Results tagged “velvetlounge”

Tatsu Aoki might be best known for his steady bass playing alongside Fred Anderson and Yoko Noge's Jazz Me Blues. He's also an educator (he teaches film at the Art Institute), founder and artistic director of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival, record label head and producer, and a tireless musician exploring the limits of his instrument and himself. Aoki's endeavors earned him designation as a "Chicagoan of the Year" by the Tribune in 2001.

Back in January we told you a little about Chicago filmmaker Daniel Kraus' ambitious documentary series, WORK. The first film in the series, Sheriff, will be released on DVD by Facets in October; and Musician has its premier this Friday night at the Siskel. It profiles Ken Vandermark, who, now that James Brown is dead, is certainly in the running for the title of Hardest Working Man in Show Business. The awesomely dedicated reed man played at Pitchfork this summer and just wrapped up a week-long "Vander-fest" at the Velvet Lounge.

Well, we have been receiving holiday gift lists this week from everyone we’ve ever met, that means we should get out the credit card and decide who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. As we mentioned earlier in the week, there are plenty of art shops and fairs this to satisfy those shopping urges. Along with some shopping (don't forget our gift guide), here are a few events to keep you going strong. As always feel free to add more in the comments section.

If it’s the beginning of June, it’s time for the annual Chicago Blues Festival. Now in its 23rd year, the blues fest seems to be on its way to becoming an actual celebration of the city’s blues heritage, and not just a cheap and fast way to make money off of tourists. Each year, the city presents local and national blues acts that are hit or miss. Some deliver the type of transcendent performances you’d...

Remember how the Velvet Lounge was supposed to close on April 1st? Well, that didn’t happen (April Fool’s indeed!). Then remember how Fred Anderson said it was going to stay open for another month or so? That didn’t happen either, as it closed on April 8th. So now, the Velvet is moving. Like anybody else, they’re selling off some of the stuff they don’t need and asking its patrons to help them with a housewarming....

Tomorrow is April Fool’s Day. We’re a bit sad that it falls on a weekend this year as we’ll be unable to play childish pranks on the people in the Chicagoist offices. Guess the doodie-shaped-brownies-in-the-elevator trick will have to wait until 2008. Still, most pranksters give no quarter to the whims of the Gregorian calendar. So be on your guard tomorrow. In fact, you’d better start paying attention now because some people are already sowing...

Image via margaret lyons

While the recent Band Aid 20 single did little more than make most Americans say “Wait…Bob Geldof’s still alive?”, music is often the best way to people's hearts, minds and--most importantly: wallets. As private donations to various relief efforts in this country have topped more than $200 million, several local music venues have started efforts to assist those in need. HotHouse in the South Loop leads the pack with a pair of benefit shows. No...