Words: Dave Weckstein, Images: Norman Sands “What the world needs now is another folk hero, like I need a hole in the head” is a phrase penned by the Cracker on “Teen Angst” but in the years since they wrote it, it has been covered by the likes of acoustic artists such as Keller Williams. [...]

The Whippersnap Festival is back this year with some quality headliners, an action-packed undercard and a few more surprises in store. This year’s festival will be held July 19th, 20th & 21st at Stonehouse Park in Earlville, IL.  Bass legend George Porter Jr. and the funky Meters will topline the three day festival with the [...]

Looking for some family fun this weekend? There will be plenty of bluegrass fun for kids and grown-ups alike this Sunday at one of our favorite places, Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, hosts the 5th Annual After Brunch Bash and Barn Dance with Sunnyside Up and The Teflons.  The bands are led by Colby Maddox and Barb [...]

It’s Mark Hague’s favorite event of the year, and it’s a welcome relief for those that are have the festival jones big time in the heart of this oddball winter.  Hotel Blotto returns to the Best Western in LaPorte, IN on February 24th and 25th. This year’s festival also features Chester Brown and Old Shoe [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

I was so happy to finally see some sets by Chicago area jammers Old Shoe pop up on the Internet Archive.  There are several 2011 shows to choose from, but I couldn’t resist sharing this one from their signature event, Shoe Fest, held in September.  Not only do they offer some of their original music, [...]

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 [...]