React & Congress Theater Present

SPRING AWAKENINGMUSIC FESTIVAL

CHICAGO – React Presents and the Congress Theater are thrilled to make Chicago history by announcing SPRING AWAKENING MUSIC FESTIVAL is expanding by going inside of the legendary Soldier Field stadium! This marks the first time an all dance music event takes place inside and outside of the stadium. Due to overwhelming demand, the first all dance music festival to ever hit the birthplace of house music places da main stage inside of the stadium, with three stages located on the south side of the stadium on Soldier Field’s Stadium Green. We invite all music fans to come be a part of this culmination of Chicago’s long storied musical past.

Grouplove, the new-age American Indie-Rock band, hit the scene this weekend at the Metro, playing a SOLD OUT show. The up-and-coming band, consisting of five witty & colorful members, displayed their talents last Saturday, rocking the venue and crowd with the sound of their debut album,  Never Trust a Happy Song. With a catchy, upbeat sound, the band never ceased to entertain the crowd, and it is apparent that their excitement and happiness is sure to spread to others over the next couple of months.

The music industry has seen quite the significant change with the constant evolution of the internet that has effected the way we  find music, when we listen to it, how we listen to it and how we share our favorite songs with our friends. With these sudden and constant changes it becomes harder for those outside of the industry to know what to expect and the direction they should take to get into the scene.  However, Chicago’s very own, Jaime Black, former Producer for Q101 and founder of Dynasty Podcasts, is here to save the day with much needed insight on our local music scene and the growing trend that may change the way we think about radio.

It has been about 6 months since Rusko tore up Chicago’s Congress Theatre on New Years Eve. Last Saturday he returned with the same stage set up but completely different song line up. He has since come out with the album Songs which dropped in stores in late March. The album feature his hit single “Somebody To Love,” the video for which was recorded here at Congress on NYE. His performance we no less awesome as last time, and the crowd couldn’t seem to control themselves, everyone was non-stop dancing all night.  Check out the photos!

Rusko Photos taken by Patrick Meehan

John O'Callaghan- The Maine

Tempe, AZ natives The Maine rolled into Chicago last Sunday night to a nearly-packed room at the House of Blues. When I got there, opening band The Arkells were beginning to get things going with their bubbly fuzz-rock that sounded like a mixture between fun and the Black Keys. Lydia, the second band of the night, mellowed things out with their unique brand of atmospheric indie-rock.
Frontman Leighton Antelman’s face was barely visible throughout their entire set in the deliberately dim lighting. Sound issues plagued both bands throughout their sets, which is unusual for the generally impervious sound system at the House of Blues. These issues were pretty much resolved once the Maine hit the stage.

It has been far too long since our beloved Jason Mraz has released a studio album, but he’s back and bigger than ever! Since 2008, after the release of We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., fans have been patiently waiting for his highly anticipated fourth album, Love Is A Four Letter Word, and “love” is just one of the words you can use to describe his new CD.

The Montgomerys

Project Captured met with the owners of Futurgarb in Wicker Park for a much needed dose of urban flair. So what’s everyone wearing when they’re not dressed in couture…? You got it! Cool, smart and eco- friendly pieces from Futurgarb. I sat down with Tim McGuire and Linda McGuire for my urban makeover. The entire concept of Futurgarb is based on what so many believe is our doomed fate at the end of 2012: the apocalypse. Futurgarb’s slogan: “Clothing for the NEW Planet” is based on their concept of fashion for the post-apocalyptic world and the myriad of cultures fusing back together on land. Tim laughs, “It’s actually funny that we’re entering the 2012 year with all the rumors and forecasts going around”.

To drop the waist line or not to drop the waistline? With all the new and unique fashion trends emerging this year, this dropped waist line trend in dresses has surely raised a few brows. Inspired by the 1920′s, this look was scene all over runways this season making it very aware that its gearing up to make a huge comeback. However, with such an oddly placed waist band, is every woman’s body type able to pull this look off successfully?

Oak Street’s men’s boutiques, Shrine Haberdashery and Oak Street Bootmakers, have joined forces to bring you the ultimate Americana powerhouse, Independence.

Vulnerable

Vulnerable is the first album in 3 years from beloved emo-pop rockers The Used. 2009 saw the release of Artwork, an album bashed by both fans and critics alike. Vocalist Bert McCracken speaks very candidly about the poor relationship the band had at the time with the major label Warner Bros. Vulnerable was released as a collaborative effort between the bands own label, Anger Music Group, and indie mainstay Hopeless Records. McCracken explains this departure from major label land allowed them a lot more freedom with this album. And it shows.

While checking out some of my favorite guys from Street Etiquette I ran across a great artist by the name of Jessie Boykins III. Jessie is originally from Chicago, but is currently living in Brooklyn. He has a sound that crosses every genre and culture. His vocal development was influenced by Bilal, which must be why his sound has that Neo-Soul feel. Jesse is soon scheduled to release his third album Love Apparatus. The lead single to the album is “B4 the Night is Thru”, which has a great fashionable video to go along with it (which you can check out below). One of my favorite tracks is “I Can’t Stay” because it’s very upbeat and will definitely get you dancing. Amongst other things, Jessie and his crew are promoting The Romantic Movement: a celebration and exploration of passion, nature, imagination, the individual and love. And we can all use a little love.

A few select fashion fanatics of Chicago gathered together at Neiman Marcus on the Magnificent Mile Thursday, April 12, to view the private debut of Kelly Wearstler’s brand new 2012 spring collection! The charming soiree took place on Neiman Marcus’ contemporary floor and Wrestlers funky chick collection surely matched its atmosphere.