ChiIL Picks: Summerfest Milwaukee Closing This Weekend

Our neighbors to the north know how to throw a party.   We've been promoting Chi-town bands up at Milwaukee's Summerfest, all along.   This weekend is your last shot at Summerfest 2013, and there are more sweet bands on our radar playing there. We're still waiting on final confirmation, but we plan to head up ourselves and shoot stills this Sunday.   If you haven't made it up there yet, go already.   This is your last chance till next year!

Bands On Our Radar:

  There's a wide range of musicians, genres & action, so there's literally something for everyone.   Check out the full weekend lineup here.

Saturday Favorites:

John Mayer  311  Buddy Guy  Briar Rabbit  Division BMX Stunt Team Sunday Favorites: Bad Religion Archie Powell & The Exports Future Laureates (Tiki Hut Stage--small stage located on Summerfest map, it is by the lake, at 6PM)

Eagles

Jimmy Eat World
Trampled by Turtles
Division BMX Stunt Team

• EMERGING ARTISTS SERIES

The U.S. Cellular® Connection Stage with Leinenkugel’s and FM 102/1 will once again host the Emerging Artists Series, highlighting emerging talent each evening from 3:00 - 7:30 pm. Check Summerfest.com for information on nightly competitions, Text-2-Screen™ technology, music downloads and much more. Vote for your favorite band each day at Summerfest!

• LUCILLE'S PIANO BAR

Lucille’s Piano Bar is open from Noon - 11:30 pm daily. Located near the South Gate, patrons can enjoy recorded music from Noon - 4:00 pm and piano performers from 4:00 - 11:30 pm, with the Dueling Pianos show starting at approximately 7:30 pm nightly. Additionally, there will be band performances on Saturday, June 29 and Saturday, July 6 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

Our ChiIL Picks For Summerfest:

• Sunday, July 7

Join hundreds of Fest-Fans to help form the Summertfest Smile in Urban Park on the last day of Summerfest 2013! 

If you have already registered:Follow the signs to the appropriate check-in table, where you will receive your red Summerfest t-shirt. You will then be instructed where to stand to form the Summerfest Smile.

If you did not pre-register:Arrive by 11:30 and queue in the "Walk-Ups" line. You will be registered and directed where to stand. IF YOU DID NOT PRE-REGISTER, YOU MUST WEAR A RED SHIRT TO PARTICIPATE! 

After checking-in, Summerfest staff will direct you to form the Summerfest smile. 

**Sunday is also Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day, and all attendees are admitted FREE until Noon. All participants will be able to enter the grounds for free.**

SUMMERFEST BIG SMILE PHOTO OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY FORWARD DENTAL

Help “The World’s Largest Music Festival” smile on in a big way! Register online to participate, then come down to Summerfest on Sunday, July 7 to pick up a red Smile On t-shirt and help create the Summerfest smile with hundreds of fest-fans. Participants will form the smile, be photographed from above and be a part of Summerfest history. More Info

• New for 2013, recycle to help keep the Big Gig® clean and get a cool t-shirt!  Patrons that visit the South Gate Information Booth during Summerfest and pledge to “Go Green at the Big Gig®” can pick up a bag to fill with recyclable cups, bottles and aluminum pints. Return the full bag to the same spot and get a cool t-shirt for keeping the festival clean!  Visit the South Gate Information Booth or #SFLive Lounge for more details.

Family Friendly Fun:

• VERLO MATTRESS SKYGLIDER

Take a ride on the Skyglider, a true family favorite! Located high above the main walkway, this gentle ride provides passengers with a scenic view of the Summerfest Grounds, Lake Michigan and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares available.

• KLEMENT'S SAUSAGE PRESENTS THE ELIZABETH "BO" BLACK FAMILY FOUNTAIN WITH B93.3

Your day at Summerfest would not be complete without a stop at the “Splash Pad.” Kids of all ages splash and play the day away while keeping cool. In addition, each day from 1:00 - 2:00 pm the Racing Sausages will be available for photo opportunities (weather permitting). Listen to B93.3 for special Summerfest promotions.

• KOHL'S CAPTIVATION STATION

Returning in 2013, Kohl's Captivation Station, created in partnership with Kohl's Cares, will offer educational and musical experiences for children and families, featuring: 

• Discovery World - Kohl's Design It! Mobile Lab
• Milwaukee Art Museum - Kohl's Color Wheels
• Penfield Children's Center - Kohl's Building Blocks Workshop
• Milwaukee County Zoo - Kohl's Wild Theater

See the complete activity calendar >

• PADDLEBOAT WATER EXPERIENCE

Celebrate Summerfest on the water! Presented by Badger Meter, this family friendly activity provided by Lakeshore Paddle Sports will give patrons the opportunity to relax and take in views of the festival and downtown Milwaukee. From Noon – 7:00 pm each day, paddle around part of the lagoon for 30 minutes in boats that hold up to four (4) people. Located at the boat dock on the north end of the grounds, this is a can’t miss experience!

FREE All Ages Concert At Potbelly 9/13 to Benefit CHIRP Radio #help locally

Dear CHIRP fan,

CHIRP Radio invites you to have dinner with us at Potbelly Sandwich Shop at 4709 N. Lincoln this Thursday evening, September 13, from 5-8 p.m. During that time, Potbelly in Lincoln Square will donate 25% of all their sales to CHIRP! Swing by and grab a sandwich or salad, or bring the whole family for a fun night out! We have a great lineup of local musicians playing live throughout the evening. Here's the schedule: 5:30-6 p.m. Abbi Rajasekhar 6:45-7:15 p.m. Briar Rabbit 7:30-8 p.m. Poor Elvis We'll also be raffling off a cool Lincoln Square prize package, including gift certificates from the Old Town School of Folk Music, Laurie's Planet of Sound, On the Route Bikes, and more. We hope to see you there!

Briar Rabbit, Damn Choir and Crane Wives at The Burlington 12-16-11 (photo filled feature)

It was sweet to finally hear all of these guys live, as their reputation preceded them.  Check out our prior coverage here.   It was also our first look at The Burlington's relatively new "back room" concert space in Logan Square (3425 W. Fullerton).   The lights and sound were nothing to write home about, but the intimate space is reminiscent of a basement party at someone's home, in an entirely good way.   They also have a respectable beer selection.   There did seem to be a force field beyond gravity at work in the center of the room, as multiple beer filled glasses hit the floor and shattered in about the same spot, hours apart. 

The Damn Choir 
The band has a unique sound and good chemistry.   Katy Myers on cello was a particular stand out. 
 

Here's the scoop from their site:  
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Genres: Folk / pop / Alternative
Members: Gordon Robertson, Katy Myers, Steve Stokes, Ryan Farnham, Jack McClain

The Damn Choir's use of guitar, cello, keyboards, vocals and drums, along with Gordon Robertson's introspective lyrics, create songs that range from meandering and melancholic to pulsing and vengeful.

The Damn Choir began in January of 2009 on a freezing and fated night in Chicago. Gordon Robertson sat slumped at the bar, drowning his post-horrific-break-up dejected self in whiskey and happened to meet cellist Katy Myers. Although at first Myers rejected Robertson's musical advances, eventually she gave in and agreed to give him a chance.

Within weeks the two were musically inseparable and involved in an (arguably unhealthy) co-dependant friendship. After playing for months under the name, “Gordon and Katy,” the two recorded an album, re-named the band, and began the journey that would lead them to eventually recruiting Sherri Stouffer on keyboards and vocals, and Ryan Farnham on Percussion. The four-piece creates a sound that rises and falls in harmony with the spirit of Robertson’s angst-filled lyrics.   Check 'em out here on Facebook.

This was Briar Rabbit's music video release party and when audio issues prevented the sound from playing on the grand unveiling, the audience prevailed upon the band to play it live.   So what could have been a disastrous derailment turned into serendipity.   His sound is described as folk/indie/pop and you can check it out by clicking on the link above.

You'll have a chance to see Briar Rabbit live again in the near future at one of our fav. local venues, Schubas, along with more great musicians.


Starting on Monday, January 9 2012, Clip Art will headline a weekly residency at Schuba’s Tavern. Each week will feature unique sets, special guests and the finest opening acts Chicago has to offer. Clip Art is led by Andy Rosenstein, keyboard player for JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound.

All shows are 8PM/$6/18+

1/9 - w/ Algebro + Any Kind
1/16 - w/ Dick Prall + Paper Thick Walls
1/23 - w/ Briar Rabbit + The Sometimes Family
1/30 - w/ Baby Teeth + Jennifer Hall

 Photo Credit:  Brad Meese

Play Locally: Winter Circus, Photo Exhibit, Music, and More

Wednesday

 Winter Magic Trunk Show

Thursday

Join us for the Opening Reception of
Snapshot: Inventing the Everyday
Tomorrow night- Dec. 15th

Within the history of photography, snapshots have existed as an amateur sub-genre of fine art photography. But today the age of sophisticated camera phones and social media, when families and friends gather around a computer rather than a photo album, some are reconsidering the snapshots artistic value.                                                                                                                       
We invite you to join us for the opening reception of IALS's first photography exhibition, curated by two of our wonderful contributors, Brooke Herbert Hayes and W. Tanner Young! Stop by and check-out our new storefront, and enjoy some seasonal Revolution Brewing beer and delicious snacks by Ciao & Paper Moon.
 
What: Snapshot: Inventing the Everyday Opening Reception
When: Thursday, December 15, 6-8:30 pm
Where: I Am Logan Square Gallery, 2644 N. Milwaukee Ave

*Be part of the show with Magnolia Booth! Photos taken during the opening reception will be on display for the duration of the exhibition.
**Drinks and treats by Revolution Brewing, Paper Moon Pastry and Ciao Pizzeria

I Am Logan Square is a local, non-profit organization that promotes and increases awareness of the arts while enhancing cultural development in Chicago's vibrant Logan Square neighborhood.

Follow on Facebook and Twitter to find out what arts events are happening in Logan Square!
 

Friday

The Damn Choir/Briar Rabbit/The Crane Wives (21+) at The Burlington

Saturday & Sunday
 Kid Friendly:

Join CircEsteem for a show with villains, damsels in distress, tourists in Hawaiian shirts and...

Super Heroes.

Over 70  kids (including ChiIL Mama's own Sagezilla & Du-Jay) from the Chicago Youth Circus, CircusTeam, HomeWork & CircusWork and our outreach programs will take the stage and dazzle audiences with amazing circus acts including: trapeze, tight wire, gym wheel, unicycle and for the first time in CircEsteem history: Chinese Pole!
 
Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for kids under 13.

Reserved seats are $35 and reserved parking is $20.  Buy your spots now!!!

Performance tickets and reserved parking can all be purchased through CircEsteem's website.

Can't make it to the show but still want to support CircEsteem? Make a tax-deductible gift online. 

 

**CircEsteem also sells funky, fun circus skills toys--perfect for unique holiday gifts.   They sell diablos, spinning plates, juggling balls & handmade rolla bollas!   They also have stylin' t-shirts & can hook you up with vendors for larger items like silks, trapeezes & even lyra hoops.   Proceeds go to their awesome circus arts programs which unite kids from diverse backgrounds, and are offered on a sliding scale.

 

**Clutter Buster Gift Idea:   Classes are available for adults and kids at CircEsteem.   Give the gift with class--clown, gym wheel, aerials, Chinese Pole, unicycle, stilts, tight wire, acro class...that is.

Sunday

Kid Friendly:    Shayna Sings at Beat Kitchen-holiday show for the 8 & under set.    After Sunday, Concerts for Kids is taking a holiday break, but we'll be back again in January.   ChiIL Mama is happy to sponsor this family friendly fun.   The littles get to rock out and their happy parents can get outta the house and drink some of the seriously best bloody marys in town!   We'll continue to give away free family 4 packs of tickets to all the shows and we'll be at Winter Fest with an instrument "petting zoo" and ChiIL Mama's "Rock Star Photo Booth", so stop by and rock out!

Save the dates:

(All Shows $6 unless stated otherwise)

Dec 18: Shana Sings! Special holiday show
Holiday Break
Jan 8: Ice Cream Vendors
Jan 15: Little Miss Ann Band
Jan 22: The Boogers

Jan 29: Winter Fest, 11am-2pm, $8
Featuring Mary Macaroni, Sarah Parker, The Storybook Mom and Istvan & His Imaginary Band

Cheap & Free 21+ December Concerts On Our Radar-The Damn Choir/Briar Rabbit & The Buddies

Friday, Dec 16

The Damn Choir has a new video for the single “Virginia” 

The Damn Choir (21+)

The Damn Choir will be performing at The Burlington’s new live music room (3425 W. Fullerton in Chicago), along with Briar Rabbit and Grand Rapids-based The Crane Wives, on Friday, Dec. 16. The Damn Choir will be releasing their sophomore album, You’re My Secret Called Fire, in spring, 2012. 

For more info, check out the band's main site. 

and The Burlington Bar's Calendar 

We can't wait to review the show and check out the new venue.   I'm inclined to love the Burlington already, based on their fabulous foot photo on the main page.  Guess I'm not the only one out there intrigued by musicians' feet/pedals/and cords! 

We covered Briar Rabbit, back a while ago, and can't wait to see him live, as well.   Check out our prior posts here. and veggie oil bus fundraising video here.

Friday, December 16, 2011 

The Burlington
3425 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 

Set: 9:00 PM
Doors: 8:00 PM
21+
Tickets: $8 (though Burlington's site says $5 donation, so it may be even less)
  

Also Playing: Briar Rabbit (11:00 PM) , The Crane Wives (9:00 PM)

Thursday, Dec 22

The Buddies (21+)

The Buddies (ex-Welcome to Ashley, Pale Blue Dot) will bring their shambolic mix of pub rock, power pop and Irish punk to Empty Bottle on Thursday, Dec. 22. This will be a FREE w/ RSVP show (rsvp@emptybottle.com).

Band Site: http://www.fthebuddies.com/

New CD, F*ck the Buddies, streaming at: http://candyappleandthebuddies.bandcamp.com/

Check out the ticket link for more show/band info http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4055635
Empty Bottle, Inc.

The Buddies / Dirty Pigeons / The Canoes / Ed Jurken

Thursday, Dec 22, 2011 9:30 PM CST
Empty Bottle , Chicago, IL
21 years and over

Video-The Tale of Briar Rabbit and The Veggie Oil Bus

Eco-Alert: Help Make Briar Rabbit's Veggie Van A Reality by THIS Thursday

Two things dear to our hearts here at ChiIL Mama are music and the environment.   In fact, when we interview musicians we often ask them what they are doing to make the world a greener place.    We love Digipak CD's released without those wasteful plastic cases, especially those made with recycled materials.   A number of musicians we've interviewed have said they drive a Prius, recycle, and refill water bottles.   Large music festivals like Lollapalooza are donating money to offset their carbon footprint.   

Even Keller Williams, who sings about his love for V8 Engines, told ChiIL Mama in our interview that he actually drives a hybrid!   We'll be running a big Keller Williams feature this month as we count down to Kidzapalooza, as he's playing Sunday at 2:30pm.    We have our video interview and loads of live footage from his Park West Show, and a bunch of great stills from Keller's rockin' Summer Camp Music Fest set coming soon.

Chicago indie pop act Briar Rabbit (A.K.A multi-instrumentalist Phillip-Michael Scales) wants to do those hybrid driving musicians one better.   He's taking donations through this Thursday, for 

The “grease van” (or “veggie oil bus”) campaign

   We have friends who converted their Sprinter to run on veggie oil, and it's a great plan, for saving $$ and saving the earth.   It smells like french fries, too.   Mmmmmm.

Briar Rabbit is happy to announce its recently-launched Kickstarter campaign to raise money for a “grease van,” a touring vehicle that runs on vegetable oil and their signing to Midwest management company Wine From the Moon (home to Paper Thick Walls, The Damn Choir and singer-songwriter Jane Thatcher).

Raised in a suburb of Detroit, Scales began playing music at a young age and was self-releasing records and fronting bands by the time he was in high school. He went on to study music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

He recorded his debut, Briar Rabbit & the Company You Keep, with friends and former band mates in Boston and at Chicago’s CarterCo Recording. The album draws influence from folk, blues and rock and spotlights Scales’ dynamic voice and sharp lyrics. “Company” has received rave reviews in The RedEye and on top Chicago blogs Windy City Rock and Reviewsic.      

Thanks to some hard work and supporter generosity, Briar Rabbit made their initial goal of $5,500, but have three days to hit $7,500 so that they can purchase the veggie oil conversion kit. 

The “grease van” (or “veggie oil bus”) campaign is well underway with more than “70” individual backers. This project will only be funded if at least $5,500 is pledged by Thursday Jul 21, 11:16am EDT. For more information and to make a pledge, check out http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/briarrabbit/the-tale-of-briar-rabbit-and-the-veggie-oil-bus.