Riot Fest With Danzig "Legacy" Reunion-Got Your Passes Yet?

*Send ChiIL Mama photos of your littles in gear from any of the 2011 Riot Fest Bands and we'll add 'em to our Scene Gallery, along with parents seen out introducing their kids to Chicago's great music scene.*

photo credit:   Riot Fest Face Book

Uncle Riot Mike's got a new little Misfit in the family 

"If we can walk together why can't we rock together..."    "This is your parents' hard core." 7 Seconds

Riot Fest shows at The Congress are generally all ages, but kid admission policies vary by venue.    We'll try to keep you up to date on whether shows are 21+, 17+, or all ages, as we get closer to the dates.   If you wanna bring your punk kin, double check the show before you go.

Glenn DANZIG “Legacy” Performance featuring Danzig, and rare onstage reunion with Samhain Members & Doyle Von Frankenstein of The Misfits at Riot Fest 2011

Friday, October 7th at Congress Theater

Since 2005, Riot Fest has presented some of the best bands from every genre under the umbrella of rock punk and metal, with epic reunions being a hallmark of the festival. After announcing headliners Weezer, Descendents, Social Distortion and X on June 20 for the Chicago edition, Riot Fest is beyond excited to announce its final headliner. On Friday, October 7, a very special Danzig “Legacy” performance with Glenn Danzig reuniting for Performances with Samhain Members, an onstage Reunion with Doyle from The Misfits as well as a blistering Danzig set will take place at Congress Theater during Riot Fest 2011 (Chicago).

“Everyone in music has a band or a musician that changed them. For me, it is Glenn Danzig.  I am in music because of Danzig, Samhain and The Misfits.  I remember being a 10-year-old when my friend handed me Danzig, and it blew me away.  It was different…it was the first album for me, now looking back, where form matched content. Soon after, I found this entire wealth of music he wrote before 1988 and I became an even bigger fan. Musically, it opened my world to punk, metal and hardcore,” said Michael Petryshyn, founder of Riot Fest.  “To have Glenn perform his solo works, to go on stage with Samhain for a set and, lastly, to play Misfits songs with Doyle will always be the one show I remember.”
 

Thus far, Riot Fest has announced: Weezer * Social Distortion *Danzig * Samhain * Misfits set (Doyle and Danzig) *Descendents * X (play "Los Angeles") * Youth of Today * Suicide Machines * ALL (Scott, Chad and Dave) * Helmet * D Generation * Down By Law * 7Seconds * Leftover Crack * The Business * Strike Anywhere * The Tossers * Macabre* Nachtmystium * The Flatliners * Flatfoot 56 * The Menzingers * Banner Pilot * The Pavers * Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band * Shot Baker * The Copyrights* Cheap Girls * Larry and His Flask * Chines Telephones * The Crombies * The Holy Mess * Van Buren Boys * Neutron Bombs * The Infected  AND MANY MORE WILL BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK...

Multiple-day passes and individual tickets go on sale Friday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Visit www.ticketfly.com to purchase tickets for Congress Theater, Bottom Lounge, Double Door, Cobra Lounge and the AAA Warehouse will hold Riot Fest shows – a shuttle bus will take fans from venue to venue and a variety of ticket options are available.

Red Bull Riot Fest Chicago October 5-9th

Congress Theater

Bottom Lounge

Double Door

Cobra Lounge
AAA Warehouse
& more

Danzig * Samhain * Misfits set (Doyle and Danzig) * Weezer * Social Distortion * Descendents * X (play "Los Angeles") * Youth of Today * Suicide Machines * ALL (Scott, Chad and Dave) * Helmet * D Generation * Down By Law * The Business * Strike Anywhere * The Tossers * Mabacre* Nachtmystium * The Flatliners * Flatfoot 56 * The Menzingers * Banner Pilot* The Pavers * Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band * Shot Baker * The Copyrights* Cheap Girls * Larry and His Flask * Chinese Telephones * The Crombies * The Holy Mess * Van Buren Boys * Neutron Bombs * The Infected…. AND MANY MORE WILL BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK...

Early Bird Festival Passes - $99 (sold out)
Festival Pass - $145
(Includes access to all Riot Fest 2011 shows October 5-9, grants access to exclusive secret shows beginning in Summer 2011)
Congress Pass - $135
(Includes access into the October 6-9th Congress Theater shows)

New to Uke

We have a new winner.    Our 4 pack winner can't make the show and was kind enough to let us know in time to pick another name.   Congrats to our new winner, Alicia S.


Uke can have a jammin' good time from 11am with Little Miss Ann all day long till 11pm.    There'll be something for everyone with BBQ, and great ukelele songs ranging from traditional to alternative and everything in between.    Chief O'Neil's has sweet outdoor open space and seating and the fest will cover both indoor and outdoor space.    Come out and dance.   Click HERE for more details on The Great Midwest Ukefest.

Girls Rock Chicago-LIVE at Metro-Flip Cam From The Front Lines

The full line up of live band footage is up on Girls Rock's YouTube Channel.    Check out the next gen of rockin' grrrrrls right HERE.    We're still outta town, with ChiIL Mama's show footage yet to come.   For now, though, check out the flip cam footage from the front lines.    There's some great stuff.


They caught another fun angle on Octopie's Bloody Unicorn song and were close enough to open with Sagezilla rockin' the guitar, lying on the floor of the stage.   Both 8yo. guitar players in the band are gymnasts in training for level 4 competitions and they ended the song by both going into the splits.    We had a sea of head in front of us and missed the gymnastic finale-the kids just dropped out of sight.   I'm still looking for someone who caught it.   There's one more week of Girls Rock Camp coming in August, with a whole new batch of campers ready to rock.


Also, if you're a rockin' Mama and don't want to just live vicariously through your daughter, Ladies Rock Camp is coming in late July.    The camp is a weekend intensive that's not only fun, it serves as a fundraiser for Girl's Rock Camp.   It's never too late to live those rock star dreams...

Photo credit:  GR!C

All in the family.   Deborah's daughter, Violet, has been going to GR!C for years and she's in the band, When Flying Feels Like Falling, one of ChiIL Mama's featured bands for July.   But you won't just see her Mom in the audience or schlepping gear for the kids.    She rocks, too!

The 2011 Ladies Rock Camp will be July 22-24th at Josephinum Academy in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. The Registration form is available now! Questions about Ladies Rock Camp? Email: LRC@girlsrockchicago.org

Ladies Rock Camp is a fundraiser for Girls Rock! Chicago. At this intensive weekend-long workshop, women ages 19-99 will follow a program similar to what the girls do at our summer camp: learn an instrument, form a band, write a song, and perform it - in just three days. If you are one of the many women who has thought, “I wish Girls Rock! Chicago was around when I was a kid!” this is for YOU. Each applicant will choose to play guitar, bass, or drums as her main instrument for the weekend. We assign instruments on a first come, first serve basis, so please provide us with a second choice instrument…NO MUSICAL EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. You can view the 2010 Ladies Rock Camp Schedule here.

GREAT NEWS! Ladies Rock Camp now offers Sliding Scale Tuition!

Basic enrollment fees help subsidize scholarships for Girls Rock! campers who qualify for financial aid, so the more you’re able to give, the more campers you’ll help!

$250—Basic camp enrollment

$350—Camp enrollment PLUS tickets to the Girls Rock! August showcase, GR!C t-shirt, and a six-CD box set featuring every song ever written at camp

$450—Camp enrollment PLUS VIP admission to the Girls Rock! August showcase AND a special shout out from the emcee, GR!C t-shirt, six-CD box set featuring every song ever written at camp, and guaranteed radio play for your Ladies Rock band or a guest DJ spot on WHPK’s Pure Hype

Wicker Park Fest Saturday & Sunday July 23 & 24th

Van Ghost at House of Blues 6-11-11

Wicker Park Fest gets more impressive each year.  Saturday July 23rd, we're looking forward to Purple Apple , School of Rock and Loyal Divide.








We have a video interview with the talented kids in Purple Apple, concert footage from their Schubas show, and stills coming soon.  The whole month of July is all about the kids.


Check out our Van Ghost shots from House of Blues a few weeks back.   They're a must see at Wicker Park Fest at 6:15 on Sunday July 24th.   They played HOB with our friends in How Far to Austin, Ben Ripani, Great Divide and Katie Todd.   Check out all of their websites for summer appearances.  

Wicker Park Fest also features 

loads of kids' fun like the Psychobaby Tent Featuring Rock and Roll faux hawks and hair streaks.

a Petting Zoo Noon til 4:00 pm sponsored by Children's Learning Place & MyMomMemories.com

Face Painting by Chicago Avenue Salon
Cookie Decorating sponsored by Square One Organics
Bounce House sponsored by CLEOS & Psychobaby
Arts & Crafts Station sponsored by Easel Arts Studio
 Nature Tent by Grand Street Gardens
Dunk Tank sponsored by 1st Ward, with special guest 1st Ward Alderman Moreno!

Tot Spot - sponsored by The Children's Learning Place

Check Out West Fest-Especially The Talented Kids in The Socialists and Purple Apple

West Fest is one of our annual favs, as far as neighborhood street fests go!   This year they've got 2 bands full of waaaay under agers, and these kids can ROCK!    Check 'em out here on ChiIL Mama, where we're featuring kids in some of the best bands you've never heard of throughout the whole month of July.    Then check 'em out NEXT weekend at West Fest.

Saturday & Sunday
July 9th & 10th, 2011

12-10pm

on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood

There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.

The Music

The biggest difference between West Fest and other cookie-cutter Chicago street festivals is the high quality live music on the main stage booked by Empty Bottle Presents. West Fest is all about up and coming local and national artists playing original live music. West Fest also features a DJ stage, and this year Derrick Carter will close things out on the DJ stage Sunday, July 10th. 

Click here for the complete live music line up.

*For talent photos, bios or interviews, contact West Fest publicist Jody Grimaldi at 630/470-0044:

The Activities

Kid Fest (on Wolcott & Rice): Join us for the 6th annual Kids Fest held in conjunction with West Fest July 9 & 10, Noon to 6 pm - located on Wolcott Ave between Chicago Ave and Rice. A jammed packed two-day family fun event. Come enjoy entertainment on the ‘Boundary Tavern & Grille’ family stage or take in a round of mini-golf, or enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, face painters, games, crafts and lots more. All proceeds to benefit improvements at 3 local playlots; Snowberry, Superior and Honore. For more information, please call (773) 960-7212.

Pet Fest (near Wolcott at Chicago): Each year West Fest features another large ‘fest within a fest’ dedicated exclusively to pet product vendors, canine bathing pools, and plenty of pet activities for charity. This year, West Town's own Doggy Style Pet Shop will be hosting a Suds For Strays dog wash with all proceeds to benefit Chicago’s no-kill animal shelter Alive Rescue. Alive Rescue is a no-kill rescue that uses a wide circle of foster families as temporary homes while permanent ones are being found. Their goal for 2011 is to rescue over 100 dogs from high-kill shelters. For just $10, your dog can go from hot and dirty to cool and clean. In addition, Doggy Style Pet Shop pledges to match every donation made during the Suds For Strays dog wash up to $1500. 

$5 donation requested for admittance to West Fest offsets the costs of the event and benefits local non-profits providing services for the immediate neighborhood: the West Town Chamber of Commerce and the Commercial Park Advisory Council which funds improvements to local West Town parks and three local play lots.

Live Music Lineup

Main Stage

Chicago Avenue at Damen Avenue

programmed by Empty Bottle Presents.

Saturday, July 9th

8:30pm Local H

7:00pm Hollows

5:30pm Bare Mutants

4:00pm Liturgy

2:30pm No Joy

1:00pm The Socialists 

(July is all about the kids. ChiIL Mama has an original video interview and tons of live footage of The Socialists' set at Empty Bottle that will be up soon.)

Sunday, July 10th

8:30pm King Khan featuring Gris Gris Sound

7:00pm Syl Johnson featuring The Uptown

5:30pm Those Darlins

4:00pm A Lull

2:30pm Team Band

1:00pm Purple Apple

(July is all about the kids. ChiIL Mama has an original video interview and tons of live footage of Purple Apple's set at Schubas that will be up soon.)

BP Dj Stage

Chicago Avenue at Wood Street

with the VOID sound system

Saturday, July 9th

Juan Maclean Dj Set 8:30-10

Drop The Lime 7-8:30

Dark Wave Disco 6-7:00

Zebo 5-6:00

Pickel & Dj Intel 4-5:00

Justin Reed 3-4:00

Sunday, July 10th

Derrick Carter 8:30-10

Diz 7:30-8:30

Jesse de la Pena 6:30-7:30

John Simmons 5:30-6:30

Shaka 23 4:30-5:30

Striz 3:30-4:30

Win A Disc Wednesday-Steve Weeks, Dandelion CD Winner & New Album Alphabet Songs Vol. 111

Big congrats to this week's winner, Teresa O.    She and her family like to rock out to Michael Jackson.   You've won the award winning CD, Dandelion, by Steve Weeks.   Check out his website HERE for tunes, tour dates and info on his brand new release, Alphabet Songs Volume 111.    







For July, we're doing something a bit different for Wednesdays.   July is all about the kids, leading up to Kidzapalooza.   We'll be featuring loads of live footage and interviews with real life kids who are rockin', rollin' and really have gigs!   Many are writing their own songs.    Others are doing some amazing covers.    


We'll also have 4 free tickets for a lucky family to check out School of Rock All Stars at Schubas on 7/30.   So check in with ChiIL Mama early and often, for reviews, interviews, news and additional great give aways throughout the month.

Great Midwest Ukefest THIS Saturday-Miss Ann Family 4 Pack Winner Announced

This Saturday from 11am-11pm, come on out for a kid friendly, rockin' good time, for all ages.    Little Miss Ann gets things off to a sweet start at 11am.   ChiIL Mama's family 4 pack winner is Jen M.!

The Details:
The 2nd Annual Great Midwest Ukefest

Chief O'Neill's Pub and Restaurant

3471 N. Elston Chicago, IL
$10.00

Chicago Ukulele Cabaret Presents:

The 2nd Annual Great Midwest Ukefest!

From Traditional to Extreme and everything in-between

The Chicago Ukulele Cabaret will kick off-July 4th weekend with a 4-stringed bang at its 2nd Annual Festival. Part curated showcase and part open-mic, this all day fest expands the cabaret show, allowing everyone to participate while showcasing several of our regular acts in full sets.

As always, the show will offer something for everyone, from traditional players, to classical virtuosos, to full band and indie rock interpretations.

Building on the success of last year's outing, organizers this year are adding a morning show for kids featuring Little Miss Ann while doubling the open mic session in the afternoon. The curated evening portion will feature full sets from perennial cabaret favorites such as Lanialoha Lee, Heavy Boxes, Bone and Bell, Jeffrey Weisfeld Combo, and many more! In addition to 11 hours of live music the indoor/outdoor event will offer BBQ, Raffles, and much more!


All are welcome to perform during our four hour open mic segment from 1:00-5:00 PM.   Interested acts for the open-mic should RSVP to ukechicago@gmail.com

Proceeds will benefit The Intonation Music Workshop-a pretty rockin' awesome local non-profit organization, providing band-based music education to children in Chicago's under-served neighborhoods.    Check 'em out on FB, Twitter and their web site for videos, upcoming events and more.


Click it for your tickets right HERE or get them at the door.   Chief O'Neil's has an awesome outdoor space and tasty food, and uke can't beat the music!   You'll have a great time and support a great cause at the same time.

Girls Rock Chicago-LIVE at Metro

Girls Rock Chicago Show-Octopie-LIVE at Metro


Sunday was the grand finale show for the first session of Girls Rock Chicago Camp at Metro.    We had the great opportunity to bring in a camera and audio gear and catch it all for posterity.   Unfortunately we had to leave town on a travel assignment--literally from the venue, so it'll be a little while before we can get everyone's bands edited and posted.     But we promise all 75 girls and 18 bands are comin', and will be on the Girls Rock site, here at ChiIL Mama, and on YouTube for all the bands to have and enjoy.    We were so impressed with the great energy and creative kids, counselors and volunteers!!


For now, we've just got a rough cut of Sagezilla's band, Octopie, up on YouTube, as a teaser of things to come.    Great job everyone.    Oh yeah....as if there was ever any doubt...   GIRLS do indeed ROCK.

i ♥ Faces--A Touch of Whimsy

This photo is from the kids' end of the year play with Lil Buds Theatre.   They wrote, directed, and acted in their own show, and created their own costumes.   This is Du-Jay as a Mythical Griffin.    


We've been rockin' the imagination play this summer.   Our kids are presently mixing potions, creating multiple clue hunts, and playing pirates on the hammock ship.   Nothing says whimsy like kids with great imaginations.

Mellow Yellow Monday--Remembering Alia Serendipity

Alia Serendipity's "Memories Box" by Sage

June 21st marked the summer solstice, but it was also a special day in our family.   Although our eldest dog was a foundling "alley score" as a 3 week old pup, nursed on a bottle, and of unknown actual date or origin of birth, this was the day we always celebrated Alia Serendipity's birthday.    She would have been 17 this week, but we had to put her to sleep April 1st.

Alia was a special part of our lives for nearly 18 years.   She was present at both of our children's home births and they chose to be there for her death.    On Tuesday we took time to remember her.   I'd suggested gathering photos, writing poetry, writing or sharing our memories of her....    However Sage had her own ideas for how to mourn and celebrate her four legged family member.    

For Mellow Yellow Monday, here's Sage's "Memories Box" containing Alia's canister of ashes, toy likenesses of Alia and Xanthus-her lifelong Husky/Malamute buddy who died at 13 back in 2005, and a leopard box Auntie Maia sent from Portland for memories of Alia.   Sage also included some of her favorite toys and treats (which our husky mix rescue puppy, Igraine the Brave or Iggy Pup, happily ate later.)   

Allie's all time favorite odd dog food was clementine oranges, but we were out of them.   We'll include those when we bury her ashes in the back yard, under our Red Osier Dogwood Tree (AKA:  the Bubby and Ubu Bush) where all our past dogs are remembered.   Their ashes go back into the earth and their collars and tags hang from the branches.   When we hear them clink and chime, the kids say the ghost dogs are running with the wind.

For our solstice birthday remembrance, Sage also broke out her guitar and made up a wonderfully haunting song for Alia.    After the first 2 days of Girl's Rock Camp, Sage had already really taken to guitar and was enjoying writing her own songs and expanding on the new chords she's learned.

We'll have more Alia stories and photos in the weeks to come.   She was a true character and a well loved part of our family.

Click below for more Mellow Yellow glimpses from around the world.

Play Locally: Green Music Fest, Summer Sessions on The Square, Pride Parade, Girls Rock at Metro, And More

All Weekend

Saturday

Summer Sessions on the Square kicks off our 3rd season on Saturday from 

5:30-8:30 at the Centennial Monument (Milwaukee/Logan/Kedzie intersection)! 

Between Summer Sessions and the Empty Bottle/I AM Logan Square Music Series, the monument is THE place for free summer music!

This Saturday:

THIN HYMNS
L'ORCHESTRE SUPER VITESSE
RABBLE RABBLE

Summer Sessions provides neighbors of all ages a casual evening of music and 
art. We'll have an interactive art activityfor the kids, and immediately 
following the music, The Comfort Station (across the street) will perform a live 
puppet show in their Milwaukee-facing window! 

Bring a picnic basket or pick up some tasty buns from local vendors, Bun Pow 
(they often have a vegan option)!

Summer Sessions on the Square

The Logan Square Comfort Station will be performing this awesome puppet show in their Milwaukee-facing window upon conclusion of Summer Sessions tonight. All we have to do is turn around!

THE BALLAD OF LULA DEL RAY is a contemporary shadow puppet show following the journey of a young girl in search of something that is not as far away as it seems. Directed by Julia Miller Adapted from text by Brendan Hill Shadow Puppets and Puppeetering...

Sunday

The 42nd Annual Gay Pride Parade is stepping off at noon at Halsted and Belmont.   All parade route info and details are HERE.    This year's multicultural theme is pride around the world.   We've always taught our own kids tolerance and respect for other people's choices.   Parents and families come in all shapes, sizes and styles.    We have more than a few friends with two moms, gay donor dads, or both.    They are some of the most devoted, wonderful parents we know.    Nobody should fear for their lives, their human rights, their jobs or their dignity because of a lifestyle choice!    We'll be there as straight allys.    

   

During each session of Girls Rock! Chicago’s summer camps, 75 girls will pick up an instrument, form a band, write and record an original song, and perform it on stage—all in one week!

This Sunday, come see the newest class of GR!C grads - session one campers including ChiIL Mama's own Sagezilla -in a performance at the legendary Metro. That’s 18 bands guaranteed to rock your socks off, PLUS young DJs fresh out of DJ camp. As always, this event is ALL ages. Bring the kids and let them dance in our reserved shorty section while sharing in the inspiration.

This sessions band’s include your new favorites: Octopie, Flaming Mustaches, The Recycled Hearts, Corduroy Converse, LOL, Black Cats, Painting the Roses Red and many more!

Sunday, June 26th

3pm - 5pm

Metro

3730 N. Clark

Chicago, IL

$7 in advance, $8 at the door.

Kids under 8 are admitted FREE

Buy tickets now!

Sunday, June 26 · 7:30pm - 11:00pm

3160 CLARK PIANO BAR

3160 N. Clark St

Chicago, IL

I've known Melissa for over 15 years and she's a fabulous singer.   If you need a parents night out, come check out her show this Sunday.    No cover-2 drink min.

Melissa says:   Peter and I think you will be so ready for some funny songs and a place to sit down after the parade! Come take a load off and let's keep the celebration going!!! PRIIDE BABY, PRIDE! Bring your book singers and we'll have you up for a song or two meow! See you then! NO COVER! 2 drink min.