Celine Neon, Dance Loud Headline Women In Music Showcase Friday

By Carrie McGath in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 12, 2015 9:30PM

Friday night, Township will play host to the "Women in Music Showcase" presented by Music Garage. The show will feature the infectious '80s pop inspired music of Celine Neon, the chill yet groovy electric and percussion drive of Dance Loud, along with the intense, soulful and lyrical melodies of Crystal Drake. The three-band show spotlights these noteworthy musicians and is presented by Music Garage, a place that is often the very nucleus of the work by so many Chicago musicians.

We spoke to the bands about Friday's event and they all expressed a palpable excitement to share the stage with one another. Maggie Kubley of Celine Neon said, "We're really excited to be sharing the bill with these women. It's going to be a great night. Music Garage is our go-to practice space, [so] we were really happy when they asked us to do the show.  It's going to be a good one; we're playing some new songs off our upcoming EP. We can't wait."

With the diverse sound each group offers, as well as their differing stage presences, this show has all the ingredients to be an superbly fun evening, celebrating the diversity of the city's music scene and some of the women who are a significant part of it.

"I'm excited about the Music Garage show as it's my solo debut. I'll be performing a stripped-down set, just vocals and synth," said Crystal Drake. "I'm a soul singer with a penchant for electronica so I call what I do space-gospel. Usually I sing with large funk bands or in quartets, collaborating with musicians on stage. As much as I love being in a band I can't wait for the opportunity to speak my mind and interact with an audience one-on-one."

Dance Loud brings some bass and momentum with Desereé Fawn on drums and DJ Kristin Sanchez spinning. Playing alongside other female musicians, this duo told us they are also very excited to be a part of Friday's lineup. The band told us, "The club scene is mostly male-dominated as we look back at our seven years of performing together, coast to coast. Thanks to Music Garage, this event is the first all-female music lineup we have ever played!"

This trio of bands all have a powerful sound and a rooted place in the city's music scene. The show at Township on Friday is a great opportunity to see these ladies bust out some contagious grooves while energizing the crowd with their eager and driven repertoires. Tickets to the show are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Friday, Aug. 14, at Township, 2200 N. California Ave., 9 p.m., $10, 21+