Chuck Anthony's Chicagoland Rock 'n Roll Blog

Eddie Vedder Goes "All the Way" with Cubs Jam

2008-09-28T12:03:00.004-05:00

Chicago native, Pearl Jam founder and passionate Cubs fan, Eddie Vedder has written a song paying tribute to the north-siders called "All the Way". The song was made available on September 18th for digital download on the official Pearl Jam website for 99 cents. Meantime, enjoy the YouTube version...

VH1 Save The Music Needs Your Support

2008-08-22T06:10:00.003-05:00

These are tough economic times to say the least. So what happens to charitable organizations such as VH1 Save The Music when donors are squeezed? They try harder and succeed! And, fortunately for the kids getting ready to go back to school. Since 1997, "Save The Music" has donated over $40 million worth of musical instruments to 1,500 schools in over 100 US cities.

The foundation is indeed doing its part to support music education programs that have been eliminated due to budget cuts in many school districts. Why is this important? Forward-thinking educators know that kids benefit from having music play a role in their development. Research shows that music study not only improves children’s early development but also, helps develop critical thinking and self discipline skills. These include basic math and reading skills, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, reasoning skills, and last but not least, school attendance. Also, children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. As a result, they are also less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

As you can see, the benefits that the foundation provides go way beyond the scope of just music education alone. I support these efforts and encourage my rock and roll friends to get involved. You can sign up for VH! Save The Music updates and stay current on their upcoming events and progress. Or, just click on VH1 Save The Music to learn more. Thanks!

Bill Murray To Drop In At Chicago Air and Water Show

2008-08-08T06:36:00.008-05:00

You might recall award-winning actor, Chicago's own Bill Murray in the movie, 'What About Bob' where he's perched on the bow of a sailboat and exclaims, "I'm sailing!" Well, this time he might be saying "I'm falling!" Free falling that is, and this time not in a movie but on behalf of the USO as part of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. That's right, and in fact, Bill's courageous dive will dare I say, jump-start the festivities this year at The 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show. It's sure to grab some headlines so, keep your eyes peeled for Bill as he makes his grand entrance into the show at North Avenue Beach on Friday, August 15th at 3pm.

Also duly noted is a Gary Sinese and the Lt. Dan Band concert that will also take place at North Avenue Beach starting at 5pm.

The show itself attracts over two million spectators annually to the lakefront so, public transportation is highly recommended. A fly-over in your Cessna Skyhawk is not, unless of course, you want your wings clipped.

Lollapalooza 2008 Headliners snd Last Minute Tickets

2008-08-01T10:03:00.003-05:00

Back again as it is every August in the Windy City, the live music event unlike any other--a musical, cultural and community experience in a setting as inviting as Grant Park on Chicago's magnificent lakefront; Lollapalooza. The event opens today, August 1st and runs through August 3rd.

Headliners this year are Radiohead, The Raconteurs, Wilco, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails and Kanye West.

Lollapalooza, you may recall prior to 2007 was a travelling festival until organizers figured out that finding a home like Chicago made more sense both logistically and economically. Translated: More money for the promoters.

Get Premium Lollapalooza Passes!

View the Lollapalooza Live Webcast!

Google Maps Walk the Line

2008-07-25T06:09:00.004-05:00

Google Maps are rolling out walking directions on a wider scale according to Search Engine Roundtable reports. Check out the map I've embedded here showing us how to get from the Chicago House Of Blues to Hard Rock Cafe. Interesting point; Google reminds us that their "walking" service is still in beta and offers a disclaimer stating “Use caution when walking in unfamiliar areas.” Thanks, Google, for the heads up. I appreciate you watching my back.

In any event, it's good news for tourists and mobile device users. Maybe it saves you some cab fare or a gallon of gas as well. So why not hoof it? We can all use some more exercise. Not only that but, there have been times I've been in the Loop (downtown) and asked someone where's this or that. Turns out they're just as lost as I am. Then I'm thinking, where's a traffic cop when you need them. Well, Google Maps to the resue!

You can try Google maps walking directions in your home town. Just enter your "to" and "from" info and you're good to go.

Rockin' For The Troops 2008

2008-07-15T08:59:00.008-05:00

Every year at this time, Chicago's very own Gary Sinise, the Oscar nominated actor who played 'Lieutenant Dan' in the movie, 'Forest Gump' and who currently plays Detective Mac Taylor on 'CSI: NY', leads the effort in a great cause -- Rockin' for the Troops 2008 Benefit Concert. It's certainly true that 'Lt. Dan' is one of Sinise's best-known characters, but as he takes on the role of fundraiser; supporting the troops and the Iraqi children, this particular role takes on special meaning.

A few years ago, he and Laura Hillenbrand, author of the book "Seabiscuit: An American Legend," co-founded OIC -- Operation Iraqi Children, a grassroots organization to collect and distribute badly needed school supplies to Iraqi children. Subsequently, OIC came started touring with the United Service Organizations. As a longtime supporter of U.S. troops, Gary Sinise's USO affiliation began in June 2003 with his first tour of the Middle East. It was during his second trip to Iraq with the USO in November 2003 that he saw how much the troops appreciated being with the Iraqi school children. It was at that point that Gary informed the troops that he would gather and ship school supplies for them to distribute to the Iraqi kids.

Enter Gary Sinise in the role of bass player and leader of a rock band aptly named the Lt. Dan Band. Along with co-founder and Chicago composer, Kimo Williams, Gary and his band also helped Operation Support our Troops - Illinois (OSOTIL) raise over $100,000 for the needs of our troops deployed in harm's way. OSOTIL has sent over 12,000 25 lb care packages to military personnel, and donated over $75,000 to programs to help our returning wounded. Once again, we can join in the effort and enjoy a great evening of entertainment while helping to support those who sacrifice so much. The Lt. Dan Band will be back in the Chicago area this summer...

Saturday, July 19th at 4:00 pm

Rockin' For the Troops - 2007

Featuring

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band

with Special Guests

American English

and Chicago Radio Legend

Dick Biondi

Fundraising concert at Cantigny Park Parade Grounds

1S151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton, IL ( directions )

For more information please visit:

Operation Support Our Troops Illinois

Ticket prices are $25 and may be purchased online or by phone at 800-594-TIXX (8499) Monday thru Friday. Your $25 ticket will pay the postage on one box sent to a military person! If you are unable to attend but would like to purchase a ticket, OSOTIL will donate your ticket to a returning veteran.

Taste Of Chicago Concert Line-up

2008-06-25T13:07:00.007-05:00

The Windy City's summer event not to be missed is of course, Taste of Chicago starting Friday, June 27 through Sunday, July 6. We'll forego commentary on the obvious reasons to attend (but here are the participating restaurants) and get right to the "meat and potatoes" of this briefing -- the free concerts at the Taste. Here's the 2008 Taste Of Chicago concert line-up...

Friday, June 27 @ 5:30pm - Chaka Khan, Angie Stone
Saturday, June 28 @ 5:30pm - Stevie Wonder
Sunday, June 29 @ 5:00pm - Plain White T's, Josh Kelley
Monday, June 30 @ 6:00pm - Broadway In Chicago (casts of Jersey Boys, Wicked, etc.)
Tuesday, July 1 @ 5:30pm - Joss Stone, Ryan Shaw
Wednesday, July 2 @ 5:30pm - Fantasia Estelle
Thursday, July 3 @ 8:00pm - 28th Annual Independence Eve Concert
Thursday July 3 @ 9:30pm - Fireworks Spectacular
Friday, July 4 @ 3:00pm - Gomez, Old 97's Alejandro Escovedo
Friday, July 4 @ 9:30pm - Fireworks
Saturday, July 5 @ 5:30pm - Bonnie Raitt, Dave Barnes

Alright if you're really hungry for more foodstuff, I've got just the thing... The City of Chicago website has a new Interactive Taste Of Chicago Map where you can go virtual booth hopping.

As far as avoiding a massive throng in the food lines, my best advice is to graze on a weekday from 11am to 3pm (other than the 3rd or 4th of July). You'll be among the downtown lunchtime crowd and they are fairly civilized as opposed to the alternative. You want to eat a sandwich, not be part of one.

As always, I recommend public transportation for getting to and from TOC. Out-of-towners, check out my previous post on New Google Maps for Mobile and you won't get lost. Have fun!

Crosstown Classic Weekend in Chicago

2008-06-20T08:03:00.005-05:00

Chicago baseball fans, the time has come for another showdown; the Cubs and White Sox face-off in a three-game series starting today at Wrigley Field. Yes, our north side/south side rivals meet again in what is known as the Crosstown Classic.

With the curse of the Billy Goat firmly in tact (100 years since a Cubs World championship), the massive crowds at Wrigley this year will be in for an extra treat -- both teams are in first place right now and this dare I say, could be a precursor to a Cubs/Sox World Series. Fat chance though. On the other hand, it would be just like those pesky White Sox to knock off the Cubs in a best of seven. In any event, if that were to happen Chicago would definitely become baseball heaven.

By the way, good seats can still be found for the Crosstown Classic. Check 'em out at StubHub!

Photo: Chicago's Famous Billy Goat Tavern

You Know You're Getting Old When...

2008-06-14T09:29:00.006-05:00

Joe Walsh is featured in AARP Magazine. Seems "Life In The Fast Lane" has merged into memory lane for some famous and not-so-famous rockers. In any event, the article is a very well written piece by Margaret Guroff, pictured here with Joe Walsh. Guroff writes about her experience at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp held recently in Las Vegas.

By the way, do check out Joe's 'All New Fantastic, Super-Technology' website (his own words) featuring a rather funny video intro and handy links to "Joe Walsh Radio" and lots more.

Back to AARP, there's also a great account of Rock Camp written by Billy Coulter of AARP.org. Coulter is an award-winning singer/songwriter in his own write. He performs regularly around the Washington, D.C. area and recently won the Washington Area Music Association's "WAMMIE" award as "Roots Rock Vocalist of the Year."

Way to go, Billy! AARP! Geez, is that like, last call?

New Google Maps For Mobile in Chicago

2008-06-08T10:26:00.003-05:00

There's intersting news out of Google that can help Chicagoans (and other big city dwellers) navigate city streets and at the same time, encourage the use of public transportation. It's the new Google Maps for Mobile! Geared to enhance BlackBerry devices and other Java-based phones, 'Maps' now helps you get transit directions just as you would on the web version. Chicago and over 40 other major cities in North America are covered with more to come.

Considering the price of gas these days, Google gets a nod for at least trying to use its influence proactively. Check out the video for more on this.

25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, Buddy Guy and Bo Diddley

2008-06-05T09:28:00.008-05:00

Just in time for the 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival this weekend in Grant Park, The City of Chicago website has prepared a special treat for you. Check out the Chicago Free Enhanced Audio Tours featuring Buddy Guy's History of Chicago Blues, narrated by the master himself, Buddy Guy. Buddy's personal story by itself serves as an inspiration to musicians everywhere. In particular, the manner in which Buddy Guy was introduced to blues greats, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Willie Dixon. The "tour" also includes some bonus video clips of Buddy telling us about his experience introducing artists such as the Rolling Stones to the Chicago Blues and the blues greats who recorded at the legendary Chess Records.

Of course, 'Blues Fest' attendees this year will miss Chicago-born Bo Diddley, who passed away this week due to heart failure. Bo, himself a legend in blues and early rock and roll was best known for the "Bo Diddley Beat" a.k.a. "shave and a haircut" and his trademark rectangular shaped Gretsch guitar.

Eagles Post-Wal Mart Phase; MP3 Downloads at Amazon

2008-06-04T14:32:00.005-05:00

Remember when you could only buy the new Eagles release at Wal Mart? Well, no longer. Thanks to Amazon MP3, you might be interested checking out this new Amazon MP3 exclusive; Long Road Out of Eden, featuring "Hole in the World," which is unavailable for download elsewhere. What I like most about these Amazon MP3 are the fact that they're free of DRM software, which means they will play on virtually anything that plays MP3s, including PCs, Macs®, iPods®, Zunes®, Zens®, iPhones®, RAZRs®, and BlackBerrys®.

Rock Concerts A-Z; Click It and Ticket

2008-05-28T07:16:00.006-05:00

Borrowing the popular law enforcement mantra today, "click it or ticket" (and you better!), let's do that but with a little variation of course -- Click it AND ticket! -- Try it out and fasten your seat belts rockers because summer concert season is definitely kickin' into full gear. So you don't miss out and for your convenience, I scrounged up a handy StubHub Rock Concert Finder page that will make your concert-going endeavors far more fan-friendly than just buying nose-bleed seats from some scalper.

Check out my article on How StubHub Works and have fun this summer.

Amazon Digital Downloads, Widget News, and Promotions

2008-05-23T08:23:00.010-05:00

The Amazon.com Affiliate Program has just introduced a new MP3 widget that I'm happy to report, sets them apart from a myriad of other affiliate programs out there currently. Internet marketers specializing in the entertainment industry will find this implement a welcome addition to their existing band blogs, artist blogs, fan blogs (and websites), what have you. In other words, lots of possibilities here.

The Amazon MP3 widget lets you play song samples from their vast selection of DRM-free catalog of over 5 Million MP3s. Check it out on this blog's sidebar. I have the widget set to classic rock but you can easily direct your own Amazon MP3 widget to capture any genre you desire.

Aside from this promotional news on the marketing front, Amazon is also rolling out special deals on digital downloads such as 'Friday 5' (five albums for $5 bucks each), MP3 Album of the Day for $2.99 and a few free digital downloads just for good measure.

Amazon.com Widgets

eBay Live! Chicago June 19 - 21 at McCormick Place

2008-05-06T14:18:00.005-05:00

Hey, it's eBay Live! in Chicago coming up on June 19-21. All the eBay 'rockstars' will be there as well as one real one; Chris Isaak providing the entertainment. If you can't get enough eBay, you won't want to miss the festivities. There will be more than 10,000 fellow eBayers in attendance in this fast-paced three-day event to be held at McCormick Place West on Chicago's lakefront. Once you're there you'll hob-knob with your eBay peers and thousands of other fellow eBay fanatics to share tips, strategies, and a great time. Whether you're a PowerSeller or a casual buyer, this event is for you.

I just learned about eBay Live! myself while browsing some great vintage guitars and amps on one of my bookmarked pages. Check 'em out. You never know when you might catch a seller at just the right time and get a great deal on vintage gear.

Free Download of Coldplay's New Single Release

2008-04-30T06:37:00.009-05:00

Listen up you all -- British art-rock band Coldplay are releasing their new single, "Violet Hill" on its website free of charge. That's absolutely free!! It bears repeating because how often does an a-list artist offer their material to the general public at no cost? Not very. That said, I have to applaud the band for their willingness to explore new methods of distribution made possible via the web. All they are asking for in return is your email address. After listening to "Violet Hill" today, I'll go out on a limb say; it's a fair exchange.

So this begs the question: Why can’t the recording industry be more like the artists they represent?

To get your free copy of "Violet Hill" just click on Coldplay. If you encounter a download problem after receiving your confirmation email, simply copy and paste the download URL into your browser. You may have to add the following characters (to the URL) which may not be hyperlinked in your confirmation email from Coldplay: These are: * followed two digits.

The single is from the new Coldplay album "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" scheduled for US release on June 17, 2008. I understand that the free digital download will only be available for a limited time so better get your Coldplay while its hot!

Check on Coldplay Concert Tickets

The Lee Elia Tirade; 25 Years Later

2008-04-29T09:08:00.007-05:00

Nothing to do with rock 'n roll but, today is the 25th anniversary of an important moment in Chicago sports history; the Lee Elia Cubs Tirade.

I can still remember hearing the censored version for the first time on the Steve Dahl radio program. Steve of course, a legend in Chicago broadcasting played it over and over again that day. I think he was WDAI-FM back in the day. By the way, if you're not from Chicago and you've never heard of Steve Dahl, you may recall Disco Demolition (the night disco died) ... Hey, I guess there's a bit of a rock 'n roll slant to this story after all; Steve Dahl being sort of the original shock jock. In any event, I was listening to Steve this morning on 104.3 Jack FM and there it was again, the tirade in all it's bleepin' glory.

You can read more about this on ChicagoSports.com. They're featuring the story today for our amusement. You'll find an audio clip of the tirade there too. The uncensored version is available on YouTube. Just search "Lee Elia Tirade" and it'll come right up on the first page of your search results.

Incidentally, Lee Elia and Major League Baseball are promoting this historic rant in the form of a new product called "Recordaball" available on LeeUnplugged.com -- Yeah, there's an official website! Actually a portion of sales will benefit Chicago Baseball Charities, who have raised over $12 million for cancer patient care since 1971.

Lee Elia Sighting: One more item to add here, its rumored that Lee Elia himself will be in attendance at tonight's Cubs-Brewers game at Wrigley Field. Will he throw out the first ball? Sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch? Don't know but I bet he sells a few Recordaballs.

Explore the Latest Guitar Tech at Musician's Friend

2008-04-25T05:45:00.003-05:00

Hey guitar players, it's a great time to check out the number one online musical instrument retailer, Musician's Friend. They're having a humongous sales event on some of the most popular brands such as Gibson, Fender, Dean, Martin, and more. These sweet deals won't last -- In fact the promo ends April 29th so, click on the banner or right here for access to the guitar mega clearance sale right now!

You'll also find some great deals on the top rated Shure mics. Check out the Musician's Friend super rebate offer and ultra-low prices on Shure microphones. Shure mics are world-renowned for their superior quality and dynamic sound. The rebate offers will end on Mar 30, 2007, so take advantage while you can.

While you're visiting their site, don't forget to click on their Stupid Deal Of The Day and check back daily -- They've got some crazy low prices on everyday items for all of us fool-hearty musicians who like to save a buck.

StubHub Concert Ticket Update -- Nationwide

2008-04-08T06:26:00.004-05:00

Hey Concert Ticket Buyers and Sellers: The hottest concert tours of the year are ready to kick off in a big way, including those of Billy Joel, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and summertime favorite Jimmy Buffett. So if you're in the market, don't get left in the cold. Or, if you already have tickets you can't use, sell them on StubHub.com. Trust me, they make it surprisingly easy with no listing fees, express shipping and access to millions of ready-to-buy fans. You just set your price... Then just leave all the shipment, tracking, and customer service to them.

If you'd like more information about buying and selling tickets online, check out this link: How StubHub Works.

Tribute to Steve Goodman and the Doormat of the National League

2008-03-29T14:31:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again Cubs fans, and now we can officially proclaim that it's been 100 years since the Chicago Cubs last won a World Series. White Sox fans will no doubt will revel in that statement.

Be that as it may, when it comes to taking a sentimental journey through our national passtime's most notable losing streak, no one told the story of the Cubs tale of woe quite like the legendary Steve Goodman as portrayed in the song, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request". Goodman, as you may know, was born and raised in Chicago and won a Grammy posthumously for writing "The City of New Orleans", the song about the Illinois Central's City of New Orleans train that would become an American standard. In 1969 Steve Goodman was diagnosed with leukemia and succumbed to the disease in 1984. Only 11 days after his passing, his beloved Cubs played their first playoff game in Wrigley Field since 1945.

For more information about Steve Goodman, visit http://www.stevegoodman.net/.

Back Off Boogaloo; Beatles Sue Over Ringo's 1st Gig

2008-03-22T11:56:00.005-05:00

The sanctity of Beatles bootlegs should be upheld. I therefore am happy to report that Apple Corp. (The Beatles) are suing a litigant who claims to possess previously unreleased recordings of Ringo Starr playing his first gig with The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany in 1962.

According to an AP article published early this morning, the lawsuit claims that the recordings are of poor quality and that circulating them "dilutes and tarnishes the extraordinarily valuable image associated with the Beatles." On the other hand, the party being sued states: "It's unfair to millions of Beatles fans not to allow this recording to be put out. The world deserves to hear these tracks," ... "The fact is that we have it; they don't, and that is what's bothering them."

Right or wrong, Apple Corp should win this case just on the shear competency of their lawyers who passionately seek to protect The Beatles legacy.

Stone Temple Pilots Reunion Tour Takes Flight

2008-03-21T08:15:00.004-05:00

Disbanded since 2002, Stone Temple Pilots last month announced their reunion tour including spring and summer concert dates for 2008. For a limited time STP's fan club members have access to a ticket presale for the New Jersey show via the band's updated website at stonetemplepilots.com. They're calling it a reunion of epic proportions with more dates to be announced in the coming weeks. Here's a listing of what they've booked currently...

May 2008

17 - Columbus, OH - Crew Stadium
18 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
23 - Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Motor Speedway

June 2008

1 - Mansfield, MA - Tweeter Center

July 2008

12 - Toronto, Ontario - Downsview Park

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the United Center

2008-03-15T11:33:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Chicagoland, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers who'll be appearing at the United Center for one show on Wednesday, July 2nd at 7:30pm. The band with their late '70s 'roots of rock' influences and Petty's melodic, often Dylanesque qualities will embark on what could very well be their last tour.

Tom Petty on his own had become somewhat of a consumer advocate over the years with his well-publicized run-ins with record companies over pricing and business ethics. As an artist, Tom was at the forefront of such emerging trends as the rock video and has collaborated with Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and the Traveling Wilburys (Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne).

Mellencamp Unhappy with McCain's Use of "Our Country"

2008-02-07T07:51:00.000-06:00

John Mellencamp, a true liberal democrat is politely asking the John McCain campaign to cease and desist regarding the use of the song "Our Country" (of Chevy Silverado commercial fame) at McCain rallies. Rolling Stone is reporting that at some recent John McCain events, “Our Country” has been blairing over the loud speakers.

In my view, the song is more of a sell-out than a political statement but regardless, Mellencamp obviously doesn't buy into McCain's message. Truth be told, the song lyrics reflect a populist pro-labor theme that's better suited for someone like John Edwards of whom Mellencamp was an ardent supporter.

Too bad, the McCain camp was giving Mellencamp some good exposure. Perhaps McCain's people can encourage Mike Huckabee to exit the presidential race and enlist him to be the house band.

This Week's Top 5 Tix on StubHub

2008-01-23T06:49:00.000-06:00

Buying and selling tickets on StubHub is the absolute best way to beat the January blues. Well, maybe not but at least you'll get to see some fine entertainment, a great guarantee and perhaps put some extra money in your pocket. Once again as every week, here are the top five in three categories; concerts, sports and theater...

Concerts

Van Halen
George Strait
Spice Girls
Hannah Montana
John Mellencamp

Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs
Golden State Warriors
2008 Super Bowl
Los Angeles Lakers
2008 NBA All Star Game

Theater & Arts

Wicked - Cleveland
Jersey Boys - Houston
Lion King - Pittsburgh
Wicked - Los Angeles
Jersey Boys - Tampa