Guess Who's Turning 30?

No, not me. I'm officially, barely, older than the Cabaret Metro. I have memories stretching back almost ten years courtesy of the venue, but friends in the community have been watching bands here since I was just a toddler. And the building itself has a history even longer, believe me, I've heard the ghost stories.  

We went to their anniversary party over the weekend (where we got some pretty cool swag), but they're  s t r e t c h i n g   t h i s   b i r t h d a y   o u t.  They're celebrating with a dedicated blog, honorary anniversary concerts, and a pop-up art gallery in the loop featuring concert posters, photos and the like from their archives. And speaking of memories, they want to hear yours: 

Do you have a special memory from your first concert at Metro? Still carry in your wallet the ticket stub from your first date with your wife? Got some photos of you and your fellow Smart Bar bartenders from the 80s collecting dust? Is that poster of the first time your band played Metro hanging in your office? Whether you are a fan, a band, a friend or a former employee, we want to feature your memories on this blog too! Write us an email with your favorite story, scan photos, or send video to MetroRetro@metrochicago.com.

Tonight: Brent Puls @ Lincoln Hall

I got to spend a lot of time with my friend Brent Puls at Pitchfork Music Festival this past weekend (more on that later). His new home is in LA, but he's back in town for a show tonight at Lincoln Hall. He's got a new album out called Empty Ampersands, and while I haven't heard the whole thing yet, what I have heard is pretty sweet. Not as poppy as his stuff with Grammar, but he's had a lot to get mushy about in the last year or so. Check him out! Tickets are 8 bucks.

Now Playing: Maroon 5

Overexposed

It's no secret anymore that I'm an Adam Levine fan, espec since we got a glimpse of his personality on The Voice...and he ain't so bad to look at either... Anyway, I love that earworm of a song, "Moves Like Jagger," and it appears on the Deluxe edition of their new album, Overexposed (which Tankboy was nice enough to sneak onto my desktop for me). At first I thought the album was a bore, but after a couple listens, I can't seem to listen to anything else. There's just enough dance, just enough groove, and little enough emoting. And a Prince cover.

Like A Heat Wave

Summer is officially in full swing with a 100+ degree heat wave hanging over Chicago and most of the mid-west as we speak. As summer is swinging, I also find less and less time to sort through my thoughts and post! So, here's a little of what's been going on!

• Tankboy's 40th Birthday Bash at Darkroom on Saturday was a wild success (if I do say so myself as part of the planning committee). Memories were made from the inception of the plan (the guest of honor learning of the surprise show one day early!) to the night of the event (a sleeping Tankboy almost missing his own party!). Thanks again to everyone who helped, all the bands who played, and everyone who came out to make it a special night for Jim. Special thanks to Rudy, Kip, JB, Sam, Ivan, Pogo and Kenny. 

• Thanks to Debby for making our Disney vacation memorable for a different reason.  Instead of relaxing by the pool on vacation with my fam, we rode out a tropical storm that stalled over the state. Even though I didn't come back with a tan, we still managed to have fun once we put our expectations on a shelf, threw on ponchos, and ran to the parks to ride whatever rides we could!

• I made my inaugural visit to Milwaukee's Summerfest for Robyn with my girlfriends. #fembotsroadtrip

• I got to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform Giselle at the Harris. 

Here's a song to help get you through the heat wave. Take with Chicagoist's so hot playlist. Repeat as needed.