|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
 |
|
MONTHLY COLUMN/Regional Music News by Tom Lounges
REMEMBER...DOUBLE MONTH ISSUE!
As you will note from the dates in the masthead of this issue,
this is our annual Holiday Double-Month Issue of Midwest BEAT, which
means do NOT look for us on the street with a fresh issue the first week
of January. Our next edition will be the first week of February.
That said – I would like to wish each and every one of our
readers a very happy holiday season and a safe start to the New Year.
We will all be doing a lot of partying over the next few weeks
and a lot of our college students will be home to get their rock ‘n’
roll “Ya-Yas” out. Amidst
all the revelry, please remember to drink responsibly and to watch each
other’s backs, so that 2003 will begin with smiles instead of tears.
Okay, enough preaching and moralizing on my part -- NOW GO HAVE FUN!!!! READER’S POLL BALLOTS
Don’t forget to find time between your holiday festivities to
fill out and mail your “2002 Reader’s Poll Ballots,” found on the
inside back page. Please please fill out as many categories as you
can...it’s painless really!
RULES: To keep things fair and simple, only ONE BALLOT will be
accepted PER envelope, so DO NOT BULK MAIL, or only one ballot will be
counted. HISTORY OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CLASS
I am happy to announce that I have been asked to instruct a
special 6-week adult education course at Indiana University Northwest on
“The History Of Rock ‘N’ Roll.”
The class will meet for 2 hours each week. I will be tracing rock
from its late 1940s roots through today’s scene, through lectures,
audio and video clips and a special guest or two.
There will also be some cool trivia contests for musical swag for
those students paying most attention.
Class room dialogue will be peppered with some of the
colorful memories from my own 25 years of covering music for Midwest
BEAT, The Times, Song Hits, Video Rock Stars, Relix, Goldmine and
assorted other publications. For more information or to sign up for the
class, contact Linda Szalmasagi of IUN’s Continuing Studios Program at
1-(888)-YOUR IUN (ext. 6806). HOLIDAY BEAT BASHES!
While deciding what to do and where to party with your best buds
this holiday season, we hope you will think to join Midwest BEAT at a
couple of special events we have cooking.
On Dec. 28, we will host our annual Holiday BEAT Bash at the
classy confines of 2nd Dimensions (Fox Run Plaza) in Schererville. This is our first-ever party at this swank local nightspot
owned by our old friend Brian Gallas.
Rockin’ you will be the new line-up of old pop rock faves,
Wookie Luv, the always entertaining Sadies Cage (fronted by our
“Region Rumble” Beat Babe – Heather), and those wild and crazy
hard rock animals of INZANE.
We may not have a new issue out in January, but will
will be out in the clubs! Join
us in breaking in a brand new region night club on January 25, as
Midwest BEAT invades Cronies Charhouse & Gin Mill (310 South Main
St.) in Kouts, IN with four great bands and a whole lot of wild
contests. Dancing on the pool tables and the bar is allowed at
this rock ‘n’ roll establishment ladies...so get ready to get wild.
National sound engineer Joey Rega (Cheap Trick, SOiL, Gin
Blossoms, etc.) will be behind the board twisting the knobs at Cronies
that night for sets by –– The Heavies (surf rock), Milhouse
(alt-rock), The Bones (classic rock) and Eat A Peach (Southern rock)
–– so the place is sure to go up for grabs!
Cronies is located at the site of the old Rushmore, but Bub &
Sam Pullins have re-modeled and revamped the old joint into a truly
great place to party!
In February, Midwest BEAT will turn on it’s love light and let
it shine, shine, shine... We
will host our “Valentine’s Sweetheart’s Dance” with a night of
chick rock by Autumn Dawn and Bittersweet on Feb. 14 at Soprano’s (840
S. Broad St.) in Griffith.
We will have some special romance prizes that night, so come with
that someone special, because you will need to get “close” to win! In the meantime, turn to page 20 of this issue to find out
how you can to win “Valentine’s Dinner For Two @ Soprano’s.”
Who loves ya baby?
One last event plug before we get to the local music news...but
this is one you will want to know about!
Sometime
in either late February or early March, Midwest BEAT will be hosting our
first ever “Reader’s Appreciation Party!”
The best part of all this is that there will be – NO COVER!
This our way of saying – “Thank You!” – for your
continued support of our publication over the years. It’s also a great
reason for you all to come and check out City Limits, a very classy new
venue with a hip decor straight out of downtown Chicago.
BATTLE ENDS & BEGINS!
Local music fans can find two of the region’s finest bands
battling it out at the Backdoor Lounge in Griffith on Dec. 21 as the
venue’s year-long “Battle Of The Backdoor” contest goes into its
Grand Final $1,000 Cash round. Nast
Devin (old school rock) will face off with Mas Kaos (heavy rock) for
this “winner take all” final battle. Midwest BEAT and Zion
Productions presented the lengthy competition and we thank our wonderful
prizes sponsors – Music Lab of Lansing and Black Dog Studios in
Griffith for supplying the prizes for the preliminary and semi-finals
round.
Watch for a new, shorter “Backdoor Battle” series to begin in
late February at Lake County’s Backdoor Lounge.
Also watch for Midwest BEAT to sponsor a similar band contest to
be waged on a new battleground – McCool’s – in Porter County’s
South Haven.
Details on both “battles” will be revealed in this column in
our next (Feb.) issue.
BAND BITS •
There will be a series of special benefit shows to help raise
money for a much needed liver transplant for Jamie Cox, the daughter of Kevin and Missy Cox.
Kevin is a member of Tamallicka and a we encourage everyone to
support each and every one of these shows.
Details are not confirmed for February shows pending at both The
Backdoor Lounge in Griffith and at McCool’s in South Haven, but an
8-band show will take place on Jan. 4 at The Port Offshore in Portage.
Performing for the Cox family at The Port are – Trauma,
Tamallicka, Financial Burden, Portrait of Shadows, Nast Devin, Guerrilla
Guitars, TwentyFour Seven and The Heavies. For more info, call Zion Productions @ (219) 962-6563. •
Local cover band, Milhouse, has undergone some personnel changes.
Lead guitarist Scott
Brakebill has left the line-up to hook up with Pearl Jam tribute band,
Evenflow. Drummer Aaron
Schuhrke likewise jumped ship to keep the beat for recently reformed
‘90s club faves, The Sound Gypsies.
Vocalist Mark Berry and bassist Rik Menconi have replaced
Brakebill with Mick Zajac and Joe Azaire is now filling the void behind
their kit. Both new
recruits hail from the recently disbanded 10 Daze Late.
Catch the new Milhouse line-up on our first Midwest BEAT Bash of
2003 at Cronies’ Charhouse & Gin Mill in Kouts on Jan. 25.
They will play that night with Eat A Peach, The Heavies and The
Bones. •
There’s a new Creed tribute band called My Sacrifice that
recently started hitting the local Chicagoland club circuit. Creed fans are urged to mark January 4 down on their
calendars and join the group for a regional video cable TV taping at 10
p.m. that night at Sean Kaley’s (10900 Kingery Rd.) in Lemont, IL. For show info call, (630) 257-6382. For more band info, and to check out mp3 audio and video
clips, log on at: www.mysacrific.com. • Congratulations
to Chicago pop/rock band, SIMMERING, on their being declared the
regional winner of the recent Q101/Hard Rock Cafe original band
competition. From here,
SIMMERING, will move on to compete with against the winners of other
cities with Hard Rock Cafe locations.
They will represent Chicago in that national competition in early
2003.
SIMMERING is – Ryan Stagg (leads vocals), John E. Haines
(guitar), Kyle Smith (guitar/vocals), Frank Gattone (piano/keys) and
Damon Ramano (drums/percussion). •
Local alt-rock combo, I Sharko, have been out of sight on the
regional scene for the last few months as bassist Paul Grafton and
singer/guitarist Derek See recovered from injuries sustained in a
September auto accident, but they have kept busy writing.
The quartet – rounded out by drummer Tim Fogel and guitarist
Sam Carlson – are preparing to record the songs composed during this
down time. They hope to have a new CD to fans by early 2003.
To sneak preview snippets, log on at:
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/431/isharko.html . •
Munster-bred songbird, Holly Senchak, will soon be back in action
on the Midwest music scene. It’s been nearly two years since
Senchak’s former group, Zambow, was sidelined after several core
members left to pursue non-musical careers.
Before calling it quits, Zambow, attained national recognition by
becoming the official Folgers Coffee Jingle Band in mid-2000.
During her post-Zambow downtime, Senchak has stayed busy writing
songs with her former group’s bassist, Ben Hilt.
The two recently formed a new, as-yet-unnamed band and are
recording those songs. Senchak’s quartet will debut live in early
2003. • “Friends”
return! No, not that silly prime time TV series where former platonic
pals are now bumping uglies and making babies together...
I’m talking about the members of the N.W. Indiana band, Friend
Of A Friend, who this past fall experienced “Spinal Tap” drummer
syndrome and disbanded. Singer Jim Laczkowski has reassembled the group
as Automatic Pilot. •
The hard rocking lads of 9mm, a bi-state band that was on the
rise and then suddenly seemed to implode a few months ago, are back in
action. Their new 3-song
CD, “Digital Evolution,” has begun circulating around the local
scene. Word is the band has
some new members and is gearing up to regain their lost momentum on the
regional scene. Fans of heavy modern rock owe it to themselves to check
out 9mm. • Sad
to report that after three years of banging around clubs, Chicago
power-pop band, V-90, have called it a day. Though the original trio
have amicably parted ways, guitarist Mike Brezen will retain the
group’s well-established name and is currently seeking to replace
bassist Mike Greene and drummer Luke Smith, with a brand new rhythm
section. To audition, email
Brezen at: V90music@ameritech.net. •
The very popular and very talented cover act, The Concrete Suits,
have announced that they are officially calling it quits this month
because, “the members have all decided to pursue other interests.”
They will play their final Indiana shows Dec. 13 & 14 at
Ricciardi’s (9400 Indianapolis Blvd.) in Highland, IN.
Their final Illinois show takes place Dec. 21 at Jolt-N-Joe’s
(3215 Union Ave.) in Steger, IL. Log
on to their site – www.concretesuits.com – to drop ‘em a line. •
In the last year, one has needed a score card to keep track of
who was “in” and who was “out” of Hammond’s old school metal
band, Cryptic Visions. Just
as it looked like stability had finally come to the perpetually
struggling band, in the wake of a new demo CD that displayed very strong
songwriting, comes word that vocalist Joe Lawson has left the group.
Lawson is now singing covers for the regional metal act, Pitch
Black.
The single is selling for $5.
For info of purchasing the CD single and for a list of live area
shows where Harvey will be performing the songs live during the
holidays, drop an email to Barney at: j.barney@attbi.com or call (219)
933-4855. •
Fear not fans of punk!
Word comes to me this month that – like those rumors of Mark
Twain – stories of the death of O’So’E-z have been greatly
exaggerated. The N.W. Indiana punk/emo band may be back to being a
5-piece, but they are back!
Catch the recently restructured O’So’E-z line-up rockin’ on
Dec. 21 at the Highland American Legion Post #180 on Ridge Road. For more info, drop them an email at: lessthanjosh13@hotmail.com. •
The newly revamped line-up of N.W. Indiana’s No Sentz Band is
– rhythm guitarist Pete Antecki, bassist Mike Carns, lead guitarist
Chris Lange and drummer Chad Burton – backing the stellar vocals of
Ms. Mimi De St.Jean, one of the region’s most talented singers. •
Original modern rock trio, Grape Soda, benefitted from playing
our “Region Rumble” last month, when they were inked as clients to
RMT Artist Managment as a result of having showcased that day. Bassist Brett Diaz reports that the new relationship is
looking promising and that their new managers are already working of
some big things for the band. •
Likewise... fellow “Region Rumblers” – Egnaro – landed
themselves a prime performance slot on 94.7/The Zone’s upcoming Dec.
12 showcase at The Metro. They
will play with Blackout and Psychward.
Immediately following their Metro performance, Egnaro will take a
roadtrip to Texas for a short string of Western club shows. •
A big congratulations to Urban Twang vocalist Karla Sue Magnan on
the Nov. 1 birth of son, Calvin Arthur Magnan.
Mother, child and daddy Brian are all doing well.
Missing in action for the last couple of months while on
maternity leave, Karla Sue is itching to get back behind the microphone
again this month to help Urban Twang promote its new CD, Vintage.
Sample mp3s at: www.UrbanTwang.com/newsongs. •
Happy 30th Birthday to guitarist Aaron Harris of Demagin and
NeoTribe. He leaves his
happy go lucky 20s behind forever on Dec. 7! •
Guitarist Kenny Lee (ex- Scarred) has been in a musical
“woodshed” for the last two years honing his chops and writing
original material with vocalist Michael St. Allen and drummer Dee
Anthony.
The trio are currently recording under the collective name of
Seven Ten, along with bassist Glenn Curtis.
Upon completing what will become their full length debut CD, One
Vision, the group will introduce their original metal-rooted rock sound
in clubs in early 2003. •
Chicago heavy metal combo, Diamond Rexx, has completed their
music video for the track, “Someone,” from their recently released
full-length CD. The video
was shot on location at The Exit in Chicago and is enroute to music
television programmers all over America as you read these words.
The Chicago band is to be the subject of a feature article in the
January issue of national adult magazine, OUI, on newstands now. •
N.W. Indiana’s accapella quintet, Harbor Lights, has completed
work on their second full length album, ‘50s Chrome.” The vocal
group, which splintered off from Stormy Weather almost three years ago,
have enjoyed considerable success on a local and national level with
fans of doo-wop music. They
will croon in 2003 at Phil Smidt’s Restaurant in Whiting on Dec. 31 in
a show that will feature many of the selections from the new CD.
Meanwhile Stormy Weather has carried on just fine and have a new
CD – Voice Activated – of their own out on the market. Catch our
review of it on page 28 of this issue •
On December 11, local singer/songwriter, Steve Vansak, will
re-release a sonically improved version of his late ‘80s debut CD,
Permanent Red. The
14-song album has been newly remixed and remastered from the original
multi-track master tapes. Vansak is looking to give this free audio
upgrade the 400-plus local people who bought the original release. “The
new version boasts improved sonic clarity that is far above the original
version and it’s got new, updated cover art too,” said Vansak.
Anyone who has the original version and is interested in swapping
their old CD for a brand new one can drop an email to Vansak at:
sbvrecords@webtv.net Those unfamiliar with this talented region artist can hear mp3 samples from several of his albums at: www.mp3.com/steve vansak. THIS ‘N THAT... •
Some dirty rat bastards stole nearly a full van worth of stage
equipment from local metal band, Ditchwater, following their October
26th show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, where they
performed at a Midwest BEAT-sponsored
event with Lennon, A.D.D. and Soulshine.
We are asking our readers who frequent area clubs and the many
pawn shop owners/staff who carry our publication, to please keep your
eye open for the following gear. Stolen
were – Mesa Boogie 4x12 Cabinet, Marshall JMC 2000 TSL 100 Head, Black
Gothic Gibson Explorer with brown hardshell case, Black w/Green Marble
(custom paint job) Gibson Explorer with brown hardshell case, Hartke
4x10 Transporter Bass Cabinet, Washburn XB 400 Bass (Green) with black
hardshell case and a Washburn XB 500 Bass (Woodgrain) with black
hardshell case.
All amps have Ditchwater name stenciled in white on them, plus
little red spots onthe cabinets to help identify them.
The Hartke Cabinet also has DW in bleach on the grill that can
only be seen using a black light. If
anyone has any information about this gear, contact band leader Mark
Anderson @ (708) 331-9776 or via email at Ditchwater1@aol.com • The
new management team at Valparaiso’s popular night club, Bin Willy’s
(3530 Calumet Ave.), are giving live local music one more shot. Local
faves, The Crawpuppies, have been booked for an extended Friday nightr
run through January. Band
leader Chad Clifford hopes that Bin Willy’s patrons will support
something other than DJ music at the snazzy venue.
Sounds like a challenge local rock fans need to take up.
More info: (219) 477-6778. •
Yours truly will be seen representing the South Side/N.W. Indiana
rock scene on the CLTV entertainment program, “Metro-Mix.” The segment with my brief bit first airs on Dec. 12 at
5:30 pm and 8:30 pm and
will be re-broadcast throughout December
Many thanks to CLTV producer Stephanie Kurtz for the invitation
to come down and shine a light on our wonderful original music scene.
As I understand it, assorted music clips from area bands will be
featured as well. Tune In
and be among the 2.8 million viewers watching.
•
WXRT’s popular “Local Anesthetic” radio program which airs
on Sundays with host Richard Milne, will be airing local band holiday
greetings on Dec. 22 and re-broadcast them on Dec. 29.
Bands interested in submitting CDs of their original music for
the 2003 broadcast year, should drop them to: Richard Milne c/o WXRT, 4949 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60641. •
Midwest BEAT Magazine is proudly helping to sponsor an “on-line
battle of the bands” through our good friends at
chicago-music-scene.com. A
total of 64 bands will be competing and fans from around the globe will
vote for their favorite bands online through a series of levels, until
only four finalists remain. Those four are presented to a panel of music industry judges
(yours truly among them) for the final outcome. For all the details, log on site or email the moderator
at: Eric@chicago-music-scene.com •
Join Midwest BEAT in welcoming Utopia/Blackhearts/ Meatloaf
bassist Kasim Sulton to Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre on Feb. 9
for a 7pm unplugged show. Sulton’s
one man show will feature new songs from his new solo CD, Quid Pro Quo,
along a selection of hit songs that he has played on over the years.
For this show, we’ve pair the talented New York native up with
Lansing, Illinois singer/songwriter Tristen for this show.
This will be one of Tristen’s first area shows since returning
from Italy Thanksgiving week.
For a chance to score a free pair of tickets to this show, a free
copy of Quid Pro Quo, or some personally autographed photos of Kasim,
enter our contest at the bottom of this page!
Don’t forget Midwest BEAT will be welcoming our good friend Jim
Peterik of Ides of March/Survivor fame to the Chicago Street Theatre on
April 6th for a very special unplugged “Storytellers” type of show. Yours truly will be the evening’s emcee and we will have
Monkey Cocktail’s David Carl and Jack Adams all stripped down and
acoustic to open that show.
Tickets for both the Kasim Sulton/Tristen or the Jim
Peterik/Monkey Cocktail show can be purchased by calling (219) 681-5828
or pointing your browser at: www.ctgonline.org •
Our “Teen Scene” columinst Sarah Lounges and myself both send
best wishes to Katy Krassner, the longtime publicist for the New York
branch of Hollywood Records and a good friend to The Midwest BEAT over
the years. Downsizing at the Mouse House finds the stellar publicist
leaving her position, but we are confident that given her remarkable
people skills, Katy will land on her feet...well...like a Kat...who has
just “eaten a Mouse.” That’s it for this month! Happy Holidays everyone! See you Dec. 28 and Jan. 25 at the BEAT Bashes! Let’s Party!
|
||
|
Web
Design By: All Rights Reserved © 6 String Design2003 |
||
•
•