Coming up at FitzGerald's

Wednesday, May 16: Jazz Community Big Band, 8 pm, $10 [Jazz]
Jazz Community is an 18 piece big band playing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones and many more. The band was established in the mid 1970s by its late founder and director, trumpet player, Bill May. Jazz Community played weekly at several restaurants and supper clubs, as well as many outdoor festivals and street fairs, private events and weddings, throughout the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. With the untimely passing of founder and director Bill May, in the fall of 1991, Jazz Community disbanded. In the fall of 2011, Jazz Community reunited to recognize the twentieth anniversary of Bill‘s passing and in his honor, celebrated the musical contributions he made to the many lives he touched. With the successful reunion of Jazz Community in the fall of 2011, the members of the band are back on track, inspired, and ready to delight the listeners of the Chicagoland area once again.

Thursday, May 17: Mingus Awareness Project Benefit Concert for the Les Turner ALS Foundation, 8 pm, $20 TW/advance tickets ($15 under 17 with student ID) [Jazz/Benefit]
A group of esteemed musicians will celebrate the life and music of Charles Mingus to benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Mingus, an American musical hero who died of ALS, is one of the greatest figures in jazz history. His bass playing, compositions and philosophy have transcended his genre and left indelible marks on music history. This Mingus Awareness Project concert is presented by the Borderbend Arts Collective, in partnership with the Les Turner ALS Foundation. This will be the ninth Mingus Awareness Project concert since its inception in 2007. Mingus Awareness Project concerts have happened in Chicago (at the Velvet Lounge, Jazz Showcase, Hideout, and HotHouse) and Richmond, Virginia (at the Camel and Rhythm Hall). Since 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has been a leader in research, patient care, and education about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and other motor neuron diseases (MND). The Foundation serves more than 90% of the ALS population in the Chicago area. The Foundation is also one of the nation's largest independent ALS organizations and has raised nearly $45 million to fight Lou Gehrig's disease. In addition, through wide-ranging research and symposiums for healthcare professionals, the Foundation reaches the ALS community worldwide. The Foundation is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine and is a founding member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.
www.mingusawarenessproject.org

Friday, May 18: Mr. Blotto, 9:30 pm, $10 [Rock]
Mr. Blotto blend hard rock, original rock, southern rock, folk music, and country rock. The core of Mr. Blotto is the brother songwriting team of Mike and Paul Bolger, who had played together in garage rock bands throughout high school. They went in separate directions musically when they attended different colleges, Mike leaning towards the hardcore punk stylings of Hüsker Dü, and Paul focusing on the resurgence of 70s rock like Aerosmith, while eventually discovering Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Grateful Dead, who would later become huge influences. After Paul graduated he decided to pursue the life of a full-time musician while Mike opted to become a lawyer. Paul landed a gig as the house singer in a Polish club in Chicago called "The Cardinal Club." It was here that Paul met guitarist Bob Georges and they decided to begin playing together. Bobby "Georges" was a veteran of the Chicago music scene, having achieved some regional success with the blues-rock band "Rooster" in the 70's to mid 80s, working with multi-instrumentalist and front-man Raymond Jacobs, keyboardist Douglas Bohnstengal, bassist Gary Bohnstengal, singer Tom Colton, and drummer Bob Skalmolski.
www.mrblotto.com

Friday, May 18: Ralph Covert's Acoustic Army, 9 pm in the SideBar Music Room, $10 [Rock]
Bad Examples front man Ralph Covert is building an army! Come out and enjoy a solo acoustic set of old hits, new tunes and bar band classics. Then, Ralph will invite you to get out your acoustic guitar and play along – lyric and chord sheets provided!
www.ralphcovert.com

Saturday, May 19: The Congregation plus Soul Vendor, 9 pm, $10 [Soul/Rock]
Classic soul meets rock and roll in this dynamic collective. The Congregation features Gina Bloom – a singer whose voice radiates with raw emotion and soul power. Charlie Wayne's punk-infused guitar riffs, Chuck Sansone's keyboard grooves and Joe DeBord and Dan Wendt's garage rock rhythms are topped off by the lively call and response of a three-piece horn section – Brian Crane on trumpet, Nick Nottoli on trombone and Erik Eiseman on saxophone. When it comes to the songwriting, you won't find any sugarcoated love songs here, you'll get a little bit of longing and a whole lot of wronging. Don't worry, it's heartache you can dance to! The Congregation released its Not for Sleepin' EP in late 2010 and is currently recording its full-length album debut.
http://thecongregation.bandcamp.com

Since being born out of the Pioneer Tap’s Wednesday night open mic. in July 2009, Soul Vendor has been rapidly growing as an original musical experience. Secret rendezvous in a converted funeral home basement led to the band's first name: The South Side Taxidermy Club – which didn't stick for long. However, since relocating spaces, the dark, but often uplifting and original sound, was not left behind. Now stationed primarily in the dank basements of the West Loop of Chicago, Soul Vendor continues to ambitiously perform at least one show a month throughout the city, drawing a larger more vibrant crowd each time!
http://www.facebook.com/soulvendormusic

Sunday, May 20: Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners, 6 pm (doors at 5), $10 adults; $5 for ages 17 and under with student ID. [Jazz]
Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Big Band was formed in 1988 for the sole purpose of prolonging the musical memory of the Big Band Era. A house band at FitzGerald’s since 1991, The Chicago Skyliners Big Band following has grown to become one of the top Big Bands in Chicagoland. Blue Birdland Jazz recording artists, besides original material, the Band features the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Sammy Nestico, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Glen Miller and Duke Ellington. The band also showcases the music of contemporary artists such as James Engram, Al Jarreau, Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severenson, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Ides of March and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
http://chicagoskylinersbigband.com

Monday, May 21: Club and SideBar Closed.

Tuesday, May 22: Open Mic. in the SideBar, 8pm sign up, 9pm show, free [variety]
Currently hosted by Mark Bishop, our long-running open mic. is usually held in our SideBar, on the other side of the beer garden from the main club. On the second Tuesday of each month, it’s held in the main club and at a half hour earlier starting time. Acts mostly are within the acoustic singer/songwriter genres, with the sign-up sheet filling fast. Check it out!

Wednesday, May 23: Newcomers & Neighbors of Oak Park and River Forest Present: Rock the night away with the Z Orchestra!
7 pm, $25 (members), $30 (advanced), $35 at the door [Rock/Benefit]
The Z Orchestra puts a Contemporary Spin on a Swingin' Vibe! A musical experience that will make you want to shake your money maker. The evening is sponsored by Newcomers and Neighbors of Oak Park and River Forest, a social and service organization open to all Oak Park area residents – whether they’re new to town or just looking for something new to do.
www.thezorchestra.com

Tickets: oprfnewcomers.eventbrite.com or by check, made out to “Newcomers & Neighbors of OPRF” and mailed to: Newcomers Club c/o Heidi Ruehle-May, 535 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304
Proceeds benefit the Oak Park/River Forest Food Pantry
www.oprffoodpantry.org

Thursday, May 24: Michael Smith & Small Potatoes, 8 pm, $15 TW/advance tickets [Roots]
With a penchant for instrumental virtuosity, eclectic musical references and a passion for swing and cowboy music, Chicago singer-songwriter Michael Smith and northwest suburban duo Small Potatoes have made a shared billing at FitzGerald's a twice-a-year event.

Michael Smith is arguably the best songwriter to come out of Chicago's last folk boom, delivering a masterful, if low-key, solo retrospective of material. He has been singing and writing since the early 1960s and more than 30 performers have recorded his rich and challenging songs. The list includes Jimmy Buffet, Steve Goodman, Suzy Bogguss, Jerry Jeff Walker, Liam Clancy, Gordon Bok, The Four Freshman, Spanky and Our Gang, Small Potatoes, Anne Hills and many others.
michaelsmithmusic.com

When you see Small Potatoes perform, you hear two great voices, some fine guitar playing, and a touch of tin whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran, and other percussion toys. Together they present a truly rare blend of vocal and instrumental abilities, and award-winning songwriting. They have the unique ability to adapt to the style of music they happen to be playing. They seem comfortably at home whether playing an upbeat cowboy swing tune or a tender, traditional ballad – though there are no rules here either, sometimes the traditional sounds contemporary, sometimes the contemporary sounds traditional. And they also pay attention to the little things, the warmth, the humor and a rapport with the audience that makes for a memorable performance.
smallpotatoesmusic.com

Friday, May 25: Brother Joscephus plus BS Brass Band and Caravan of Thieves, 9 pm, $10 [Rock]
Since 2007, Brother Joscephus has been on a musical mission to make the world a more righteous place. The two main visionaries of this 12-piece explosion of love -- Brother Joscephus and his eccentric cohort, the Right Reverend Dean Dawg -- dip heavily into a gumbo rich with New Orleans rhythms, old school soul, classic rock stylings and feel-good gospel music. BroJo combines all this with a message of righteousness, urgning us towards acceptance and loving one another!
www.brotherjoscephus.com

The B.S. Brass Band plays everything from traditional Dixieland to James Brown funky grooves, and anything in between. B.S. Brass was formed in 2000 by Mike Hogg and Jason Thor who, after a night out listening to live bands, realized that this town is ripe for forming a group capable of producing a big, tight horn sound incorporating that infectious New Orleans second-line groove. Rooting themselves in the Dixieland tradition, they began playing venues big and small for audiences hungry to hear everything from Jellyroll Morton to James Brown. B.S. has appeared with Dr. John, the Wild Magnolias, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Re-birth Brass Band, Nathan and the Zydaco Cha-Cha’s, and Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies to name a few. Hear clips, see pictures and contact information about B.S. Brass Band at bsbrass.com. And how 'bout that funky Tuba!
www.bsbrass.com

For the past three years, this Caravan of Thieves has roamed the North American continent recruiting a family of avid thrill seekers at their high-energy shows. Driving gypsy jazz rhythms, acoustic guitars, upright bass and violin lay the foundation for mesmerizing vocal harmonies and fantastic stories. It’s theatrical and humorous. It’s musical and intense. It entertains, dazzles and defies classification while welcoming the spectator to join the band throughout the performance in momentary fits of claps, snaps and sing-alongs. If Django Reinhardt, the cast of Stomp and the Beatles all had a party at Tim Burton’s house, Caravan of Thieves would be the band they hired.
www.caravanofthieves.com

Friday, May 25: Cannonball, 9 pm in the SideBar, FREE [Rock]
Cannonball is a group of musicians based in Chicago who connect with the same rock sensibilities and merriment to create an explosive sound rooted in the American folk tradition of blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll and all their offspring; hillbilly; rock-a-billy; folk rock; psychedelic; punk. They play a mixture of original songs and interpretations of personal favorites that veer from swinging rock ‘n’ roll to swaying country blues with detours down musical guitar exchanges between the dual lead guitarists that ride on a freight train rhythm bed. The lineup: Paul Bivans: drums, vocals; Andon Davis: guitar, vocals; Tom Kneesel: pedal steel, guitar, vocals; Mike Krayniak: bass, vocals; and Terry White: guitar, harmonica, vocals.
on facebook...

Saturday, May 26: American English, 9 pm, $12 TW/advance tickets, $15 Day of Show [Rock/Tribute]
American English is simply the best Beatle tribute story of our time. At the inception of the band, they were voted “number one” by thousands of Beatle fans as winners of sound a like contests at Beatlefest® for three consecutive years. They have also won Illinois Entertainer of the Year and have been voted "Best Tribute Band" three of the last four years by their fans in the Chicagoland area. Their demand here and abroad, coupled with their spectacular fan base, has anchored them into a professional setting, and launched them into larger venues and theatres worldwide.
www.americanenglishbeatles.com

Saturday, May 26: Uncle Lucius, 9 pm in the SideBar Music Room, $12 TW/advance tickets [Roots]
Uncle Lucius takes Rock and Roll from its deep roots and pushes it onward, putting their own honest interpretation on the essential elements of R & B, Blues, and Country. They pride their live show as a sacred and energetic experience, with a belief that this is still the truest form of communication with their fans. The band includes Kevin Galloway on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Hal Vorpahl on bass, Mike Carpenter on lead guitar and vocals, Josh Greco on drums and percussion and Jon Grossman on keys and accordian. Uncle Lucius can usually be found on the highways and back streets of the U.S., playing renowned venues like B.B. King's in NYC, to the Maple Leaf in New Orleans, to back home in Austin, TX at Threadgill's World Headquarters, The Continental Club, and Antone's and this month at FitzGerald's!
uncleluciusmusic.com

Sunday, May 27: John Burnett Orchestra, 6 pm (doors at 5), $10 adults; $5 for ages 17 and under with student ID. [Jazz]
The John Burnett Orchestra specializes in ‘40s-style big band swing - keeping alive the sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and others. Each musician is highly professional and most have played with many of the top American big bands such as the Miller, Herman and Buddy Rich Bands. In addition to swing music the orchestra performs current big band jazz charts and many vocal ballads such as those of Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn.
www.johnburnettorchestra.com

Monday, May 28: Club and SideBar Closed.

Tuesday, May 29: Open Mic. in the SideBar: 8pm sign up, 9pm show, FREE [variety]
Currently hosted by Mark Bishop, our long-running open mic. is usually held in our SideBar, on the other side of the beer garden from the main club. On the second Tuesday of each month, it’s held in the main club and at a half hour earlier starting time. Acts mostly are within the acoustic singer/songwriter genres, with the sign-up sheet filling fast. Check it out!

Wednesday, May 30: TBA

Thursday, May 31: Country Night in Berwyn, featuring Mars Hill, Morning Shower Scotch and Cropduster, 8 pm, $5 [Country]
On the western edge of the Windy City in the fall of ’11, Mars Hill was formed to honor the swing and boogey of old-timey honky tonk artists like: George Jones, Webb Pierce, Johnny Cash, the Hanks, Lefty Frizzell. Add to the traditional a fair amount Neil Young w/Crazy Horse, and you have Mars Hill.
http://www.facebook.com/MarsHillCountry

Brought together by their love of adult morning shower beverages and every possible genre of country music, Morning Shower Scotch are 8 swinging cats who formed a super group and brought their new original style to Chicago's growing country music scene! If you see 'Morning Shower Scotch' on a marquee near you, you know your week's about to get a whole lot better. Drummer Daniel Steinberg, lead guitar Danny Aiello, fiddle player Mariusz Kozak, Karen Armijo on Harp, David Kirkilas on Bass and singer Michael O'Briant have joined forces with the 'man of steel slide', bluesman Tony Whitrock from 'The Screaming End' with smokin' hot vocals of the sultry Kary Ream.

Cropduster is simply four pickers trying to make Chicago safe for traditional honky-tonk country music. Featuring Nick Bachman on guitar and vocals, Glen DeMichelle on pedal steel and vocals, Theresa Drda on drums and Buddy Carter on bass and vocals, Cropduster will be celebrating the release of their new CD, Cropduster 4 -Just Visting.

Thursday, May 31:
Expo ‘76, 9 pm in the SideBar, FREE [Rock] Our monthly guests, Expo ‘76 rock out once again with their stunning list of hits and obscure cover tunes! Expo ‘76 is made up of five Chicago musicians, led by Dag Juhlin and backed by a fantastic horn section. The set is ever-growing and adventurous! Expo‘76 is made up of four lifers -- Dag Juhlin, Kenn Goodman, John Carpender and Ralph Baumel (Poi Dog/Phantom Helmsmen/Andre Williams) -- who don’t need to be in another band, but still can’t quite help themselves. Their weakness is your gain, and on any given night you’ll hear them gleefully careening from ‘70s AM radio ear candy into walloping road house beer guzzling dance tunes; they’ll chime their way through a New Wave nugget with the same exuberance that they slap around a swinging, jazzy blues number or a folk revival sing-along. Irrepressible, unstoppable, 100% unironic, and actually quite unbelievable at times, Expo‘76 won’t take your requests, because they’re already playing them. But you can still shout them out.
www.expo76.com