Unicycle Loves You downsizes, reins in cynicism on new album
For all the fun and late, loud nights of being in a band there is another side, one in which ego and energy are needed to fuel what can only...
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Ami Saraiya embraces darkness, channels it into ‘Soundproof Box’
Ami Saraiya conjured up her album in the dark. The singer-songwriter-bandleader found the muse for her latest recording while working the night shift as a nurse, pulling inspiration for lyrics...
This time around, Rockin’ Johnny really does have it all figured out
In the late '90s, when Wicker Park was the kind of neighborhood where you couldn't hail a cab or (gasp) even get a pedicure, Rockin' Johnny ruled Monday nights at...
Bluegrass and Blues Festival growing up with addition of Auditorium Theatre show
After four years, the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival is making a jump. While the fest began and was anchored at the Congress Theater, it's moved for one day to...
Christa Meyer channels primal side for new band, Man Is Man
For Christa Meyer, starting her own band — that was her very own, with no partner — wasn't just a big step as a musician, it was a crucial move...
Tiger Bones is small-time, happy — and done
In many ways, Tiger Bones is your archetypal, small-time, local rock band. It is four friends doing what they do just for fun, motivated by nothing other than a love...
Laura Viers does it all on her own
"A course stayed true / makes something good" sings Laura Viers on "Make Something Good" closes her captivating sixth album, July Flame . Placement at the end of the album...
Shoes, no shirt
This year has been a little lean on the product-fetish raps (i.e. "White Tee," "Lipgloss" and "Vans") but the second single of the new Nelly album, "Brass Knuckles," "Stepped on...
THE WEEK IN LIVE MUSIC
SATURDAY Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, 8 p.m. at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., $27-$35, 312-462-6300 Even when Ryan Adams records aren't tremendously interesting, he's so utterly flawless at...
THE WEEK IN LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY AKON 8 p.m. at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Tinley Park, $25-$69.50, 708-614-1616 With the sheer ubiquity of Akon cameos these days, you begin to...