Plus: Spencer Tweedy, Jimmy Langford & Coco Gordon-Moore
And Billy Bragg, Nicki Bluhm and the National Pork Producers Council.
1. Buddy Guy (and others) choose Aurora over Chicago in the Battle of the Blues Fests.
2. From the publicity machine:
“Coming off of their critically acclaimed and fan-beloved first new album in over a decade, 2011’s Rock&Roll Submarine, Urge Overkill is thrilled to be sharing the stage with Glassnote Records’ Phoenix. The 90’s Chicago rock-punk power band did not perform in the Southeast on their last tour and are looking forward to reconnecting with their fans in Atlanta and Orlando. Also, check out this link to the new music video for ‘Effigy.'”
We checked it out so you don’t have to. Absolutely rote.
3. Speaking of Phoenix . . .
“Phoenix were recently joined on stage by R. Kelly at Coachella in the U.S. with the R ‘n’ B singer performed his track ‘Ignition’ over the French band’s song ‘1901.’
“However, Thomas from the band has told Xfm it came very close to not happening.
Apparently the band are big fans of R. Kelly and it was guitarist Laurent’s wife who came up with the idea of involving the singer in the band’s headlining set.
“He doesn’t fly so he had to drive from Chicago which took three days – he took his bus. He got stuck in traffic and when we got on stage he was still stuck in traffic, which is why we are exhausted right now because of the tension.”
What an amusing anecdote. Now check yourself, Phoenix.
4. “Coco, their only child, is now a freshman at a Chicago art school.”
5. Chicago Maroon Spring Album Roundup.
5. From the Lancashire Evening Post:
“U.S. doom metal merchants Bongripper made their first ever European shows just last year, alongside Conan.
“Now the Chicago band is back and renunited with Liverpool’s thunderous trio, Conan, who played with them, for a show at Preston’s New Continental on Wednesday 24 April.”
6. Fortunate Sons.
“The Blisters (featuring Spencer Tweedy, son of Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy) and the UnGnomes (featuring Jimmy Langford, son of the Waco Brothers Jon Langford) – who’ve already snagged gigs at the Beat Kitchen and Martyr’s (the Blisters even played at Lollapalooza in 2006) – are among the bands scheduled to appear Friday evening.”
7. Billy Bragg visiting WBEZ.
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8. Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers kick WGN’s Robin Baumgarten out of the van.
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The Gramblers perform on WGN this morning at 8:50.
9. From the National Pork Producers Council:
“The spotlight will shine on MusicFest at World Pork Expo on Thursday, June 6, as the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) presents world-class entertainment by Transit Authority and Little Texas.
“What has become the social highlight of World Pork Expo, MusicFest will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Grand Avenue on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
“While music fills the air, attendees can enjoy free roasted pork and refreshments, as MusicFest is included in the price of admission to World Pork Expo.
“‘While the days at Expo are filled with seminars, shopping the trade-show floor, pig shows and much more, MusicFest allows producers and exhibitors to take time out to relax and enjoy some networking and plenty of mouth-watering barbecue,’ says Doug Fricke, NPPC’s director of trade-show marketing. ‘Sharing an evening of friendship and good music is a welcome addition to the already-rich 25th-anniversary World Pork Expo experience.’
“Transit Authority, the premier tribute band to the iconic music group, Chicago, will kick off MusicFest at 4:30 p.m. This eight-piece ensemble features some of the Midwest’s most talented musicians, including the brass and strings that are so aligned with Chicago’s music.”
10. Speaking of Chicago . . . they play the Fargodome this Friday.
11. “[T]he most exciting young performer on the roots scene in St. Louis.”
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Comments welcome.
Posted on April 24, 2013