CenterstageChicago.com Presents: Music

Tone B. Nimble

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CST

Tony Fields aka Tone B. Nimble is a DJ/producer/party promoter who has helped play an intricate role in the development of the famed All Natural label (he's also one half of the group that goes by the same name). He started DJing in 1985 while attending Homewood-Flossmoor High, and it was there that he met Cap D and fostered the unmistakable All Nat sound. Throughout the years, the label has released some of the most exciting local hip-hop albums, including the classics No Additives No Preservatives, Second Nature and Deep Rooted. Recently Tone has been busy promoting two new projects - Da Mornin' Afta by Primeridian and Music for A Saturday Evening by the Black Stone Theatre Collective, both of which are attempts to branch out toward a wider listening audience. With three more projects slated for 2009, it appears that All Natural is looking to make this its big year. Centerstage caught up with label head Tone B. Nimble to get the skinny on what fans can expect in the coming months, and to get a rundown of his top five favorite albums.

I was wondering if you could tell me about when you first got interested in DJing.
I started DJing in '85 with Cap D. We were basically playing electro, early house, and a little hip-hop. He got into production and rhyming, and I stayed with DJing.

Did you have any mentors along the way or did you just hit the ground running?
I basically learned on my own by watching DJs at parties and listening to the radio, specifically Hot Mix 5 (Farley "Funkin" Keith aka Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Mickey "Mixin" Oliver, Scott "Smokin" Silz, Ralphi Rosario and Kenny "Jammin" Jason, who were resident DJs of the defunct WBMX 'Saturday Night Live Ain't No Jive' show).

Being a veteran of the local DJ scene, how have you seen things evolve over the years?
There used to be a lot more room for creativity and self-expression. People used to rely on the DJ to introduce new music. Now the audience basically dictates what the DJ plays.

When did you first link up with Cap D, and what was the idea going into the development of the All Natural label?
The label was Cap's idea, I was just assisting him, but over time I took over the label responsibilities. The basic concept was to release our own recordings and [those of] other like-minded artists.

What are some of the obstacles you've had to overcome as an independent rap label? Has the city been supportive of All Natural's voice?
There are too many obstacles to name, but I think technology is at the top of the list; file sharing, iPods, anyone with a computer can basically record an album. The city has been pretty supportive, but industry has changed and we need to make changes to reach our old fans as well as new younger fans.

What's the status of your relationship with acts like The Pacifics, Daily Planet and Eulorhythmics?
The Pacifics and Daily Planet are both inactive right now. Eulorhythmics will release an album later this year.

Any new projects coming up?
We are moving away from just hip-hop; we released our first album outside the hip-hop genre last November by the BSTC entitled Music For A Saturday Evening
. Cap also has two projects in the works: Black Mecca, a hip-hop album, and The Stranger, a new-wave project he's been working on. Our next release will be Rita J's Artist Workshop.

Can you give me a rundown of your top five albums?
First I should state that this an impossible question to answer, but here are some of my favorites:

A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (Jive) 1993
Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (Loud) 1995
Stevie Wonder, Songs In the Key Of Life (Motown) 1976
Calender, It's a Monster (Pi Kappa Records) 1976
Jamiroquai, Traveling Without Moving (Sony) 1996
Numerous Fela Kuti recordings

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The Gent$

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 CST

In a time when hip-hop collaborations can get a bit stale, it's hard to find a group as freshly innovative as The Gent$, which consists of Pugs Atomz, Wes Restless, Ill Legit and DJ ALO.

Pugs and Ill Legit handle most of the lyrics, which allows Wes Restless to open up as a formidable vocalist; this gives the group a multitude of styles to build from. The trio has worked alongside producers The Opus and Maker (as well as getting contributions from Ill Legit, Limitless, V Traxx and Dario) to create a sound that is on point with what Pugs describes as "the struggle to become something better; a gentleman." It isn't a shock to know that the group's debut amassed 10,000 downloads, and the near future looks even brighter as The Gent$ are featured guests on DJ Vadim's newest album, U Can't Lurn Imaginashun, released by BBE Records.

Centerstage found the rhythms of The Gent$ too good to resist, and sat down with them to talk about everything from the serendipitous nature of their work to how the Sybaris makes for a wonderful place to shoot a video.

You all have pretty illustrious solo careers. What sparked the collaboration?
Ill Legit: Well as far back as I could remember I always wanted to be a gent [laughs]! Nah, but seriously, I met Pugs when I moved to Chicago and knew he was dope. Me and Wes met a couple years later when I booked his group Dynamic Vibrations to perform, and after the show he asked me to come through and make a track the next day. Fast forward a year or so later, Pugs said all three of us should start a group. The rest is history.

Wes: We were all making moves individually, but in the process, we were collaborating with a lot of other artists within the scene. We had all made songs together and they tended to take on the smooth, sophisticated vibe. One day Pugs said "Let's put this together and get it out there." We'll call it The Gent$ ." And it just fit.

Tell me a little bit about the album. Were Maker and The Opus your first choices as producers?
P: The Opus reached out to Roche in Oakland to remix "Only When I Dream" from his Solos records compilation, and they hit us with the remix and from there we were like, let's work together. We actually just completed a great song for their next album. We reached out to Maker when a beat we used was no longer available and Maker gave us a great dub remix, and that started the relationship.

W: The album came together very naturally. When we were working on it we never really had to think too deeply about our direction because we were already on the same page. As far as production, we linked up with Maker and The Opus kind of by chance. We'd worked with them before but for this project they ended up doing remixes that really did justice to the songs. We didn't even know The Opus was doing the remix until it was done and being played [by The Opus] in the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. I also did production on several songs, as well as Illy, Limitless, V Traxx, Dario, and DJ ALO and others.

I: Maker and Opus just happened to fall into place. Actually we individually brought beats to the table and pretty much executive produced the album as a group. Maker hooked up a remix and Opus had remixed a song for Wes and Pugs.

Stylistically there are a lot of influences streaming through your music. How do the Gent$ map things out when ready to make music?
I: We stay on a consistent schedule of meeting every week. We sit down and play music for each other and find inspiration. We all pretty much have excellent taste and that makes choosing what we work on easy.

P: We just try to attack subjects as a gentleman would and pick beats that are a backdrop to a gentleman's point of view.

Collectively, what are some things about Chicago that inspire you?
P: The style and architecture of Chicago, the Magnificent Mile and the Playboy office.

W: I think just the culture and style that is abundant in the world-class city of Chicago. The architecture, the sophistication and the composure that Chicagoans have. It's as if we've all been around the block and carry ourselves with dignity and class.

I: Well hate is easy to come by in Chicago and just about anywhere on the earth, but finding love in this city is what motivates us I think. We make music we love and we want our city to love it as well. On top of that we make classics.

You made your debut album available for free download. Do you see this turning into a norm in hip-hop? If so, how do you think it'll change things?
P: Well I think it's now going to really go back to performing and content, video, lifestyle, etc?

W: The way things are going, the physical product now is really just a calling card. However, we are concentrating our efforts on some very solid product that, in my opinion, will sell itself. We are not the types to push our product on the people...the ones who appreciate our music will do what they can to support.

I: I think it's just becoming the norm for independent artists, period. We aren't concerned with album sales at the moment because that's not how we define ourselves. We define ourselves through the music and that's what matters. And that can't be done unless it's heard. Therefore, we gave it out.

You also have some work on Vadim's new project. How did that come about?
P: I went on tour with him in 2007 and we started to record and send songs back and forth. He picked two songs for his new album on BBE, "Saturday" and "Always Lady" featuring Wes, but one day he sent me this beat in the email and it had Gent$ all over it.

I: All I know is the Vadim joint we just did, "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," is absolutely bananas.

Could you please break down the premise of your video shoot at the Sybaris?
Adam Leaders(manager): I'll take this one? For those who don?t know, the Sybaris is a "romantic getaway" resort. Due to legality issues, all we can say is it involved hours of reconnaissance, models, camera crew, more models, lights, bubbles, a utility van and 100 bottles of Champagne. We were like the A-Team sneaking into that place. Once we were in, we transformed it into THE GENT$ mansion ? water slide, steam room, vibrating chairs and all. Big thanks to Noah Banks, Vimby, Awdazcate, Allison Glenn and everyone who helped make it happen. Just wait till you see it...

New projects for this year?
P: Pugs Atomz Roof Top LP June 16 on So Flo Recordings feat. Sadat X, Naledge, DJ Vadim etc...

W: I'll be releasing a solo EP called Draggin' Music as well as a plethora of other collaborative efforts with other artists that I admire. The Gent$ are hard at work on a new record with production from DJ Vadim, Wes, Illy and more. Also be on the lookout for our ongoing video series. This will be our true launch to the world.

I: I'm extremely proud of my new video "Too Familiar," featuring Wes Restless, directed by Nick Castle. You can google it and fall in love all over again. Working on a solo album entitled The Addiction and constantly working on new Gent$ material. Stay tuned...

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Best Beats 5/21/09

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

One Night Love Affair
Thursday, May 21 at Danny's, 10 p.m.; Free
Lono Brazil's Disco Unusual Social Club party can no longer be contained to a once-a-month happening at Danny's, so he's spread his glam-dance disco sounds across town, including recent stints at Simone's Bar in Pilsen and a few appearances at Sonotheque. But tonight he's back at Danny's, bringing the sexy, tasteful disco grooves and getting the holiday weekend started early.

Peaches
Friday, May 22 at Metro/Smartbar, 8 p.m.; $20
Peaches, the queen of the dirty electro dance scene, and mastermind behind some of the raunchiest polysexual lyrics in modern dance music, plays a live set at Metro to promote her latest album, I Feel Cream. It's been awhile since she's released an album, but Peaches has been keeping herself busy, touring with her band, Peaches & the Herm (JD Samson of Le Tigre is a member). We can't wait to hear what she's been saving for this release, and we're sure the after-party at SmartBar, where she'll be laying down a DJ set, will be just as wild. Johnny Love of LA's Guns 'n' Bombs also DJs tonight.

The Prodigy
Saturday, May 23 at Congress Theater, 7 p.m.; $35
A few years ago, when British electronica and rave culture was just making its way to America, it didn't get much bigger than The Prodigy. The group behind hits such as "Firestarter" and "Smack My Bitch Up" and album-loads of klaxon-heavy, high-energy dance music paved the way for the Chemical Brothers and shows like MTV's "Amp. Canada's Tiga co-headlines and locals Brad Owen, Dark Wave Disco, DJ Intel and Derek Specs round out the lineup.

Mike Simonetti
Sunday, May 24 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10
Most of us don't have to work tomorrow, so there are plenty of parties to choose from tonight. But if you're looking to hear damn good dance music on one of the few Sundays you stay up past midnight, head to Smartbar, where long-time New York DJ and co-founder of Italians Do it Better (the home to hot act Glass Candy), Mike Simonetti, headlines. Jerome Derradji and Kool Hersh also spin.

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Innosphere

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

Innosphere is a collaborative project between legendary producer Kenny Keys and soul songstress Nina Rae. Keys and Rae initially met while working together in a local hip-hop band (Just Infinite), and they were instantly able to establish creative ground. The chemistry, too magnetic to ignore, quickly led to a series of projects including what would be the duo's eventual debut single, "Me & You."

The combination of Kenny's instrumentation and Nina's vocals makes for the finest cosmic soul that hip-hop has heard in years, matching predecessors like Erykah Badu and Georgia Anne Muldrow. The duo plans on releasing a seven-song, self-titled EP under the TruSoul Entertainment imprint, and if the single is any indication of things to come, Chicago should be very excited. Centerstage sat down with Keys and Rae to hear how it all came together and what the immediate future holds in store.

Innosphere is an interesting name, what's the significance?
Kenny: The meaning of the name is defined exactly how it's spelled: in-no-sphere. We don't place our music into any particular genre. We will venture into any territory that the music takes us. So, the name represents that ideal: no boundaries, no restraints, no fear, and 100-percent real.

When you go into a song do you have clear intentions or are you on the organic side of things?
K: We talk about stuff, just kick it together, listen to music, beats, just pass ideas back and forth. Then, we get inspired and we work. Sometimes it starts lyrically, sometimes with beats, sometimes from the root up.

Kenny, this project seems to be taking you a bit outside the realm of straightahead hip-hop. Is this marking a new creative movement for you?
K: Nah. This album is not really taking me out of the hip-hop aesthetic. I'm still on the beats; it's just letting me show a little versatility. Like when we did some cuts, it was off beat CDs-hip hop cuts for my fellas to check out. This is one of the most simplistic, beautiful albums I have ever produced. It's a whole new place that I've flirted with, but never fully went there before.

Nina, can you tell me about your background as an artist?
Nina: I'm a writer first. My writing pursuits took me to Gallery 37 as a teen, writing for the New Expression teen newspaper, which was distributed throughout Chicagoland. I began singing in a trio as a teenager after being selected as a vocalist with the Chicago all-city chorus. I went on to perform with various girl groups and perfecting my craft as a writer. I started to infuse my poetry writings into my music and my singing style. I eventually became a member of Just Infinite, where I would eventually meet Kenny. Aside from this musical project, I am also working on a book of short stories.

Tell me a bit about the EP.
N: It's a very real EP. It's a journey through happiness and sadness, but centered around curiosity. Every song has a sense of exploration. It's a relatable piece of work that touches on the human experience, moral issues, being true to one's self, dimensions of love, urban street life, family and intimacy.

Are you going to have a tour for the album?
K: We are currently working on show dates. Who's booking? Listen to us at sonicbids.com/innosphere and check us out.

When can we expect the full length and what other projects do you have in store for 2009?
K: Look out for the full length Innosphere album this fall. I'm going to be dropping an instrumental album this summer, and working on a project with another dynamic Chicago producer, Tall Black Guy. Look for some music from the producing duo, Black Keys (Tall Black Guy & Kenny keys) later this year. Nina Rae will be a huge part of that as well.

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Best Beats 5/12/09

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

Prince Paul
Friday, May 15 at Zentra, 9 p.m.; Free before 11 with RSVP to rsvp@hiphop2000.com, $5 before midnight and $10 after
Hip-hop and club fans have been buzzing about this event for a few weeks. Legendary producer Prince Paul, the man behind De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising and a member of hip-hop act Handsome Boy Modeling School with Dan the Automator (he also co-hosted VH1's "The Next White Rapper") comes to Zentra tonight for a special DJ set. DJ Intel also spins and celebrates his birthday.

Jackson
Friday, May 15 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10 with RSVP to Going.com or $12
Meiotic's monthly party at Sonotheque hosts a special disco edition with guest DJ/Producer Morgan Geist; Disco Unusual Social Club's Lono Brazil and local nu-disco rising star Samone SR71 Roberts.

Dirty Funk Fridays
Friday, May 15 at Town Hall Pub, 9 p.m.; Free
What Town Hall Pub lacks in glitz and glamour (and trust us, it has none), it makes up for with solid DJs and cheap drinks. Every third Friday, DJ RC, Ryan Gac and Nick Ten Eyck spin funk, soul, latin jazz and hip-hop at the dirtiest dive bar in Boystown as the Funk and Soul Revue.

The Boom Box
Saturday, May 16 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $5 before midnight, $10 after
With respected labels Meiotic and Kompute taking over the programming Friday and Saturday night, Sonotheque is the place to be this weekend. Tonight, Kompute brings in groundbreaking house DJ Scott "Smokin" Silz from the legendary V103 Hot Mix 5 DJs. Silz has influenced dance-music acts all across the globe, including Daft Punk. He's currently working on new projects for Kompute while also holding down a job as Clear Channel's director of production and imaging for two of Chicago's top radio stations. He's joined by Rayalin3 and an assortment of Kompute DJs for an old-school-meets-new dance party like no other.

The Glamorous Life
Saturday, May 16 at Crocodile, 10 p.m.; Free
We know you've been splurging on weeknight al fresco dining, new summer gear and pedicures, so give your wallet a break and hit up the popular Glamorous Life '90s party at Crocodile. Tonight, Trew, Pickel and Maker spin all your favorite dance hits from the '90s (think New Jack Swing, Kid 'n' Play and Janet Jackson) and with every $5 you spend on beer you get a free mini margherita pizza.

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Best Beats 5/4/09

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

Glass Candy
Thursday, May 7 at darkroom, 9 p.m.; $10 before 11 p.m. with RSVP to rsvp@outoforderchicago.com
If Blondie made sexy, smart, modern dance music, you'd have Glass Candy, this month's guest for Out of Order Chicago. Featuring soft, sexy female vocals (see "Beatific" and the remake of Kraftwerk's "Computer Love") over energized, layered beats, their songs are as suitable for the morning commute and gym as they are for the club. We couldn't be more excited for this live performance. DJs Total M, Trancid and Intel spin.

Trevor Loveys
Friday, May 8 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10 or free before 11 p.m.
UK-based house and fidget DJ Trevor Loveys makes his first Chicago appearance tonight at Smartbar. Loveys is poised to take over club dance floors this summer with his choppy and bouncy signature sound. Switch fans won't be disappointed. The Darkwave Disco DJs and DJ Toymaster also spin.

PartyTime
Saturday, May 9 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $5
Prescription for an affordable Saturday night: beers, deep house and rare disco provided by Joe Bryl and Josh Deep at Sonotheque. 'Nuff said.

Cr�me de la Cr�me
Saturday, May 9 at Lava Lounge, 10 p.m.; $5 after 11 p.m.
Lava's weekly hip-hop party is back, but this time, Metrognome, Rude1, Word and Izzo take over as musical selectors. RSVP to Chicago@dudfrequency.com for discounted admission.

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Spq-Her

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

Born out of the rich musical backdrop known as Chicago's South Side, Spq-Her (pronounced Speak Her) has emerged as a powerful voice in Chicago hip-hop. Consisting of WiZdom and Stephstaa, Spq-Her has fused together R&B, soul, jazz, funk and hip-hop into a melting pot of rhythms worthy of the golden-era comparisons. But for as much as the duo have extracted from past inspirations, the two soul divas have made a name for themselves by seamlessly navigating the progressive movement of the local underground hip-hop scene.

Spq-Her's debut album, Defenderz, is a cosmic journey through self-expression, narrated with an elevated lyrical consciousness reminiscent of Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. The album's lyrical content is matched equally by local beat aficionados Fifth Element, Rashid Hadee, Raw Power, Frankie Blaze and Kenny Keys-making the journey abstract in sound but organic in nature. Last year their hard work paid off as they won the BomBay Sapphire Soul Search sponsored by 106.3 FM, and most recently URB recognized them as emerging artists in its "Next 1000" list. 2009 looks to be even more productive as they plan on touring to support their new album, which they describe as a "Bruce Leroy Green and Sho'nuff fight." Centerstage caught up with WiZdom and Stephstaa to talk about the new album, and how life brought them to this point.

Where were you ladies born, and how did your community contribute to your musical tastes?
WiZdom: I was born and raised on Chicago's South Side. It's interesting, when we travel people always make assumptions about the South Side; they are connecting with something they saw on TV or heard on the news. My family was a musical family and my cousins and I would prepare routines to perform at granny's house because we knew someone would get on the piano or start singing, especially after sharing the endless stories of previous holidays. That family community contributes to my musical taste because my family embraced talent and provided a space for my first sold-out concert.

StephStaa: Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago as well. Being born without a silver spoon in mouth made me walk through life with so much appreciation. The community I was raised in didn't have much; as a child I lived in a large apartment complex called Gemino Milgate. And we had block parties during every summer; I performed one year at the age of 8 or 9 and I remember saying to myself, "I'm gonna be a big star one day". I have been on that power kick ever since. My mother played soulful music all the time. When I used to go outside and play, kids would be breakdancing/pop-locking and I would mimic a Lisa Lisa Cult Jam song! Music is my life!

What's your musical background, as far as formal training goes?
WiZdom: Not to be stereotypical, but my first training was in the church. The man that forced me to own my soprano voice was Mr. Brian Johnson. However, it wasn't until I went to college that I had an opportunity to work with some phenomenal artists. During this time, the most impactful experience was singing in a choir for BeBe Winans in Atlanta under the direction of Gary Hines (Sounds of Blackness). More recently, when Spq-Her won the Soul Searching Contest, we had the opportunity to work with the world-renowned Lyndia Johnson, Vocal Coach and CEO of Sterling Voice Coaching.

StephStaa: I never had training. My sister Rena had a radio with a tape deck and she would record songs from the radio. We would all play around with the radio and discovered we could record our voices, so I would record me singing a song off the radio. My siblings told me I sounded like people on the radio. After that I kept practicing without the radio and singing in my apartment hallway to test my range with an echo effect. Like WiZdom mentioned, we won Soul 106.3 FM's contest October 2008, one of our prizes was vocal lessons with Lyndia Johnson, who I highly recommend to any vocalist. Knowledge is power indeed!

When and how did you meet?
WiZdom: We met numerous times in our past, but we didn't officially become friends until December '04. We were at the Hothouse and connected via artistry and mutual friends. It's been friendship, godmotherhood, and business ever since.

StephStaa: Yeah, The Most High has been trying to cross our paths for a while! It all came full circle 12.31.2004! We been planning the "take over" ever since! And what is so dope and different about us is that we're best friends!

So was Sqp-Her an official name right off the bat or did you ladies go through an evolution to get to where you're at now?
WiZdom: Of course we did! We have truly experienced a beautiful struggle. I can remember when we first started to work together and we were writing like our lives depended on it. Sunil Honeycutt believed in us so much that he invested in our limitless recordings at so and so's studio. We would record to wee hours in the morning only to turn around and perform in back-to-back shows. We are grateful for those experiences, but we knew that we needed to experience more. Then we got addicted to the MySpace hype and opportunities started flying in from Canada, London, Brazil, Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. We learned that if we invested in ourselves, folks would appreciate our hustle and listen to our music and connect with it.

StephStaa: We use to come up with all kinds of names for ourselves before Spq-Her, because as soon as we started sistership, we started doing shows. Keep in mind we were both active on the solo tip, so shows would pop up and we would support each other; people adored us and wanted to know our name. WiZdom discovered Spq-Her; it became permanent like naming a baby!

Tell me a little bit about the album. I know you worked with an amazing cast of producers.
WiZdom: Yes, yes y'all and it don't stop, Spq-Her will never ever stop. Our album is hip-hop soul. Now, don't get it twisted...when we say hip-hop, we mean the true culture and the elements of hip-hop. I actually was hazed into hip-hop by my partner in grind, Stephstaa and the Alien8ighted Crew, and I loved the drums and samples from songs that I was raised on. We worked with Kenny Keys, Fifth Element, Rashid Hadee, Raw Power, and Frankie Blaze. Recording this album felt like a little girl learning how to jump double dutch. Trying to get into the rope and making all types of moves once we got in and doing things differently to our own rhythm.

StephStaa: Indeed, the producers WiZdom mentioned are super hot and so underrated. We bring soulful/hip-hop flavor but our style is limitless! I love it when we vibe with live instrumentation! Expect to hear various sound and melodies from SPQ-Her!

Your music has so much Chicago Soul to it. What are some things about Chicago that inspire you? And I'm not necessarily talking about positive things either.
WiZdom: Our love for Chicago is unconditional. It can hurt you, love you, and forget about you...but you still love it no matter what. Real talk, our city is the birthplace to many famous and non-famous musical geniuses. However, Chicago artists don't have that type of camaraderie that other cities have. When we learn how to appreciate each other, then we will be appreciated.

StephStaa: I totally agree with WiZdom...word up!

You've been getting some nice pub thrown your way, URB Next 1000 for example. What's the contrast been like when you step outside of Chicago?
WiZdom: It's funny that you ask this question because our experiences outside of Chicago have been nothing but a birthing. We can go to cities where the audiences are singing our songs verbatim. Folks are like, "where y'all been?!?" That's real and refreshing!

StephStaa: That pub has been a true blessing, it's all about grinding continuously and networking! You can't get anywhere in life if you don't do something you never done before! For radio and publication to notice us is such a relief, it means our hard work is not in vain. We have done the regional/national tour thing out of our own pockets, sleeping on a friends couch/floor and in motels. Then to show up at a venue to perform and folks appreciate and love us, it's so rewarding!

Your music has a strong sense of female empowerment. What's your reaction to the negative portrayal of women in hip-hop today?
WiZdom: Any type of negative portrayal of women is detrimental to young ladies. Females that allow individuals to degrade them are just as responsible to the negative images in music. We have to be accountable for ourselves.

StephStaa: My reaction is that we still have a lot of work to do as women, those in the music business and those who are on the verge to enter it. If we lead instead of follow that issue will be abolished. That's why it's so important that Spq-Her take over the music industry, we're more than the melodies we convey!

You seem to be taking it a bit easy as far as touring goes, is this in preparation for a new project? WiZdom: The new project is like the Bruce Leroy Green and Sho'nuff fight. Like this fight, we have discovered our strength. We have received some good feedback about the essence of Spq-Her and we are discovering some new things about our voice, our style and our sound. Also, our experience with Ms. Lyndia Johnson taught us so much about our vocal instrument and we want to be intentional about using our voice properly so the sound is timeless.

StephStaa: Next time we tour it will be on an international level! We've been writing and conceptualizing our second LP, scouting indie/major labels and connecting with DJs all over the globe! So yes, expect the unexpected from Spq-Her.

What else can we expect from Spq-Her?
WiZdom: Spq-Her has their hands in everything: music, fashion, education, politics. We are currently planning to invade the overseas market and deliver our music to those that have been waiting patiently. We will continue to tour throughout the summer and make some radio appearances. Right now, we are working on finishing our sophomore album.

StephStaa: ALL POSITIVE THANGZ! ALL SUCCESSFUL THANGZ! Continue to connect with us on: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and SonicBids.

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Best Beats 4/27/09

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Peanut Butter Wolf presides over a special Stones Throw party at Abbey Pub.

Stussy X Stones Throw Tour
Thursday, April 30 at Abbey Pub; $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Stussy sponsors the latest Stones Throw tour, which features Peanut Butter Wolf, James Pants, Dam-Funk and Mayer Hawthorne. Chicago hip-hop fans have been lucky enough to have the Stones Throw crew come to town pretty regularly as part of the Sonotheque Move events, but this tour is quite different and it's 18-plus. Peanut Butter Wolf is doing live video and DJ mixing; James Pants is playing a live set with his band, the Royal Zodiac, and Mayer Hawthorne and Dam-Funk will be playing eclectic records. To top it off, Stussy created limited-edition t-shirts and Stones Throw is coming out with music only sold on the tour. Visit Stussy.com to download an exclusive tour mix.

Red Kiva 2-Year Anniversary Party
Thursday, April 30 at Red Kiva, 6 p.m.; $10 cover benefits T-PAN
With its yummy flatbread pizzas, hip West Loop locale and unique sunken-pit design (it formerly housed drum circles), we're not surprised Red Kiva has made it to its second birthday. The party gets started early at 6 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and a slew of drink specials, including $5 Absolut cocktails and giveaways. Music is provided by resident DJs Uncle El and Pickel, of the new Tronic weekly party, along with live performances by Radius and Kenny Keys and live art by CZR PRZ. Better yet, tonight?s anniversary party benefits T-PAN, the Test Positive Aware Network, which works for HIV awareness and advocacy.

Dark Wave Disco 4-Year Anniversary Party
Friday, May 1 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10, free before 11 p.m. with RSVP to rsvp@emptybottle.com
The Dark Wave Disco crew celebrates four years of bringing dance, rock and dirty electro to the coolest clubs in the city. Tonight, host Paul in Chicago and the DWD DJs (Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner) will be joined by special guests Trash Yourself, a "girl and a boy here to destroy" you with nu-rave beats.

Dialogue, Inc
Saturday, May 2 at The Burlington, 9 p.m.; Free
Joshua Ferguson, the Chicago writer for dance and culture blog, Dialogue, Inc., curates a night of dance music at the Burlington. We're not sure what he'll be pulling out of his hat, but as he was recently appointed Nightlife editor of Time Out Chicago, he probably knows a thing or two about what gets crowds moving.

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Hip-Hop Stops

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

If you're looking to see blues, jazz or rock in Chicago, you'll find no shortage of clubs catering to your needs. But while the city is home to many hip-hop artists of all styles, it's not immediately clear where you should go to hear the stuff. These spots might not call themselves "hip-hop clubs," but they're your best bets for catching the best local and national acts.

Abbey Pub
Over the past few years, this Northwest Side venue has evolved from a rock-heavy spot to a haven for hip-hoppers. The transition wasn't easy; a few scene-related skirmishes had the owners considering banning the genre altogether, but the robust local market must've changed their minds. You'll find some of the underground's brightest stars commanding the small stage here nearly every week; past performers have included Murs, Brother Ali, Heiruspecs, MF Doom, Madlib and RJD2 (the club has also hosted the city-wide Chicago Rocks showcase).
View upcoming shows at Abbey Pub

Subterranean
If you want to get up close and personal with an MC, this is the place to do it. Fans pack this second-floor club for intimate performances by locals like Earatik Statik and Astonish as well as national acts like Blu and J-Live. If you don't feel like bumping shoulders with the sweaty crowd, you can also get a cool bird's-eye view from the third-floor balcony. You may just end up watching the opening act while standing next to the headliner. Downstairs in the lounge, you'll find several regular hip-hop nights, including The Cold Sweat (featuring the Comeups - DJs Intel, Maker and Pickel - and DJ Trew) on the first three Fridays of each month.
View upcoming shows at Subterranean

Reggie's Rock Club
Don't be fooled by the name; since installing itself on the near-South Side, this club has garnered some major cred from local hip-hop fans by providing a platform for Chicago artists (especially those on the Galapagos4 roster, like Qwel and Robust). The sloping floor might not be the best for breakdancing, but there's plenty of it anyway, so hold onto your Old Style tallboy. Good news, young'uns: most shows here are all ages or 17-plus.
View all upcoming shows at Reggie's Rock Club

House of Blues
If your favorite hip-hop act is too popular for small clubs, but can't quite sell out a stadium, this is the most likely landing spot. Common, Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill and even Lil' Wayne have had memorable sets in the velvet-swathed space in recent years. The tickets are expensive, as are the drinks, and the doormen can be pretty strict (no cameras!), but in general you'll see a good show here.
View all upcoming shows at House of Blues

Morseland
When North Side hip-hop fans want a good meal and some good beats in the middle of the week, they head to this Rogers Park venue. The Wednesday-night series, Heartbeats, presented by local DJ Lokua, offers a different set of MCs, DJs and musicians each week (e.g. 1773, Radius). If that's not enough for you, come back for Dirty Thursdays, when DJs Serpico, Teebot and Kana Me spin hip-hop, funk and reggae (and sometimes present live acts like Treologic). Oh, and that "good meal" part? Morseland is known for its Southern Creole cooking, with tasty dishes like jerk pork chops and barbecued catfish.
View all upcoming shows at Morseland

Want it on wax? Our favorite spots to catch DJ'd hip-hop:
Lava Lounge
Funky Buddha Lounge
Sonotheque

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DJ Pickel

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Inspired early on by rap's golden era, DJ Pickel was determined to make a name for himself behind the decks. As a budding DJ he would attend events with a family member, who was also a DJ, and diligently take notes on how to properly hold down a set. Eventually he got his own tables and his career's been evolving steadily ever since.

Pickel is currently a member of the Come-Ups crew (along with DJs Intel and Maker) and the Analog Addicts, and has been a staple in numerous hotspots around town like Lava Lounge, Rodan, Subterranean and Swig. Pickel's skills have earned him sets alongside some of the finest DJs in the world including Kid Cut Up, Nu Mark and Pase Rock. Centerstage recently sat down with DJ Pickle to talk about Chicago's nightlife and records.

When and how did you first get interested in DJing?
In 1991-'92. I was really into watching DJs on rap videos and I wanted to learn how to do that. A friend of the family who was a DJ offered to take me along to gigs and show me the ropes. I got some practice time in, and I learned a lot about the craft. I eventually bought my first set of tables in 8th grade. I actually got them from DJ Devastation from 2 Young Brothers. They were kind of famous in our neighborhood for the song "Check Out the Hook" (DJ International Records). My mom was Joey's [Devastation] teacher in 7th and 8th grade. So he looked out when I was looking for tables.

What was your first record?
Its hard to say, but I think it was either Urban Dance Squad, "Deeper Shade of Soul," or 2 Live Crew, "Banned in the USA."

Do you remember the first major event you spun at?
Yes, I opened for Tone Loc at the Copper Dragon in Carbondale, Illinois. This was in '97 with my good homie DJ Crucial. I called Crucial at his dorm and we walked over to the venue and offered our services. At this point, Crucial was well-experienced as a show DJ. Me, not so much. I actually put all my records in order in the crate as they would be mixed. Those were the only records I brought with me. So I was limited, but Crucial got on and killed it. Dude was all dropping records hella fast and keeping the crowd totally in his control. He has been a big influence on me since.

Who are some of your favorite artists now?
I'm really feeling what Stones Throw does, Black Spade is on it too, and my dude Pugs [Atomz]. But I'm really more of a DJ fan, I'm really into remixes...The Comeups, Trew, No Requests, Kool Hersh, Mike 2600, The Oakland Faders, Scott Matelic, The Fingerbangerz, Crucial, Mahf, Ztrip, Troublemaker, Tate La Rock, Steinski, B Cause and Doc Delay.

Being in the heart of Chicago nightlife, what's the craziest experience you've ever been a part of?
I don't really get too hype on shit, I'd have to say that the whole thing itself is crazy. Nothing shocks me anymore.

As a DJ however, I'd have to say that the idea of someone requesting music at the spot shocks me. The very idea that someone is so self-centered that they will get all up in your shit to tell a stranger how to do a job they are incapable of doing themselves is a sad statement on humanity. It doesn't matter if the request is a good one or not, it's the principle. No requests asshole. We are not jukeboxes and we are not your iPod.

What are your favorite venues to spin at?
Lava's always great. Nice spot with banging sounds and a true dedication to the DJ. Swig has a great vibe and surprisingly great sound for its size. You would be surprised how many spots can't get that shit right. The Comeups and DJ Trew do Cold Sweat at Subterranean on the first three Fridays. It's more golden-era hip-hop based, that's pretty much the basis of my DJing so I'm feeling it. Rodan is a good time too, we get into some good sets there. It's not really a chotch-y spot at all, gotta love that. Lastly, Crocodile. It's got that basement house-party vibe, and people get down there.

I saw you spin an amazing J Dilla tribute set. How has Dilla's legacy changed hip-hop and who do you see taking over where Dilla had left off?
I have to be careful with the first part of that question. Jay Dee touched so many people and had a huge impact on hip-hop, I don't want to offend his legacy or his fans. That being said, I think he knew records like no other beatsmith, and his beats show it. If you combine those serious digs with Dilla's sample approach and originality, then you add his experience, you get a legend. Thus a legacy.

I really don't see anyone taking over where Dilla left off. His influence will live forever. Either cats will get it, or they won't.

So I was wondering if you could give me a record rundown of your top 5 albums.
1. Beastie Boys, Check Your Head, 1992. Capitol.
2. Eric B & Rakim, Paid In Full, 1987. 4th and Broadway.
3. Nas, Illmatic, 1994. Columbia.
4. De La Soul, Stakes Is High, 1996. Tommy Boy.
5. Pharcyde, Labcabincalifornia, 1995, Delicious Vinyl.

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Best Beats 4/20/09

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Flosstradamus 4.20
Monday, April 20 at Abbey Pub, 10 p.m.; $6
There are a lot of parties celebrating this special counterculture day (and on a Monday, no less), but we think this is the best bet. Not only is it cheap, you'll also have plenty of room to dance to the sounds of Floss, Willy Joy, Ghetto Division and special guests. You can also just enjoy the vids by Thunderhorse, the same crew that put together this video flyer. Just make sure you "prepare" yourself before you get there.

HeartsRevolution will keep you moving on Friday.

Spandexxx
Friday, April 24 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; Free with RSVP to rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com, $10 without
For this installment of Spandexxx, the ladies of En Prise Entertainment and Venus Zine welcome HeartsRevolution. This New York-based dance duo's tune "CYOA" (and subsequent Flosstradamus remix) catapulted them to cool-kid stardom at the level of similar Canadian act, Crystal Castles. They've added a live drummer to make things extra funky. Resident DJ duo Rocktapussy gets the crowd going and we bet there'll be some cool freebies.

Dance Syndrome
Saturday, April 25 at Butterfly Social Club, 9 p.m.; Free
Resident DJs Christian Vera and Cazwell James of Soulphonetics are joined by guest David Chavez for Dance Syndrome at Butterfly Social Club. Happening the last Saturday of every month, this Latin-influenced party features the best in samba, Latin jazz and baile funk. Butterfly's still constantly changing and last time we were there, we were a bit disappointed that the raw/nonalcoholic cocktail list has whittled down to two offerings, but the place has still steadily drawn a big crowd of clubbers looking to party.

Living La Vida Verde (Green Party)
Saturday, April 25 at Avila, 6 p.m.
The Green Heart Shop is a unique, fair-trade, non-profit organization located downtown that will not only charm you with its cute, fair-trade wares, but will also make you think a little harder about where your other purchases are coming from. But being a green and conscious consumer isn't all work and no play, so tonight, Green Heart Shop is hosting an all-day Earth Day blowout. The festivities start in the morning with a volunteer cleaning of Ohio Street beach, then it's to the store for helpful workshops, free samples and shopping. The event concludes at nearby club Avila (formerly 720) for an evening of world grooves from DJ C-Db, organic and fair trade wine and cocktails and mingling with other local greenies. Can you think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day ?

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Blues Clues

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Looking for blues on the North Side? Let Tony Mangiullo show you the way.

You can't spend more than a few days in Chicago without hearing about its longstanding blues legacy. But just because the history is there, it doesn't mean that every venue will fit your needs when you're craving some weepin' and wailin'. Study this list of our favorite Chicago blues clubs before hitting the town.

Best for Foodies

FitzGerald's
Ok, so it's not actually located within city limits (it's in Berwyn), but if you want some solid food with your tunes, we can't think of a better spot. The club (which you may have seen parts of in films like "Adventures in Babysitting" and "A League of Their Own") has partnered with Southern-cooking standout Wishbone for a full menu featuring catfish cakes, jambalaya, brisket, hoppin' jack and much more. Oh yeah, the music ain't too bad either - blues, jazz and country are all well-represented here, with the occasional legend (like Koko Taylor) stopping by for a visit. Cover is generally between $5 and $15.
Upcoming events at FitzGerald's.

Runners-up: Kingston Mines, Smoke Daddy

Best for Serious Fans (North Side)

Rosa's Lounge
The self-described "friendliest blues bar" in Chicago is also one of the most authentic places for enjoying real blues in a laid-back, diverse environment. Both the old guard and the young guns are well-represented here, with guitarist Melvin Taylor bridging the gap on a regular basis. It's also a family-run spot, meaning owner Tony Mangiullo (who sometimes guests on drums) might be taking your $5-$15 cover.
Upcoming events at Rosa's Lounge.

Runner-up: B.L.U.E.S.

Best for Serious Fans (South Side)

Artis's Lounge
You want an authentic Chicago blues experience? Oh, OK. Well, how about cramming into a tiny bar with a six-person band jamming two feet away from you, while they break out classics like "Strokin'," "Members Only" and "While You Were Steppin Out, Someone Else is Steppin In"? Sound good? If you're not a native South-Sider, you'll be in the minority at this 20-year-old club, but all you need to know is that you're expected to pay attention to the performers, tip well and sit where you're told. Enjoy.
Upcoming events at Artis's Lounge.

Runner-up: Lee's Unleaded Blues

Best for Casual Fans

Buddy Guy's Legends
Call it a tourist trap if you must, but Buddy's backs up its cover charge (regularly $15) with top-notch acts, above-average food and a fun atmosphere (you don't have to buy the merchandise if you don't want to). Plus, there's always the chance you catch the owner himself; the man doesn't appear to have aged a day.
Upcoming events at Buddy Guy's Legends.

Runners-up: B.L.U.E.S., Kingston Mines, Checkerboard Lounge, Underground Wonder Bar

Best for Dancing

Blue Chicago
You're not gonna get scolded for strutting your stuff at most any place (though good luck finding room at some of the smaller clubs), but this River North club - and its sister down the street, Blue Chicago on Clark - actually encourages it. Shake it to "Sweet Home Chicago" and then plop into one of the oversize booths and gaze at the cool paintings on the wall.
Upcoming events at Blue Chicago.

Runner-up: East of the Ryan (steppers only!)

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Live Music for Less Than $5

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

So, you're trying to save money; you're certainly not the only one. But just because you're worried about your future, it doesn't mean you can't still have fun. Take live music, for example. There are concert options across the city that cost less than a premium beer. Here are a few to check out.

Go global at Old Town School of Folk Music's World Music Series
Wednesdays; free ticketed event, $5 suggested donation
Year after year, this esteemed music school teaches aspiring artists how to entertain themselves - and they do it on the cheap. But sometimes, you want to be entertained, not instructed, and that's where this seasonal series comes in. These globe-spanning shows cover everything from classical Greek music to Flamenco fusion, but you've got to reserve a seat - so contact the school's box office a few days beforehand if you're excited about a show (note: some events cost a bit more, especially those with big names).

Try something new at the Empty Bottle
Chances are, if you're a rock fan, you've discovered at least one new band to love at this Ukrainian Village hipster haven. So put some faith in the booker's taste by heading over on select Mondays, when little-known bands (even to music nerds) perform for free - it's a cheap way to enjoy one of the city's most legendary clubs, and you might even find a new favorite not even you're biggest music-nerd friends know about. If you prefer a known quantity, drop by after work on Fridays (5:30 p.m.), when the Hoyle Brothers unleash their hard-country honky-tonk for nothin'.

Discover the Double Door's unplugged side at the Dirtroom
$5
Most nights, a decent rock or hip-hop show is sure to be playing at the Double Door. But if too many of those $15 covers are burning a hole in your wallet, head to the Double Door downstairs bar, the Dirtroom, for an acoustic alternative. On selected nights (usually Sundays or Mondays) you can catch local musicians performing everything from folk and alt-country to lo-fi indie rock.

Immerse yourself in late-night jazz at Green Mill
No cover on Friday after 1:30 a.m. and Saturday after 2 a.m.
Uptown's historic Green Mill Lounge is a prime spot to see local jazz greats in their element. But on weekends, the venue reveals its reputation as one of the best places in the city for free live music. On Saturday nights, groove with Sabertooth, the local group that's been holding court at the Green Mill After-Hours Jazz Party for over 15 years. Be warned; though the Green Mill heats up well after midnight, the place is often packed by 9 p.m. If you dare to show up late, don't expect to get a seat.

Take a chance at Phyllis' Musical Inn
Cover is usually between $3-$5
Remember those grab bags you used to get at birthday parties when you were a kid? Think of this unpretentious dive bar as the grab bag of the Chicago music scene, with a rotating selection of live bands?jazz, hard rock, hip-hop?featured at least five nights a week. Many new bands from Chicago and across the Midwest score their first live gigs here. While that can sometimes lead to an evening of crappy music, you will occasionally stumble upon a undiscovered gem of a band or performer. Phyllis' is really more about atmosphere than music, but broad-minded music fans can still come away with an economical night to remember.

Go back to basics at Hideout
Tuesdays, 9 p.m.; donations accepted
When you don't have much money to spend, you learn to appreciate the simpler things in life - like an acoustic blues band playing in the corner of a bar (even when there's a perfectly good stage in back). Devil in a Woodpile's shows seem to come from a time before amplifiers, with their reliance on washboards, harmonicas and even kazoos. But the band (and the crowd, for that matter) offers more energy than you'll see at most large-scale rock shows. Grab a PBR, tap your feet and put a few dollars in the tip jar when it comes your way. You'll be glad you did.

Looking to see a big-name DJ? Many clubs (Enclave, Lumen) offer lower admission fees if you RSVP beforehand.

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Ranking Ravinia 2009

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Ravinia Festival 2009 tickets go on sale online today (phone sales start May 17). We've scoured the schedule and found the top 10 shows you should try to get tickets for (besides Carrie Underwood, of course). 1. John Legend
July 21; $68 ($27 lawn)
Looking over this year's slate, this was the name that made us say "wow, really?" There's gonna be a lot of competition for these tickets, as Legend will attract a younger crowd not typically associated with the suburban outdoor venue. But beyond the six Grammys and the collaborations with Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Andre 3000 (for his new album, Evolver), there's a fact that people of all ages will appreciate: dude can sing. And you know that's gonna sound nice with a bottle of wine.

2. Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes
August 26; $55 ($22 lawn)
You think you know Elvis? The veteran British singer/songwriter has entered yet another phase of his career, as he tours with an all-acoustic band featuring Jerry Douglas (Alison Krauss & Union Station), Jim Lauderdale, Mike Compton, Stuart Duncan, Dennis Crouch and Jeff Taylor. The collective's recent roots-oriented album, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, was recorded in Nashville and produced by T-Bone Burnett. This should be an exciting celebration of country and bluegrass - but don't be surprised to hear some Costello classics thrown in there as well.

3. Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock
July 28; $65-$100 ($10 lawn)
At last year's Grammy awards, the superstar Chinese classical pianist (who essentially launched his career at Ravinia a decade ago) and the jazz piano legend submitted a jaw-dropping rendition of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." They've been playing together regularly ever since. Here's a chance to see what they can do for a full evening of cross-genre music. Lang Lang also performs solo on July 26.

4. Bonnie Raitt/Taj Mahal
August 21-22; $80 ($27 lawn)
As long as we're recommending superstar collaborations...we're interested to see how this one - part of the awkwardly titled "Bontaj Roulet" tour - turns out. Over the 30-plus years these two have been on the blues scene, they've shared many a band member, but never the same stage. Now they will, at least for some of the night. Apparently, the artists will play separate sets with their respective bands, then come together at the end of the show for a blow-out performance. Bonnie singing "Corinna"? Taj lending his gravelly style to "Something to Talk About"? We're all ears.

5. Goran Bregovic & His Wedding and Funeral Orchestra
June 14; $40 ($10 lawn)
Bregovic is one of the most beloved Eastern European composers of the modern era, and it's no secret why. He puts his all into every rock- and folk-tinged performance, he's got a lot to give; his 40-piece Wedding and Funeral Orchestra includes a brass band, a string ensemble, bagpipes, an all-male choir and traditional singers. It's a spectacle, yes, but it's also a whole lot of fun.

6. Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats
July 1; $40 ($16 lawn)
We know, it's much cooler nowadays to praise his younger brother, Seun, for faithfully carrying on the Afrobeat genre their father, Fela, created. But while Femi may have a different, more modern take on the blend of American jazz and funk with traditional West African music, his music is just as danceable (and political). And we'd like to see the Ravinia crowd up and dancing a little more often.

7. G. Love & Special Sauce, Michael Franti and Spearhead
August 27; $40 ($16 lawn)
If you just can't get enough protest music, look no further than Michael Franti, whose career has been based on the stuff since way back when he was leading the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in the early '90s. The Bay Area native's music, a blend of hip-hop, reggae and folk, can sometimes be overshadowed by his impassioned social commentary, but you'll leave with renewed enthusiasm for President Obama's Serve America Act...as well as humming G. Love's drawled classics "My Baby's Got Sauce," "Cold Beverage" and "Stepping Stone."

8. Three Girls and Their Buddy
June 7; $50 ($25 lawn)
Emmylou Harris has teamed up with Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin ("Sunny Came Home") and Buddy Miller for a show that should please country/folk fans of all ages. But though the quartet certainly has its fair share of classics to run through, don't come in ready for a stirring rendition of "Boulder to Birmingham" or "Evangeline." The group's previous outings have included a heavy dose of covers of the songs that these legends love. And you'll be able to see every pluck of the string, as this will be one of the few shows this summer featuring Ravinia's new lawn video screens.

9. Yo-Yo Ma's Dvorak
August 14; $45-$100 ($20 lawn)
It wouldn't be a full Ravinia list if we didn't include at least one performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - and one also including the world's premier cellist didn't seem like a bad idea. Ma will perform Dvorak's Cello Concerto. No points for originality (it's the most-performed cello concerto of all), but we're sure he'll make up for that with execution.

10. Joe Cocker
June 28; $50 ($22 lawn)
More than anything, Ravinia is about enjoying yourself in a relaxed environment. And a night of Joe Cocker's gritty cover versions of songs like The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" and Dave Mason's "Feelin' Alright" should do the trick. Hopefully, a rainstorm won't cut the set short, as it did during Woodstock - which was 40 years ago this summer, so there might be some great hippie-watching to be had at this one.

Tickets are available at www.ravinia.org.

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Best Beats 4/14/09

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Fly By Night 2-Year Anniversary Party
Thursday, April 16 at Debonair Social Club, 9 p.m.
It's hard to believe that it's only been two years since Fly By Night catapulted Willy Joy from obscurity to local DJ stardom (including a mention in the URB Next 100 and a gig at Lollapalooza), but this little party that caters to the young nightlife crowd is still going strong. To celebrate, Joy brings in Craze and Klever, two DJs that have mastered the hip-hop/dance/party-banger sound that made Fly By Night so popular. The party is 18+ and there's a free champagne toast from 9-10 p.m. with RSVP to info@debonairsocialclub.com.

Kid Koala
Friday, April 17 at Zentra, 9 p.m.; free before 9 p.m., $5 before midnight, $10 after midnight with RSVP
Nowadays, anybody with a decent computer can be called a DJ, but few have the turntable-tweaking skills of Kid Koala. This Canadian DJ's innovative turntable skills and creative approach to the art of DJing, made him the first North American artist to be signed to prestigious UK label Ninja Tune back in 1996. Since then, he's opened for Bjork and Radiohead, collaborated with Del the Funky Homosapien and Dan the Automator as Deltron 3030, released a full-length and even wrote and illustrated his own graphic novel. He's joined by local DJ Intel for what will surely be a night of truly unique and fun hip-hop music.

Simian Mobile Disco
Friday, April 17 at Metro/Smartbar, 9 p.m.; $10/$15/$20 depending on the show
Jas Shaw and James Ford are showing their rock and dance sensibilities off tonight with a live show at the Metro, followed by a DJ set at Smartbar. If your only familiarity with SMD is the Justice remix of "We Are Your Friends/Never Be Alone Again," you're in for a treat. The duo's 2008 full-length, Attack Decay Sustain Release, is filled with catchy dance tunes that stand up on their own, sans the French touch.

Bright Nites
Saturday, April 18 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $5 with RSVP to rsvp@crossfaderking.com, $10 without
Matt Roan and E-Six are back at Sonotheque, but they're not doing the unique video DJ set they've become known for. Tonight, they celebrate Roan's mixtape release, with Six taking over hosting duties and Roan playing a set along with former Chicagoan-turned-LA scenester and DJ, Johnny Love.

Art & Soul: Chicago Art Dept. Benefit
Saturday, April 18 at Chicago Art Department, 6 p.m.-midnight; $15
House and hip-hop heavy Swank Society radio hosts an event for Pilsen art space and gallery, the Chicago Art Department. CAD is known for its unique approach to gallery shows, for providing a creative, collaborative space and for presenting emerging young artists to the Chicago art scene. Tonight is the chance for art-enthusiasts (and house and hip-hop fans) to give back, by dancing to beats from Swank Society's Sean Alvarez, Duane Powell, Kwest_On and TapeDeck, enjoying live percussion from J. Bruno and munching on appetizers and drinks provided by Cuatro.

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Tall Black Guy

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Terrel Wallace (aka Tall Black Guy) is a producer that has worked on projects for the '80s Babies, Pathfinders, The Primeridian, Pugs Atomz, Rashid Hadee and Kenny Keys. His style of production is rich in "golden-era" compositions, but still finds itself miles beyond mediocrity thanks to a taste in sampling that reaches back several generations. Stylistically, Tall Black Guy has a Madlib-esque quality about him, but it's his drum samples that give him a distinct Chicago flavor reminiscent of old-school NO I.D. He's performed in numerous beat competitions including Dance to the Drummer's Beat and the Red Bull Beat Competition, where he took home first prize.

In recent months TBG has displayed his beatmaking talents live and has helped turn the reclusive art of beatmaking into a full-fledged showcase. Centerstage caught up with TBG to talk about hip-hop and where his music will take him in 2009.

I know you've mentioned that your father listened to a lot of jazz and funk. Which artists in particular stood out as significant to you?
Man, the one jazz artist that had a big impact on me was Lonnie Liston Smith. I always liked the different layers he used to put in his compositions. Also he has a distinct sound of notes and tones.

Now when you're constructing a beat, do you stick to the traditional way (MPC) or do you stay up on the technology (Pro Tools, Reason, Acid, etc.)?
I started making beats in February 2001. I always wanted an MPC but I couldn?t afford it. So I went to the next best thing, Sonic Foundry 2.0, then advanced each time the software updated. Currently I use Sony Acid 5.0.

I'm an '80s baby myself and it's interesting because I think our generation missed out on the righteousness of the '70s, and got thrown into the world of globalization. It's an odd conundrum socially, so why don't you tell me how you and Dee Jackson (his cohort in '80s Babies) interpret the '80s.
Well I would say that even though we are from the '80s, we had a lot of older siblings that kind of influenced the way we look at music and life in general. So I think we grew up when the essence of music was still at its best: the '80s and early and mid-'90s.

Ts a lot of nostalgic rap out there, and if you couple that with some of the shallow shit coming out, hip-hop looks a little troubled. What's your take on hip-hop as a whole?
Boo, to a lot of the hip-hop right now. There are only a handful of hip-hop acts that are getting the shine they deserve like De la Soul, Q-Tip, Blu, etc.

Tell me a bit about your album, Moments in Time?
Moments in Time...a very long process to complete, about 4 years to be exact, but we completed it and put it out so that's always good. I think it's just an all-around feel-good album. Just dope beats and rhymes. That was the formula from back in the day when hip-hop was still good so I wanted to stick to that.

What do you have coming up for 2009?
There are a lot of goals I want to set for myself: making the new '80s Babies album, an instrumental album, put out a house record with Radius, work with this great singer Nina Rae, collaborate with the talented Produktionix, collaborate with Barak Records, collaborate with the talented sistas Allegra Dolores, and put out the remix album of The Primeridian's Da Mornin' Afta. Is that enough?

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Gettin' Jazzy With It

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Stacy Warden

Chicago may not always take the lead when stacked against other big cities. Its bistros, for one, are no match for those clustered on a Parisian side street and its vineyards will never conquer the grapes of the West Coast. But when stripped down to its gritty jazz roots, our city comes in second to none. Vocalists, bassists and trumpeters from all over the map flock to these neighborhood hot-spots to find inspiration in the city. Lucky for you, these Chicago jazz clubs require little more than leaving the house.

Best for Foodies

Katerina's
The crowd at Katerina's is a hungry one, and rightfully so, after such energetic sets of bopping, scatting and dancing. Fortunately, Katerina knows how to please her music-lovin' guests with carefully-crafted Mediterranean fare. The menu's list of orektika (greek for appetizers) has just the thing to curb your appetite before the next round of drinks and beats. Small plates include baked eggplant, grilled calamari and tiropitakia, a flakey phillo shell filled with ricotta, feta and goat cheese and served with amaretto-cinnamon oranges. Food is served until 1 a.m. and cover charge varies, typically between $5 and $10.
Upcoming events at Katerina's.

Runner-up: Green Dolphin Street

Best With a Date

Pops for Champagne
This Parisian-themed jazz club will have you swooning for more than just your date with its exposed stone walls and intimate lounge seating. Start the evening with a little bubbly on the bar's main level, where champagne-inspired chandeliers and an onyx bar provide an elegant atmosphere. The Pops drink list boasts over 160 varieties of champagne and sparkling wine; order up a few flutes and it won't take much to lure your date downstairs for some sultry tunes. Past acts have included pianist Dan Trudell, vocalist Tammy McCann and saxophonist Chris Greene. It costs $8 on Thursdays, while Friday and Saturday shows will run you $15 a person.
Upcoming events at Pops for Champagne.

Runner-up: Back Room

Best for Jazz Novices

Checkerboard Lounge
Newcomers to the jazz scene will love this unpretentious South Side spot. In collaboration with the Hyde Park Jazz Society, the Checkerboard Lounge hosts Checker Jazz every Sunday from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Themed nights like "Sax in the City" have highlighted Chicago's contemporary saxophone players, while other artists have included multi-reedist Ari Brown, trumpeter Pharez Whitted and bassist Frank Russell. The Hyde Park Jazz Society will also be hosting their second annual jazz fest this year on Sept. 27. Checkerboard Lounge offers a full bar and welcomes outside food. Admission is $10, and $5 for students with IDs.
Upcoming events at Checkerboard Lounge.

Best Downtown Beats

Andy's
The jazz at this downtown spot only ceases when the staff needs some shut-eye. In a single week you can catch 15 different acts at Andy's. Be sure to pick the appropriate time slot though: Stopping in during rush hour will find you in the throes of downtown's post-work boozin' crowd, while the later hours are reserved for a more subdued, sultry-eyed group. Whether the sun is rising or setting outside Andy's, the stellar beats are always belting inside. Most of the acts here lean toward mainstream jazz with an emphasis on bebop and swing. Cover prices vary and there?s typically a two-drink minimum.
Upcoming events at Andy's.

Runners-up: Close Up 2, Jazz Showcase

Best for Seasoned Cats

Green Mill
OK, so we're stating the obvious here. But you try to find a jazz club that trumps the Mill and then we'll talk. There's a reason this speakeasy spot has been home away from home for many serious artists and enthusiasts. The hip locale was, after all, once frequented by Capone and his henchman. Even Sinatra checked out the spot after catching wind of its mobster appeal. You might not find any gangsters lurking about the bar these days, but you'll certainly be in the company of some of Chicago's finest jazz musicians.
Upcoming events at Green Mill.

Runner-up: Jazz Showcase

Best for Experimental Explorers

Velvet Lounge
If straightahead bop is too boring for you, Fred Anderson's club should give you the spontaneous solos and complex improvisation you crave. While it lost a bit of its broke-down charm when it moves to its new South Side digs in 2006, the place still offers great sightlines, affordable covers ($5-$20) and, most importantly, talented musicians night after night - including the tenor sax-wielding owner himself.
Upcoming events at Velvet Lounge.

Runners-up: Elastic Arts Foundation (Improvised Music Series), Hungry Brain (Transmission Series), Hideout (Immediate Sound Series), Brown Rice

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Maker

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Considered one of the most underrated producers in Chicago, Marco Jacobo aka Maker has seamlessly blended the grit of underground hip-hop with a soulful library of funk breaks. He originally started producing in the mid-'90s, and since then he's been a fixture on the Galapagos4 label, boasting production work on Qwel's The Harvest, Offwhyte's Mainstay and Denizen Kane's Tree City Legends Vol. 2: My Bootleg Life. His solo album, Shooting The Breeze, also released by G4, was a testament to how an instrumental album can be engaging on a contemplative level without the services of an MC. Last year, Maker extended even further into the hip-hop community with production credits on Doomtree Records and Gravel Records. As of late he's been an in-demand DJ for the Come-Ups crew (DJs Intel and Pickel), but this year fans will likely see his triumphant return to the studio. Centerstage sat down with Maker to get an in-depth look at how it all started and what's in store for 2009.

When did you first start spinning?
I started spinning in high school around '93-'94 I would say. I stopped for a while when I got into production and picked it back up years later. I never lost love for it, I was just way more focused on the production aspect. I never stopped collecting records so when I got back into it...it was good to be back!

Do you remember what your first record was?
Yes, like a true OG. It was given to me by my neighbor Randy. He told me everything sounded better on vinyl and gave me his copy of Kiss' Destroyer after he failed to sell it at his family's garage sale. I was young, wide eyed and couldn't stop looking at the cover! Even to this day I can still recite most of record. My pops had a lot of records and eventually I had a lot of records, but that was the first record that was officially "mine."

How did you start getting into production?
It was around '95. I would go to my friend's house and we would DJ together and he had a sampler hooked up to his mixer and we started messing around. After a while it was all I could think about. That's all I did, and all I wanted to do after that. I would listen to albums differently after that. I am still a student every time I hear something new.

How did your relationship with G4 come about?
I met a bunch of the G4s at the radio station in the late '90s - Kevin Beecham's famous "Time Travel Show" at WNUR. I met so many people there, I would just go there to kick it and he introduced me to so much new music. Anyway I met a bunch of them dudes there and clicked with them. I started seeing them around more often, and started kicking it with them. The rest is history.

Of the various artists you've produced for, which has been your favorite?
I don't have favorites, I enjoy working with everyone; the challenge and the love for it and the reward of the end result. Everyone is different to work with and I just try to do my best on every song I produce.

As of late it seems like you?ve been spinning a lot. Do you plan on producing more this year?
Yeah I have been spinning a lot lately. I think I would've been spinning a lot more before, but I was touring a lot with Glue and since we have not been on the road for a while it's left me with more time to get out and play different nights. I never stopped working though. I have many new projects coming out this year including a new album with Qwel and also an album with Grayskul. I'm also working on a couple of limited 7-inches, a Glue album and a solo record. I'm staying busy!

For more on Maker, visit his blog.

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Best Beats 4/6/09

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Bad Meaning Good
Monday, April 6 at The Burlington, 8 p.m.; Free
Spring is officially in season and we're already seeing a surge of cool events that are actually worth braving the frigid late-night temps to attend. Kick the week off with a free night of bad movies and good music from DJs Intel and Popstatic. The two have teamed up to curate two cult-classics, "Hell Comes to Frogtown" and "They Live," starring WWE (when it used to be called WWF) star Rowdy Roddy Piper. The film screening starts at 8 and the music begins at midnight.

Cajmere/Green Velvet knows a thing or two about getting people on the dance floor.

Cajmere/Green Velvet
Tuesday, April 7 at Fuel Kitchen & Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.; Free
Getting your name out there and staying relevant can be cutthroat in Chicago's always-changing nightlife scene, so new Wicker Park cafe/nightclub Fuel is pulling out all the stops. It's teamed up with Allay Soul and House Arrest to bring in Chicago's own Cajmere aka Green Velvet to launch a new weekly Tuesday party, Sessions. It's spring, it's free and it's a party with the man who brought us such dance hits as "Percolator," "Flash" and "Shake and Pop"; what more could you ask for?

Crystal Castles
Friday, April 10 at Bottom Lounge, 7 p.m.; $20
Listening to Crystal Castles brings back memories of playing around with MPCs and computer production programs as a freshman in college, except this Canadian duo has figured out how to make it just right. We think the Bottom Lounge is a great, under-the-radar yet well-loved (just like CC) venue to hear these unique electronic sounds live. Fellow Canadians The Bang Bangs open this all-ages show. f you prefer to keep it strictly 21-plus, check out the after-party with Crystal Castles DJing at Sonotheque.

Africa Hi-Fi
Saturday, April 11 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; $10
We've got nothing against bars and clubs that bring patrons in with cheap booze, but there's something to be said for a party that promotes diversity in nightlife, good music and peace and love over everything else. Africa Hi-Fi manages to do just that each time it takes over Sonotheque, with superb dance music from legendary DJ Ron Trent (who was praised by Sonotheque's Joe Bryl when we interviewed him last year) and the earthy socialite skills of host Sonia H. Tonight, they welcome the hip-hop, soul, funk and dance sounds of New York artist and DJ Ge-Ology. You may not be able to belly up to the bar for free booze, but you can get a different kind of warm, fuzzy feeling by knowing that Africa Hi-Fi supports NextAid and Amnesty International.

Branded
Saturday, April 11 at Congress Theater, 7 p.m.; $21
The folks behind the huge NYE party featuring Justice are teaming up with Time Out Chicago magazine and Cold Grums Productions to launch a new series of events called Branded. Like the New Year's party, Branded brings the hottest live and DJ acts together for one rave-inspired massive party. The 17-plus series kicks off with house artists Deadmau5 and Italian DJs Crookers (responsible for the Kid Cudi "Day and Night" remix that's still blowing up clubs and receiving radio play) headlining. Late of the Pier, The Whip, DJ Zebo, Willy Joy and Noise Floor Crew are just some of the other acts playing. But as the name implies, Branded isn't just about music; the event also aims to incorporate fashion, art and new media with limited-edition artwork and clothing created by artist Dan Stiles.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Best Beats 3/31/09

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

Out of Order
Thursday, April 2 at darkroom, 9 p.m.; $5 with RSVP to rsvp@outoforderchicago.com, $10
For the second installment of their monthly party, Sang and Paul in Chicago welcome the legendary Arthur Baker. Baker's early-'80s production work (Afrika Bambataa, New Order) still continues to influence modern music. Local up-and-coming band Blah Blah Blah performs live and DJ Intel also spins.

Ladytron and The Faint
Friday, April 3 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10
Ladytron and the Faint bring their pop/dance/rock sounds to Metro for shows on Friday and Saturday (along with Telepathe). If you're up for more of a dance party, both acts play DJ sets along with the Dark Wave Disco DJs and opener Figo Friday night in Metro's basement (aka Smartbar).

Robotronic vs. Detroit
Friday, April 3 at Sonotheque, 7 p.m.; $7 before 10 p.m., $10 after
You don't have to be a nightlife writer or social-scene expert to know that Detroit leaves much to be desired when it comes to fun events and great clubs (there's no CenterstageDetroit.com for a reason). But any music fan can tell you that what Detroit lacks in bottle service and atmosphere, it more than makes up for with a rich musical history. Tonight, Thelonious Funk of SwankSociety.com and Jerome Derradji (BBE) represent for Chicago, while influential Detroit producers and DJs Randolph and Rick 'The Godson' Wilhite come to town for another installment of the eternal Detroit vs. Chicago dance-music debate.

photo: Clifton Henri

Million $ Mano
Saturday, April 4 at Evil Olive, 10 p.m.
Evil Olive celebrates two years of bringing cheap drinks, hip DJs and partying until damn near the break of dawn to Wicker Park. The celebration comes to a close on Saturday with Million $ Mano, who, since we checked in with him last summer, has kept himself busy playing clubs, festivals and promotional events around the country. As with all weekend events at Olive, this party goes 'til 5 a.m., so wear your most comfortable dancing shoes and make sure you have enough cash to satisfy your booze demons.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

DJ Intel

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

If there's one thing I can say with certainty, it's that DJing isn't easy. There are many flavors to keep in mind when mixing a set, including crowd control, vibe, song order and style, and if a DJ happens to be tasteless in any of those departments he or she may as well call it quits. I've seen crowds turn on DJs within three songs, which makes the DJ culture as ruthless as it is rewarding. So when I wanted to interview a representative of this unique world, I looked for a person that was experienced and talented enough to have seen it and done it all, and the name that inevitably came to mind was Intel.

Known as one of the hardest-working DJs around, Intel has become synonymous with the Chicago hip-hop scene. As a budding DJ he learned the ropes from legendary DJs Spryte, Adapt (both from Chicago Tribe) and PNS (Molemen), who collectively provided Intel with enough insight to confidently venture off on his own. Since then he's held down numerous residencies (at one point he held eight), and his sets, often described as "instant party starters," have earned him opening spots for high-profile artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples and Atmosphere to name a few. But what makes Intel a pillar in Chicago's unforgiving nightlife scene is his ability to appeal to the dance-floor fanatics as much as the immobile barflies-often within the same set at that. I caught up with Intel on a rare off night and was lucky enough to hear about how it all got started and the records that ignited the fire.

How did you become interested in DJing?
I first got interested in DJing from attending parties throughout Chicago. I was always fascinated by the way a DJ could control the entire vibe and mood of a party. My brother bought the "scratch master" DJ kit, which was a pair of BD10's and a mixer, from the back pages of The Source magazine. I started messing around on his decks, learning to blend and scratch. I eventually started buying my own records and got my first set of 1200 turntables. I met up with the original Chicago Tribe guys, Spryte and Adapt, and we started throwing our own parties.

Do you remember your first record?
The first cassette tapes I ever bought were The Real Roxanne, a Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five collection, and I believe Licensed To Ill. The first CD I ever bought was Urban Dance Squad's second album. My first record I bought as a listener was the "Jam On It" 12 inch single by Newcleus. We used to breakdance hardcore to that song. And of course Michael Jackson's Thriller on vinyl when it came out. I'm pretty sure almost everyone bought that though; nothing like a sweet gatefold picture of Mike. I don't remember the first record I actually bought when I started to DJ though. I used to buy so many; no rent no bills.

Take me back to your first gig.
My first DJ gig out in public was at The Playhouse in Forest Park, Illinois. It was the first of many Chicago Tribe parties. Somehow we got DJ PNS to come out to the burbs to DJ. Surprisingly this party popped off pretty hard. I remember mixing in my bedroom for like a week picking out the perfect records and order to play them in. I still have the flyer: a full-page black and white xerox hand-drawn flyer. Those were the days.

You've DJ'd for a lot of artists. Which were your favorites and which were the worst?
There's been a lot of really great shows I've been lucky to be a part of. When I think favorites, Scott Hendy and Andy Smith at Smartbar, Africa Bambaataa at Smartbar, MF Doom at Metro, Steinski at Smartbar and the Wu-Tang Clan at House of Blues all come to mind. 2009 has barely started and I have a ton of favorite moments already. I'm very excited for this year.

I don't think I have any least favorites. I can say there's been some events that should have been better attended but that always happens. I guess I can say the Florida stop on the DJ Vadim Soundcatcher tour was maybe my least favorite. We made the best of it though. Have you ever seen DJ Vadim rap and sing his own songs? I have.

Now as a DJ you're essentially in the heart of Chicago nightlife, so you got to give me at least one crazy story.
I DJ'd a Tony Touch and DJ Muggs party at a club called Circus in Chicago. They had Tony Touch in the main room playing party jams, and they stuck Muggs and I in the back lounge room. The room pretty much consisted of veiled beds, couches, a bar and DJ booth. We were playing downtempo and hip-hop while people were getting faded and making out. We basically became people's make-out mixtape. A little weird.

Maybe the craziest thing to happen was at the Ghostface Killah show at Joe's. A rapper named Tru Life started a glass-bottle fight with the crowd. I got caught in the middle of it on stage, and tried to cover the turntables and stay safe. Insane and Intense. I thought the show would get shut down for sure, but Ghost showed up and rocked the hell out of that place. Maybe add the Ghostface performance to my favorites list.

Worrying about the tables before your own safety? A true DJ indeed. How do you feel about the city ordinance they're trying to pass - the one where independent promoters have to get a ridiculously expensive insurance liability?
I'm very opposed to it. It will silence the voice of many up-and-coming bands, DJs, rappers, etc. I would be nowhere if I wasn't able to throw and promote my own shows.

Favorite venues to spin at?
I really enjoy the sound at Smartbar and Spy Bar. I always have a blast at darkroom (he plays with Arthur Baker on Thursday, April 2) and Funky Buddha. Lava and Metro have always been good to me. And any place in Northern California, and Portland.

Favorite chill spots?
Places I go to chill? I like going to the movies and cooking. So I'm going to say my house is my favorite chill spot. If I go out, probably Lava on a Tuesday night. There really aren't enough downtempo chill lounge nights left in Chicago. I wish there was. I'll get to work on that.

What are your most prized records?
DJ Shadow, "What Does Your Soul Look Like" (Mo'Wax), 1995
I remember first hearing this track and it completely blew my mind. So smooth and so soulful. How can you not like it? It completely changed my outlook on music and DJing.

Portishead, "Mysterons" (Go! Discs/London), 1994
Q101 had a 120-minute kind of show a while back and they were talking about this up-and-coming group Portishead. They played two tracks and I was completely sold. The next day I went out and bought the album on vinyl. I used to always play out this track.

Al Kooper, Steve Stills and Mike Bloomfield, "Season Of The Witch" (Columbia), 1968
I'm not really sure why I'm picking this song, it just seems right. I can listen to it like 20 times in a row and not get sick of it.

Grace Jones, "Williams Blood" Aeroplane rejected remix (Wall of Sounds), 2008
OK, well the source material isn't new, but Aeroplane's take is. It rolls so smooth and solid - deep and hypnotic. I have no idea why Jones's label would reject this.

Troublemaker, "Follow The Leader" (Hollyrock), 2007
It has a nice, melodic, dubsteppish vibe. A real speaker beater. Play it loud and melt faces.

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Best Beats 3/23/09

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

Rapture: Blondie vs. Run DMC
Friday, March 27 at Subterranean, 9 p.m.; Free
Subterranean's newest party, Rapture, features a night of hip-hop, post-punk, rock and new wave, from the time that ushered in those sounds, the late '70s and early '80s. Tonight, DJs SR-71 and Avi Sic join resident DJ Trew for a party that pays tribute to the groundbreaking artists and genres.

Spandexxx
Friday, March 27 at Sonotheque, 9 p.m.; free with RSVP to rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com, $10 otherwise
When she was just in high school in the late '80s, Lady Tigra, along with Bunny D as L'Trimm, laid down one of the most popular underground Miami Bass songs ever, "Cars with the Boom." Now, a decade later, she's back blasting speakers with fun, throwback hip-hop and dance jams and headlining URChicago.com and Venus Zine's monthly dance party, Spandexxx. Most of the crowd at Sonotheque was likely in diapers when L'Trimm hit the scene, but Lady Tigra is no nostalgia act; she's still promoting, writing jingles and producing in New York (and somehow still looks just as young as the club kids getting down to her sounds). Cassette and Count Rockula also perform along with resident DJs Rocktapussy. Get there early for free Red Stripe from 9-10 and giveaways from Chicago's best independent, woman-owned sex shop, Early to Bed.

East of Edens Soul Express
Saturday, March 28 at Hideout, 11:30 p.m.; $5
Following a performance by Rabbit Factory Records artists Wiley and the Checkmates, the East of Edens Soul Express, music aficionados James Porter and John Ciba (co-owner of Rabbit Factory turn the Hideout into a full-blown soulful dance party. Be ready for a serious soul shakedown.

Gui Borrato
Saturday, March 28 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $10 before midnight, $15 after
Brazilian composer and DJ Gui Borrato comes to town to celebrate his latest album, Take My Breath Away, released on well-regarded techno label Kompakt. The album has already caused quite a stir among electronic music and techno fans and we're sure that, alongside Zuvuya Recordings' Gabriel Palomo, Sevron and Audiophile, this night just might make you rethink the future of techno.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Black Stone Theatre Collective

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

Thanks to albums from Cap D, Primeridian, The Pacifics and Iomos Marad, the All Natural label has built a solid reputation around its ability to produce uncompromising Chicago hip-hop. So when news broke that it was going to release a funk/disco fusion album, many idealists were left scratching their heads, wondering if this was the beginning of the end. But label co-founder Tone B. Nimble has always had a fondness for the city's house scene.

Early on, Tone's eclectic tastes in music opened doors for various collaborations including one with longtime friend and founder of the Black Stone Theatre Collective, Andy C. The BSTC is one of the most formidable groups to emerge from the underground dance scene, and with All Natural's stamp of approval, it's no wonder that the collective is in such high demand. Centerstage had the opportunity to catch up with Andy C. and talk about everything from the band's early beginnings to house chores.

Who makes up BSTC and what are your respective talents?
The main people behind the music are myself [Andy C.] and Tunji. The touring band consists of: Tunji-guitar, Myron Cherry-drums, Will Bagget-bass, Sticko-bass, Chris Paquette-percussion, Fred Jackson-sax, Shaun Johnson-trumpet, myself-keyboards and the lead vocalists are Keanna Johnson aka KeeKee Rose, JL, Yaw and Jamice, with Dejuan on background vocals.

Other contributing members to the studio project were James "cuz" Thomas-drums (Soul People), Shawn Wallace-keyboards [Soul People], CJ Tucker-drums, Frayne Lewis-bass (Urban Knights), Marshall Knight-bass, Zzaje-various, Low Down Brass Band-horns, Steve "Funkworm" Butler-guitar, Kenny Keys-keyboards, Corey Wilkes-trumpet, and guest vocalists Russoul and Maggie Brown, and last but not least, my father Wallace "Corkey" Arvinger, my personal music historian!

Wow. Now your name is derived from the Blackstone Theatre. How did that scene help inspire you? ,br> The unity of the scene around that time inspired me to create the collective. During the '50s and '60s Chicago was the center of the music world, and when the who's who of the world-music scene were in town, they would all hook up and jam at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase that was in the front of the Hotel and Theatre building. The beauty and spontaneity of great musicians jamming together, locking on a groove, there is nothing like that type of experience. BSTC was created to bring that experience back to the forefront, because it is badly needed.

So when BSTC sits down to lay out a song, what goes into that creative process?
Well, most of the time I will start with an idea for a song, and then I will flesh out the basic parts. Then I will go into the studio with Tunji, and we will add additional instrumentation, and/or vocals if needed. From there the song will go through many stages of completion till it feels right. In fact "Fly Away," a song off the Music for a Saturday Evening album, was built around a vocal melody Keanna sang on my voice mail. I recorded it into Pro Tools and we fleshed the song out around her melody.

Does anyone in particular emerge as a leader or is it more organic?
I would be the leader of the band, but in a live situation, it is definitely organic; everyone feeds off of each other and the energy from the room.

How did you link up with the All Natural label?
Well Tone B. Nimble and myself grew up together. So basically this is an extension of us working on music from our high school and college days. We had just finished the first two records of the project [Jazz In Outerspace], and I asked Tone to take a listen and tell me what he thought. He loved it, and called me back right away and we started to put it together from there. So far so good!

Tell me about Music for a Saturday Evening and what went into that album.
A whole lot of hard work! The album is four years in the making and basically a window into the many modes and moods of Chicago music. In putting this record together I wanted to make a record that reminded me of some of the best Saturdays of my life, as well as highlighting what I think are some of the best talents in the city of Chicago and beyond. Growing up listening to incredible music while doing my chores, that seemed to make time pass so fast, it almost felt like I wasn't working at all, and at the same time it inspired me to finish so I could enjoy Saturday evenings. With this record I wanted to bring back that feeling, so younger generations would have an opportunity to experience what inspired me to take this journey!

Any favorite venues in Chicago to perform at?
We haven't performed at too many venues in Chicago, but I would have to say out of the venues we have performed at I personally liked the darkroom. Just big enough to feel like a rock star and small enough for the reality of bad attendance to sink in-not to deter you though-and a great sound system, and as a performer that's the best of both worlds! Secondly the Double Door, its stage space is wonderful when you have seven musicians, and four singers.

What about Chicago inspires you?
The weather actually, you only really get three or four months of really pleasant weather here. For me that alone reminds me to focus and stay grinding, because unfortunately nothing stays the same, so you must always be as prepared as you can. If you have lived in Chicago for any amount of time you know what I mean.

Upcoming projects for 2009?
Summer 2009: The BSTC Experience EP. This project is for all of our house and disco fans who helped introduce the BSTC on a global scale-shouts out to Leonard Part 6 for putting the house scene up on Jazz In Outerspace, and to Vic Lavender for the ill remix. It's seven dance-floor joints inspired by the '80s and '90s Chicago club scene at venues like Warehouse, Music Box, Power Plant, Powerhouse and Bismark Pavilion; it's basically a thank you to all of our fans that wanted to hear us go there. We are also working on a summer and fall tour, check our MySpace, or our blog for upcoming show dates and more info on the tour.

Check out BSTC on Friday, March 27 at the Double Door.

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Best Beats 3/17/09

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

Cut Copy DJ Set
Wednesday, March 18 at Berlin, 9 p.m.; $10
If you couldn't get tickets to Cut Copy's show at the Vic Theatre or if you want to get up close and personal with members of the band, head across the street to Berlin to catch the after-party, appropriately titled the Cutters Party. The band gets behind the turntables along with fellow Aussies Knightlife, Daisy O'Dell and Jordan Z.

Disco Unusual Social Club
Thursday, March 19-Saturday March 21 at various venues, 9 p.m.; $5, no cover with RSVP to discounusualsocialclub@gmail.com
Lono Brazil, the man behind the regular throwdown at Danny's, said it best himself: "all good things must come to a trend!" The party that's gaining quite a buzz among nightlife fans and dance-music aficionados is poised to take over this weekend. Very special guest disco DJs and producers Lovefingers and Lee Douglas are in town, so Lono is taking DUSC around town. "Dancin' in the Exposphere" kicks off Thursday at Danny's, makes its debut on Friday at Sonotheque and concludes in Pilsen at Simone's Bar on Saturday. We hope all the people who couldn't get into Danny's to hear the sounds get a chance to make it to one of these events to finally see what all the fuss is about.

Fischerspooner DJ Set
Friday March 20 at Debonair Social Club, 10 p.m.; $20
It seems like ages ago that electroclash nights were taking over the clubs, a movement which was due in large part to Fischerspooner's huge hit, "Emerge." While the scene eventually fizzled, Fischerspooner went on to be heralded by other acclaimed artists and fashionistas and even broke the UK Top 40, so it's no surprise that the duo's already gaining lots of hype for its upcoming sophomore album, Entertainment. The tour hits Chicago May 30 and we can't wait to see how the guys combine edgy, futuristic fashion, art, dance music and technology this time around. Until then, we'll take this DJ date to give us a sneak peak of things to come.

Busy P
Saturday, March 21 at Smartbar, 10 p.m.; $15
His name may not be as easily recognizable as other Ed Banger artists such as Daft Punk, Uffie or Justice, but these French dance-music superstars owe a big part of their success to Pedro Winter, aka Busy P. Besides the fact that he owns Ed Banger records and managed Daft Punk from the '90s until around 2006, Busy P is a mean producer and DJ, having more than a few sick remixes under his belt, including the infectious "Chop Suey" track. He's joined by locals James Amato, Skyler and Derek Specs for a fun "first day of Spring" dance party.

Uberjam
Saturday, March 21 at Crocodile, 10 p.m.; Free
The basement at Crocodile is still the place to head on the weekend for the young, cool, see and be seen crowd. But it's not all a scene; DJs Trew and Mass Transit provide the deep throwback '90s tracks that get us all nostalgic and if not full-on dancing, at least moving around. Add in the good cocktails, free pizza, cool decor and no cover and you've got one of the best finds for cheap Saturday-night fun.

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JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

When listening to contemporary soul it's always important not to get overzealous with the comparisons. Sure the JB's, Funkadelic, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions, Earth Wind & Fire and The Meters set the precedent, but one must remember it was a vastly different time and place occupied by a completely different generation of fans. In a nutshell, '70s soul was a genre that defied convention with its fearless attempts to soundtrack a turbulent sociopolitical climate. Even if we're not really "post-racial," things have changed.

Different things are expected of soul bands these days, too; a funky backbeat isn't enough. Groups are now expected to be flavorful in progression and uncompromising in both character and presentation.

Judging from its new album, Beat of Our Own Drum, Chicago's own JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound is far more than a band lost in nostalgia. Instead, the Uptown Sound covers a diverse range of sounds owing as much to rock and punk as to soul and R&B. Ben Taylor's work on bass dances like thunder throughout, with the accompanying lightning coming courtesy of drummer Kevin Marks. Together the two provide a soundscape over which JC Brooks (lead vocal) can wail, scream, harmonize and downright beg. Billy Bungeroth (guitar) adds a softer tone that takes over when words won't suffice.

It's a pleasure to know that Chicago hasn't forgotten its roots in soul and R&B, and JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound is a living testament. This explains why the folks at Numero Group invited the group to be the backing band at its Eccentric Soul Revue on April 4.

Centerstage was fortunate enough to catch up with Billy Bungeroth before the group's album release party at the Empty Bottle on February 28, and talk about how a simple ad on Craigslist started it all.

Tell me about how JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound came together?
I was playing in an indie-rock band a year or so ago, but listening almost exclusively to '60s soul records. I wrote a bio for that indie-rock band that included the word "sexy," I referenced Wilson Pickett, and talked about how the audience would dance and celebrate at our shows. I got reamed out by the other guys for writing a bio that didn't fit us, and they told me people don't go to places like the Empty Bottle to dance. So I put an ad on Craigslist with a vision of a multi-racial band that made sexy and political music that you could dance to. JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound are the guys who showed up at my doorstep to answer that ad. My life has changed considerably since then. And people know how to get down at the Empty Bottle by the way.

How has Chicago played a role?
Musically Chicago held the homes of our highest musical inspirations from both ends of the spectrum. From Curtis Mayfield to Jeff Tweedy, there are so many names from this city. Experimental innovators like Phil Cohran, Sun Ra and The Pharaohs plus soul giants like Sam Cooke, The Staple Singers and Gene Chandler. And literally our friends and contemporaries like Marvin Tate, Califone, Tortoise, Ken Vandermark and The Cool Kids. We are on fertile soil here. Just stop into any club, any night.

Take me back to your first performance together.
Summer 2007. The band dressed in tight white sailor pants and black shirts because I'd seen a picture of Booker T. & the MG's in similar outfits. We played after a band called Scattered Maize in which the entire band dressed in mid-1800s Indian garb. JC was out of this world that night. I mean he was cool in the rehearsals leading up to it but brother just cut loose that night. He killed it. Of those 30 people in the audience there that night four or five have been to every Chicago show since. And this is me thanking them for that.

Who are some of your influences from both the past and present music scenes?
Well, the Chicago list is above. The first night we hung out there was a lot of talk about Stax Records, Gang Of Four, Fugazi, BLK JKS, Al Green, The Stooges, The Meters and James Brown.

But when we're in the van after about two hours of cool music everybody's iPods start getting dry and exposing a lot of New Jack Swing like Keith Sweat, Tevin Campbell, Guy, New Edition, BBD and Janet. Living Colour is inevitably discussed. And then I put on some rare Shuggie Otis and it's like that weird interlude never even happened. Not a word.

Your album is a blend of soul, rock and punk, which stems from a long line of influences. How do you pay homage while still remaining progressive?
It's an interesting balance. I find that mainstream rock 'n' roll and R&B from 1958-1974 is almost unanimously amazing. And then in '75 it gets bloated and overwrought, but about that time the underground takes over, punk replaces rock and hip-hop replaces R&B. Our music is just re-imagining that first era with the knowledge of the second underground era.

I know too much about Joy Division and PIL to ever play my guitar right. And JC has heard too much Spearhead and PE to write lyrics about just "Baby, baby, I love you," but we don't want the audience to stand and watch us emote like they do in the post-punk, post-rap world. We'll play with all the primal energy we can at times, but it's always in service of that audience living in that moment. We aren't pretending the past 35 years didn't happen. We're just saying you can listen with your ears and shake your booty at the same time. One nation under a groove.

No doubt! Tell me about your album [Beat of Our Own Drum].
Here's how it works for every band "on the verge" in Chi-town.

Go to the studio. Fork over your money to your buddy who's cutting you a deal in a converted Polish social club. Set up. Smoke cigarettes. Play your best, pretty much all live. Pray someday someone will hear it. Mix it. Tell a lot of jokes. Pray someone hears it. Smoke cigarettes. Get into a fight about a song. Read pornography. Eat some food. Forget about it. Smoke cigarettes. Drive home listening to the unmastered copy, proud-as-all-hell. Tell your girlfriend it was an amazing four days before you pass out for 12 hours. Go back to your day job. Fall asleep. Dream that someone hears it and invests in your music. Wake up still proud, but praying that next time you can be even more true to the sound you hear in your head.

You're going to be backing some legends at The Eccentric Soul Revue. How did you initially link up with Numero?
I think they called us 'cause of our good friend John Ciba from Rabbit Factory Records. And then I think they sent a spy to one of our shows, I'm not entirely sure. All I know is I'd been listening to their records for years so when that call came in it was like a jump up-and-down moment for me. They are the authority on obscure Chicago Soul.

What's it like so far working with legends like Syl Johnson, the Kennedy brothers, Nate Evans, Renaldo Domino and The Notations?
Well, Syl doesn't know this but I had a picture of him in my room in high school [that] I stole off a telephone pole on Cottage Grove. Probably the only little brat on the North Shore in the late '90s with one of those, but it's an honor. Darrow Kennedy and the Kaldirons are hilarious, we watch them crack jokes like they're the cool uncles at a family cookout. Renaldo Domino is great 'cause it's amazing to see someone come back to it. And Cliff Curry of the Notations and Bruce Rodgers are about as positive of people as I've met in recent years; soul is a descriptor for them. And Syl, he's just Syl, man. He may be older now but he's so feisty James Brown would turn the corner if he came walking down his street with a stick.

Now the combination of contemporary soul and old-school soul seems easy enough, but I've heard other situations not turn out so well. Have these guys passed on any words of wisdom?
First of all these guys are more into contemporary music than I am. You're talking about guys in their 60s into sampler keyboards, computerized guitars and the Wu Tang Clan. We're the ones who are hung up on old 45s and analog tape. As far as what we've learned from them, too much too list here for me personally. Many years of soul knowledge in The Eccentric Soul Revue, that's for sure. They are the real deal. I could see Syl saying "Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin ta fuck wit," I really can.

Any favorite venues in Chicago to perform at?
The Uptown Theater will be after President Obama and Jesus Christ restore it together wearing jet packs. Until then the Hideout and The Empty Bottle are the places we call home. But we play them all - the Double Door, Martyrs', darkroom. We're doing a show promoting literacy next month at Metro [March 19], that'll be a first for us.

Where does JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound like to relax when not performing?
The Second City. Any sound Chicago advice?
A lot of people think Chicago is the step on the road to another destination. It's not. Chicago is the destination. We live in the greatest city on Earth. Mind it, support it. If you dig music and you like to dance and you like heart-drenched ballads and funky post-punk workouts then there's a dude named Mr. JC Brooks in Chicago I think you ought to go and see.

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