We mentioned over the weekend that former governor Rod Blagojevich, when not setting up his website that still refers to him as "governor," was making an appearance at Elvis Night and singing "Treat Me Nice" without a trace of irony. Well, here's the proof. Kind of makes you want to order one of these shirts (original link via Gapers Block). more ›

It's a big week for Wilco. While Chicago's most popular alt-rock band wraps up the Western U.S. leg of their tour and gear up for the East Coast segment, their new self-titled LP sees its official release tomorrow. Of course, you don't have to sit on your hands waiting for the record store to open tomorrow morning to grab your copy. The Hideout, in conjunction with Laurie's Planet of Sound, is hosting a live band Wilco karaoke night. Featuring the Wilco cover ensemble The Late Greats, you'll have your chance to get up on stage and belt out "Casino Queen" or "I Got You" all you like. Then, at midnight, you'll have a chance to purchase copies of the new record. All it costs to get in is $5 but what price can be put on watching Wilco lovers emulate their favorite band on stage? [h/t Time-Out Chicago] more ›

There were some firecrackers a-poppin' last night: today is the first day of the first Lunar Month. So that means it's beginning of the Chinese New Year Festival, which started at midnight and traditionally lasts until February 15. Also known as the Lunar New Year, festivities are meant to celebrate and welcome the Year of the Rat. more ›

To the five people checking the site today, specifically my father: Please enjoy the above video of John Denver and the Muppets singing "Where The River Meets the Sea" from Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Can you watch this without choking up? We cannot. Anyway! It's been so stupid-cold the last few days we've barely left our warmth cocoon on the couch (tip: the fuzzy robe makes a huge difference), but if you haven't... more ›

It's officially time to get in the holiday spirit, and there are (at least) two ways to do it tonight: At the Botanic Garden, we've got the return of the Wonderland Express, and at the Lincoln Park Zoo, we got Zoo Lights '07. Family friendly, very civic, etc. more ›

Don't forget to baste that turducken. Buy-backs at Goldstar Rory Lake's Karaoke Dreams The after-show mainstage improv sets at Second City -- Margaret Christmas morning shots at Inner Town Atomix Coffee Free Monday shows at the Empty Bottle -- Sarah Swanksalot helps us celebrate swanksgiving by turning the world on its ear.... more ›

Yup, it's Halloween night. And, assuming you're not completely incapacitated from celebrating this holiday for the last week, you're probably blinded by the flurry of options on how to spend tonight. Allow us to make a few suggestions. We talked to Jesse Thorn a couple days ago about his The Sound Of Young America show. Well tonight is the live 8 p.m. taping at Second City's e.t.c. stage. Thorn will be interviewing engineer and Shellac-man... more ›

We fell in love with the concept of live band karaoke way back when we saw the original crew, that Chicago's collective would be modeled after, perform at Arlene's Grocery years ago. When we discovered an enterprising young man was taking the idea and planting it in Chicago we had great hopes for it, but we honestly didn't foresee just how popular it would eventually become. Yow! The thing about regular karaoke is that, well,... more ›

Now that we're over last week's self-inflicted tryptophan coma, we can return to the normal business at hand. With tomorrow's happy hour fast approaching, we would be remiss to not post a "BotW," since you readers do have a history of drinking an establishment out of certain beers when we throw a party. Thankfully, Quencher's has a glut of both domestic and imported beers for you to choose from. more ›

Just a reminder that our next Happy Hour is this Thursday, November 30, starting at 6 p.m. at Quencher’s with live band karaoke from the Hootenanners at 10:30 p.m. more ›

Thanksgiving is over and the power shopping days are here. Taking some time out for music this week shouldn’t be too hard – it’s getting up early for work after four days off that’s difficult. Following are a few shows that will carry us from November’s rain to December’s snow. more ›

Karaoke Revolution? more ›

Tonight marks the triumphant return of two local groups long given up for dead. Both Monkey Paw and Cats And Jammers have come out of hibernation to prove to the people that rock and/or roll truly never dies. Monkey Paw got slobbered all over by The Trib earlier today so we will waste no more time on them, other than to affirm that they are indeed a mighty fine live act, and we will turn our attention to Cats And Jammers. more ›

Almost every night of the week it's possible live out the rock-n-roll fantasy with Live Band Karaoke. Taking regular karaoke up a notch by allowing the singer to actually front the band of their choice. Given just the lyrics on a sheet, it can be a little more daunting than following the bouncing ball, but the adrenaline rush is definitely worth it. There are 3 bands in the Chicago area that play back up... more ›

You have been dwelling in karaoke obscurity for long enough, my friend. Chicagoist knows how you’ve spent your nights at Louie’s Pub perfecting your craft with nothing more than canned music and your own flop sweat to support you. We’ve noticed how you rocked the crowds last Sunday night during Stanley’s Kitchen’s live band karaoke. Now you’re ready for the big time and the national spotlight. One question though: you can do a British accent right? more ›