Chicago Blues Fest

                       

The Thrill Lives On!

32nd Annual Chicago Blues Fest

June is a great month for outdoor festivals. It is a time for backyard barbecues, plush green grass and warm sunshine. Ah yes, Summertime has arrived and so did the 32nd Annual Chicago Blues Festival, held in Grant Park.  Blues masters such as Sly Johnson, Scott Albert Johnson and Buddy Guy have hit the stage, practicing their craft in the Windy City.
In the world of Blues, I am not just some rabid fan that wants to hear Muddy Waters or Willie Dixon. No sir. I am a lifelong addict of Blues Music and Heavy Metal thunder.  I was addicted from the start, and the thirst for Blues pumps through my veins like those who enjoy pills and cheap whiskey trying to ease the pain.  Under those circumstances, there was no escape form the long and painful security line. Folks gave up their constitutional rights and allowed the Illinois Nazis to conduct Bomb searches in baby strollers. Ye Gods, Man. What has happened to this beautiful country we once lived? I am getting the Blues just thinking about Martial Law and that fear is the harvesting machine. But never mind that kinda talk. Let's move on, cover the Chicago Blues Fest without the Gestapo tactics and learn more about the sponsors and artists that made this an historical event in 2015.

Shawn Holt & The Tear Drops

For the most part, the sun was shining hot and bright once I entered the gated area.  Shawn Holt & The Tear Drops where up on the Budweiser Crossroads Stage playing all the blues classics.  Next it was time to see The Cash Box Kings performing on the Pepsi Front Porch Stage.  However, during all this great music, I was unable to capture any live shots from T.C.K. with my cameras and was too busy taking notes for this article.  That's what happens when you're having too much fun listening to some great music.  With this in mind, it was time for more beer. and time to hit the Petrillo Music Shell.

Buddy Guy

Headlining this years Blues Fest was no other than Blues legend Buddy Guy. A long and successful career in the early 1950's Buddy Guy began  playing with bands in the Red Sticks (Baton Rouge, LA). Leaving his blues in California and opened his own nightclub in Chicago, Buddy Guy has a rich history, jamming with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. But seeing him live was a real treat to Blues fans in Grant Park. The Blues fell down like the rain that keep coming back that night. Yet, the lousy weather was no match for Buddy Guy as he played a 90 minute set for his adorning spectators. Nevertheless, most concert goers had a good time and did not have to go home. But at 11:00  pm they could not stay at the park after dark and it was time to disperse.     

Tomorrowland Movie Review

                                     Looking into Future World with Hope.

George Clooney, Brad Bird, Britt Robertonson, & Hugh Laurie.

In this Walt Disney motion picture, hope, magic and fantasy come to life as a young inventor (George Clooney) travels to the Worlds Fair. During his adventure, he meets a girl and becomes infatuated with her. Clooney's character, Frank Walker brings a makeshift Electrolux-hacked jet pack to a famous inventor played by Hugh Laurie and Walker is told to buzz-off.  Likewise, the whiz-kid listens to the older adult, and discovers a secret way into this future world.     

Photos by: Walt Disney Pictures

In contrast, the movie goer is taken back to 2015, and is introduced to Casey (Britt Robertson), teenage daughter of a NASA engineer soon to be laid-off. Cunning, cute and clever, Casey receives a nifty little pin, and with one touch she in a huge golden wheat field. Beyond the horizon, awaits Tomorrowland while young Casey embarks on her own journey.  Lies and secrets consume the plot in this Brad Bird movie with a Wizard of Oz backdrop that meets Star Wars. It's a good thing that Disney was able to hold the copyrights from George Lucas.  Otherwise, those pimps and hyenas in the courtroom would be bitching and squabbling over intellectual property.

The movie zips by rather quickly with convincing characters and good dialog. Special effects hold good pacing as future robots try to hunt down Frank and Casey. Sure, there may have been a few holes in Bird's storyline. However, it's a movie and critical thinking is not allowed when you are enjoying a good film like Tomorrowland.  Afterward, the viewer infers a fable about feeding their inner wolves of desire. We learn that there is a good and bad wolf in each of us, and that which ever one is fed more, will be come stronger.

Tomorrow Land

In this final analysis, jet packs soar, hope is regained and a message of  social responsibility is revealed. This movie paradox may teach all of us a little something in our lives, and that it's okay to be a dreamer. As Willy Wonka once stated, " We are the music makers, and we are the dreamer of dreams."   With that in mind, we should keep dreaming for a better tomorrow land.

   

The Blues Brothers

Elwood & Jake Blues

In “The Blues Brothers,” crime, comedy and chaos will be carried out by Jake and Elwood Blues.  Set in a Chicago backdrop, the two brothers are on a quest to bring “The Band” back together after discovering that Saint Hellen’s of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage will be forced to close its doors, due to unpaid taxes. Jake and Elwood Blues break down racial barriers by revisiting the era of blues in music in this 1980 film with help of Animal House director John Landis. “The Blues Brothers” reveals a connection between spiritualty, music and the greater good of God.

Based on two Saturday Night Live characters, played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, viewers infer a symbol of hope as the lifeless gray iron gates open for Joliet Jake. Angels begin to sing as the light peeks more and more from the cold portal of incarceration to the warm light of freedom on his back.  The irony is the police car that recuses Jake to salvation. The golden sun is behind Jake Blues. He is greeted with love by his brother Elwood and now the director refers to the shining light as a metaphorical symbol of power, warmth and love.  According to Romans 7:8 “We know that the laws are spiritual and that sin we rule us as slaves.”  But what we do not know is that Jake is about to become free from sin once and for all.

Following The Blues Brothers to the south side of Chicago, they visit St. Hellen’s Orphanage and meet with The Penguin.  The nun’s real name is Sister Mary Stigmata and she is disturbed to lean that the Blues Brothers have become degenerates. After Sister Mary smashes a ruler over Elwood’s head she states, “You are such a disappointing pair and I prayed so hard for you.  It saddens and hurts me that the two young men whom I’ve raised to believe in the Ten Commandments have returned to me as two thieves with filthy mouths and bad attitudes.” Sister Mary heeds warning to The Blues Brothers and for them not to comeback until they redeem themselves.

Subsequently, Jake and Elwood travel to a church called the Triple Rock. Some negative reviews may scoff at the brilliance of this movie magic. For example, New York Times writer Janet Maslin, argues that there were too many movie extras and that this “hollowness” did not “come cheap” while making this $30 million motion picture. After reviewing the facts, the cost of this movie brought joy and laughter.  On the other hand, Raytheon Corp has invested over $150 million to develop the Patriot missile system. Once this War Drum rolls out, there will be the hollowness of greed and bombs do not make people laugh.  

Steven Spielburg as: Cook County Assessor (1980)

This motion picture uses the musicians in cameo roles and devotes itself otherwise to a conventional, poorly rendered plot. The whole movie supposedly hinges on Jake and Elwood Blues's efforts to raise money to pay taxes on a church orphanage. However, without those cameos by Frank Oz,Steven Speilburg, Chaka Khan, and Mr. T, they may never have been 1980’s icons in the first place.  For example, if we look at The Bodyguard (1992) starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp’s character Sy Spector portrayed himself as a seedy, envious manager. Kemp’s personae worked for this role and is a perfect example of casting smaller roles for a larger pictures. And what about the Cook County Treasurer’s  Department, Mr. Arthur T. Bourne, played by Stephen Spielberg? This powerful director who made Jaws performs a small role at the end of the film. Just like Jaws, the big shark (Spielberg) is saved for the end. Metaphorically we could say Stephen Spielberg was the shark that was brought out at the end of the movie to suggest the Big vs. Small factor in this film. 

Every character had point and the characters played their roles well. This was excellent storytelling, making the movie work!  For example, we learned about freedom’s light once Jake is released from prison. Next, is God’s light from Triple Rock. This type of light can only be seen in the hearts of those who believe in the higher power.  In contrast, in “Blues, Love and Politics,” Cornell West mentions the distinction between Blues and Jazz music as being childlike. With that same approach we should examine The Blues Brothers in the same childlike fashion. We know that cars can’t fly, blind people cannot use fire arms and vehicles definitely cannot fall apart after completing a mission.

The conflict starts once Elwood Blues sees his light in Park Ridge, Illinois. Everything is fine until Elwood Blues ignores the red traffic signal and the ripple effect begins. Brilliantly written, the red light is the last metaphor before the mission of God can continue. We learn that The Blues Mobile is a 1974 Dodge police car. According to Elwood, “It’s got cop tires, cop shocks and cop motor” (Blues).  However, looking at the engineering prospective for this unleaded fuel beast is a black and white 4-door sedan body type. Weight, 3600 pounds. Speed, zero to 60 in 15.7 seconds on a quarter mile race track.  The automobiles, staged accidents and onscreen destruction have been adapted from the silent Keystone Cop shorts.   (Newland) These screen car crashes kept the pacing and demonstrate the hand of God at work.  In real life, Jake and Elwood Blues would have died in these accidents.

In contrast, there are realistic attributes in this motion picture. Next we have Carry Fisher (an ex-girlfriend) trying to hunt Jake down and blow him away to kingdom come.   Let’s review the traffic stop located in Park Ridge (Nelson Funeral Home). Research shows this chase to be approximately 40 miles away. Calculations show that traveling at 120 mph down Interstate 294 would only take 3 minutes to reach the Harvey Mall.  This in theory is possible with no traffic or construction. Elwood demonstrates his superior skills as a driver. Next is the parking skills when they go see Mr. Fabulous who works at  the Schale Paul restaurant.  

Observing the cast for this 30 million dollar motion picture,   The resolution is easy to explain.  The band is paid and offered a recording contract w/ Pollygram Records, but let’s not spoil the ending just yet. The move goer sees that it all worked out and that mission was successful. In the long run, nothing is great than the power of God. Sure, this may have been just a movie. However, you do not need to be a Blues Brother to perform a miracle. The random acts of kindness can created a ripple effect of small blessing that will tune into miracle tsunami.

This motion picture is a great example of Big vs Small as the two blues musicians escape with hijinks with major conflict throughout the this film.  this was a fun movie to watch, with great music. They just do not make great pictures like this anymore. 

Spandau Ballet

Soul Boys of the Western World & Finale Tour


This British New Romantics group became a huge success during the 1980's with songs such as "True" & "Gold."   Topping the charts for over 500 weeks in the UK, Spandau Ballet is back on tour in the United States for Spandau's last go-around with new music for adoring fans. The group itself dates back to the whirlwind days of the late 1970's and is back on tour for one last dance.
A vibrant club sound that once was the backbone, the nerve center for a great mix of heavy bottom dance grooves, lives again at the House of Blues.  

Tony Hadley

The show kicked-off strong with "Soul Boy" in this standing room only crowd of 1300 spectators. Notably performed, was "Highly Strung"  as Spandau Ballet performed all the classics under the lavender stage lights that illuminated the House of Blues music hall. Members include: Tony Hadley (Lead Vocalist), Gary Kemp (Lead Guitarist) Steve Norman (Saxophone/ Percussion) Martin Kemp (Bassist) Toby Chapman (Keyboards) and John Keeble (Drummer). Spandau Ballet dedicated the next set-list to Steve Strange, whom recently passed away in March 2015. Strange was a well know singer and pioneer for the New Romatics movement. Furthermore, Strange managed the Blitz Club in Soho and central London. "We did not have any money back then, explained saxophone player, Steve Norman. During Norman's interview with the Telegraph, he added that Mr. Strange, aka Stephen John Harrington was a generous and caring human being with a massive heart."

Gary Kemp

With this intention, the music hall became a substantial heartbeat, as the room filled with a steady drum tempo by Keeble. Together, the crowd attempts to Free-Style-Step and completing Open Turns to "Reformation" in this sold-out venue.  Hadley may see you running in his dreams, but he will not see anyone trying to do the Moonwalk on this packed dance floor. Equally important, is the low vibrato that Hadley delivers after all these years. A classically trained music instructor could perhaps tell that Mr. Hadley still has the vocal pipes of a 30 year old singer.

Steve Noman

As the white hot spotlight glowed around Norman and his Brassy Sax with "I'll Fly For You." That smooth bass line continues along with harmonizing vocals that moved the audience in mind and spirit. If you took a deep breath and closed your eyes, one could feel the music of Spandau Ballet in the Soul. On-lookers danced that night away as Gary Kemp & Hadley went on stage to preform "Empty Spaces" and "Gold "unplugged, with a double neck custom guitar. Powder blue lights dimmed the stage as the duo sang each note with heartfelt passion. But who could forget those  "Soul Boys"  once they jammed out with a wild instrumental for about 20 minutes. Dancing stage lights that flickered to the beat of the bongos pumping the crowed more until Midnight.

All Photos by: The Evil Genius, Spandau Ballet 2015©

Ultimately, Spandau Ballet has never lost the bass thumping grooves, nor did they lose those power vocals that each possess. And as they closed the set out with Gold, Gary Kemp make a deep connection with his audience. Tony Hadley raised his martini class for one last Salut to good heath for his audience. A distinguished gentleman that would never stray from the New Romantics Movement. The eyes never lie and that Spandau Ballet may return in the near future.



 

Whiskey of the Dammed

Hardcore Hoe-down at the Hard Rock in Chicago.




Wow! This was an awesome night. We had just witnessed Whiskey of the Dammed preform at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago.  But first, let me tell you about Anthony Stagg. Who in the Hell is that guy, you may ask? Well, when you have a magazine editor covering the bar bill, it's good ettiquite to know the hired hands in this blue-collar town filled with white-collar crime.  Stagg's just received his two year employee pin at the Rock, and escorted Miss Gina and I at our reserved table. "Everything is on the house Mr. Pelletier," explained Stagg. Your magazine said to run a tab and not worry about a thing. "Great," I said. Just give us a few minutes and we'll be ready to order."


We ordered our drinks first, and began to talk about Maiden Chicago. Yeah, I like those guys, said Stagg. They're big-time and that music ain't easy to play."  "Well," I replied with a smile, the bass player is a friend mine and likes that Trooper beer. Stagg paused momentarily, taking our order. Yeah, I wasn't aware of the Trooper beer until that night Maiden Chicago played that night," he said. I told Anthony Stagg about Bill Swanson giving me a Trooper beer and ordered another Guinesss.

Ah- but that Maiden story was written years ago.  Now the time has come to cover Whiskey of the Dammed, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  A genre of  Celtic Rock, feel good music for the entire family. The show was full throttle in the beginning with a nice steady tempo and raw sound. Members of this Irish Nun flogging ensemble include: Eoin McCarthy (Guitar/ Vox) Matt Schuetz (bass) Brian Link (Accordion) and drummer, David Web. The never ending flow of toe tapping music, Guinness stout and moonshine madness consumed this drunken pirate. "RRRR, Mate, bring us more drink," I said, as the the night went on.

There were not fancy stage lights, no mosh pits and the crowd seemed a little subdued. Web's energy was eccentric as he banged away at two sliver beer kegs during one of the songs.  Schuetz offered a solid foundation as Link filled in the rest of these drunken sailor tunes. The mood was winding down as the stage lights dimmed.  The once fast and heavy Celtic rock, sound was now that of a quiet whisper and it was time to go home.

In any case, the bar bill was well over $200.00 and the party was over. I asked the Whiskey of the Damned if they had a set-list. "Nope," said Eoin. With that, I wished them a safe and successful tour.

If all goes well, Whiskey of the Dammed should be ending a summer tour in Murrieta, California, in late September. If you like Paddys' as much as I do, you'll dig this group for sure.

OK Go: Show Review at the Metro.

                                 Okay, Go and Celebrate!

OK Go.

Originally formed in Chicago during 1998 and later transplanted in Los Angeles, OK Go has now become a YouTube video sensation. "I Won't Let You Down"  uses excellent stop motion photography, amazing camera angles and a snappy dance beat that is now rocking the charts. Lead vocalist, Damian Kulash and bassist, Tim Nordwind were childhood friends in some fancy art camp in Michigan. The two 11-year old boys reached for inspiration from an art instructor that would always say, "Okay, Go,"and that is how ideas are born. Other members include Andy Ross (lead guitarist)  and drummer Dan Konopka that make-up this American alternative power rock group.

Equally important, is the odd mix of people that gathered at the Metro in Chicago to commemorate an Easter weekend they will never forget. There was more joy and laughter as concert goers were all jazzed up to see OK Go. It was time to check in and receive my press credentials from a bouncer named Mando. He had a cold stone look of a convicted felon. Bank robbery, perhaps? His checkered past was no concern for this writing assignment, so rest easy folks. The time has come for an evening of celebration!

The night kicked off with dancing and drunkenness as the confetti cannon exploded with red and yellow ticker tape. 1200 spectators filled this sold-out energy box at the Metro as the theory of Thermodynamics continued to emit musical fusion with this spectacular phenomenon. As a result, OK Go started out with thirty minutes of fist pumping, heart thumping, feel good music for their adoring fans.  However, the second law of Thermodynamics were now equal and efforts began to weaken for this standing room only event. The crowd listens to a tale about Kulash's  K-9 troubles and something that happened three weeks ago.  Next, purple lights glow the venue. A nice slow beat brings down the throttle of madness, "Skyscrapers" was  played and, that is how things went down in the Windy City.

OK Go had a very childlike stage presence that had everyone screaming for more music. Red and white swirly hard candy light effects, more confetti explosions and busting out with a cover song by Led Zeppelin was definitely one big party. Bright red lights glowed and flashed to the classic hit of "Black Dog," and chants to the known lyrics full this tangible energy box inside the Metro. Afterward, the fuel that kept this crowd burning with a heated desire depleted. Based on the laws of physics, stars are powered by nuclear fusion or in this case a large fan base. So with that in mind, the hour was getting late and it was time to find a new star to call home. 

In the same fashion, OK Go have become big stars in a small Universe. Their music, stage performance and killer light show will outshine most of the new stars. Once this happens, the illusion of time and dark matter shall be revealed. Speaking of Dark matter, Mando was still holding his post at the door. Your worst fears could come true, should you meet this man in a dark alley. Or even worse, your eighteen year old daughter invites Mando over for Easter Dinner. This is why good energy is vital to our celebration of life. Without positive elements, we could easily be sucked into a vortex of fear and control.  Don't let this happen to you. Okay, Go and live for today!

 

     

Blackened Show Review

          Death Smiles at the Cubby Bear

Blackened: Mike Streicher, John Dent, Vince Ochwat, Kevin M. Buck

Okay. That horrible winter across the nation is just about over now. We can relax and get back to seeing more great shows, such as Blackened. So, let's rehash what their loyal fans may have missed during this frozen tundra of hibernation. Jim Snedeker, Lead Guitar is now a proud father and has retired form the group Blackened. On board now, is no other than legendary lead guitarist Kevin M. Buck.Die hard Metal Heads may remember Buck in local acts such as Blizzard of Oz and Battery. Now after battling sleep deprivation and a broken down tour bus, Kevin Buck is living the dream and the nightmares of performing with the ultimate Metallica tribute band in the Chicagoland area.  During our interview Buck said, "This feels great actually. I was lucky to have the guys in Blackened think that I was able to play this stuff. This really feels awesome."

Mike Streicher 

A few bass geeks will only have the inside information regarding the Morley Boost & Fuzz Pedal. But what they do not know is that bassist, Mike Streicher helped test the new prototype and was able to offer some outside field knowledge.  "The Power Fuzz Wah effects can be used independently or simultaneously, explained Stericher. After breaking a few switches and replacing some bulbs, Morley was able to work out the bugs, he adds to say. The fuzz section for the Cliff Burton Tribute Series was set up  only for instrument level playing. However, Mike Streicher was performing higher frequency levels and needed more punch. Shortly after, Mike Striker found himself at the convention center in Anaheim, California. Morley asked Striker to demonstrate the Fuzz Pedal in front of musical royalty, Mr. Ray Burton (Cliff Burton's father). To most bass players, this would be an honor.  It was an incredble honor to play Cliff's [Burton] songs for Ray, explained Streicher. "To have Ray be very happy with what I played and to quote Mr.Burton "You would have made Cliff proud," was an awesome experience. Ray Burton was very thankful of my involvement and has made me part of his family now. Overall, this was a humbling moment in my life," Mike Streicher expressed with deep admiration. 

John Dent

There are more humbling attributes in the hearts of Blackened. Always a warm welcome for their fans, Blackened pours out vibrant energy for their loyal spectators. Headlining at the Cubby Bear with all the Metallica classics such as Creeping Death, Seek & Destroy and Master of Puppets was just the beginning for these stage crazy fans. A huge mosh pit stirred up the excitement for awhile as laser lights and purple smoke filled this thunder dome with Death Smiles of doom for Blackened spectators. Next it was time to quiet the mood with Fade to Back. The roar of the crowd simmered to a silent whisper as John Dent (rhythm and lead guitarist) began to play the melodic intro. Furthermore, Blackened pumped out 90 minutes pure thrash music with other well-known hits such as One and Battery.  The Cubby Bear's structural foundation nearly crumbled as drummer, Vince Ochwat pounded the skins like a human wrecking ball. Frontman John Dent thanked his loyal fans for their energy and support that night.  There were no fights or arrests to report, The Cubby Bear's management had a level of professionalism that was outstanding as well. Blackened enthusiasts had their raging appetites fulfilled as they left with their heads full of booze, amplified sounds ringing in their ears, and going back to the front with a good time for all.