Local singer/songwriter Kevin Viol brought his unique perspective of folk music to Thursday night's Acoustic Explosion at Silvie's. Far from the coffee house stereotype, although there was a song about coffee, this was a foot-stomping, body moving performance that built up throughout the set, literally ending on a strong and powerful note. His lighthearted interactions with the crowd between songs also made the performance more enjoyable. You have to appreciate a musician who polls his audience about his choice in fashion accessories before playing. The entire set felt like you were rocking out and goofing off at friend's house, rather than just sitting in a club. more ›

Show of hands: Who's heard of Gabriel Kahane? Right, us neither...until we received an interesting email from the 27-year-old Brooklynite songwriter about his show tomorrow night at St. Paul's Cultural Center in Wicker Park. Despite a substantial profile in the New York Times and a Daytrotter.com session this week, Kahane had yet to sell a single ticket to his Chicago date. more ›