We are so incredibly pleased to be able to feature this incredible photo set, courtesy of Norman Sands, that has totally captured the spirit and energy of this Chicago event. For more on this show, see Dave Weckstein’s thoughtful review on jambands.com or view the full setlists and listen some audio from this show right [...]

It was a FULL night of music as this traveling roadshow hit the Vic — with the bands hitting the right notes, from FGC’s opening song tip-of-the-cap to Levon Helm to a collaborative encore; with cover nods to Steely Dan, U2, Grateful Dead, The Beatles and Paul Simon along the way.  Here’s a summary of [...]

One of the best parts of running a blog like The Barn Presents is that occasionally you get turned on to music in some of the most interesting ways.  A few months ago when Danny Van Deurm left a short message on The Barn’s facebook wall, advising me to check out his band, Bonzo Terks, [...]

If you thought Matt Butler and the Everyone Orchestra had cornered the market on large-band improvisational experiments, clear a spot on the calendar for Thursday, February 9th at the Abbey Pub. That marks the debut of Full Court Press, an improvisational experiment, drawing from an all star lineup of jam-friendly musicians sourced from right here [...]

Dedication.  Hard work. Vision.  Networking.  All words often associated with success in business, but they equally apply to the way that Jim Boukas has built up a Chicagoland jamband empire of sorts over the last seven years.  By constantly tweaking the formula, breaking new ground, trying his hand at new things and fostering relationships with [...]

Here’s a taste of what to expect at the “First Thursday” residency from Jim Boukas and Eric Lambert. These shows run from 6-8 on the first thursday of every month and the cover is only $5 (you can also grab a coupon to catch a set of Phish tunes for free at Lilly’s later that [...]

Listen to the debut The Vasoconstrictors’ new line up at Lilly’s.  This linueup features Joe Re of The Coop, Janis Wallin and Mattias Blanck of Family Groove Company, Robin Eatman, and Jim Boukas. Download entire set (mp3 .zip)  

Months ago, I was pumped about the announcement of two night Umphrey’s McGee run in Chicago over Thanksgiving weekend.  Little did I know at the time, but by the time this extended weekend would arrive, that party would start in Chicago well before UM takes the stage, and continue all the way through to Thanksgiving [...]

When details started to emerge about Shoe Fest, the first year festival taking place at Stonehouse Park in Earlville, IL on September 9th – 11th, I almost had to pinch myself. There is no denying the overwhelming amount of musical talent in and around Chicago, and the quality festivals taking place all around the region [...]

Getting There Your easiest and safest route is public transportation.  The Blue Line (Racine Stop) is about a half a block from the venue’s front door. The main buses are the 60, 7, 120 and the 8 that will get you in the general area of the UIC Pavilion. There is paid parking in a [...]