The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, held on July 7th, was a thrilling event marked by challenging weather conditions and intense competition. Alex Bowman emerged victorious, snapping an 80-race winless streak and securing a spot in the 2024 playoffs. Despite the weather forecasts, the weekend drew a decent crowd and featured live performances by legendary country artist, Keith Urban; Blues king, Buddy Guy; as well as the 40th Anniversary Celebration of House Music, bringing several notable house music DJ’s to the main stage. See pictorial video of the entire weekend below:

“Arts in the Dark” is an annual Halloween parade held in Chicago, Illinois, and this year it was held on Saturday, October 21st. The parade is a unique and vibrant event that celebrates art and culture, featuring a diverse range of participants, including artists, cultural organizations, performers, and more. Participants often create elaborate and creative costumes and displays, making it a visually stunning event.

Arts in the Dark typically features a variety of art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. The parade route runs through downtown Chicago’s iconic State Street, from Lake Street south to Van Buren Street. S pectators gather to watch the colorful procession of artistic displays and performances, making it a festive and entertaining event for all ages.

Please note that specific details and locations of events like Arts in the Dark may change from year to year, so I recommend checking the official website (https://artsinthedark.com/) or local sources for the most up-to-date information on this parade and any related events in Chicago.

If you have not yet heard of Chicago’s infamous Riot Fest, you (clearly) must be living under a rock. However, under-rock-living or not, you’re in luck because with the information below, you will have all you need to know about this enormous and iconic Chicago music festival, so you’ll be prepared to rock…next year. Also below is our own photo gallery with what we considered to be our favorite headliners and up and comers to watch for in the very near future.

Riot Fest is an annual music festival that features a diverse lineup of punk rock, alternative rock, and various other music genres. The festival is known for its focus on punk and punk-related genres, as well as its commitment to showcasing both well-established and emerging artists. Here are some key points about Riot Fest:

1. History: Riot Fest was founded by Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough in Chicago, Illinois, in 2005. It originally started as a multi-venue festival with a primary focus on punk and punk-rock acts.
2. Expanding to Other Cities: While Riot Fest’s roots are in Chicago, it has expanded to other cities, including Denver and Toronto. Each city’s edition of the festival typically takes place over a weekend, featuring a mix of local and international artists.
3. Lineup Diversity: Riot Fest is known for its diverse lineup, which includes punk rock, alternative rock, metal, hip-hop, and other genres. The festival often features both iconic bands from the past and contemporary acts.
4. Notable Performers: Over the years, Riot Fest has hosted performances by a wide range of artists, including The Misfits, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Blink-182, Weezer, Public Enemy, and many others.
5. Carnival Atmosphere: Riot Fest often incorporates a carnival-like atmosphere into its festival experience, with attractions like carnival rides, games, food vendors, and sideshow acts. This adds to the festival’s unique character and appeal.
6. Community and DIY Spirit: The festival maintains a strong connection to the punk and DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos, celebrating independent and underground music scenes. It often includes local and independent artists, and small labels in its lineup and activities.
7. Focus on Chicago: The Chicago edition of Riot Fest has a special place in the festival’s history. It has taken place in various venues around the city, including Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Riot Fest has also contributed to the local community by supporting local charities and causes.
8. Genre Inclusivity: While Riot Fest has its roots in punk rock, it has expanded to include a wide variety of genres, making it appealing to a broader audience.
9. Special Events: Riot Fest sometimes hosts special events or reunions of legendary bands that have been disbanded for many years, creating excitement among fans.
10. Art and Visuals: The festival often incorporates visual art installations and street art, adding an artistic element to the overall experience.

Riot Fest has become a significant event for music enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of musical styles and a sense of community. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing music landscape while staying true to its punk and DIY roots.

With that being said, check out our photo gallery of Riot Fest 2023 below:

Out of more than 90 artists playing the Riot Fest stages and local Chicago venues alike, here are a few of our favorites from Riot Fest 2023:

The Cure –  (Crawley, West Sussex. England)

The Breeders – (Dayton, Ohio)

The Dresden Dolls – (Boston, Massachusetts) 

AFI – (abbreviation for A Fire Inside) – (Ukiah, California)

Corey Feldman – (Los Angeles, California)

Head Automatica – (Brooklyn, New York)

L.S. Dunes – (Chicago, Illinois)

Flogging Molly – (Los Angeles, California)

Nothing Nowhere – (Burlington, Vermont)

Snapcase – (Buffalo, New York)

Viagra Boys – (Stockholm, Sweden)

T.S.O.L. – (Long Beach, California)

Enola Gay – (Belfast, United Kingdom)

The Used – (Orem, Utah)

Pool Kids – (Tallahassee, Florida)

Total Chaos – (Pomona, California)

Lastly, it should also be noted that another Riot Fest favorite is that of, “Riot Pop,” a (beyond) delicious infusion of low-carbonation seltzers that come in several flavors, containing electrolytes, CBD, and alcohol. It should also be noted that there are non-alcohol varieties as well. Visit https://drinkriotpop.com/ for more information on this delectable beverage! YUM!

See you next year, Riot Fest!

Canton, Illinois is a tight-knit community situated southwest of Peoria and north of the State’s capital, Springfield. It may be considered a quintessential “small town,” yet it is a town with a rich history and full of residents who encompass a shit-ton of tenacity and even more spunk. After all, their high school mascot is endearingly identified as a ‘Little Giant,’ and, believe me, nothing could be more truthful.

Just to give a brief summary and/or perspective: Canton has endured two major (more than) unfortunate events in its history, both within a mere ten years of one another. The first occurrence happened in 1975. This is when the entire city was almost completely leveled by an F3 tornado. Then, in 1983, the city’s largest employer, International Harvester, closed its doors, forcing thousands to leave for brighter “pastures” elsewhere. Both events left this small yet mighty town stunned, yet, incredibly, strengthened their ‘Little Giant’ spirit to rebuild, re-adjust, and remember ‘what was’ before moving onto what could and eventually would be a brighter future for all.

But, Canton is not, nor wants to be, known only for their unfortunate circumstances and events. It should also be known for its giving nature, its generosity, and, most importantly, its love of music. Perhaps it should be mentioned that the band, The Doors graced its high school auditorium just days prior to appearing on the Ed Sullivan show back in 1967. That’s sort of a big deal, right? You bet your ass it is! So, it should be of no surprise that it was in Canton where the Central Illinois Music Festival was born, on August 27-28, 2021, FREE for everyone to attend. And, it was then and there, I was able to witness that ‘Little Giant’ spirit , the community’s generosity, and its incredible music taste/talent firsthand.

First, it should be boldly noted that this music festival would have never come to fruition without the the above-mentioned spirit and tenacity of two of Canton’s most influential music legends and/or music promoters, Ken Huggins and Bob Long. Both of these two men are legendary in their own right, having spent most of their lives working with, in, and around music within the local area. For instance, Ken Huggins is not only a local historian, author, and publisher, he also fronted the classic rock band, Alter Ego for at least two decades. And, Bob Long has been the go-to guy for music in town, owning the best music (and instrument) store in Central Illinois, Shandi’s Music & More, not to mention his decades long career in promoting music and sporting events within the entire State of Illinois. In that, it was both of these two guys who organized and made certain they had everything supplied in order to put on the wildly successful and first ever, Central Illinois Music Festival.

The festival was held on the outskirts of Canton within the small festival grounds owned by Josie B’s bar. Also located within Josie B’s is Blondie’s Roast Beef, one of the best restaurants within a 50-mile radius, who supplied lucky festival goers with (beyond) delicious eats, such as pulled chicken, pulled pork, pork chops, chips, etc., all at an extremely reasonable price. Owned by Ken Huggins (mentioned above) and his wife, Lori McLouth, it seemed natural to see their tent proudly displayed within the festival grounds, emitting the most intoxicating aromas, of which I, personally, was happy to see and quickly indulge upon my arrival. Also located on the grounds were a beer/cocktail tent, as well as a space reserved solely for Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS), a No-Kill animal shelter that gives dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens a home until permanent homes can be found.  Both tents were occupied with the friendliest, most down to earth individuals I have ever encountered at an extremely busy music festival. It was again where I witnessed that tenacity, spunk, and giving nature as mentioned above, not to mention the several volunteers who donated tents, sound, lighting and stage equipment, all because the City only donated a very small amount in order to make this event a success.

Curious as to why the City only supplied a (very) small amount of money to help facilitate this event, I was able to speak with one of the City’s Zoning Department employees. It was during that conversation I discovered the reasoning behind its lack of funding. You see, the property where Josie B’s is located is facilitated and partially governed by the County of Fulton, not the City of Canton proper, as designated by the bar owners themselves relating to liquor license obtainment. So, regardless of the City’s lack of funding (and alleged lack enthusiasm), it was those who directly stepped up, organized, and donated (those “little giants”) who were indeed responsible for the success of this event. Hopefully, next year and the years following, organizers will reach out to other surrounding communities and Counties, in order to encompass more of Central Illinois, as the fest’s title suggests.

Although there were dozens of bands who took part in the fest, there was the Friday night headliner who clearly set the bar and was likely the hardest act to follow, Wild America. Hailing from the East Coast and looking as if they just stepped off of the set of Sons of Anarchy, this four-piece guitar-driven rock band undoubtedly rocked the world of those in attendance and likely the foundations of houses within several square miles.

Despite the absence of the band’s usual vocalist, Joe Labbadia, due to being a professional golfer and having a tournament the next morning, it was guest vocalist, Andre Vanchot who picked up the mic and rocked the band’s set without even a hiccup. The band’s copacetic nature and ability to gel is of no surprise, given the fact that these artists also make up Van Halen cover band, Stairway to Halen, who were also amazing in their own right.

When I asked organizer, Bob Long, how he came across such an amazing original band and one who would be willing to travel to the cornfields of Illinois from the East Coast to play a first ever music festival, his response was quick and confident, “Because they’re my friends and they’re good people.” Also, he added, that the band normally plays a yearly music festival that Long organizes in nearby Peoria and when the band was notified that that particular festival was not going to happen due to COVID-19, they all agreed that Canton would be the next best thing. And, knowing how both organizers, Huggins and Long were footing the bill out of their own personal pockets, the band eagerly offered to pay for their own airfare and all other travel costs, just to be a part of this inaugural music festival…for their friend. A class “act,” indeed.

All in all, I would say that organizers of this event deserve a wholehearted round of applause, as well as the dozens of volunteers and bands that participated and/or donated in order to make this event a success…with or without the limited dollars provided by the City. Honestly, I am looking forward to next year and the years to come. I just hope next time, I am able to attend the entire event, not just one brief evening. Speaking of which, it was on the last night of the fest, I could almost hear the set of Omaha, Nebraska band, Midnight Devils all the way up to my home in Chicago. Well, maybe not that far but the buzz of their set certainly made its way to me, via text messages, emails, etc., asking how I could have possibly missed it.

So, let’s all raise our glass to a small-town success story and cheers to its future: The 2nd Annual Central Illinois Music Festival and many more to come!

Congress Theater – Chicago,IL – Monday February 27, 2006 11:59pm

By Anthony Kuzminski

The last time Prince graced Chicago with his presence, he was in the midst of reengaging his long-time fans by performing close to 100,000 people over a five nights, proving that he still had the magic to rock with the best of them. In fact, I will go on record that his 2004 Musicology trek found Prince at his prime live power with the finest backing group of musicians he ever assembled. A little over a week ago, on a very cold Chicago night, lines wrapped around five city blocks as people waited to see Princes return in a theater around 1 am. Instead of being front and center in the spotlight, Princes job was musical director and guitarist. The spotlight shined brightly on Prince’s latest protégé, Tamar (pronounced “Tay-mar”). In the past, Prince has usually picked his protégés who were heavy on sex appeal and deficient in musical talent. Does anyone really think that if not for Prince that Carmen Electra would still have men slipping dollar bills into her G-string? Because of Princes past choices, I forked over my $31.21 in the hopes of seeing Prince astound me with his axe work. However, to my astonishment, I walked away with more.

Regardless of Princes past choices, his newest protégé will sweep you off your feet with her soulful voice, sultry demeanor and magnetic stage presence. Right from the start, Tamar performed like an industry veteran. Price was to Tamars right as he let his fingers flow freely across the frets for close to two hours. One song into the show it was evident that Tamar has all the makings to be a star. She lit up the stage as she prowled across it with confidence, backed by the two twin backing singers (in schoolgirl outfits) who moved in carefully choreographed seizure-like moves. Besides running through material from Tamars new album (due later this spring) other highlights of the main set included a killer rendition of “When A Man Loves A Woman” where Tamar soared as her voice reached new heights on this R&B classic before Prince stepped out at the end for a killer guitar solo. Tamar nailed every note vocally while the crowd cheered her on. I’ve seen A-grade acts try and bring up and coming acts on tour with them only to see crowds treat them like a virus. Tonight, was not one of these nights as they embraced Tamar and did not seem disappointed that Prince was there in a support role. However, when Prince did appear in the spotlight, his guitar playing was trancelike. His playing takes me to another world as he’s arguably the most talented man to throw a six-string around his neck since the great and late Jimi Hendrix. As a musician, Prince is unmatched by anyone on this Earth and the grace and ease with which he performs leaved me in complete and total awe.

In the encore Prince, Tamar and the twins ripped through a classic pair of tunes from the Jackson family. First up was Michael’s Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough which segued right into sister Janet’s What Have You Done For Me Lately. Both songs sounded magnificent as Tamar handled lead vocal duties while Prince brought the funk. However, I found the performance to be bittersweet, as I saw an 80s Pop God shine under the lights proving he is as relevant as ever, while the person who wrote Don’t Stop has sadly drifted from the musical greatness he once possessed. Whether one loves Princes new music or not, they cannot deny that he truly loves music more than anything else. No sooner did What Have You Done For Me Lately wind down before Party man kicked into full gear to the sound of elation from the sold-out crowd. Princes Batman soundtrack from 1989 is a power-pop masterpiece. It was not meant to be a serious piece of art, but it served its purpose marvelously as it is a fun album and a misplaced classic for Tim Burton’s classic comic noir. It’s been years since Prince has recognized any of this material from the concert stage and it was a welcomed return.

When the band kicked into Play That Funky Music Prince brought about twenty fans on stage with him as they danced, sang and proved to me that there is a vibrant nightlife in Chicago on Monday nights after 2 am. By the end of the show, the Congress Theater felt more like a communal gathering rather than a concert as the band needed the crowd as much as the crowd needed the band. Two nights previously in Minneapolis, this was where the show came to an end. However, the Chicago crowd willed the band back to the stage. After a little teasing between to two they decided on a slow number off of Tamar’s album, Stay With Me Baby. However, if one thought the evening would end on a slow number like this, they would be mistaken as I Want To Take You Higher, the Sly & The Family Stone classic, brought the house down. The lights were glaring on the audience as the band tore through the number as if it would be the last song they ever perform. Prince wailed on his guitar as if there would be no tomorrow. The finale was completely off the hook and when the music finally faded most of the people felt their money was well spent for a nearly 2-hour funk and soul review by one of the greatest acts of the last quarter-century and an up and comer who held her own against this legend. It may not have been a proper Prince show, however, it was the first chapter in what is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for the purple one. Regardless of whether or not his new album (3121) and tour come close to matching his previous trek does not matter, as tonight Prince proved he can command an audience at any time as long as he has a six-string in his midst.

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Well, it is officially Street Fest Season here in Chicago and what better way to kick it off than with the wildly popular, “Do Division Street Fest!”   Nestled within two full blocks of Chicago’s legendary Wicker Park neighborhood (dubbed, “Independent & Fashionable Neighborhood”), it is the fest for locals to see and be seen.  Do-Division, like many other street fests in Chicago, does an awesome job of highlighting food, music, family, and FUN.   Although, the difference between Do-Division and the other fests in the city is that Do-Division has a strong focus on fashion as well, complete with a cat-walk, running several fashion shows throughout the entire three-day event.   But…let’s get to the music, shall we?

With more than 32 bands performing on two-stages over the course of this event, I have chosen two of them as my self-described “show stealers.”  Bumpus and School of Rock – Chicago.  And, lucky for me, both bands happened to be playing on the same stage (Subterranean West Stage), albeit a day apart:

Bumpus

Bumpus is the type of band wastes zero time in reaching out and slapping you [hard] with a lethal dose of funk.  Believe me, they come out of the gate extremely strong and by the end of their set, they leave a packed house begging for more…..every single time.   I witnessed this firsthand at DoDivision and it was an incredible sight.   And, their horns section is just plain awesome.  Honestly, I believe it is the horns section that totally completes this band.  They are definitely unique and they most certainly add their own force within the rest of the group’s bluesy, funky, soul-filled rhythm.

Front and center (well…a little bit to the left of the center) is lead vocalist, Tina Howell and, trust me, this woman deserves every single bit of respect she commands.  Her voice is so full of soul, it’s as if she is giving the most powerful of sermons….of which, everyone seems to soak in while they bob their heads in appreciation.   

Bumpus hails from Chicago and believe me, Chicago loves them right back.  I have zero doubt they will be performing on the national stage very soon.  Until then, you can catch them again in Chicago on June 22^nd, at Navy Pier, and they have 3 July shows in Michigan, respectively.  If you’d like to learn more, please hit up their website:  www.BumpusWeb.com. 

School of Rock – Chicago

The School of Rock in Chicago is just as you think.  It is a school that teaches kids how to rock!  They provide lessons in guitars, vocals, drums, keyboards, and even lessons in the “music industry.”  It is a hub for kids who want to learn everything there is to know about how to rock successfully in today’s world.  Honestly, I just love the entire concept.  I mean, talk about learning something cool, making new friends, and performing to the masses, all before being old enough to drive! 

As the band took the stage, I immediately started smiling.  They were just so damn cute…every single one of them.  To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much but I certainly wasn’t going to throw any shade their way because after all, they’re just kids.  But, boy was I (and my doubts) WAY off base! 

As the band took the stage, I immediately started smiling.  They were just so damn cute…every single one of them.  To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much but I certainly wasn’t going to throw any shade their way because after all, they’re just kids.  But, boy was I (and my doubts) WAY off base! 

They started their set with “Killing Machine” by Judas Priest and holy crap, that girl could wail, not to mention the band behind her was 100% on point!  I was completely floored! Also within their set, they performed tunes by Skid Row, U2, and some punk song I just couldn’t put my finger on but, I remember saying to myself, “I absolutely love these song choices!”

I noticed there were about 15 or so students who were performing in total, switching it up for each song.  So, at the end of each song, a few kids would exit the stage and another few would enter.  They would switch out after every single song so everyone could have a turn in this rock ‘n roll “arena.”   I also noticed a few songs in that the rotation began to look the same however, when one of them would be playing the guitar on one song, that same kid would be playing bass or keyboards on their next turn.  How cool is that?  Talk about talent! 

To learn more about the School of Rock in Chicago, including locations, programs, lessons, camps, and events, head on over to their website: www.SchoolOfRock.com. And, if you have a chance to check them out live, I swear your face will hurt from smiling and you will not regret it!