good “getting used” on Fatt Tuesdays at The Joynt!

JenChicago, NBC Chicago Street Team
If you are any kind of a night owl, like I am, you are looking for something great to do on any given night of the week. Well, we’ve got you covered for Tuesday. Fatt Finger is a great band playing at The Joynt every Tuesday night starting at 10! The perform originals and covers from many genres of rock. Come out for drink specials and a classic rockin’ good time! I’ll see you on the dance floor! (No cover.)

PS: Here’s a little sample song from last week:

For more rockin’ videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)

Read Full Post »

Fatt Finger. The “remedy” for Tuesday nights in Chicago.

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Looking for a great time of live music and rock and roll on a Tuesday night? Well, look no further than The Joynt featuring Fatt Finger! This 6-piece band plays both originals and covers from a variety of rock genres AND they are just a good group of guys. They play from their heart and put on a great show! Bring your friends and come dance the night away to hits ranging from Black Crowes to Tom Petty to Sublime! I’ll be there and hope to see you!

Here’s a quick little “taste” of Fatt Finger at The Joynt last week.

Want to know more? This is a “Meet the Band” video. I get the guys to chat with me a bit without the instruments. I always find it so interesting to talk to musicians.

For more musical videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)

Read Full Post »

Ben Fatto! Trattoria Gianni

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chicago Street Team

Lately it seems like I’ve been on an Italian culinary tour around Chicago.  From a fabulous dinner at Prosecco to an intimate meal in the 200 East Supper Club, I’ve tasted a few different pasta dishes and consumed more than a couple of glasses of wine.  Last week I ventured into the Lincoln Park neighborhood to take on yet another Italian establishment.  Let’s just say that my dining experience at Trattoria Gianni was not only enjoyable, but was a perfect nightcap to my birthday celebration.

Trattoria Gianni is intimate, homey, authentic and friendly. The ambiance is most comparable to the dinner settings that I experienced while honeymooning in Rome. The cuisine was not too far behind either. Among the Antipasti dishes, the fried calamari and grilled octopus stood out.  Moving to the Primi Piatti side of the menu, the Gnocchi della Nonna, handmade and stuffed with ricotta, and the Conchiglie del Mercante, pasta crumbled with Italian sausage, mushrooms and fresh tomato sauce, were savory and plentiful.   The veal scaloppine, grilled duck breast,  grilled chicken breast, and grilled Norwegian salmon filet were also favorites.  However, the “Costolette d’ Agnello alla Griglia”, their grilled lamb chops marinated with olive oil, garlic and fresh mint, was a noted specialty dish and the highlight of the evening.  The most enjoyable side dish were the roasted potatoes in olive oil garlic rosemary.

Trattoria Gianni has homemade desserts worth the indulgence.  The Panna Cotta and Tiramisu led the way. Their sorbet and cannoli are good alternatives and the not-quite-frozen hazelnut mouse, topped with chocolate sauce received accolades. The service met expectations and the wine recommendations paired nicely with our many courses.  A live vocalist added a special ambiance throughout dinner, which set off an energetic vibe amongst diners.

Trattoria Gianni will celebrate their 21st anniversary this year with a $21.00 priced fixed dinner every Tuesday night starting March 24th – June 30th.  Trattoria Gianni is located at 1711 N. Halsted St.  Log onto <a href=”http://www.trattoriagianni.com&#8221; target=”blank” http://www.trattoriagianni.com.com for more information or call (312) 266-1976 for reservations. 

To find more dining options and to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net.

Read Full Post »

This week’s band: Monica da Silva

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

This week’s band is a perfect lead-in to this weekend’s World Music Festival. While the featured song is in English, Monica da Silva has recorded also in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

Her music varies from acoustic to electronica with Latin and Bossa Nova thrown in. She’s traveled back and forth from the US to Brazil many times, and will be doing so again this year as she performs in both the NACA Mid-America Conference and the Beats In Brazil Festival.

You can catch Monica’s truly international sound at Al Primo Canto on Fridays, Flatwater on Sundays. She’ll also be at Bloomingdale’s Beat of Chic promotion on September 27th.

Thanks to David Schach for bringing me yet another great act! You rock!

Monica da Silva, Haven’t Been Around

Read Full Post »

This week’s band: The Heaven Seventies

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

The Heaven Seventies are unabashedly mixed and engineered and tweaked. They’re electronic and poppy and top-40. They’re fun.

Influenced by artists as varied as Justin Timberlake, James Brown, and Queen, they spend weeks and months perfecting the mix for just one song. The result is clean and polished, and their music has that get up and dance quality. They want people to have fun and celebrate life, and their live show audience takes that to heart. You can see it for yourself, and get your own groove on at Bottom Lounge (1375 W Lake St) on July 24.

The Heaven Seventies – In The Morning Light

Read Full Post »

This week’s band: Heavy The Fall

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

With a name like “Heavy The Fall” you’d expect a hard rocking sound, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. So hard, in fact, the drummer from Anthrax wanted to be a part of it. Not only did Charlie Benante produce their last EP, he played on all five tracks. Their own drummer, Jason Delismon, is no slouch and was recognized with a sponsorship by Vic Firth.

Their music doesn’t bang you in the eardrums, though. Lead vocalist Daniel Graunke’s voice reminded me of Mindsight singer Aaron’s clear and passionate sound. No wonder – at last weekend’s Mobfest I found out they’re brothers.

Heavy The Fall’s second CD, also produced by Benante, will be released at an all-ages Metro show on July 19. Since it’s also a Mindsight CD release show you’ll get to see the siblings in action. Add On The Front, Janus, and Sudden Dark (and free entry before 6pm) and this is a show that shouldn’t be missed.

Heavy The Fall – Kill Me Now

Read Full Post »

Last Minute Weekend Notes

Fayth (aka Relaxocat), NBC5 Street Team

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is finally upon us. I’m new to the Street Team, so I thought I’d start by sending a big “Thank you!” to the Team’s “Local Tourist” for writing on the City’s proposed “promoters’ ordinance”. It’s been a topic that could slide right past all of us and then some of our favorite events would be gone forever. If you haven’t read her blog on this topic, please do and get involved.

I’m a believer in keeping it eclectic; do everything! So, you most likely won’t find a particular theme from me except that I love music and getting out. With no further introduction, here we go:

The Chicago Green Festival is this weekend, so check out Marcus’ blog a few posts down. The admission price of $15 also provides you with some free stuff and also some discounts on your purchases. You can also get $5 off of admission by using the bike valet or by bringing in 3 used books for recycling. For more information on event admission click here.

The Green City Market opens tomorrow with a big 10th Anniversary celebration starting at 9 a.m. Why not trot on over to get veggies for your grill? Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill fame will be a guest speaker and leading the pack of chef’s who support the Market. There will be other vendors, information booths, and I heard a rumor that Mayor Daley will guest speak. If you see him, tell him you’re against the “promoters’ ordinance” – ha, ha, ha!

Help a child with cancer by attending The Campfire Ball put on by Children’s Oncology Services / One Step At A Time Camp. This organization provides services, programs and summer camp for children with cancer. “It’s Coed. With Cocktails. Just Like You Always Wished Camp Would Be” The Ball will be in the very interesting and newly opened Ravenswood Billboard Factory building.

• The Campfire Ball
• 4025 N. Ravenswood (at Irving Park Rd.)
• $100 at the door / $75 in advance

How about some honky tonk and BBQ? Local band, The Butcher’s Boy play a very fun live set at Horshoe Place. Jeremy Miller, singer and foot-stomper was recently described to me by a mutual friend as a cross between folk hero Pete Seeger and punk singer John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten). I’m not sure about all that, but I just ran into Jeremy last week at the Abbey Pub and didn’t recognize him without his beard. Fortunately, Jeremy is also friendly and polite and re-introduced himself. If you’re up for some foot-stomping of your own, stop by.

Band: The Butcher’s Boy
Plays at: Horseshoe, 4115 N. Lincoln, just north of Irving Park Rd.

Read Full Post »