News Stories

Recap / Photos | Busted On Bourbon Street @ Metro 7/2/95

There are plenty of supergroups in town this weekend. Here's one that had a decidedly New Orleans flavor.This band featured Ivan Neville, Papa Mali, Tony Hall, Willie Green and Marc 'Buddha' Balsam.The were on fiya all night, playing a mix of Dead tunes ("Mr Charlie", "Turn On Your Love Light", "Shakedown Street") as...

Setlist / Video / Recap | Gene Ween @ Concord Music Hall, 7/2/15

Since Weens breakup in 2012, frontman Aaron Freeman (better known as Gene Ween) has jumped from project to project, rarely sticking with a band or concept for long.First came Marvelous Clouds, released under the name Aaron Freeman, a collection of cover songs written by poet Rod McKuen. Then came Freeman, a full-band studio album released...

Setlist / Video / Stream / Download | Greensky Bluegrass & Keller Williams Grateful Grass @ Chicago Theatre 7/2/15

More to come on this show but first, the setlist and some media...Keller Williams' Grateful Grass feat. Infamous StringdustersJack StrawBrown Eyed WomenCandymanCold Rain & SnowFeel Like A StrangerBig RiverCumberland (They Love Each Other mashup version)Mr Charlie (Bird Song teases)On The Road AgainHe's GoneSamson & DelilahScarlet BegoniasGreensky BluegrassJuliusDemons"On behalf of the entire...

Local Bands, Hidden Gems Of The GD50 Chicago Before & After Show Scene

We've been adding events to our GD50 Chicago Events Grid since May. Sure, there are plenty of national headliners on the list, but probably a bunch of other names you may not recognize. Kelley Lauginiger (@peapodmcgee) was kind enough to break down a few of the acts that you can check out if you're into...

Album Reviews | June 2015 Releases

Damaged Bug-Cold Hot Plumbs[6/2]Thee Oh Sees John Dwyer is the brains behind Damaged Bug, the side-project focusing on synthesizers and keyboards but drenched in the psychedelic style that fans would expect of the prolific songwriter. The tracks are strangely catchy, packed with an endless variety of sounds and noises over loose, live drumbeats and...

Merry Pranksters Choose Cicero For Last Minute 50th Anniversary Event

[Update 7/1 pm] We just received this comment on our Facebook link to this post. I am out of words.   Original Post:Happy ending? Melancholy ending? You decide.I thought we closed the book on the July 4th Merry Prankster festival that sounded too good to be true (and was), but then turned...

VIDEO | Chuck Leavell & Members of Rolling Stones Touring Band Drop Some Jazz on Martyrs'

Chuck Leavell has been the somewhat unsung glue that holds together Rolling Stones tours for some time now. As musical director and keyboardist, his influence is always felt, even when attention is directed on the big boys.He'll occasionally drop by clubs on Stones off days, off which there are many, to jam with other...

Preview and Performer List: Jazz & Colors at Field Museum

Paul Abella is a radio host, musician, writer and occasional contributor to The Barn. His band, Jazz Plays Dead, will be performing at this event and a late night Sunday 7/5 Show at The Store in Lincoln Park. We are thrilled to have him break down the concept and artists for us. -ed.This week is...

Watch Father John Misty Cover Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs"

Though enigmatic songwriter Father John Misty has been known to include covers of Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens and others into his live sets, a recent video of the singer performing Arcade Fires The Suburbs may be his first contemporary cover.Performed acoustic during a session for CBC Music, the video captures a solo...

Photos / Recap / Setlist | Poi Dog Pondering @ Pritzker Pavilion 6/29/15

Photos / Words: Phil SolomonsonLocal favorites Poi Dog Pondering spread their infectious groove for a packed audience at Jay Pritzker Pavilion as part of the Downtown Sound summer music series sponsored by The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.From the start, the dedicated crowd was on their feet and dancing. For...