We know you head to Beat Kitchen to enjoy the likes of artists like Plane, New Duncan Imperials and Deadstring Brothers. Be prepared for your toddler to start dragging you back out when they hear about the “Concerts for Kids” shows on Sunday afternoons … at the same Beat Kitchen where you were rockin’ the night before. Once a month, Beat Kitchen opens up its concert space for local talent that caters to the younger... more ›

The jaunts will be short this week as most of us get out and enjoy the sunshine. We were walking around this morning and people just seem happier. Which is all the more reason to get out tonight for some good music. We plan on getting intimate with Ambulette and Maura Davis' intensely mesmerizing voice at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Davis splits her time between Richmond and Charlotte and comes to Chicago to rehearse with... more ›

For those of us stuck in the Four Star City while all our great bands head to the Lone Star State, the Hideout has the perfect idea — a SXSW-style showcase before the event. It’s the perfect event to remind us of how much fun the Block Party was last year. It also lets us give a little back to those bands that many times travel down to Austin with nothing but hope in their... more ›

Seventeen years ago there was a Bush in the White House, demonstrations for democracy in Tiananmen Square, an oil liner spewing its contents around Alaska’s waters, and the album of the year was George Michael’s Faith. Under these auspicious circumstances a band came into the world. That band was the New Duncan Imperials. more ›

Chicagoist admits to a New Duncan Imperials problem since our early college years and therefore in order to help a man who has made countless live shows enjoyable for us, we headed to the Abbey Pub on Friday night for the Gary Shepers fundraiser featuring NDI, Mr. Rudy Day and Diamond Jim Greene. Since the weather outside was frightful, the gathering wasn't that much of a gathering, but each band put on quite the... more ›

Gary "Elvis" Schepers is one of those cogs in Chicago's music scene that works tirelessly and is never noticed. Gary plays the rock tuba with Devil In A Woodpile and also works as the sound guy at many venues and for a veritable who's who of the last 20 years. He worked with The Service before they reincarnated into the New Duncan Imperials, Material Issue and Uncle Tupelo and at Lounge Ax, Empty Bottle, the... more ›

Now that the British consulate has been checked for grenades, the city can be declared safe for our visiting rockers from the British Isles: Coldplay and their older brothers U2.* Since both shows are sold out, you might be looking for some alternatives and Chicagoist is happy to oblige. We’re not really sure what classic post-punk bands are left to reunite at this point. With Gang of Four taking up the cause again and Shellac... more ›