We first witnessed the cockamamie genius of Jon Brion at the second Intonation Festival. Pouring rain be damned, the guy captivated 15,000 people that day, many of whom knew him only as “the guy who worked on Kanye’s records.” Chicagoist left the festival grounds that day with that rare inspiration feeling that reminds you of just how powerful it is to witness true musical aptitude when it meets unbridled creativity. Fast forward to the winter... more ›

After speculation over who will be the "special guest" at the Robbins Family benefit we posted about last week, organizer Jessica Hopper announced today that local legends Eleventh Dream Day will headline the event at Empty Bottle on January 27 at 8:00 p.m. Also appearing that evening are Chin Up Chin Up, Bobby Conn, Life & Times, and Red-Eyed Legends. Plus, they'll be raffling off lots of goodies. Here's the list so far: * VIP... more ›

For this week’s edition of Empty Out Your Wallet we’ve decided to primarily point you to smaller shows whose tickets are already available for purchase, plus one surprise. We’re always on the side of the little guy (and / or gal) and believe that they are deserving of your pre-show guaranteed dollars as well. Decemberists Alasdair Roberts The Decemberists are this year’s Death Cab For Cutie with a better background in literature and seamanship. We... more ›

Yes, it was hot. Very hot. Buster Poindexter hot hot hot. So hot that Chicagoist was desperately tempted to start buying concert T-shirts just so we could change out of our sweat-soaked duds. And all those hipsters walking around in 1970s gym uniforms? Yes, we were laughing at you .. but we also sort of wished we were as dressed-down as you. In fact the day was filled with tragic fashion choices, but what would... more ›

This weekend brings us the music festival we’ve really been looking forward to. We had so much fun at last year’s Pitchfork-curated Intonation Festival, and we’re pleased to see the group has decided to forgo any partnerships this time around and run the whole shebang by themselves. And, honestly, isn’t that better? We now get two cool indie rock fests a year instead of just one! Anyway, Chicagoist is going to be all over this... more ›

Chicago has had a fair number of “next big thing” bands lauded nationally in the last few years and, unfortunately, most of them either end up disappointing (hello Redwalls) or largely ignored (sorry OkGo). One group that has fallen in neither of the preceding categories is The M’s, although given the perilously long time that has elapsed between the release of their debut (which was basically three EPs cobbled into album format) and their sophomore effort Future Women, we began to fear that they would be the rare group to fall into both categories. On top of that, while we were fans of the band’s live show – and in fact it was their live show that converted us into fans in the first place – a lackluster set at last year’s Intonation Festival had us worrying that the boys didn’t have what it took to extend a career beyond the initial flash of recognition. more ›

There are turning points in every band’s career. Unlike the flashy moments that make for signposts in a Behind The Music episode, these are often financial and/or artistic decisions that determine whether artists continue to enjoy the comfort of being a big fish in a small pond or take a shot at widespread acclaim. While many bands have one or two of these moments in their career, the Arcade Fire’s brief career has been full of them. more ›

Though the summer’s not quite over yet, yesterday’s Chicago Tribune took a look at what’s next for Chicago’s newest music venues. more ›

With all the brouhaha surrounding the brand new Intonation Festival and the revived Lollapalooza, one of the longer running festival stalwarts seems to have slipped in-between the proverbial cracks of buzz. We suppose that’s the price you pay when your tour becomes a more of a tradition than an actual event. more ›

Hate festivals, but want to see some of the bands anyway? A few of the bands playing Intonation Festival this weekend will also be playing at other venues around town. So click around and see if anything is of interest. First up, Four Tet will be doing an in-store at Reckless Records at 3161 N. Broadway on Friday at 5:30 pm. Free. The Go! Team will be at the Double Door on Friday night with... more ›

UPDATE: Scott Plagenhoef, Managing Editor of Pitchfork, wrote us with the following: "Here is the info on the water situation: The Chicago Park District is providing extra water stations throughout the site. If people wish to purchase water, it will be available at a cost of $1/half-liter." When asked about restrictions on water at this weekend’s Intonation Festival during WXRT’s Sound Opinions radio program, Intonation Music Festival organizer and Pitchfork Media head honcho Ryan Schreiber... more ›