Busy Bee

I've been a busy bee over on Transmission today.  Check out my review of Kevin Devine's new album here (Obviously, I loved it).  He is playing at Schubas tonight, and I just might be there myself!  

Kevin Devine

I also did a short write up about how people are remembering Jay Bennett.  

Also, there is a Gapers Block Meet-up tonight @ Clark Street Ale House.  Stop by to meet me and many of the other GB writers!

Summer is HERE!

Summer is here, which means I am going to be busy busy busy!

Summer in Chicago is unlike anywhere else since we hibernate alllll winter, we are so excited about being able to leave the house without cringing and see other people and enjoy all the festivities that the city has to offer!  Street festivals, MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace, free concerts in Millennium Park, Pitchfork, Lollapalooza... and that's on top of the fact that we have BEACHES!  The best part is that most of the events are focused around music and art.  I'll try to keep you up with all the goings-ons as they happen. 

This weekend kicks off the season with the Do Division Street Festival.  Empty Bottle presents the bands playing, so you know the lineup is great.  I'm particularly excited to see Handsome Furs and White Rabbit.  

Also this Saturday is Chicagoist's 5th Anniversary Party at The Whistler in Logan Square.  Grammar and The Interiors will play with Chicagoist DJs Tankboy, Superbird and Pocket Taco.  Whistler is quickly becoming known for it's fancy drinks and laid-back atmosphere, but the place is tiny so get there early!

Jay Bennett's Death Saddens Fans

Former Wilco member Jay Bennett passed away unexpectedly over the weekend, reportedly in his sleep, at his home in Urbana, IL.  As the outpouring of sadness from fans shows, Bennett was an incredible musician that touched many people with his work.  

My only (sort of) interaction with Bennett was through his comments on a review I wrote of his last album, Whatever Happened I Apologize, where he basically (deservedly) ripped me a new one.  This was the first article that I ever wrote where someone criticized me, much less the artist I was writing about!  While I wrote what I believed and qualified my statements, I always felt bad about that article.  

Unfortunately, Bennett may be most remembered (as is evidenced in my opening line) as that guy who used to be in Wilco and was famously (or infamously) kicked out of the band in the documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.  I am (obviously) the last person to write a bio about the man, so I'm not going to simply list news headlines here.*  But, judging by the outpouring of grief, there is a lot more to know about him and his career.  

Today I listen to WHIA with a heavy heart.  

*I'll leave that for updates on Transmission.

This just in: Brian Williams is cool.

The Nightly News host has started a rock video blog called BriTunes.  Rolling Stone has an interview with him about his new endeavor, and his love of music, here.  A couple of my favorite parts?

• When he says he may be a hipster, “but never tragic,” and that he used to hang out in Brooklyn and drink PBRs. 

• He hits iTunes on Mondays at midnight, “when everything drops.”  (But, then he uses the word “skitter” (as in around the web) in the next sentence…)J

• That he was listening to Camera Obscura while getting ready for the Correspondents Dinner.  
  

His first interview is with the band Deer Tick.  

Who's got the Biggest Mouth?

If you've been reading Gapers Block: Transmission at all lately, you know I've been all over the Biggest Mouth: Campus Clash event--from previews of each school, to a final photo review of the event itself.  Well, the photos turned out pretty good, and you can see the full set on my Flickr page.  (My favorite shot below:)

Thanks again to Tankboy for shooting the show!

Got plans tonight? Now you do...

I've really been digging this band Winter Gloves out of Montreal lately.  Basically indie rock band with a fresh twist that I like, taking chances into that darker experimental realm.  Tonight they play at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave.) as part of Life During Wartime's monthly party.   The group's full-length debut, About A Girl, is available now on Paper Bag Records.  

I'll be writing it up for Gapers Block tomorrow, but for now take a look at Chicagoist's preview.  

"Let Me Drive"

Tonight:

Hey Champ makes their home stop on tour with The Sounds @ Double Door.  I'll be there.  Will you?