June 2010

Tuesday, June 1
Open Mic., signup at 8pm in the SideBar, starts at 9pm, free.

Wednesday, June 2
2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Watch Party – Game 3,   6:30pm
See the game on our 16x9 foot Hi-Def screen!

Thursday, June 3
Tributosaurus becomes The Beatles: Vol. 2, 7:30pm, $15 . [POP/TRIBUTE]
Celebrate the 1st day of summer vacation with a special outdoor concert!
Families welcome! Under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.

As many of you know, last December Tributosaurus began an epic journey - to perform the ENTIRE Beatles catalog, from start to finish. The original plan was to do a new volume every December until they were done. But that would mean waiting until 2012 for Sgt. Pepper's, and a staggering 2014 for Abbey Road! Frankly, that's just too long a wait for you, and for us.

So, the new plan is this: Beatles in December and June - every 6 months the band will take the next step on the long and winding road, drawing closer to Let It Be. This month, Tributosaurus takes on A Hard Day's Night, and Beatles For Sale (as well as the Long Tall Sally EP, and the surrounding singles). We start to see some of the early rough edges smoothing out, and even more of the songwriting prowess of Lennon and McCartney becomes apparent on these records. The promise of the first two records is fulfilled on A Hard Day's Night, and The Beatles were already clearly something special at this point in their career.
tributosaurus.com

*Also on Thursday June 3
EP Creedon, The What, Fat Book; 10pm in the Club, $7. [rock]

*Also on Thursday June 3
Ligon & McDonough, After Tributosaurus show, in the SideBar, Pass the hat – or free! [rock]

*Also on Thursday, June 3
Euchre, 7:30pm in the SideBar, free. [CARD GAMES]

Friday, June 4
2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Watch Party – Game 4,   7pm
See the game on our 16x9 foot Hi-Def screen!
Paul Cebar will play following the game

Friday, June 4
Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound, 9:30pm, $12 . [SOUL/ECLECTIC]
Tommorow Sound Now For Yes Music People, the newest addition to the Cebar catalog, boasts both the open-hearted spontaneous soulful-ness we’ve come to expect from this dedicated musician and wild-headed, crazyquilt conjuring that feels like a bold contemporary invigoration of the inviting verities he has always explored. There’s the meaty “Hey Hey Honey,” a delightful a capella nod to Alan Lomax and his recording of Norfolk’s Bright Lights Quartet, a tender tribute to Sierra Leone’s King of Palmwine Music, S.E. Rogie in his “Do Me Justice,” and Paul’s glorious homage to guitarist Marv Tarplin, Smokey Robinson’s right hand man for the last 40 years, Marv’s “Fluttering Guitar.” Add the classic New Orleans swagger of “I Got Trouble” and the storming plea for tenderness “The Gimp Sparrow,” and it’s clear that this is a romp of colossal heart and scope.
paulcebar.com

Saturday, June 5
Closed for Private Party

Sunday, June 6
Constructor Craft Fair, 10am-6pm, free! [ARTS & CRAFTS]
Once again, Fly Bird and Sheriff Peanut are super psyched about our third official craft throw-down. The baddest, this side of the west side. Shop goods from over 30 of the most talented crafters in the Chicagoland area, hand-picked by the Fly Peanut crew, for your crafting pleasure. Nosh on food from Wishbone and local pastry artisans. And, of course, belly up to the beloved bar at FitzGerald's for a drink or two. Admission is FREE...ALL AGES!!!

And if that wasn't enough love...We're giving the first 50 people a free SWAG BAG full of goodies.
This exciting, inventive, design-loving craft experience is one you should be sure not to miss!
constructorcraftfair.com

Sunday, June 6
2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Watch Party – Game 5,   7pm, free!
See the game on our 16x9 foot Hi-Def screen!

Monday, June 7
Closed.

Tuesday, June 8
Chicago Singer Spotlight with Becca Kaufman, 8pm, $8. [ECLECTIC]
(Please note special Tuesday night show date due to game six of the Stanley Cup Playoffs).
Tonight’s lineup is: Lucinda Johnston, Jerome Brown, & Kate Milan.
Chicago Singer Spotlight is a showcase open to anyone: male or female, from the seasoned professional to the aspiring beginner. And the diversity doesn’t end there. A typical show encompasses music genres of all types including: jazz, rock, country, musical theater and original material. Each show consists of four vocalists performing a four-song set with a professional house band.
singerspotlight.com

*Also on Tuesday, June 8
Open Mic. in the SideBar, signup at 8pm, starts at 9pm, free. [ECLECTIC]

Wednesday, June 9
2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Watch Party in the Club – Game 6,   7pm, free!
See the game in the Club on our 16x9 foot Hi-Def screen!

Thursday, June 10
Club closed for private graduation party. Book yours soon!

Thursday, June 10
Euchre, 7:30pm in the SideBar, free. [CARD GAMES]

Friday, June 11
Ifficial Reggae Movement, Doors 8pm, Showtime 8:30pm, $10. [FUNDRAISER/ REGGAE]
This evening’s show is a fundraiser for Irving School in Oak Park.
“I’ve been following the group “Ifficial Reggae Movement” for a little while now. Not only am I a fan but I find myself impressed with their ability to move a crowd. Lead singer Livingston always finds a way to fill the dance floor by sweating and dancing to every beat laid down on drums while Darryl, who plays bass, move the hooks pass you so smoothly you don’t even realized you have gotten out of your chair and started moving to the cadence.”– Armand Lucas, Hustle Films
ifficialreggae.com

If you see Ballcock Assembly live, they will certainly play from their deep collection of originals. Or they will play their mash-up of a Metallica and an Indigo Girls song. Maybe they'll play a straight-up punk song, but they will follow it up with an embarrassingly earnest ballad about their lack of talent. They are talented. The irony folds upon itself to forge a samurai sword of musical kinship. Careening from Thom Yorke to Tom DeLonge to Tiny Tim, BcA strives to keep themselves sweaty and their audience interested.
myspace.com/ballcockassembly

*Also on Friday, June 11
SideBar Songbirds, 9pm in the SideBar, no cover!
Featuring John Milne, Cheryle Tomblin, Rosie Healy, Camille Severino, plus special guest Andon Davis!

Saturday, June 12
Bad Examples w/ The Finnish Charts, 9pm, $12 . [rock]
Just a little bit more than 20 years ago today that Ralph Covert taught The Bad Examples to play... ...and play... and record... and play some more. In the 1990's there simply was no better or more popular original rockin' pop band in the clubs of the Great Lakes region than The Bad Examples who played the great songs of Ralph Covert night after night. Album after album received both critical acclaim and substantial radio airplay which continues to this day. Their compact disc debut, Bad Is Beautiful, was named by Goldmine Magazine as one of the “50 Essential American Power Pop Albums of All-Time.” Their signature anthem, “Not Dead Yet,” proved prophetic, as the sextet sounds better than ever with a three-guitar lineup and great harmonies. Their success also translated across the ocean where several albums and coinciding tours made them nearly a household name in Holland and the surrounding locales.
bad_examples | thefinnishcharts

Sunday, June 13
Chicago Grandstand Big Band, 5pm doors, show: 6pm, $10, 17 & under $5. [JAZZ]
The Chicago Grandstand Big Band has been an integral part of Chicago’s entertainment community for over 25 years. This band has an extensive selection of arrangements that encompass everything from the Swing Era (Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, etc) to Big Band Jazz (Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman etc.
chicagograndstandbigband.com

FitzGerald’s “WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party” is generously sponsored by 90.9FM WDCB – Public Radio from College of DuPage.

Monday, June 14
Closed.

Tuesday, June 15
Benefit for Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, with Jon Langford & Friends, 8pm, $20. [benefit]
The ICADP is a coalition of individuals and groups throughout the state, whose purpose is to eliminate the Death Penalty. The organization has existed for more than thirty years. For additional information, please see the website icadp.org. The lineup features Jon Langford and Skull Orchard, Sally Timms, Man Is Man, and Christine Tarkowski & The Thirsty Singers, plus special guest performers. Bloodshot Records will be providing merchandise for sale and auction.
icadp.org

*Also on Tuesday, June 15
Open Mic., signup at 8pm in the SideBar, starts at 9pm, free.

Wednesday, June 16
Spade Kitty Showcase, 8pm, $5. [ROCK]
Spade Kitty is a local Indie Label that showcases the area’s talent each month at FitzGerald’s. This month features Matt Walters, Whiskey Bucket Blues Review, Frosting Collaborative, and JEB. Join us as they guarantee to rock this roadhouse!
spadekitty.com

*Also on Wednesday, June 16
Zozo, 8pm in the SideBar, $10.
Zozo is: Andrew Calhoun – guitar & vocal, Casey Calhoun – vocal, Gary Cleland – stand up bass, Victor Sanders – electric guitar.

Thursday, June 17
Joe Ely (solo!) plus Colin Gilmore, 8pm, $20 . [roots/country]
Everybody else romances the road. Joe Ely lives it. Call him what you want - a wandering minstrel, gypsy cowboy, visionary song poet, or houserocker on fire - whatever he is, Ely's covered a lot of ground in his time. He really has ridden the rails (in a circus train, no less), thumbed his way across the country, hopped boats to exotic foreign lands, and ridden horses across the prairie. All part of the relentless quest for revelation that only a journey can satisfy.
ely.com

"A West Texas Nick Lowe" - Sylvie Simmons, Mojo Magazine.
2010 is promising to be a busy and productive year for Austin based singer Colin Gilmore. After a year of touring the US, opening for bands like The Flatlanders and Alejandro Escovedo, Colin's next album Goodnight Lane is nearing completion. Grammy-winning producer Lloyd Maines is co-producing the album, with the exception of one track “Circles In The Yard,” which is produced by Grammy and Oscar winner, Scott Mathews. He has started off the year off with short tours in Southern California and Chicago, followed by a SXSW showcase at Valhalla with a full house. If you've come to hear Colin, see his tour schedule, sign up on his email list or just check in, you've come to the right place.
colingilmore .

*Also on Thursday, June 17
Euchre, 7:30pm in the SideBar, free. [CARD GAMES]

Friday, June 18
Shemekia Copeland + Rick Simcox & The ToneQuesters, 9pm, $15 , $20 at the door. [blues]
At a young age, Shemekia Copeland is already a force to be reckoned with in the blues. While still in her 20s, she’s opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and numerous festivals around the world, scored critics choice awards on both sides of the Atlantic (The New York Times and The Times of London) and shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and John Mayer. Heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, Copeland’s shot at the eventual title of “Queen of the Blues” is pretty clear. By some standards, she may already be there.
shemekiacopeland.com

Rick Simcox, a Detroit native, moved to Chicago in 1997, whereupon the Blues immersion would slowly begin to take its hold. In 2005, Simcox formed the basic ToneQuesters unit with Ryan Suzuka [harmonica] and “Willie J” Rauch [bass]. The band is currently playing promotional shows throughout the Chicagoland area and is, of course, backed by many exceptional musicians. Rick Simcox & The ToneQuesters deliver a straight shot and are not to be missed!
Welcome.html

Saturday, June 19
The Fiery Furnaces, 9:30pm, $15 . [rock]
The Fiery Furnaces are a U.S. indie rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 2000.  They played twice in Brooklyn as The Suckers before performing as The Fiery Furnaces (with an unchanged line-up). The band's primary members are Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger. The brother and sister are originally from Oak Park, Illinois, a near-western suburb of Chicago.
thefieryfurnaces.com

*Also on Saturday, June 19
Peter Karp and Sue Foley - “He Said - She Said” 9pm in the SideBar Music Room, $15 .
Peter Karp and Sue Foley - “He Said - She Said” is an inspired collaboration between Canadian Juno Award winner and Guitar Woman, Sue Foley and critically acclaimed U.S. singer/songwriter, Peter Karp. The songs tell the story of two artists, sharing a meeting of hearts and minds over a 2 year span that was full of life changes for them both. Moving between nylon acoustic guitar, dobro, grand piano and electric guitars the music encompasses elements of Americana, jazz, flamenco, and blues resulting in a show that shatters genre distinctions and is lots of fun. Both songwriters are talented musicians and keep the audience entranced trading licks, stories, songs and emotions. The tight rhythm section keeps it all moving. This CD, new from Blind Pig, hit #1 on the Blues Chart for 5 weeks and is still in the Top 3, Top 5 on Dan Akyroyd's Bluesmobile, and Top 10 on Billboard.
hesaidshesaidproject.com

Sunday, June 20
Rob Parton Big Band, 5pm doors, 6pm showtime, $10, 17 and under $5. [jazz]
Tonight with the Rich South High School Jazz Band.
The Rob Parton Big Band features a group of the finest musicians in Chicago. Musically, the band mirrors that of the European Radio Orchestras, where new music is the focus. The music features the sounds of the electric guitar, electric bass, percussion and musical styles outside of the traditional swing setting, hitting upon funk grooves, hip hop grooves, latin grooves and of course the essence of it all, swing. In some ways it might be very similar to Gordon Goodwin’s Big PHAT Band intersecting with Maria Schneider’s Jazz Orchestra.
rparton.com

Monday, June 21
Closed.

Tuesday, June 22
Open Mic. in the CLUB , signup at 8pm, starts at 9pm, free.

Wednesday, June 23
Michael Smith + Small Potatoes, 8pm, $15 . [folk/acoustic]
Michael Smith is a veteran songwriter whose name may be unfamiliar but whose songs are almost universally known. He has been singing and writing since the early 1960's 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. But until he received critical acclaim for the music he composed for Steppenwolf Theater's 1988 production of The Grapes of Wrath, Michael, unlike his many great songs, remained relatively unknown. It was after The Grapes of Wrath moved to Broadway and received Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Director that Michael became something of an overnight success - however, he was anything but. He had already put in 20 years of dues paying on the folk club circuit, his travels extending from Florida to the Midwest to California.
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, award-winning songwriting, and arranging talents. 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

*Also on Wednesday June 23
Quiz Night... Sorry for any confusion, but Quiz night will be next week, not this week.

Thursday, June 24
XRT Show – Sonny Landreth plus Whisker Music, 8 pm, $25 . [rock/eclectic]
Well-known for his unique slide-guitar technique, singer-songwriter-guitarist Sonny Landreth brings together blues, jazz, Cajun, zydeco, and rock music, creating a style that’s increasingly appealing to a wide array of listeners. Eric Clapton has said he is “probably the most underestimated musician on the planet and also probably one of the most advanced.”

Sonny Landreth has once again been picked to play Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival. The show, which occurs on June 26 (and later airs on public television), features many of the gun slingers of past, present, and future, including Jeff Beck, Robert Cray, B.B. King, James Burton, Jimmie Vaughan, Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, and gospel-steel phenomenon Robert Randolph among others. In a Rolling Stone magazine blog, Clapton says of Landreth: “He’s a giant to me – his thing is so perfect. When we send the invites, he’s the first guy that always comes back, the next day: ‘I’m in, what do you want me to do? I’ll open the show.’ Absolutely no bones with that guy.”
sonnylandreth.com

“As leading members, Anthony Ferretti and Lena Rush ultimately define the core of Whisker Music. Originally from Portland Oregon, the two moved to Chicago to persue the beginnings of what is now Whisker Music. Ferretti and Rush chose particular sounds for their debut recording, stemming from their influence by the classics in rock, surf, folk and country. Whisker Music has embarked on a journey exploring new horizons in what defines an American band. What you will experience with this band is a century of popular music reinterpreted by the soul of a new generation, that is Whisker Music.”
whiskermusic.com

*Also on Thursday, June 24
Country Night in Berwyn, 8pm in the SideBar Party Room, pass the hat! [country]
Tonight's featured artists are: Long Gone Lonesome Boys, Trevor McSpadden (Hoyle Brothers) & John Ballantyne (Cory Atkinson Band), and Bunkertown.

*Also on Thursday, June 24
Euchre, 7:30pm in the SideBar, free. [card games]

Friday, June 25
(co-bill) Cliff Johnson Band + Kraig Kenning, 8:30pm, $12 . [POP/ROCK]
Power-pop pioneer Cliff Johnson will follow Kraig Kenning around 10:30pm.
cliffjohnson.net

Kraig Kenning’s driving perfectionism and attention to matters of the human spirit have inspired comparisons with Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Bob Dylan and Jackson Brown…to name a few. "His fingerstyle is up to par with Leo Kottke and Willy Porter, his vocals reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn, and his overall performance and presentation stand equal with any of today's top singer/ songwriters," states Dave Glynn of the Fox Valley Blues Society. It's hard to be humble when elevated to the ranks of guitar gods and modern poets, but Kraig is quick to point out the logic behind such flattering comparisons: "Those are the guys I listened to, whose music I locked myself in my room with growing up. If I sound like any of them, it's because they were my inspiration and they fueled my dreams."
kraigkenning.com

Saturday, June 26
Closed for a private party.

Sunday, June 27
John Burnett Orchestra, 6pm, $10, 17 & under $5. [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. The orchestra is directed by John Burnett, morning host of 90.9FM WDCB - Public Radio From College of DuPage - Chicago's leading jazz radio station. John hails from England and attended the Royal Academy of Music. The orchestra consists of five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums and at least one vocalist. It is rapidly establishing the reputation of being one of the best bands in Chicago, grabbing the attention of both old and young alike.
johnburnettorchestra.com

FitzGerald’s “WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party” is generously sponsored by 90.9FM WDCB – Public Radio from College of DuPage.

Monday, June 28
Closed.

Tuesday, June 29
Open Mic., signup at 8pm in the SideBar, starts at 9pm, free.

Wednesday, June 30
David Polk Project featuring Billy Dickens, 8:30pm – 2 sets! $10. [jazz]
David Polk is a Chicago born and bred professional saxophonist. He has been writing and performing his original music since 1979. David was a member of the jazz fusion group “Juggular” and has played professionally the last 20 years as the solo tenor with the incomparable “Orchestra 33” entertainment group.
In 1998 David came out with his debut C.D. titled Feel Good and followed up with Wide Open (2002) and Superwind in 2006. He has opened for such artist as Al Jarraeu, Dizzy Gillespie, and Kenny G. among many other post party celebrations. David brings an All-star group featuring world-renowned bassist Billy Dickens (Stevie Wonder), guitarist Bob Baglione (Victor Wooten), Frank Alongi (Renegades) on drums, Keyboardist John Blasucci (Dennis DeYoung), and vocalist Pamela Rose (Orchestra 33).
davidpolk.com

*Also on Wednesday, June 30
Quiz Night at FitzGerald's Night Club! 7pm registration in the SideBar Party Room, competition: 7:30pm. [games]
Calling all Know-It-Alls! – Wednesday Quiz Nights in the SideBar! Consider yourself a trivia buff? Come join us the last Wednesday of each month for our new quiz night competition. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The cost is $20.00 per team, with a 4(four)-person-team limit.

Not sure you can get a team together? Come join us and we’ll do our best to match you with a team. Don’t miss this opportunity for good fun, great drinks and tasty tidbits from WishBone! Team registration starts at 7pm – and the competition starts promptly at 7:30pm! For further information, email: quiznight@live.com