In the time that's passed between Tan Lines' first single four years ago and their recent debut full-length, Mixed Emotions, not much about Tanlines has changed--which is actually just fine. more ›

Seeing Hanson, the Oklahoma-bred trio of brothers all grown up and promoting Shout It Out at the House of Blues Saturday night made us hip to a couple of things. The good: the band is evidence that not all child performers have to spectacularly flame out, enter rehab or systematically destroy the careers that made them famous. The bad: apparently, you can make a robust career out of conveying mostly one-note sentiments. more ›

The Ravinia Festival summer schedule has been released, a consolation prize for those of us who couldn’t score cheap Lollapalooza passes. Online ticket sales begin April 19 and won’t require multiple browser windows and copious amounts of prayer. True to form, the 2007 schedule offers much to satisfy the 45-55 year old demographic: the Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller, and that ABBA tribute band return. Programmers share Perry Farrell’s fondness for the 90s, booking... more ›

While we’re sure that Union Park will see its fair share of indie kids in ironic tees this summer, it’s starting to look like there’ll be plenty of folks in relaxed fit jeans as well. Pitchfork Music Fest has added Os Mutantes to their July 29-30 lineup. When one of Chicagoist’s indie rock friends told us this, we just sort of stared blankly at them, which only prompted her to yell “Os Mutantes! Os Mutantes!”... more ›

While out of town this week, Chicagoist wandered into a piano bar. The gent behind the keys asked us where we were from. “Chicago,” we replied. “I love that band,” he said. more ›

May Or May Not, Ctrl-Alt-Rock band more ›

It's been ten years since the Joffrey Ballet, nearly broke and in an artistic rut, left their Manhattan home for Chicago’s broad shoulders—and deep pockets. Forty seasons into their existence, the troupe was still working to put down roots and cement their national identity. Ten years prior, founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino were stirring up the dance world with productions more athletic and overtly sexual than typical ballet. Ten years since, the company has overcome massive debt and the occasional harsh critic to become a firmament in the Chicago dance community and the stars of a major motion picture. more ›

If you’re unable to find your local music geek today, try checking their bedroom.  They’ll likely be there with a monster set of headphones and listening to an album that is spoken of in the most reverential tones this side of your local monastery: Brian Wilson’s Smile.  The former Beach Boy’s “lost masterwork” goes on sale today for the first time since it was conceived of more than 37 years ago.  more ›