Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival :: 11.22.08 :: The Congress Theater :: Chicago, IL
Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival Originally conceived as a "passion project" by producer Mike Raspatello, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival would prove to be the next great landmark in Chicago music culture. Drawing a crowd of over 3,000 bluegrass and blues loving music fans, the inaugural fest was not simply a celebration of the traditions of bluegrass and blues music but also an opportunity to examine how the forms have evolved since the days of Bill Monroe and Robert Johnson. It had been Raspatello's dream for years - a festival dedicated to honoring the past, present and future of two genres of music that have come to embody the true spirit of the American people. This is music that understands our struggles but also reminds us that there is always sunshine after the rain.
Throwing a festival is no small task. It can be an intimidating venture; festies are high-risk endeavors that demand a serious commitment and willingness to face every one of the unexpected obstacles and challenges that will undoubtedly surface along the way. It's a daunting prospect - one that requires more than just a keen business sense and deep pockets. A true music festival - one of substance and character - fosters a sense of community and brings people together, uniting them through their love of song. And that takes a special kind of motivation. Working together with fellow producer Lucas King, Raspatello's brainchild finally took shape. His aspirations became reality. "I had long wondered why no one had ever tried a winter festival catering to the culture and genres I was into," he said. "It was the most in-over-my-head I've ever been professionally. And that's why I loved it."
The CBGB Fest was held at the illustrious Congress Theater, an 80-year-old Renaissance-style building located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. A former movie palace, the Congress was designated as a Chicago landmark in 2002 and now serves as a live music venue. To reflect this change in the building's use, all of the ground-level seats were removed several years ago, increasing the theater's capacity from 2,700 to 4,000.
The Avett Brothers :: Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival After walking into the Congress it was obvious that Raspatello had gone out of his way to provide a true festival experience for patrons. In addition to the standard festival fare - food, beer and merch - were a number of artist booths lining the back walls and little stages for hula-hoopers to put on a show for the crowd. Festivalgoers were also encouraged to bring instruments and participate in the pickin' circles, which were open jam sessions that took place in the lobby throughout the day. There was even a booth to check in your instruments so you wouldn't have to lug them around everywhere, a thoughtful and creative idea.
There were two stages set up to accommodate the twelve hours of music featured on the bill. The balcony next to the main stage had also been prepped for bands to play immediately following sets on the main stage so that there was never more than a moment without music. Starting at noon, festivalgoers were treated to an array of musical acts from around the city. From the bluegrass-influenced Americana of Tangleweed to the gritty, down-home blues of Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, there was a wide variety of sounds available to those with an open ear and open mind.
The Giving Tree Band gave one of the finest performances of the night. Playing from the balcony before and after David Grisman's set, these talented young men had everyone on the ground floor looking up in rapt attention. There is something special about this band. Their highly polished vocal harmonies, instrumentation and songwriting possess an almost ethereal quality, perfectly capturing the essence of true Americana straight from the heart of the Midwest. Combining an earthy mix of bluegrass, folk and jazz, The Giving Tree Band is slowly but surely making a name for themselves.
David Grisman :: Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival The Avett Brothers, who closed the festival, maintained the sizeable crowd with their unique style of bluegrass-folk-rock played on traditional instruments. Seth and Scott Avett, along with cellist Joe Kwon and stand-up bassist Bob Crawford, put the grit and angst back into the old time songs. Although I'm not too familiar with the brothers' music, I did manage to catch part of their set at Summer Camp and was interested to see them again. While not typically what I would listen to, I admire the tenacity in the approach they've taken with their music. Their stage presence is undeniable and they put on a damn good show that had their passionate fans kicking up a storm.
The highlight of the fest by far was the high-flying gypsy jazz of legendary mandolin virtuoso David Grisman. Playing with his outfit, the David Grisman Quintet, he showcased his delightful brand of Dawg Music for all to enjoy. Having focused most of my attention on Grisman's work on The Pizza Tapes and with Old & In the Way, it was a true joy to see him with the Quintet. This is where Grisman is really able to shine; out in front, like a lightning rod pulling energy from everyone around him. All expectations were exceeded with this magical ensemble, which featured the fine instrumental work of Grant Gordy (guitar), Matt Eakle (flute), Jim Kerwin (bass) and George March (drums).
Walking out of the Congress, I knew that Mike Raspatello had created something special. Not only had he managed to successfully put together his first festival, he also was able to raise $5,000 by donating a portion of each ticket sold to the Saving Tiny Hearts Society, a charity for babies born with congenital heart defects. Not bad for an inaugural festival. Raspatello plans on making the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival an annual event.
"Get ready for an even beefier lineup, more freaks, freakiness, and fun," Raspatello told JamBase. "I'm madly in love with everyone that came, everyone that played, everyone that drank a beer or smoked a joint, everyone that danced, and everyone that sang."
Continue reading for more pics of the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival...
David Grisman David Grisman David Grisman Quintet David Grisman Quintet Matt Eakle - David Grisman Quintet Seth Avett - The Avett Brothers Scott Avett - The Avett Brothers Scott Avett - The Avett Brothers Joe Kwon - The Avett Brothers Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials Ha Ha Tonka Donnie Biggins Billy Childers Cobalt & The Hired Guns Dollar Store The Giving Tree Band The Giving Tree Band Lindsey O'Brien & Friends Majors Junction Wavy Dave Burlingame (Cornmeal)
JamBase | Chicago
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JFJO
Following their highest profile year to date, which contained their fourth tour of Europe and performances at Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival, a Guinness Jazz Award, and much more, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is very pleased to announce the band's 2009 lineup. The odyssey continues with Brian Haas on keys, Josh Raymer on drums, and proudly introducing Chris Combs on lap steel and Matt Hayes on upright bass. A supplemented version of this lineup made its debut on New Year's Eve to an elated sold out crowd in Tulsa Oklahoma.
The core quartet lineup of Haas/Raymer/Combs/Hayes will make its debut this coming Saturday, January 10 at Kenny's Castaways as part of the 2009 NYC Winter Jazz Fest!
JFJO would also like to wish their best to founding member of 15-years, Reed Mathis, as 2009 will find him exploring other musical endeavors.
JFJO has a handful of dates in January, returning to old haunts like Denton, Fayetteville, and Kansas City. February will then find the quartet on a full West Coast tour brought to you by Aurora Innovations, beginning what promises to be another year full of touring and musical evolution.
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Tour Dates
01/10/09 Sat Kenny's Castaways New York, NY
01/17/09 Sat Hailey's Denton, TX
01/29/09 Thu George's Majestic Fayetteville, AR
01/30/09 Fri Jardine's Kansas City, MO
01/31/09 Sat Mojo's Columbia, MO
02/10/09 Tue Winston's San Diego, CA (w/ The Bridge)
02/11/09 Wed Largo Los Angeles, CA (w/ Marco Benevento)
02/12/09 Thu Yoshi's Oakland Oakland, CA
02/13/09 Fri Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol, CA (w/ The Bridge)
02/18/09 Wed The Indigo District Eugene, OR
02/20/09 Fri Eastside Tavern Olympia, WA
02/21/09 Sat GoodFoot Lounge Portland, OR
02/22/09 Sun Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA
02/25/09 Wed Hodi's Half Note Fort Collins, CO
02/27/09 Fri The b.side Lounge Boulder, CO
02/28/09 Sat Cervantes' Masterpiece Denver, CO (w/ Lubriphonic)
03/28/09 Sat The Parish Austin, TX
Photo: Mazur/Wireimage
Two former Yardbirds are set to share the stage: Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck have announced they’ll play two shows together at Saitama, Japan’s Super Arena, on February 21st and 22nd. The duo have performed together at album sessions, benefits and festivals in years past, but these concerts mark the first time the pair have ever shared the bill for major arena shows. How mighty are these two axmen? Clapton ranked Number Four on our list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and Beck came in Number 14. If by some chance you’ll find yourself in Japan for this epic exhibition of guitar gods (or you just happen to live in Japan), take note that tickets for these concerts go on sale January 17th.
Both guitarists have roots in the Yardbirds, that blues-tinged British band that also lists Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page among its famous alumni. After the Yardbirds’ hit “For Your Love,” Clapton exited the band in 1965 out of protest of the group’s move from the blues to a new pop sound. Clapton’s replacement, ironically enough, was Jeff Beck, who was fired from the band in 1968 before they ultimately disbanded. Jimmy Page formed a band in late 1968 called the new Yardbirds, but you more than likely know them by the name Led Zeppelin.
Of course, Clapton and Beck went on to have pretty huge post-Yardbirds careers as well: Clapton as a member of Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominoes and a successful solo career, while Beck fronted the Jeff Beck Band and also enjoyed a noteworthy solo run. And now, more than 40 years after the original Yardbirds disbanded, the two will finally be together on a stage in Japan.
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• Fricke’s Picks: New, Live Beck-Ola
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• Eric Clapton on Jack White and the State of the Record Industry: Exclusive Audio
Photo by Cory Schwartz/Getty Images
Besides being the gateway to 2009, New Year’s Eve was also arguably the biggest concert night of 2008, with hundreds of artists performing across the globe for a champagne-soaked night of revelry. (Check out all the big names in our photo gallery.)
Here in New York City, My Morning Jacket was the top bill, rocking a packed Madison Square Garden with four hours’ worth of Evil Urges, old favorites and celebratory covers while the Jonas Brothers put on their winter coats to play the Times Square ball-dropping party.
Down Under, Franz Ferdinand treated fans to a sneak peek of their upcoming new album Tonight: Franz Ferdinand as the band headlined the third and final night of Australia’s Falls Music & Arts Festival
Stone Temple Pilots took the stage at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia for a hits-filled set featuring songs like “Wicked Garden,” “Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart” and “Vaseline,” which you can watch in the video below:
T.I., perhaps enjoying his last New Years Eve before serving his delayed jail sentence, performed at an event at the Gansevoort South in Miami, Florida.
Someone who didn’t perform on New Year’s Eve: Ne-Yo. The singer was reportedly supposed to perform at a party in Bellevue, Washington of all places, but partygoers were informed a mere 30 minutes before midnight that Ne-Yo was stuck on a plane arriving from Nigeria and thus would not be performing. The crowd, who paid anywhere between $75 to $1,200 to attend the party, was not too pleased. Follow all the finger-pointing here.
The Flaming Lips didn’t have to travel far to celebrate the new year as the band brought their flying saucers and glow sticks along for a night with their hometown fans in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Wu-Tang came together like Voltron to host a party at Baltimore’s Club Sonar. GZA, Ghostface, Method Man and the rest of the rap collective played hits from their entire catalog as well as performed some of their biggest solo hits, including “Liquid Swords” and “Bring The Pain.” The group also took time to honor their fallen MC, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. From their show in Baltimore, watch the Clan rock “Wu-Tang Ain’t Nuthing Ta Fuc’ Wit’” below:
For more from the biggest and best New Year’s parties across the globe, check out our photo gallery, starring MMJ, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and many more.
"...So much else is new and wonderful for us! We have a new record label, Kill Rock Stars. Not only has Kill Rock Stars released some of Portland's (and the Northwest's) best punk and indie records to date (Elliott Smith, Sleater-Kinney, The Gossip), but the label has recently relocated to Portland, and is quickly filling it's roster with even more great Portland bands (Shaky Hands, Panther, Horse Feathers). The Thermals are thrilled to now be a part of this family as well. We were thrilled to be part of the Sub Pop family for six years, but we felt it was time to move on. We turned down a second contract from Sub Pop, lest you think we were dropped! You don't drop us, we drop you. Not you, personally. We love you! Seriously, you're the best.
We have a new drummer as well. Westin Glass, formerly of Seattle's Say Hi, joins us (Kathy Foster and Hutch Harris) to complete the third (or so) live line-up of The Thermals. In addition to (again!) touring the UK with The Cribs this February, and playing multiple shows at SXSW in March, we will be touring the U.S. for two months, following the release of Now We Can See on April 7th. We'll be doing festivals in Europe and the U.S. all summer long, followed by a full European tour in the fall... - The ThermalsThe Thermals are also playing a late show (11PM doors) at The Bell House in Brooklyn on January 31st before they go to Europe. $12 tickets go on sale this Tuesday at 3PM.
Speaking ot the Bell House, tickets are also still on sale for the Great Lake Swimmers show happening there on January 9th, plus The Mugs are playing there on January 17th and The Forms are playing there on January 18th.
All Thermals dates below...
Continue reading "The Thermals - 2009 Tour Dates (Brooklyn, Europe, SXSW)" at BrooklynVegan.com
