Watch blues great Billy Boy Arnold tear it up back in 1976

Celebrating the 90th birthday of harp hero Billy Boy Arnold with a performance of "I Was Fooled" at Chicago's 1815 Club. 

Steven Krakow launches new Plastic Crimewave Syndicate album and cassette!

Plastic Crimewave Syndicate will be performing songs from their new recording at Not Not's Sike Fest in Chicago on Saturday.

Here's the scoop from Steven Krakow...

This Saturday, not only will Plastic Crimewave Syndicate (with Mac Blackout) play a release show for our new split 12” on Cardinal Fuzz / Echodelick Records with Blue Fantasy, we will also debut A NEW LIMITED CASSETTE called “Out Demons Shout!” PCWS’s UK Free Fest covers set (and choice practices) from Million Tongues 20th anniversary hoo hah 8/24 at The Empty Bottle! This Ladbroke Grove-oriented incarnation also features ex-Ministry/Revolting Cocks man Chris Connelly on vocals, Yakuza’s Bruce Lamont on sax, and Satin Banshee‘s Jordan Marks shredding on our versions of Hawkwind, Pink Fairies, and Deviants underground bangers, like we did way back at M.Tongues in 2004! I CAN mail order a few these tapes for those who can’t make it to Saturday’s Siked happening at Not Not with Bobby Conn, Taralie Peterson, Desert Liminal, William Vermette, Kendraplex Kendraplex and many more! See ya there! 

Plastic Crimewave Syndicate + Mac Blackout / Blue Fantasy split LP

Cardinal Fuzz and Echodelick Records are blessed to bring forth this slab of wax featuring on one side - Plastic Crimewave Syndicate + Mac Blackout and on the other side - Blue Fantasy.

For years, these Chicago scuzz-punk psychedelic have long been turning turned on heads as the USA’s answer to Hawkwind, CAN, AMT and a whole slew of the most cosmic of mind-expanding brain-fryers out there. Here you are blessed with 2 tracks of comic devotion - a nuclear blast of motor city acid-punk, Japanese-style skree and throb, synth punk, no-prog, and freak funk displaying all the gnarly heaviness that PCS have long made all their own. Hereby joined by American visual artist and musician Mac Blackout blowing on the Saxophone to add to the cacophony/symphony of sound ala Monoshock-meets-Comets post-Stoogedom spaced ritual-rock opus.

Flip over for Blue Fantasy - Hailing from Saskatoon and Regina and featuring local legends of the scene - Shelby Gaudet (Radiation Flowers), Chris Laramee (Shooting Guns / Radiation Flowers / Wasted Cathedral) and Christopher Sleightholm (Snake River / The Sunshiny Daze). The Blue Fantasy side navigates the sonic playground of Spacemen 3, Galaxie 500 and BJM (think Satanic Majesties), as it emits a wondrously narcotic northern lights psychedelic glow. Through tales of love and loss, Blue Fantasy’s grooves stretch out and drape you in heavenly vibrations with a hypnotic cocktail of feedback, fuzz, jangling guitars, eerie organs and reverb-soaked vocals that creates a sci-fi-hurricane kinda groove.  Get a copy via Bandcamp right here.  Watch Plastic Crimewave Syndicate in action below. 

R.I.P. artist/educator Art Green, 1941-2025

Sadly, visual artist and educator Art Green, a member of Chicago's Hairy Who, has passed away. He'll be greatly missed.

From the University of Waterloo's Department of Fine Arts...

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Art Green who was part of the Fine Arts faculty from 1977 until his retirement in 2006. Anyone who had Art as an instructor will remember his kindness, quirky sense of humour, and bad (or arguably, very good) puns.

Art passed away on April 14th after a brief illness. A celebration of his life will be held in summer 2025. Since ice cream cones often appeared in Art's work (see below), his family ask that, in the meantime, please enjoy an ice cream cone in his honour.

Art Green Obituary

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father, Arthur “Art” Nelson Green, on April 14th, 2025, after a brief illness. Art was born on May 13th, 1941 in Frankfurt, Indiana to Mabel Austelle and Edward Green. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965. Soon after graduation, he joined forces with five others recent SAIC graduates to form the “Hairy Who,” an artist collective who would leave an indelible mark on the art landscape of Chicago. Watch a few Hairy Who related clips below. 

He immigrated to Canada in 1969 with his wife, Natalie, spending time in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Toronto before making Stratford, Ontario their home in 1979. He taught at the University of Waterloo in the Fine Arts Department for almost 30 years, serving twice as chair (1988- 1991 and 2000-2002) and receiving a distinguished Teacher Award in 1990 and emeritus status in 2006. In recognition of his achievements, in 2016, Art received an honorary doctorate of Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Chicago. He has had many solo exhibitions and his paintings are featured in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago, National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), and Museum Moderner Kunst (Vienna, Austria). He is represented by the Garth Greenan Gallery in New York City, NY.

Art was beloved by his family, his friends, and his many students. Beyond his artistic achievements, he was known for his unique storytelling abilities, his witty sense of humor, and his kind and gentle heart. He is survived by his children Catherine Gardner (Mark) and Nicholas Green (Clodagh), his beloved granddaughters Sophia Gardner, Feodora and Fionnuala Green; his partner Bonnie Steinman and her family; his brother Don Green (Charlotte); his sisters-in-law Nadia Leininger, Nina Minett (Charles), Karen Green, and his nieces and nephews; Ben Green (Tara), Jesse Green (Kelly), Heather Backs, Adam Green (Lisa), Stephanie Leininger Wilson, Andrea Champredonde (Serge), Charles Minett (Nicole), Arthur Minett, George Minett (Jessica), Elizabeth Minett, and their children: Imogen Green, Anodyne, Phineas, Desmond and Emmett Green, Vivian, Elliot, and Oliver Backs, Emerson and Mckinley Green, Alice, Maya, and Adelia Wilson; Sophia, Charles, Harrison and Freyja Minett; Autumn, Gabriel and William Minett; and Lyon Herzstock. He is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Natalie Novotny Green, his brother, Larry Green, and his parents Edward and Mabel Green.

Art was beloved by all who knew him. He was an extraordinarily wise, generous and exemplary human being as well as a truly great artist and teacher. His absence will be felt deeply - his legacy extends beyond his artistic creations to the countless ways he inspired and uplifted others, as teacher, colleague, father, and friend. Memorial donations may be made to the Gallery Stratford and the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department. A celebration of his life will be held in summer 2025. For more information, contact the WG Young Funeral Home right here. You can view his page at the University of Waterloo Fine Arts site right here. Art Green is represented by New York's Garth Greenan Gallery and you can see more of his work on their site. Watch a few Hairy Who related clips below. 

R.I.P. jazz guitar great George Freeman, 1927-2025

Sadly, trailblazing Chicago jazz guitar great George Freeman has passed away at the age of 97. He'll be greatly missed. 

LINKS
Chicago Tribune George Freeman, trailblazing jazz guitarist, dies at 97

R.I.P. Jerry Butler aka The Ice Man, 1939-2025

Sadly, Windy City soul great and former Cook County Commissioner Jerry Butler has passed away at 85. He'll be greatly missed. 

Remembering Windy City soul legend Otis Clay on his birthday

Remembering Chicago soul great Otis Clay with a diner chat with Dave Specter along with a few performances worth checking.

R.I.P. saxophonist/producer Gene Barge, 1926-2025

Sadly, saxophonist/composer Gene "Daddy G" Barge has passed away at the age of 98. He'll be greatly missed. 

LINKS
Chicago Reader Gene Barge helped shape the sound of Chicago

Remembering blues guitar slinger Jody Williams on his birthday

Raising a glass to Jody Williams with "Lucky Lou" – the inspiration for Otis Rush's classic "All Your Love" – and a few more gems.

Mr. Rudy Day returns to Chicago's Hideout on August 30

One of Tim Tuten's favourite bands, Mr. Rudy Day plays The Hideout in Chicago on Friday night with Tijuana Hercules opening. 

Steve Krakow's new book "A Mind Blown Is A Mind Shown" out now!

Steve Krakow's just-published book "A Mind Blown Is A Mind Shown" will be on sale at Chicago's Million Tongues Festival tonight at the Empty Bottle.  

Writes Steve...

"Holy cow, I AM NOT KIDDING when I say WHA MY BOOK HAS DROPPED??? I was absolutely not expecting it for weeks, and BOOM here it is, just in time for Million Tongues Fest madness!? So yes, I will indeed have copies for sale as it’s being shipped to pre-order peeps and stores as we speak! If you are not local, please do order it for a mere $10 from Far West Press right here.

And if ya are Chi-core, come buy one tonight and tomorrow Empty Bottle for thee fest fun and I’ll sign it n shit! ! Many harrowing tales of Million Tongues Fests are in the book funny enough! OK I gotta lie down now but soooooooo stoked to see Simon Finn, Spires, Josephine Foster, Eli Winter, and Bil Vermette tonight!"

Check out a few performance clips of Simon Finn (who'll be backed by the Singleman Affair with Spiral Galaxy's fab Sara Gossett on flute!), Josephine Foster and Eli Winter. 

Chicago's Million Million Tongues Fest kicks off tonight with Simon Finn & Josephine Foster at the Empty Bottle.

Cheers to Chicago on 25/6/24!

Watch Chicago perform a rippin' version of  their classic "25 or 6 to 4" at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA on July 21, 1970. 

Previously unissued Sun Ra Arkestra Live in Chicago 1976-77 due for RSD

Zev Feldman's Jazz Detective label is releasing the limited-run Sun Ra At The Showcase 2LP set on April 20th. 

Here's the scoop...

Sun Ra At The Showcase: Live In Chicago 1976-1977 contains previously unreleased live recordings of the legendary intergalactic composer/pianist Sun Ra captured live at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase in Chicago. This is an official release on producer Zev Feldman's Jazz Detective record label, in partnership with Elemental Music, and in cooperation with the Sun Ra Trust. Researched and compiled by longtime Sun Ra archivist Michael D. Anderson, and transferred from the original tape reels, this limited-edition 180-gram 2-LP set includes an extensive insert with rare photographs; liner notes by GRAMMY-winning author and historian Ashley Kahn; and interviews and statements from a who's who of music icons. Vinyl pressing of 3,000 copies available on Record Store Day, April 20, 2024. Check out the Jazz Detective site for the 2CD version and more info. 

Sun Ra At The Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976-77

SIDE A:

1. A NEW BEGINNING

2. VIEW FROM THE OTHER DIMENSION

3. VISITOR'S APPROACH

4. ANHK NATION (aka ANHKNATON)

SIDE B:

5. MOONSHIP JOURNEY

6. CALLING PLANET EARTH

7. VELVET

SIDE C:

8. HALLOWEEN IN HARLEM

9. KING PORTER STOMP

10. COCKTAILS FOR TWO

11. TAKE THE "A" TRAIN

SIDE D:

12. STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY

SIDE E:

13. OUTER SPACEWAYS INCORPORATED

14. ENLIGHTENMENT

SIDE F:

15. MEDLEY: A MEMBER OF THE ANGEL RACE (aka SOMEWHERE THERE)

16. END OF CONCERT / JOE SEGAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Spiral Galaxy's UK tour documented on new cassette Live in Albion II

Spiral Galaxy's Sara Gossett (flute) and Steven Krakow (keys) were joined by various guests on their recent UK jaunt. 

Here's the scoop from Steven Krakow...

So dang excited that my duo with Sara Gossett, Spiral Galaxy has a new cassette documenting our recent UK tour travels! Live in Albion II will be available at The Secret History of Chicago Music: Holiday Happening at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago) on Saturday (December 16) with Secret History of Chicago Music legends Jeff Lescher (of Green) with the Larks, and the Joy Poppers with Tom Szidon and Jason Batchko! Doors open at 8:30pm with show at 9 pm. Get tickets from the Hideout site right here. 

I can mail order a few of these tapes too, as yeah, this is a sequel to our previous Live in Albion tape, which also captured shows in Scotland/England with special guests! If you ever wondered what Spiral G sounds like backed by a full MoonDrive71 spacejam band with Francis Field and Tristian Watson-O'Brien in Brighton, or with killer bassist Kevin McCarvel and bells/feedback rumbles by Andrew Paine in Glasgow, plus tasty textural guitar by Paul Milne in London, your prayers are answered! 

Get a copy of Spiral Galaxy's new Live In Albion II cassette via Steven Krakow's site right here. 

Happy Birthday Syl Johnson!

Remembering singer/songwriter, producer and label owner Syl Johnson on his birthday with "Any Way The Wind Blows"

Chicago's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble hits the Redwood Theatre, Friday

Trumpeter Corey Wilkes and master percussionist Kahil El'Zabar are joined by saxophonist Alex Harding for EHE's Toronto show.

Caliban Arts Theatre Presents

KAHIL EL'ZABAR & ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

@ THE REDWOOD THEATRE

1300 Gerrard Street East, Toronto

7:30 pm doors, 8:30 pm concert

Tickets: $45 advance

The legendary Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has toured internationally, as well as recorded innumerable celebrated projects over the last 49 years. The current lineup features Corey Wilkes (trumpet) Alex Harding (baritone sax) and the band's founder, Dr. Kahil El’Zabar (multi-percussion/composition).

The EHE is a must-see ensemble, that’s truly making history with each performance! They are 21st-century griots, making great black music for the mind, body, and spirit! Get tickets right here. 

Watch the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble perform in the hour-long video Free Jazz From The Sanctuary below.  

B-Side Wins Again: The Procedures

Check out the Procedures' Windy City soul gem "Give Me One More Chance" on the flip of "Magic Mirror"

That time Windy City polka star Li'l Wally appeared on Chic-A-Go-Go

Check out Chicago polka boss Walter "Li'l Wally" Jagiello – who died in 2006 – being interviewed by Ratso for Chic-A-Go-Go. 

 

Happy Birthday KoKo Taylor

Remembering blues great KoKo Taylor with a 1967 performance alongside Little Walter and Hound Dog Taylor. 

R.I.P. Ramsey Lewis, 1935-2022

Sadly, Chicago jazz pianist and bandleader Ramsey Lewis has passed away at the age of 87. Watch an interview and some live clips.

Mr. Rudy Day returns to The Hideout in Chicago, Sept. 25

Singer/guitarist Andy Hopkins and crew will be joined by Prichard at Chicago's venerable Hideout on Sunday, September 25.

Check out Prichard's King Size North demos from 1996 – featuring Mike Bullington on drums – right here.