Vicious Circle & Cover Dogs

                    Live at The Cap, Celebrating Danny Romaine's 50th Birthday! 

The Moon is still in Cancer on this hot summer night in July and for most folks born under this zodiac sign, they will never relinquish a treasured object, and can remain hard on the outside. However, deep inside their hearts, they are soft gentle creatures. Why would I say such things?" you may ask. Well my Moon is Cancer and I know how these people think. Anyway  50-year old, Danny Romaine is one those crabby types that yearns for Heavy Metal Thunder to ease him into a pleasant mood. Sure, Cancer people can be quite moody. However, Chicago local bands such as Vicious Circle and Cover Dogs can put almost anyone into a happy place.

Vicious Circle: Rudy Guzman 

Nightcaps was blindsided and fatally paralyzed by the tenacious sounds of Vicious Circle. Once I arrived, some Mercyful Fate was blaring from speakers and fans were feeling that raw energy by lead frontman, Rudy Guzman  Other members include: Chris Tabor & Art Guzman (lead guitarist) Mick Lucid (bass) and drummer Kevin Tarpey from this progressive Heavy Metal group in Chicago. But things changed quickly, and now Danny Romaine was on stage in this "Hot Box" at the Cap, performing "Electric Eye" written by Judas Priest. Romaine's dark sunglasses and stocky build resembled that of a Black Panther Battle Tank ready for his Windy City War Cry. Yes sir, this guy can sing and Romaine ripped up that stage on this Saturday night.

Without delay, Cover Dogs was ready to rock "The Cap" and was one hot act to follow. The 90 degree temperature made this place feel like a brick oven, and so hot that you could probably bake a pizza on the floor. Cover Dogs offered up some good, in yer face rock-n-roll with song such as "Let it Rock, Let It Roll" "Shot Down In Flames" and "Shout at the Devil" just to name a few. Members for Cover Dogs are, Jeff  Hundrieser (Vocalist) Jon Dobbs & Nevin Trevic (lead guitarist) Kevin Cobleigh (bass) and drummer, Paul Bata. If you like super groups such as Queensryche, Guns n Roses and Motley Crue, then this group is definitely worth seeing.

Cover Dogs: Jeff Hundrieser & Jon Dobbs

Given these valid points in this article, and drinking with some good friends such as Van Halen Dave, Eddie Bak and Harold T. was indeed a killer night out. There were so many other friends I wanted to conversate but the thunder dome was to loud. And with in mind, I would like to give a Shout Out to:
Joe & Diana Incandella, Ana Marie Ippolito and John Griffith for their support in local music.
Of course, I didn't have to go home. However, I couldn't stay another minute in this sweat box at the Cap. More beer and blunts is want this outlaw journalist needed and my new quest began. Until the next time, Happy Birthday Danny!

LAVA Rock

                             Show Review at the Pavilion Event Center

LAVA Rock

This has been a spectacular summer so far, and with all the outstanding talent to write about one can only imagine who will be featured this week for the Bad Americans. Our story begins with my dear friend Eddie Bak that was unable to attend the performance of LAVA Rock. Working the graveyard shift on Friday, Bak offers me two free tickets "Sure, I'll go to Northbrook and check these guys out," I said to myself. I took the tickets, and was off to Nickel City.

Next to Nickel City was the Pavilion Restaurant & Event Center that featured this Led Zeppelin tribute band. But it goes deeper than that folks. Let's examine the acronym for a moment, shall we? Led Zepplin, Aerosmith Van Halen and AC/DC Okay? Are you with me so far? Good. Let's move on and get this show review finished. The first order of business was to hunt down the bass player for a quick meet and greet. "My Mom and Dad got me into Led Zeppelin, explained bassist John Sullivan. We talked a little about AC/DC his 1970 Fender P Bass and "Thunderstruck."  With over 15 years of  bass playing experience Sullivan once played the drums. It was a brief conversation over some Chicken Wings as Sullivan waited for his Veggie Burger. "Good luck tonight," I said.  It's always good business to set down with one of the band members just before the show starts and from that point, I could tell that LAVA Rock was a great bunch guys.

Ordering some more food and drink, the curtain rises slowly and "Rock-n-Roll"  kicked-off the night. Members for this five piece ensemble include: Kerry Devine (Vocals) Gino Buonomici & Gerald Guzman (Lead Guitarist) and drummer, Robert Behnke. "Good Times, Bad Times" and "What is and Should Never Be" offered a solid performance as LAVA Rock played all the Zepplin classics on this Friday Night in July.  Devine's stage presence wooed the crowd with "The Ocean" as fans chanted along with the lyrics. "A Whole Lotta Love" and a killer drum solo performed by Behnke gave this group the cutting edge as they rocked the Pavilion Event Center.

The hour was getting late and I had a train to catch that would take me back to Chicago. Should I miss that Midnight express back home,there would be five hour walk back to my Castle. So, after LAVA Rock's first set was complete, it was time to go home. If you're a Led Zeppelin fan I urge you to grab a ticket and find that Black Dog inside the corner of your mind. With bigger venues slowly fading away, we'll start seeing more and more tributes like LAVA Rock in the future.

One Way Street

                           

                         Club Belmont Family Fest Picnic 

Photo by: Yago Garcia. 14th Annual Family Picnic

Founding in 1922, Shriners Hospital for children has been a leading foundation battling diseases, disorders and poverty. Some folks might be familiar with Danny Thomas and his pledge to raise money for St. Jude's during the 1950's. With only $7.00 to his name, he placed the money in a church donation box and wondered how to cover the cost for the birth of his daughter. The power of prayer was answered and Thomas landed a small movie role that could pay 10 times the amount given to the church and the rest is history.
Club owner, John Kola is making history and has spearheaded a family fest that seeks donations that will provide education, research and better quality of life for children that are in need of medical care.
The mission for Shriner, Thomas and Kola has been implemented without regard to race, creed gender or disability. With a suggested $20.00 donation, children that have spinal cord injuries, cleft lip or a number orthopedic needs can receive the needed care with these contributions. At Club Belmont's picnic, everyone here was focused on the children with special needs and their families with love and hope in their hearts.

Scott Fricke

There was plenty of joy and happiness at Club Belmont's 14th annual family picnic this year. Pony rides, mini-golf and a Bouncy House where just some featured attractions for the kids. Adult activities included a Beer Truck, Barbecue, and live music performed by One Way Street. A bit of 70's Funk was played at Grove 10 in Schiller Woods on this hot and sunny afternoon. My notes are bit splotchy from the blood, sweat and beer form this social event.  However, cover songs from Off Broadway,  Megadeth and Offspring sounded pretty damn good. Other songs such as, "I Want You To Want Me" (Cheap Trick) "Possum Kingdom" (Toadies) and "Cumbersome" (Seven Mary Three) had everyone dancing and toe-tapping to shady summer beats.  Members of One Way Street include: Scott Fricke (Lead Vocals) Mark Cutro, Tom O'Connor (Lead Guitarist) Tony Galati (Bass) and Fred Braun (Drums). Oh, I almost failed to mention Kayla Fricke offering up lead/back-up vocals to this groups powerful performance.

One Way Street

In conclusion, it was good to see some old friends such as Will, Bernie Stalans and Yago Garcia. Members from High Alert showed up in support for Shriner's Hospital and the good will it brings to the lives of others in need. The greatest gift of all is a child's love. They make you feel taller, smarter, and your eyes brighter with hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
My point in this article is all about helping each other. Sure, Beer Trucks and live music is good, but when we work for the greater glory of God, all things are possible.

High Alert.

                             Summer Fest Review at Joe E's in Chicago.

Okay. This horrible  rain needs to stop. Music lovers are having trouble relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors for the last three weeks with a soggy outcome.  I was drinking with Eddie Bak, when High Alert made the executive decision to relocate their band equipment from the beer garden to the small inside stage at Joe E's in Chicago, IL. As you may know, a little rain is no match for Heavy Metal Thunder and High Alert is living proof that the show must go on at all cost!

Mike Gaynor

There have been a few line-up changes during the winter months for High Alert, replacing lead vocalist, Vic Ryan with Mike Gaynor. and former bassist Raf Winterpacht with Will Heart.   Performing with Know Time 4 Pain, Gaynor thirst for Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest continued. Ultimately, hitting the high notes and covering some of the best music ever created is no easy feat in this arena. There is no room on stage for being second best and in Chicago we're all reaching for top spot to play.  However, Gaynor delivers the goods with a strong stage presence during each and every song.  

Will Heart & James Nobel

Next, we have new bassist Will Heart. Devils & Angels was short lived for Heart, and he mentioned "Sweet Leaf"  as awesome tune to play. "Another cool song is "Fairies Wear Boots," explains Heart.There are some challenges with the lead part for that song and it's always fun to play Geezer Butler stuff," he adds to say. Traveling all the way from Rockford, Heart has indeed earned himself a seat at the table for the Noble Order of Metal Bass Players. Other Members include, Brian Joseph Vinezeano, James Nobel (lead guitarist) and drummer Andrew Schreiner. It was time to rock the house on this small intimate stage. Drinks flowed heavy by two outstanding bartenders Erika & Danielle as the show kicked-off with Priest classic titled: "Electric Eye" The eye of the storm was fierce that Saturday night at Joe E's. Yet  Gaynor's showmanship was right on point and kept the crowd eager for more Metal. James Noble was holding his own position, offering some powerful back-up vocals to songs such as "Your Fucking Nightmare" and that well known Avenged Sevenfold classic, "Buried Alive."  

High Alert

On the surface High Alert may fit some social drawbacks and Heavy Metal stereotypes. In truth, This group has struggled building this five piece foudation. However, They are not looking back, and hopes for brighter future with a new line-up this summer. All things considered, there is a good chance that we'll be seeing more High Alert in the years to come. In due time, bigger and better shows will come for these guys. It's up to you to take action and spread the word and check out High Alert at their next show. Until then, Stay Metal!! 

      

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.