Homeroom - Blog

EEE Update: Sonnenzimmer and Lukas Abubeker

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:50:35 -0500

Last October Columbia College senior, "Lukas Abubeker":http://lukasabubeker.com/ was selected to work with the Chicago-based design and print studio "Sonnenzimmer":http://www.sonnenzimmer.com/ for Homeroom’s EEE program. Sonnenzimmer is comprised of "Nick Butcher" and Nadine Nakanishi. Their practice merges backgrounds in typography, printmaking, graphic design and fine art, to create hand-crafted posters, books, and music packaging. Their work has become iconic and Homeroom is thrilled to have had them participate in the EEE program.

Call for proposals: Experiments in Space and Time

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:52:22 -0600

Homeroom is partnering with composer and curator "Christopher Preissing":http://christopherpreissing.com/ to create a new program called "Experiments in Space and Time" and we are looking for proposals for performances/experiments. Proposals are due March 1st and there is a mandatory meeting on April 6th. All of the details are after the jump.

Assessing Chicago's Cultural Plan 2012: Policies

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:22:41 -0600

In the past year The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has been working to create the "Chicago Cultural Plan 2012.":http://www.goweetu.com/ccp2012/ccp_final_docs/Final-CCP2012_Plan.pdf Over 4,700 Chicagoans actively participated in person in the creation of this plan. Thousands more participated virtually. Of the ten priorities listed in the Cultural Plan for Chicago, two are concerned with Policies. The first policy priority is to strengthen the capacity of the cultural sector. The purpose of this priority is to realize the potential of cultural organizations and initiatives through their evolution from emerging to maturing, and from established to sustained strength and impact. This priority recognizes that many organizations have valuable programming, but lack the capital or capacity necessary for broader reach and deeper impact. Any support or increased access to resources and partnerships that helps organizations build on their strengths and increase their capacity is welcome. Please continue reading below.

The Cultural Plan for the City of Chicago

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 20:08:29 -0600

In the past year The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has been working to create the "Chicago Cultural Plan 2012.":http://www.goweetu.com/ccp2012/ccp_final_docs/Final-CCP2012_Plan.pdf Over 4,700 Chicagoans actively participated in person in the creation of this plan. Thousands more participated virtually. The DCASE solicited public feedback through: • 8 town hall meetings • 20 neighborhood cultural conversations • Ongoing social media exchanges • 10 cultural sector meetings to concentrate analysis • 2 global forums of urban and thought leaders • Numerous one-on-one stakeholder interviews • Independently convened, discipline-specific sector meetings • A Cultural Plan website and blog This plan was created to address distinct objectives specific to a city’s cultural sector, including all art forms and heritage, creative industries and resource providers. In the following weeks, Homeroom will be summarizing the main categories from the plan (People, Places, Policies, and Planning Culturally) and pinpointing how the initiatives in those categories pertain to Homeroom and cultural community that we operate in. This week we are focusing on “People”. Read our summary and assessment below.

Homeroom Is Now Accepting Programming Proposals

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 22:50:05 -0500

Homeroom is excited to announce a call for programming proposals. Download the application "here!":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/7-propose-a-new-program Proposals may be for a single event, a series of events, or special project that would benefit from receiving financial support and partnering with Homeroom as a collaborator. We seek proposals that highlight under represented art forms and cross disciplines or genera. Curators, programmers and artists looking for partnership in realizing an idea that would benefit from the collaboration and some financial, promotional and administrative support are encouraged to apply. What Homeroom can provide: • Financial support, including a $75 stipend to program curators, and assistance in developing a budget • Project planning help including the expertise accumulated from Homeroom’s 3 main programmers: Seth Vanek, Colin Palombi and Aaron Rodgers • Promotional and publicity help including assistance in poster design & a street team, social media and internet promotions, promotional emails to our network, and press releases • A network of venues and volunteers to fill in any gaps Due December 1 – Spring Semester (February through May) Due June 1 – Fall Semester (August through December) Contact aaron@homeroomchicago.org for more information.

Ten x Ten Artist Chris Silva Won $20,000

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:53:23 -0500

We're very excited to announce that one of our 2012 Ten x Ten artists, "Chris Silva":https://www.cureeo.com/artists/chris-silva/#video?utm_source=Customer+Newsletter+10%2F10%2F12&utm_campaign=Customer+Email+10.10.12&utm_medium=email, won $20,000 for his 3-D art at "ArtPrize!":http://www.artprize.org/ The winning installation titled "More or Less," will be on display at the "Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts":http://www.artprize.org/uica?utm_source=Customer+Newsletter+10%2F10%2F12&utm_campaign=Customer+Email+10.10.12&utm_medium=email in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Check out the video above to see the awesome installation and hear the judge describe why it was the winning design. Congratulations, Chris!

Natalie Richardson & Roger Bonair-Agard Perform at Urban Sandbox This Friday

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:39:17 -0500

Every second Friday of each month the "Urban Sandbox":https://www.facebook.com/urbansandbox Open Mic features the best in poetry, music and comedy. This Friday (10/12), Sandbox will feature high school senior and award winning poet "Natalie Richardson,":http://www.windycitylive.com/episodes/From-Oak-Park--Shes-Making-Her-Mark:-Teen-Poet-Laureate-on-WCL/8831116 along with HBO Def Poet and National Poetry Slam Champion "Roger Bonair-Agard.":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9JV1jr1-Zg&feature=youtu.be The show will be hosted at the "Comfort Station":http://www.comfortstationlogansquare.com/ (2579 N. Milwaukee Ave). Doors at 7:30, show runs 8PM to 10PM. If you'd like to sign-up for the open mic, the list will be at the door. $5 cover. All Ages! The Urban Sandbox will be moving out of the Comfort Station after November's event. Please come support, enjoy and be a part of the show. 2013 will mark Sandbox's 10th year. Let's help finish out their 9th with a bang!

Interview with Jenny Benevento

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:38:54 -0500

In preparation for R. Kelly 101 at Hungry Brain on 10/9, we interviewed Jenny Benevento, who will be speaking at the event. In the interview she gives us a sneak peek on what she will be covering at R. Kelly 101, also an insight on her career and the very interesting topics she delves into in her free time on her "blog":http://www.jennyjenny.org and "podcast.":selloutpodcast.com

Homeroom is Now Accepting Applications for EEE

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:10:57 -0500

We're excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our arts education program: Emerging & Established Artist Exchange (EEE). EEE is a mentorship program where college students who are seriously engaged in a specific artistic discipline apply to work one-on-one with a Chicago artist who is already established in that field. Check out the three established artists you can apply to work with: Music Recording, Production and Presentation with "Matt Baron":http://www.coachhousesounds.com/index.php Printmaking and Design with "Sonnenzimmer":http://www.sonnenzimmer.com/about/ Photography with "Sean Dorgan":http://seandorgan.net/blog/ EEE is open to all college students. To apply you can find the application "here.":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/4-emerging-established-artist-exchange-eee Then read it, fill it out and sent it to aaron@homeroomchicago.org We are accepting applications through October 19th!

Tristan Hummel on Art on Track

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:17:28 -0500

This Saturday (September 22nd) marks the 5th year of "Art on Track,":http://www.builtontrack.com/ which is the world’s largest mobile art gallery. The event takes place on board a moving CTA train, where each of the six cars have been taken over by a different local artist or arts group to curate. We caught up with Tristan Hummel, the mastermind behind Art on Track. He filled us in on how he came up with AoT and the challenges behind taking on such an ambitious (and totally awesome) event.

The Ice Factory 10 Year Anniversary Recap

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:53:42 -0500

We're still blown away by how great the anniversary/ fundraiser was on the 2nd! Thanks again to everyone who came out, the bands that played and the business who donated to the raffle! Take a minute to watch this compilation of clips we got of the performances that night!

Interview with Sean Dorgan

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:31:59 -0500

As some of you may know, Homeroom is partnering with Columbia College's Portfolio Center to begin our Emerging and Established Artist Exchange (EEE). EEE is a mentorship program where college students who are seriously immersed in a specific artistic discipline apply to work with an established Chicago artist working in the student’s field of interest. "Sean Dorgan":http://seandorgan.net/blog/ is one of the great artists that we will be pairing with a student. Sean is a professional photographer located here in Chicago. He has been the head of the photography department at Threadless.com for the last 5 years. We interviewed him to pick his brain on how he, as an artist, got to where he is and where he will be going with EEE.

Velvetron Debut Hype Video at Homeroom's Fundraiser on 9/2

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:47:12 -0500

If you didn't make it out to the Homeroom fundraiser on the 2nd, you missed Velvetron debut this awesome video. It's the first new work they've released in almost a year. Give it a watch and enjoy!

Homeroom Is Awarded $550 from Illinois Arts Council

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:44:14 -0500

Homeroom was recently informed that we are awarded a $550 grant from the "Illinois Arts Council":http://www.arts.illinois.gov/ in support of general operating expenses. Thank you to the council and to everyone who pays Illinois taxes. We will make great use of this grant and continue to bring unique and innovative content to Chicago.

Raffle Items for Fundraiser on 9/2

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:38:59 -0500

We are excited to announce our raffle for the September 2nd fundraiser benefitting Emerging and Established Artist Exchange at Grandbar. We would like to thank all the in-kind donors that made this possible. You can win: - Gift certificate for 4 free passes and 4 free drinks at "the Hideout":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/ - Sampler of records, tapes and CDs from "Whistler records":http://whistlerchicago.com/whistler-records/ - $50 gift certificate to "Maya Del Sol Restaurant":http://www.mayadelsol.com/ in Oak Park - 1 year membership to "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com/ in West Town & an assortment of prints by Chicago artists - $50 gift certificate to "Divine Consign":http://www.divineconsignoakpark.com/ in Oak Park - Free customized T-shirt from the "T-shirt Deli":http://www.tshirtdeli.com/ Bucktown & sampler of soaps from "Maple Rowe":http://www.maplerowe.com/ - $50 gift certificate to "La Bella Restaurant":http://www.labellapasteria.com/ - "Poetry Foundation":http://www.poetryfoundation.org/ package: 1 year subscription to Poetry magazine, tote bag, buttons and posters Contact Aaron at aaron@homeroomchicago.org to purchase advance tickets. $2 for 1 ticket $5 for 3 tickets $10 for 7 tickets

Noisivelvet Brings Live Cinema to Art on Track 9/22

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:06:23 -0500

"Noisivelvet":http://www.noisivelvet.com/index/welcome.html is working with the "Waltzing Mechanics":http://waltzingmechanics.org/ and The Cinema Culture to present the live production and recording of "EL Stories: Art on Track":http://www.builtontrack.com/?page_id=460. In addition to the audience getting a live viewing of a mobile stage production of the Waltzing Mechanics smash hit “EL Stories”, they get a chance to be an extra in the movie being shot by The Cinema Culture. You might remember noisivelvet from their mobile garden at the 2011 Art on Track. With the help of friends and sponsors, noisivelvet was able to transform a CTA train car into a luscious garden that brought many a smiles to Chicagoans and beyond, all while encouraging attendees to consider urban gardens.

Thirsty Ear Festival 8/11 at Empty Bottle

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:42:19 -0500

The Empty Bottle is going classical! Come on out on August 11th as one of Chicago’s premier rock venues opens its doors to the first Thirsty Ear Festival, featuring new music by "James Falzone,":http://allosmusica.org/ "the Chicago Q Ensemble,":http://chicagoqensemble.com/ "the Palomar Ensemble,":http://www.acmusic.org/node/279 and the "MAVerick Ensemble.":http://www.maverickensemble.org/ The performances will be broadcast live on 98.7 WFMT's contemporary classical music show, "Relevant Tones.":http://blogs.wfmt.com/relevanttones/ The Thirsty Ear Festival is presented in association with the "Active Transportation Alliance.":http://www.activetrans.org/ Tickets are $10 or show your bike helmet or other proof that you rode your bike to the show and you can get in for $5. The broadcast begins promptly at 5:00 but doors open at 4:00 and there will be a performance of Ben Vida’s Liminal Bends, by all of the festival performers from 4:15 to 4:45.

Benefit for Frank Rosaly on 8/2 at Experimental Sound Studio

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:39:06 -0500

Last week, acclaimed Chicago drummer and Physics for Listeners composer "Frank Rosaly":http://www.frankrosaly.com/ ran into an extremely unfortunate circumstance; his car, containing many cymbals and other hardware, was stolen. To help get Frank back on his feet, the Experimental Sound Studio (5925 N Ravenswood) will be hosting a benefit concert for Frank on Friday, August 2 at 8:30. Find more information "here.":https://www.facebook.com/events/322833637808343/322988157792891/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity Photo by Kelly Weime.

"Pales" & "The Clinking, Clanking Lowesleaf" runs July 20-29 at DCA Storefront Theater

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:48:16 -0500

"Pales" and "The Clinking, Clanking Lowesleaf," 2 new dance pieces directed and Choreographed by "Julia Rae Antonick":http://juliaraeantonick.com/1/ & "Jonathan Meyer,":http://khecari.org/people.html will run at the "DCA Storefront Theater":http://www.dcatheater.org/ (66 East Randolph Street) July 20-29. Tickets and information can be found "here.":http://www.dcatheater.org/shows/show/the_clinking_clanking_lowesleaf_and_pales/ "Pales" is a work for four dancers created by Jonathan Meyer. It is a somatically-derived, kinetically-driven work, presenting an ambiguous terrain rife with undercurrents of aggression, community, identity, and ownership. Homeroom is especially excited about this piece because the music for "Pales" was composed by "Christopher Preissing":http://christopherpreissing.com/ and will be performed by "MAVerick Ensemble.":http://www.maverickensemble.org/ In Pales, instrumental and fixed sounds share and swap roles: polished performances of concert musicians abut manipulated field recordings; shimmering computer-generated sound set against the wail of buskers—today’s troubadours—plying their trade. We think it's worth checking out.

Suport Art on Track

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:59:38 -0500

Homeroom is a big fan of Art on Track: a mobile art gallery on board a six-car CTA train. Each train car is given over, for free, to a different local artist or arts group to curate. The public is invited to board the train and view the artwork. This year's Art on Track will run on Saturday, September 22. Please consider supporting the project through "Kickstarter.":http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/900752334/art-on-track-the-worlds-largest-mobile-art-gallery Art on Track is free for artists to apply because the organizers want this venue to be accessible to anyone with a great idea. Everyone can apply and they specifically target artists they find to be brilliant but under-represented.

Homeroom Received $650 from the City of Chicago

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:05:52 -0500

We are excited to announce that Homeroom was awarded Community Arts Assistance Program grant from the City of Chicago. Homeroom received $650 to hire fundraising consultant Jane Beckett. Ms. Beckett will work with Homeroom to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.

Never Enough Hope this Sunday at the Empty Bottle for only $3!

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:26:41 -0500

This Sunday, June 24th, you'll get a chance to see the greatest $3 show ever. After a four year hiatus, "Toby Summerfield":http://www.myspace.com/tobinsamuelsummerfield brings his "Never Enough Hope" to the Empty Bottle (1035 N Western.) With a 20-plus piece ensemble features scores of saxophones, vibraphones and violins mingling with guitar, bass, trumps and dual drum kits, this show will amaze and confound your ear buds. "Never Enough Hope" will be releasing "The Gravity of Our Commitment." The evening will also feature A Light Sleeper and Chicago Scratch Orchestra. Do not miss this.

Venue Profile: Elastic Arts Foundation

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:58:22 -0500

In light of our Songwriter Showcase today at Elastic Arts Homeroom sat down with the Co-Founder/Director of Elastic, Paul Giallorenzo, to learn all about the ins and outs of this wonderful non-profit foundation. Elastic has been with us for a long time and we couldn't be happier to showcase them to you. Elastic Arts is our venue of choice for our Songwriter Showcase series. They have been so good to us and we have been so grateful to use their versatile space. Please read on to learn about them, check out their "website":http://www.elasticrevolution.com/ to learn even more and most importantly make sure to come to Elastic tonight for our "Songwriter Showcase with Antony & The Tramps and Wooden Rings":http://homeroomchicago.org/events!

Interview with Natasha Casanova from I Am Logan Square

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:18:49 -0500

If you haven't heard of I Am Logan Square yet you're missing out. "I Am Logan Square":http://iamlogansquare.com/ is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the arts and cultural development in Chicago's vibrant Logan Square neighborhood. And ever since their establishment in 2010 they have been uniting artists in the Logan Square area and making tremendous progress creating a more connected artistic community. Homeroom sat down with Natasha Casanova, Director of Marking & Development, to get the whole scoop. Read on below to learn all about it and afterwards make sure to get updated with all their events!

Interview with Tim Daisy

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:18:43 -0500

Chicago is blessed to have number of very talented jazz drummers. But Tim Daisy has stood out for years as one of Chicago's most engaging, musical and adventurous percussionists. Tim was kind of enough to give Homeroom an email ahead of the Phsyics for Listeners performance this Thursday, June 7 at Strobe Studios. To hear Tim's new composition, along with the 5 other new works debuted through Physics for Listeners, email strobesessions@gmail.com. 1. When did you start composing? What inspired you to begin writing your own music? I started composing around 1997. I had just moved to Chicago and was playing with as many people as I could, forming bands, and bouncing ideas around. At the same time, soaking up all of the great music happening every night of the week. This inspired me to begin composing my own music and bring it into rehearsals with some of the groups I was working in at the time. Read the rest below -->

Interview with Katherine Young, bassoon extraordinaire

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:48:09 -0500

"Katherine Young":http://katherineyoung.blogspot.com/ is one bad-ass bassoonist. She is one of the composers participating in Physics for Listeners: a Composers' Concert, which will be performed for the last time this Thursday, June 7 at Strobe Studios (RSVP at strobesessions@gmail.com). Katherine was nice enough to give Homeroom a quick interview about her music and composing history. 1. When did you start composing? What inspired you to begin writing your own music? I began composing in earnest when I moved to Chicago (for the first time!), right after finishing my undergrad studies in bassoon performance. I desperately wanted to be more creatively engaged and in charge of my musical life, so I started both composing and improvising right around the same time. I think I had a backlog of creative energy that needed to get expended! Photo by "Peter Gannushkin":http://downtownmusic.net/ Read more below -->

interview with Matthew Dotson

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:45:01 -0500

Our next interview is "Matthew Dotson":http://www.matthewdotson.com/, one of our featured guitarists for Physics for Listeners. Read on below to hear what he has to say and of course, afterwards make sure to see him in action at our Composers Concert at the Hideout this Sunday the 3rd and our Physics for Listeners Recording Session at Strobe Studios Thursday, June 7th.

Interview with William Jason Raynovich

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:30:15 -0500

"William Jason Raynovich":http://www.myspace.com/104205949/photos is a composer, cellist, and professor at Chicago State University. He is also one of the featured composers in Homeroom's Physics for Listeners. He was kind enough to humor us in a short interview. 1. When did you start composing? What inspired you to begin writing your own music? I started composing at 19. It was quite honestly a bet with a graduate student composer who basically wanted to make additional income that semester. He “bet” me a dinner that I could not compose a piece of music. I ended up composing a 30 minute “opera” called, “The Violist Nightmare,” for string trio and some other instrumentalists. It is lost now. The composition department took interest in me and asked me to seriously consider composition lessons. Please read more below.

Interview with Tobin Summerfield from our Upcoming Physics For Listeners Concert

Wed, 30 May 2012 07:37:54 -0500

This Sunday, June 3rd "Tobin Summerfield":http://www.myspace.com/tobinsamuelsummerfield will be featured at out Physics for Listeners Composers Concert at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) and Thursday, June 7th at our Physics for Listeners Recording Session at Strobe Studios (2631 W Division). Head over to our events page to learn all about those two events. Tobin was nice enough to give Homeroom a brief interview and talk about his music. Read on below and afterwards make sure to see Tobin in action at our Physics for Listeners events!

Check out the Semi-Opera "Here Are Lions" at Elastic Arts Through June 2nd

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:58:30 -0500

"Here Are Lions":https://www.facebook.com/HereAreLions is a semi-opera directed, written and created by David Amaral with music composed and created by Joshua Dumas that is being performed at Elastic Arts (2830 N Milwaukee) on the weekends through June 2nd. The production is being produced and performed by "New Beast Theatre Works,":http://newbeast.com/NBTW/NBTW.html which creates dynamic and boldly new theatrical experiences aiming to explore innovative methods of storytelling. The company has produced two semi-operas, Light Waves & Their Uses (Spring 2011) and One Thing & Everything Else (Spring 2010), and in Summer 2011, New Beast collaborated with Vintage Theatre Collective to create Oedipus Rex Play, a meta-theatrical retelling of Oedipus. The play takes place during the amid the 1968 National Democratic Convention in Chicago and deals with issues of self-discovery, memory, and social change. Tickets can purchased "here":http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239508 or email newbeastworks@gmail.com and more information about the play can be found below.

Cosmic Debris lands outside Comfort Station

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:10:39 -0500

If you are wondering what that striking art installation outside of The Comfort Station in Logan Square is, then watch this excellent video by Ben Poster featuring the artists Sarah Belknap and Joseph Belknap.

The Velcro Lewis Group, English Softhearts, Andy Ortmann, and The Pamphleteers at Cole's Bar this Saturday

Tue, 08 May 2012 22:10:01 -0500

Come down to Cole's Bar this Saturday, May 12th for a good time with local rockers: "THE VELCRO LEWIS GROUP":https://www.facebook.com/velcrolewisgroup/app_2405167945 "ANDY ORTMANN":https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=525781732 "ENGLISH SOFTHEARTS":http://www.englishsofthearts.com/ "THE PAMPHLETEERS":https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pamphleteers/279524322089869?sk=app_178091127385 9pm and FREE!!!!

Saturday May 5th Free Comic Book Day!

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:14:04 -0500

Did you know that Saturday, May 5th is Free Comic Book Day?! Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules. And watch this video to get the scoop. Go to the "Free Comic Book Day":http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/992 website to find a location nearest you.

Brian Sulpizio performs "Nancy" at Homeroom's Songwriter Showcase in February.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:11:31 -0500

Brian was a feature in February at Homeroom's Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. We think he gave a great set. Here is one of his songs.

Interview with Aleks Eva of Magic Key and Aleks & The Drummer

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:55 -0500

This Friday, April 27th Aleks Eva will be featured at our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic at Elastic Arts along with Andrea Bauer (see her interview below). Homeroom sat down with Aleks to talk about her music. Read her interview below and be sure to come join us this Friday to see Aleks and Andrea in action at our "Songwriter Showcase":http://homeroomchicago.org/events. Read on below.

Interview with Andrea Bauer of Touched by Ghoul and Coupleskate

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:26:27 -0500

This Friday, April 27th Andrea Bauer of Coupleskate and Touched by Ghoul will be featured along with Aleks Eva at Homeroom's Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic at Elastic Arts (2830 N Milwaukee.) Andrea was nice enough to give Homeroom a brief interview and talk about her songwriting. 1. When did you first starting writing music? The first song I ever wrote was on my dad’s acoustic when I was twelve. It was bad. Like, really bad. And it was heavily Guns N' Roses influenced because I constantly listened to Appetite for Destruction on cassette through my lavender boom box. I’m pretty sure the lyrics were about some wayward girl going to a second location with a degenerate dude and that situation was not going to work out in her favor. Read more below. Photo by Marzena Abrahamik.

This Wednesday: Give Me 5 At The Playground Theater!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:49:50 -0500

GIVE ME 5 is a solo comedy competiton where each week competitors get 5 minutes to do anything comedic they would like. Give Me 5 has been running at "The Playground":http://www.the-playground.com/group/1495 for a year and has completed 4 seasons. In honor of the Saturday Night Live audition process, Give Me 5 has adopted a new requirement of a time-honored and special talent - the celebrity impression. Tickets are $5 and available at the Playground Theater's box office (3209 N. Halsted). BYOB for audience members age 21 and up.

Sunday Soup is back!

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:59:48 -0500

In 2007, a Logan Square gallery called "InCUBATE":http://incubate-chicago.org/ started a series of collective micro-granting events called "Sunday Soup":http://sundaysoupchicago.org/. Artists and curators would gather at the storefront gallery and share a huge pot of soup made by an artist that needed funding for a project. Over the meal, the artist would describe the details of the project and its budget to his or her dining companions/benefactors. The model turned out to be a great way to share resources and build support for local cultural projects - so much so that it is now being used by outfits large and small in over 60 cities around the world. On May 6th, "InCUBATE":http://incubate-chicago.org/ is teaming up with "Roots and Culture":http://www.rootsandculturecac.org/ to bring Sunday Soup back to the Chicago arts scene. In a particular time when crowd-based funding models are at risk of becoming too widespread and impersonal, Sunday Soup gives artists, curators, and patrons a way to actually connect with and over the projects that they are passionate about, all while eating a healthy meal with other creative people. If you want to apply to be considered for a Sunday Soup grant or if you'd like to attend as a guest/patron (at a cost of $15), you can find all of the information you need at "sundaysoupchicago.org":sundaysoupchicago.org The next Sunday Soup event is: Sunday, May 6th 6-9 Roots and Culture Gallery 1034 N. Millwaukee Ave

CIMMFEST kicking off this Thursday, April 12th with the sugarhill gang

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:02:37 -0500

Don't forget about the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival starting April 12th through the 15th. "CIMMfest":http://cimmfest.org/ will have many performances and screenings in several locations. Click "here":http://cimmfest.org/schedule/ to see the full schedule and to get info about "tickets":http://cimmfest.eventbrite.com/. The headline event for this Thursday the 12th is a documentary "I Want My Name Back", about the rise and fall of the Sugarhill Gang, plus a performance by Kids These Days and Rapper's Delight featuring Sugarhill Gang founding members Wonder Mike and Master Gee. Sounds awesome, right?! Don't miss out!

Homeroom will bring Physics for Listeners to South Shore High School in June

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:52:41 -0500

Homeroom is thrilled to announce that South Shore High School has invited us to perform "Physics for Listeners: a Composers' Concert":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/6/2012 for their 200 music students. The event will be an opportunity for the students to discover new music by young Chicago jazz and contemporary composers. And it will be an opportunity for the composers to share their music with the next generation of music makers. Homeroom is able to bring Physics for Listeners to South Shore High School in large part due to a generous donation from the Cliff Dwellers Foundation.

roctober 20th anniversary book/magazine release party @ quimby's tonight!

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:47:20 -0500

Make sure you stop by "Quimby's":http://www.quimbys.com/blog/books/roctober-20th-anniversary-bookmagazine-release-party-330/ tonight for a magazine and book release party to celebrate Roctober magazine turning 20! Guests can purchase copies of Roctober #50 as well as Flying Saucers Rock n Roll: The Best of Roctober and Aaron Cohen's Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace. There will also be readings, a Q&A about the history of Roctober, and karaoke with Chic-A-Go-Go's Ratso. 7:00pm, 1854 W North Ave.

A Call for Entries for Film and Video Work

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:55:09 -0500

Homeroom's "Emerging and Established Artist Exchange":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/4-eee is under way and one pair of artists is putting out a call for work. Emma, a student at Whitney Young High School, is working with Christy LeMaster to produce a show of new film and video work made by young artists to be shown at the Nightingale Theater (1084 N Milwaukee) on May 26th and 27th. The deadline for submissions is April 23rd.

Red Balls Premier @ Stage 773

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:36:02 -0500

Red Balls, a film chronicling the (fictional) exploits of the Chicago Underground Dodgeball League, premieres tonight at "Stage 773":http://www.stage773.com/, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., at 10:30pm. Tickets are $10.

Frank Scheffer's document of Stockhausen's "Helicopter String Quartet" this weekend at the Nightingale

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:07:18 -0500

In 1992, Karlheinz Stockhausen, already one of the music world's most eccentric composers, embarked on what was possibly his most wild and ambitious composition to date - a composition requiring the four members of a string quartet to perform in four separate airborne helicopters that transmit the sound of the performance to an elaborate multi-media set-up in the concert hall below. If the logistics of this piece sound almost as fascinating to you as the results, then you are not alone. In 1996, filmmaker Frank Scheffer made a documentary of the Arditti String Quartet's performance of "Helikopter-Streichquartett" that captures the inspiration and eccentricity of the piece and its composer. Scheffer is well known for his interest in and profiles of experimental musicians of all types, from John Cage, to Frank Zappa. Chicagoans will get a rare opportunity to see the 81-minute film this weekend at the "Nightingale":http://www.nightingaletheatre.org/. The screenings are Friday and Saturday at 7. Support independent cinema while you treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind glimpse at total artistic indulgence and brilliance.

ACM's "The Sound of Silent Film" Runs March 16 - 18 at the Chopin

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:45 -0500

"Access Contemporary Music":http://www.acmusic.org/ is bringing back its popular "The Sound of Silent Film":http://www.acmusic.org//node/726 to the Chopin Theater (1543 W Division) this Friday, March 16th through Sunday, March 18th. ACM's Sound of Silent Film Festival is the only film festival that features modern silent films screened to live music, composed especially for the films by Chicago composers. This year's festival features a new score for La Jetee, the classic film that was the inspiration for Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys. It also includes a piece scored by Matthew Dotson, who is participating in Homeroom's "Physics for Listeners,":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/6/2012 for Chantal Akerman's masterful "Hotel Monterey." Other films include the hilarious Waiting Room by Dutch filmmaker Jos Stelling, and, as part of a collaboration with Berlin-based Moving Silence, ACM is proud to present Egg Love by German filmmaker Birgit Moeller. Now that the Chopin Theater has a liquor license you can enjoy the show with the tasty beverage of your choice. This is a great event that Homeroom has enjoyed in the past.

TONIGHT: GODZILLA 101 @ THE HUNGRY BRAIN

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:44:15 -0500

Don't forget to join us at The Hungry Brain tonight for our next 101 lecture. The night features special guests, slide-shows, and screenings on the origins of the infamous Godzilla. Plus, it's always a good time at "The Hungry Brain":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hungry-Brain/199798164163. Hope to see you there! And afterwards check out "Ball Hall's":https://www.facebook.com/ballhallchicago next show this Thursday the 15th at 9pm with Form A Log, News To Us, Heat Death, and Criminals. Click "here":https://www.facebook.com/events/295068257224064/ for more details.

Call Me Lightning, PROTO IDIOT, and The Pamphleteers play this Saturday at The Burlington

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:35:41 -0600

We all know you can hardly wait for our event this following "Tuesday":http://homeroomchicago.org/events on all things Godzilla at The Hungry Brain. But until that wonderful day comes you have to entertain yourselves somehow and we suggest heading out to "Burlington Bar":http://www.theburlingtonbar.com/index.php/shows this Saturday at 9pm. "Call Me Lightning":https://www.facebook.com/callmelightning?sk=app_178091127385, "PROTO IDIOT":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proto-Idiot/130159430374618?sk=wall, and "The Pamphleteers":https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pamphleteers/279524322089869 are playing in Burlington's new music space in the back. These rockers really know how to have fun so don't miss out!

Democracy Burlesque Presents A Sketch Comedy Review Tonight and Next Tuesday

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:23:26 -0600

"Democracy Burlesque":http://www.democracyburlesque.com/ Presents: Occupied! a Sketch Comedy Review with a View for You! If you have an urgency for some insurgency in the endless Red-state/Blue-state rhetoric, join Chicago's finest sketch comedy performers as they bring back to the stage, a special selection of sketches from Democracy Burlesque's extensive catalogue. Its an evening of Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up, Live Music and Special Guest Performances Featuring Emily Lake, Amy Sumpter, Don Washington and More! 7:30pm Tuesday March 6th & 13th Tickets are $15 (cash only at the door) Reserve a seat at the show and receive a discount! The earlier you do, the bigger the discount you'll get! e-mail tickets@democracyburlesque.com

The Flag and Seal Revisited

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:59:57 -0600

Join us Tonight, March 2nd for a reception at Expo 72, where Ten x Ten is currently on display! The reception is for an additional component of the Pulled, Pressed, & Printed show. Details below, should be good, hope to see some of you there. **The Flag and Seal Revisited** In honor of Chicago’s upcoming 175th birthday, an additional component of the Pulled, Pressed & Printed exhibition, The Flag and Seal Revisited, will be unveiled in Expo 72 on Friday, March 2, 2012. This section of the exhibition highlights artworks that riff on Chicago’s flag and the city seal design. New works will be added to this section throughout the run. A brief history of Chicago’s flag and seal will be featured in the exhibit written by Tim Samuelson cultural historian for the City of Chicago. The public is invited to a free reception in the exhibition on Friday, March 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm Jan 27, 2012 - Apr 30, 2012 Expo 72 72 E. Randolph St Chicago, IL 60601

JEREMY TINDER on TRUBBLE CLUB

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:26:36 -0600

What do "Jeremy Tinder":http://www.jeremytinder.com/, "Joe Tallarico":http://www.robotcastle.blogspot.com/, "Nate Beaty":http://natebeaty.com/, "Onsmith":http://onsmithcomics.blogspot.com/, and "Grant Reynolds":http://grantreynolds.com/home.html, all have in common? They're all in "Trubble Club":http://blog.trubbleclub.com/ and have contributed to Ten x Ten! **Colin:** First I think we should explain who you are and what Trubble Club is... What is your relationship with the group and are you able to tell us a little more about how Trubble Club started? **Jeremy:** Trubble Club began as a group of local cartoonists just getting together to hang out and draw. Many of us had been getting together and making exquisite corpse drawings or just hanging out in apartments or on stoops making drawings. One night, Lucy Knisley had a large group of us over, and the first Trubble Club comics were drawn. We didn't set out to start a collective or collaborative group, it just happened. We had so much fun, we started meeting weekly, and developed kind of a formula for making jam comics. Our comics generally begin as a single panel drawn by a single artist, but gets thrown into the "pile" or "stack". That stack is passed around to artists ready to draw. Once they find a strip they have an idea to add onto, they do so, and pass the stack around to someone else. Some comics are finished in a session or two. Some take years. Some never get finished.

A Picture From the First Physics for Listeners Rehearsal

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:08:52 -0600

Homeroom is very excited that our second "Physics for Listeners: a Composers' Concert":http://homeroomchicago.bandcamp.com/ will debut on Sunday, June 3rd at the "Hideout.":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/ The composers met for the first time on Sunday to start rehearsing their compositions. The composers include "Matthew Dotson: guitar;":http://www.matthewdotson.com/ "Tim Daisy: drums and percussion":http://timdaisy.wordpress.com/ (not pictured); "Jason Raynovich: cello;":http://www.myspace.com/104205949 "Katherine Young: bassoon;":http://katherineyoung.blogspot.com/ "Tobin Summerfield: bass and guitar;":http://www.myspace.com/tobinsamuelsummerfield and "Dan Mohr: piano & voice":http://www.experimentalsoundstudio.org/pages/dan_mohr/113.php (not pictured.)

E+, Robbie Hamilton, Touched by Ghoul @ The Hideout this Saturday

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:42:37 -0600

You don't want to miss what's going on at "The Hideout":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/calendar/ this Saturday, March 3rd. A meeting of the minds with "E+":https://www.facebook.com/pages/E/168032163221586, "Robbie Hamilton":http://www.myspace.com/robbiehamiltonmusic, and "Touched By Ghoul":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Touched-By-Ghoul/131027630333065. Enjoy this show for a mere $8 at one of Chicago's best venues. Click "here":https://www.facebook.com/pages/E/168032163221586 to check out some tracks.

The Hashbrown 2012 featuring 12 Chicago Printshops in a Chili Cook-Off

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:10:39 -0600

"Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com/ is hosting their annual Hashbrown on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Spudnik Press Cooperative, 1821 W Hubbard Suite 302, 6 pm – 10 pm. The Hashbrown is a celebration of Chicago print makers and serves as a fundraiser for Spudnik. The event consists of 10 printshops competing in a cut-throat chili cook-off. Cook-off winners announced at 9:30 pm or when chili runs dry. $10 for 5 tickets, $20 for VIP Package (Redeem tickets for chili and tamales.) The first 25 guests will receive a commemorative Hashbrown poster. Spudnik is a great printshop producing amazing work by providing facilities and services available to artists who need a place to create or exhibit their original artwork. So eat a little chili and support Spudnik at the same time.

Township (Pancho) Show This Wednesday with Green Pasture Happiness, Dhalgren, and Price/Trump

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:10:44 -0600

A while back Homeroom posted their first "venue profile":http://homeroomchicago.org/blogs/150-pancho-s-bar-mp-productions-success-story with Pancho's Bar. Have a read if you need a refresher about this quant, neighborhood bar and make sure to check out their show this Wednesday, 2/22. "Green Pasture Happiness":http://brianlabycz.com/thegreenpasturehappiness.html, "Dhalgren":http://dhalgren.bandcamp.com/, and "Price/Trump":http://www.myspace.com/tentetoctet are playing. Click "here":https://www.facebook.com/events/347851365244307/ for more details and make sure to check out the rest of Pancho's (now named, 'Township') "calendar":http://mpshows.com/?venue_id=63.

PLAY!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:16:46 -0600

"Believe Inn":http://believeinn.org/ is excited to present a pretty darn neato (please excuse the fancy art-speak) collaborative multimedia installation by... "Anthony Lewellen":http://www.alewellen.com "Brian Steckel":http://vimeo.com/anism "Chris Silva":http://chrissilva.com "David Cuesta":http://www.behance.net/thePYL "John Heenan":http://vimeo.com/standarddeflove And the playful art explorations of... "Chad Kouri":http://www.chadkouri.com "Laura Berger":http://laura-berger.blogspot.com "Luke Ramsey":http://lukeramseystudio.com Opening Reception Friday, February 24 2043 N Winchester Ave, Chicago Believe Inn is an extension of the art practice of husband & wife artists, Chris Silva & Lauren Feece and serves as a space for Chris & Lauren to exhibit their work as well as create show opportunities for fellow artists. Believe Inn shows a variety of artists at a range of career stages, favors the artist's personal vision and tends to steer clear of themed shows. Believe Inn is a creative space with the aim of keeping art fun, accessible, and adding vitality to the collective heart beat. “When we come together to play and be, we are truly ourselves. When we are truly ourselves it is wonderful and when we act collectively in that wonder we do transformative work for our community and our world.” - Brad Colby

Death Ships, Paul Cary, and Emperors Club to perform at The Hideout this Saturday

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:53:17 -0600

This Saturday folk-rockers, "Death Ships":http://deathships.bandcamp.com/, will be performing at The Hideout at 9pm with "Paul Cary":http://paulcary.bandcamp.com/ and indie-pop group "Emperors Club":http://emperorsclub.bandcamp.com/. And afterwards, in Hideout fashion, Life During Wartime will DJ after the show. Death Ships are a wonderfully solid band that never disappoint and know how to put on a good time. We hope to see you at "The Hideout":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/ this Saturday!

This Much Is True at Hopleaf Bar this Tuesday, February 14th

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:29:21 -0600

If you never heard of "This Much Is True":http://www.thismuchistruechicago.com/, Chicago's most intimate story-telling night, we highly recommend checking it out. It's held at the "Hopleaf Bar":http://hopleaf.com/ (5148 N Clark) every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm for FREE. This Tuesday's lineup features stories by regulars Dorrie Ferguson, Deanna Moffitt, and Scott Whitehair, and special guests Shannon Cason, Carol LaChapelle, Natasha Tsoutsouris, and Paul Whitehouse. Click "here":http://www.thismuchistruechicago.com/ for more details.

Elastic Arts Foundation set to develop a new website dedicated to Chicago music

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:16:04 -0600

As many of you may know Homeroom's first Songwriter Showcase of the semester is today at "Elastic Arts":http://www.elasticrevolution.com/. Before you head over there learn a little bit about Elastic and their exciting "news":http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-0208-jazz-boeing-20120208,0,7261826.column. We couldn't be happier to work with Elastic. They are an impressive forward thinking non-profit organization supporting a wide range of arts. We hope to see you there tonight at 9pm to see Shelly Steffens, Donny Mahlmeister, and Brian Sulpizio in action.

Interview with Shelly Steffens and Donny Mahlmeister from A Tundra

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:51:30 -0600

Shelly and Donny will be featured Friday, 2/10 at our Songwriter Showcase at Elastic Arts. The two were kind of enough to give Homeroom an interview and talk about how they write songs. 1. What's your first few steps in writing a new song? Donny - Messing around with a vocal melody until I feel it's catchy enough to see the light of day. Then I try to come up with chord progression that sounds unique to my ears. Shelly - I usually have a kernel of an idea that generally comes from goofing around on the guitar and then hearing something I like and just playing it over and over again until it becomes something tangible. Or trying to learn a song that I like and not quite figuring it out or messing it up but using that fuck up as a basis for something new.

Interview with Brian Sulpizio of Health & Beauty

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:47:14 -0600

In anticipation for Friday's Songwriter Showcase at Elastic Arts Homeroom sat down with Brian Sulpizio of "Health & Beauty":http://healthbeautyband.com/ to talk about his music. After reading make sure to come to our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic this Friday, February 10th to check Brian out! Read on below

Ten x Ten Artist Justin Santora

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:49 -0600

*Printmaker Justin Santora worked with avant-garde hip hop group Tomorrow Kings to produce a song and print titled "Borrowed Ladders". Colin Palombi asked Justin about the process and his work.* *Colin:* I'm curious about how you guys went about the producing the song and print. There are a bunch of guys in TK, and just one of you. Did the print come out of a response to an idea developed by TK, or was it something that you were all contributing to from the beginning? *Justin:* We started off with a couple of very general ideas, but I don't think there were rigid guidelines on either end. Lamon sent me the beat before there were any vocals recorded, and I listened to it and tried to come up with a few ideas that fit the feel of the song. After hearing the final version with all the vocal tracks completed, the song definitely took on a new form and the sketches I had come up with didn't really seem to fit anywhere. I ended up using a new concept that was somewhere between an illustration of a section of the lyrics that I found particularly interesting and trying to convey a scene that sort of goes with the song's aesthetic. I think we originally intended for the process to involve a little more back and forth between Tomorrow Kings and myself, but I'm pleased with how we did it.

Alliance Dance Company and Harold Washington Library Come Together

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:45:18 -0600

Ever feel like you need a little more dance in your life? Or feel like you want to expand your artistic endeavors? If so, we highly recommended heading down to the "Harold Washington Library":http://www.chipublib.org/ this Thursday, February 2nd at 12:15pm. "Alliance Dance Company":http://alliancedancecompany.org/ is presenting "10 Years of War". As part of the "Dancing in the Library" series, this performance centers on the concept of fighting for one's beliefs. Free admission, For more information click "here":http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/80356/ or visit Alliance's "site":http://alliancedancecompany.org/10-years-of-war-2/.

Colin Chats with Ten x Ten's Phillip Morris

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:37:42 -0600

**Colin:** You just did three shows in Spain. Can you briefly share how the tour came about? **Phillip:** The tour actually came about as the result of a much larger tour that was being planned that ended up not happening due to complications. I really only had 2 contacts in Barcelona, one of which was Raquel Delgado...and the other being my boy Jan (aka Delorian) from De La Rue Squad. So despite the setbacks, with only a few weeks of planning we were able to organize 3 shows. 2 shows in Barcelona (Sant Boi & Santa Coloma) and one show in Zaragoza, Spain. All of which were phenomenal. **Colin:** Was it your first time performing out of the country? How was the experience there similar or different to performing in your home town?

Music Box Screening Drag City's Dragonslayer Next Wednesday (for one night only!)

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:34:31 -0600

Next Wednesday, January 25th "Music Box Theatre":http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/events/dragonslayer-2012-01-25-700-pm is screening the debut of "Dragonslayer":http://dragonslayermovie.com/, directed by Tristan Patterson, executive produced by Christine Vachon (Boys Don't Cry, Storytelling) and distributed by "Drag City":http://www.dragcity.com/. Dragonslayer is already an award-winning film winning Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at SXSW 2011. Before the screening live music will be performed by solo synthscape-making krautrock master "Bitchin' Bajas":http://bitchinbajas.tumblr.com/, with visual artist Olivia Wyatt, followed by Chicago's own experimental doom trio "Mayor Daley":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayor-Daley/119422831456691. After the movie director, Tristan Patterson, will answer questions via Sype. This fun-packed night will begin at 7:00pm, tickets are $9.99 advance, $12 door, and IT'S ONLY FOR ONE NIGHT SO DON'T MISS OUT!

Atomic Winter Event 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:44:35 -0600

Participating "Ten x Ten":http://www.tenxtenchicago.com/ artists, "Brain Hofmeister":http://brianalexanderhofmeister.com/home.html and Revise CMW (artwork up top), are featured in a group show curated by the monthly live-art spectacle, "Atomic Sketch Event":http://atomicsketch.com/index.php. The show, Atomic Winter Event 2012, will be the first curated show the group has done for Green Eye Lounge. Normally, each month a panel of established and emerging artists from Chicago - and even visiting artists from around the country - is selected to create original works of art live at the event. These pieces then hang on the walls and sell for extremely affordable prices. Artists whose work priced in the hundreds of dollars often sell work for $10 or $20. Pretty sweet! This format allows artists a great community to network in and art enthusiasts a great way to score real art for affordable prices. AWE2012 opens Thursday January 26th, from 6-10 pm at the "Green Eye":http://www.greeneyelounge.com/ and features work by Mike Wiezbicki, Brian Hofmeister, Rudy Hall, Blutt, Kelly Pelka, Jeremy Pettis, Uriel Correa, ad7m, Ricki Proper, Revise CMW, Brooks Golden

Add-2 premiers new video

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:28:19 -0600

Chicago emcee and "Ten x Ten":http://www.tenxtenchicago.com/ contributor, "Add-2":http://add2music.com/, had his new video "Cotton Fields" premier at "Okayplayer":http://www.okayplayer.com/news/video-premiere-add-2-cotton-fields.html#comments yesterday. It's a disturbing video, for a powerful song, and shows that Add-2 isn't afraid to make bold statements. Okayplayer quotes Add describing the visuals as such: “The song and concept of the video is that even though the times may have changed some perceptions haven’t..." Chicago native "Common":http://twitter.com/common concurs, tweeting "watch it all the way thru."

Urban Sandbox Returns

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:04:46 -0600

The Urban Sandbox started way back in 2002 at the infamous Ice Factory as an all ages multi-canvassed Open Mic event that featured visual art, spoken word, comedy, music & more. This Friday, January 13th it returns (again) to Logan Square's "Comfort Station":http://www.comfortstationlogansquare.com/. The evening is hosted by the heavily-bearded and talented, "Dan Sully":http://whoisdansully.com/. Full disclosure, Sully is also the co-curator Homeroom's "Ten x Ten":http://www.tenxtenchicago.com/ Project This month's Sandbox will feature HBO Def Poet and Chicago favorite "Joel Chmara":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSoj-lbgTLk along side comedian "Bill Cruz":http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/comics/BillCruz. Doors open at 7:30, show runs 8 to 10. Open Mic sign up at the door. Limited space. $5 cover. All Ages!

Articles about the Art on Track and Noisivelvet

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:03:07 -0600

In September, Homeroom ED Aaron Rodgers joined with Joe Baldwin and his orgranization, "Noisivelvet":http://www.noisivelvet.com/index/welcome.html to participate in "Art on Track.":http://www.builtontrack.com/ Art on Track was an opportunity for artists to make installations on CTA L cars and present their work to people who rode the train around the Loop. Well, Joe and Aaron's installation of green space on the train car didn't only get the most attention during the event, but the international press has given a lot of attention. Here are a few articles that covered the project: "The Daily Mail":http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054125/Chicago-train-carriage-turned-garden-relax-city-commuters.html in the UK "AREA Chicago":http://www.areachicago.org/b/grid-city/garden-rails/ "Mr. Brown Thumb":http://mrbrownthumb.blogspot.com/2011/09/mobile-garden-on-cta.html "Zen Associates":http://blog.zenassociates.com/urban-gardening/urban-garden-goes-mobile-in-chicago/ "Red Headed Art Child":http://redheadedartchild.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/derailed-art-on-track-2011/

Picture from Rrap Kryeziu's Show at Saki Records

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:25:59 -0600

On Saturday, November 11th, Rrap Kryeziu, second from the right, presented his paintings during a solo show at Saki Records 3716 W Fullerton. The show was the culmination of Rrap's participation in Homeroom's "Emerging and Established Artist Exchange.":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/4-eee Homeroom was honored to work with Rrap and Katie Brown, the established artist who helped him with the show, and we wish him the best moving forward.

Three Cheers For One Dead Man at Quenchers This Sunday!!!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:27:57 -0600

A band that we showcased last semester is performing this Sunday at Quenchers. "Three Cheers For One Dead Man":http://homeroomchicago.org/blogs/151-interview-with-dylan-posa-from-three-cheers-for-one-dead-man is opening for Rapid Rabbit and Phantom Works (record release show) this Sunday, January 8th. If you haven't been to Quenchers you're truly missing out- great bar full of great people and GREAT beer. And if you haven't seen Three Cheers For One Dead Man you've got to take a listen. This band is truly one of a kind- zany, kookie, and loads of fun. Check them out! Click "here":https://www.facebook.com/events/337651219583109/ for more info on the show and the featured bands. $5, 21+, 2401 N Western

Christy LeMaster, Fred Sasaki and Roommate All Get Some Accolades

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:24:11 -0600

This week proved to be an exciting one for many of the people who work with Homeroom. "The Chicago Reader":http://www.chicagoreader.com/ named "Christy LeMaster,":http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-people-issue-2011/Slideshow?oid=5195537&slide=28 who runs the Nightingale Theater which hosts Homeroom's YouTube Assembly Series and is participating in our "Emerging and Established Artist Exchange,":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/4-eee as a person of the year 2011. Christy is awesome, so it is well deserved. But the Reader didn't stop there: they also named "Fred Sasaki":http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-people-issue-2011/Slideshow?oid=5195537&slide=23 another person of the year 2011. Fred, who works for the Poetry Foundation and started the Printer's Ball, helps curate Homeroom's 101 Lecture Series. To top it off, "TimeOut Chicago":http://www.timeoutchicago.com/ named "Roommate's":http://roommate.bandcamp.com/ "Guilty Rainbow" one of "Chicago's 10 best albums of the year.":http://www.timeoutchicago.com/music-nightlife/audio-file-blog/15048565/best-chicago-albums-2011-in-review Roommate is fronted by Homeroom friend Kent Lambert and also features Homeroom's programming director Seth Vanek. A big congrats to all. Photo by Jim Newberry.

Remembering Power

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:29:35 -0600

Last month, at Homeroom's final YouTube Assembly, "Daniel Tucker":http://miscprojects.com/2011/12/15/power-on-and-off-the-grid/ collaborated with local filmmaker "Deborah Stratman":http://www.pythagorasfilm.com/ to program an evening of videos on the theme of POWER. Stratman and Tucker realized that their personal interests in the theme could intersect around the desire to be on or off various kinds of power grids – ranging from electrical to political. Themes of survivalism, welfare, social democracy, solar power, humanure, libertarianism and anarchism were explored. POWER: ON AND OFF THE GRID (see entire playlist "here":http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL679852472534A83A)

Homeroom is going on break, but will be back in February

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:22:18 -0600

Homeroom is taking a short winter break while we plan our Spring Semester. We have a lot of great events coming up, including a new "Physics for Listeners":http://homeroomchicago.bandcamp.com/ to be debuted in June and the "Ten x Ten":http://www.spudnikpress.com/buy-ten-x-ten/ to be released in April. In the meantime, we have a few concert recommendations. Tears of Music & Love, The Visitor, and FIRES will all perform at the Empty Bottle on Friday, 12/23/12. The best part is it's free if you send an e-mail to rsvp@emptybottle.com by midnight the night before the show.

Catching up: Former YTA presenter Jesse Mclean in Artforum

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:26:41 -0600

Amid the buzz for "the new Twilight movie":http://www.breakingdawn-themovie.com/, you might have had a flashback to Chicago filmmaker Jesse Mclean's great Youtube Assembly presentation on fandom and fan cultures from back in "March of 2010":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/3/2010 that featured an excellent study of the "twi-hard":http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Twihard phenomenon. "Trust Falls":http://www.interstateprojects.com/?p=208, Mcleans's current exhibit in New York is receiving great reviews, including "this one in Artforum":http://artforum.com/picks/section=nyc#picks29536. Check out "Magic for Beginners":http://jessemclean.com/magic-for-beginners/ as well as Jesse's entire Youtube Assembly presentation (!) entitled "Haters Don't Sparkle":http://jessemclean.com/haters-dont-sparkle-youtube-assembly/ at "her website":http://jessemclean.com/.

Interview with Ami Saraiya

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:46:20 -0600

"Ami Sariaya":http://amisaraiya.com/ will performing at Homeroom's Winter Waltz this Saturday, 12/10 at Collaboraction, 1579 N Milwaukee. (Click "here":http://winterwaltz.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets.) For those who haven't heard Ami, she is considered one of Chicago's most best songwriters with a style Homeroom describes as lyrical and romantic pop. 1. How did you get into the accordion? In the spring of 2005, my brother-in-law inherited his aunt's old accordion. He brought it to our home and as soon as I strapped that thing on, I was hooked. It was like a symphony in my hands. I ended up getting my own used one on craigs list a few weeks later. Since I played the piano for years, it wasn't too difficult to for me to get the keyboard portion of the accordion down. I took lessons with a few different teachers to get a better grasp of the buttons on the left hand. I'm still by no means an expert, but I can hold my own. Please read more below.

Winter Waltz Countdown: A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:37:59 -0600

Our upcoming Winter Waltz and Fundraiser wouldn't be possible without our many helping hands. We'd like to thank our beverage sponsors "Lagunitas":http://www.lagunitas.com/, "Noble Grape":http://www.noblegrape.net/, and "Piece Brewery & Pizzeria":http://www.piecechicago.com/flash/index.html for their donations. Thanks to them we are lucky enough to experience their delicious beer and wine on Saturday. Read on for more info and to purchase tickets for a mouth-watering experience at our Winter Waltz visit "winterwaltz.eventbrite.com":winterwaltz.eventbrite.com. Your ticket will provide a magical night of music, dancing, food, and drinks.

Interview with Natalie Jose of Weepin' Willows.

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:05:41 -0600

On Saturday, 12/10, the Weepin' Willows, a Patsy Cline cover band, will perform at Homeroom's Winter Waltz. The evening will celebrate another successful semester of programming and will include music, dancing, food and drinks. (Click "here":http://winterwaltz.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets.) Since her voice will be serenading us this Saturday, we wanted to get to know Natalie and her love for Patsy Cline a little better. 1. What first attracted you to Patsy Cline's music? I only started listening to Patsy Cline about eight years ago and even then I only had her greatest hits but it became a constant Sunday morning record. I was living in this evil dead-type house in Appalachian Ohio with my then boyfriend. There was something about the landscape and post-collegiate wonderment that really drew me to Patsy Cline. Her music timeless and her voice is so rich and powerful and filled with a sadness and longing that really gets me. Read more below.

Winter Waltz Countdown: Collaboraction Chicago

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:33:49 -0600

Homeroom will be having their Winter Waltz Fundraiser on Saturday, December 10th at "Collaboraction":http://collaboraction.org/ in the Flat Iron Arts Building at 1579 N Milwaukee. Collaboraction is a Chicago-based arts organization of collaborative theater and experience makers focused on becoming a national leader of contemporary theater. We couldn't be more excited to be working with this group. They support a diverse collection of artists and redefine the entertainment of performing arts. Check out their "site":http://collaboraction.org/ to learn more! To purchase tickets for our Winter Waltz, please visit "winterwaltz.eventbrite.com":winterwaltz.eventbrite.com or e-mail aaron@homeroomchicago.org. Ticket price includes a wonderful evening of music, dancing, drinks and catered food.

The New Beginnings Festival on Sunday 12/4

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:09:02 -0600

"Access Contemporary Music":http://acmusic.org/ presents New Beginnings is a musical celebration of this new direction with a performance of seven innovative pieces that illustrate the widely divergent and innovative styles of the forum's members. Musicians from ACM's performance wing Palomar will be joined by the dynamic MAVerick Ensemble in this exciting concert with music by: Brian Baxter, Pablo Chin, David Drexler, Eun Young Lee, Mike McFerron, Janice Misurell-Mitchell and Jason Raynovich. New Beginnings will be on Sunday, December 4,at 3:00pm in the Fine Arts Building, Curtiss Hall 410 S. Michigan Ave., 10th floor.

TYRANNY AND MUTATION: OMs + Velcro Lewis

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:05:09 -0600

What's a Thanksgiving Eve night without heavy music? Head over to Rodan in Wicker Park tonight (10pm) for a evening of debauchery with OMs (Omar from Revolution Tattoo and Witchbange) and Velcro Lewis. Food and Drink Specials: 10 buck Togarashi burger + beer special "https://www.facebook.com/events/111029172337465/":https://www.facebook.com/events/111029172337465/

Winter Waltz Countdown: Dance Cards

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:38:23 -0600

As some of you may already know Homeroom is having their semesterly fundraiser in December and this year it's a Winter Waltz! With most traditional waltzes, there are dance cards and we've decided to pay tribute to that old tradition and have some fun of our own with these cards! So what is a dance card, you ask? A dance card is a small booklet that lists the songs that an orchestra would play throughout a dance or ball. Attached to the dance card was a pencil that gentlemen would use to write their names in the card – next to the specific piece of music to which they wished to dance with the maiden. We'll will be doing something similar at our dance party this December. Click "here":http://www.dancecard.com/History/history.html to read about the history of dance cards and how it works. Make sure to attend our "Winter Waltz":http://homeroomchicago.org/events Saturday, December 10th!

Joe Tallarico printing for Ten x Ten

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:17:40 -0600

The next edition of Ten x Ten is underway, and the image above is just a taste of what will be included. "Joe Tallarico":http://www.robotcastle.blogspot.com/ spent this past Saturday at "Spudnik Press":http:www.spudnikpress.com working on his contribution to the project. Featured here is a work in progress, showing the first two colors of a three color screen-print. Ten x Ten is a print and music collection and collaboration between ten visual artists and ten recording artists. The package will include ten fine art prints and a cd of ten songs for your listening and viewing pleasure. Joe has teamed up with Chicago MC, "Phillip Morris":http://www.myspace.com/phillipmorris for the project. Stay tuned for release events early in the new year.

Daniel Tucker: This Is Our Home

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:15:10 -0600

Local artist and activist, Daniel Tucker will be presenting with Filmmaker Deborah Stratman at the next YouTube Assembly. The theme will be "Power: On And Off The Grid". Daniel says, "it's got some Foucault, some sound cannons, and some totally funny stuff. what else could you want. . ." The following text was pulled directly from his website, "miscprojects.com":http://miscprojects.com/ and fully explains the featured video he shot.

3 Events on Friday, 11/11/11

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:53:15 -0600

Isn't Chicago great? You have to make hard decisions everyday about what amazing cultural event you're going to attend. Well, we've got 3 recommendations for Friday, 11/11/11. The grand opening of the "Read/Write Library,":http://readwritelibrary.org/ a new name and a new home for Chicago Underground Library, is at 8pm at 914 N. California (Walton Entrance.) The free event will give away a limited edition poster by April Sheridan and Vida Sačić to the first 50 people, live jazz with our neighbors Studio 914 and reading/writing performances, activities, crafts and games to help you explore the stacks. Also, 7:30 at the "Comfort Station":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comfort-Station-Logan-Square/194120343952746 brings the Urban Sandbox, an all ages spoken word and music event featuring HBO Def Poet Marvin Tate & Songstress Ugochi and is hosted by Dan "Sully" Sullivan & David Gilmer. And finally, the 2011 "FLAHERTY ON THE ROAD SERIES CITY SYMPHONIES":http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=249889231723784 featuring the work of Laura Kissel and Tan Pin Pin will be shown at the Nightingale, 1084 N Milwaukee, at 8pm. Drawn from the program of the 57th Annual Robert Flaherty Film Seminar programmed by Dan Streibel, the 2011 Flaherty on the Road film series explores the audio dimension of documentary.

Listen to the Tomorrow Kings' new album.

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:02:29 -0600

"The Tomorrow Kings":http://www.myspace.com/tomorrowkingschicago are a collective of Chicago MCs, and they have recently released "On the Throne Vol. 2.":http://tomorrowkings.bandcamp.com/ The group boasts an impressive pool of talent, and it offers a great sampling of some of the best hip-hop in Chicago. Malakh El, one on the members, describes the Tomorrow Kings as "conscious, aggressive hip-hop," and Homeroom thinks they've just released one of best albums of the year. Follow the link and give it a listen.

Velvetron Record Release and Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament - Nov 4

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:54:59 -0500

Friday November 4th Nightingale Theater (1084 N. Milwaukee) 8pm The Chicago band "Velvetron":http://www.velvetron.net formed in 2002. As Velvetron, Anthony Mizicko, Colin Palombi (The Homoticons), Tim Berthiaume, and Seth Vanek (Roommate, Thin Hymns, Tom Comerford) got their start playing parties and events at the now defunct underground space known as the Ice Factory. They went on to open for local and touring acts such as Sybris, The French Kicks, Scout Niblett, Office, and the Octopus Project. After going on a west coast tour to promote their 2005 album "Things to Don't", the band broke up for several years, reuniting in 2008 after the use of their song Snoozebar in a prominent "Obama campaign video":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UFzkO5OhKY reignited interest in the group. After releasing music through a short-lived podcasting format termed "The Velvetron Vlogcast", the band decided to release their music the old-fashioned way - as a full-length album. "4" combines Velvetron's instrumental post-rock with even more concerted efforts at pop song-craft. The single "Misty Mountain Hop" finds the band sharing vocal duties for the first time, delivering perhaps their most concise and catchy tune to date. More...

Thomas Comerford Video: Dear Stephen Hauser

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:19:29 -0500

Just in time for Thursday’s release of "Thomas Comerford’s Archive + Spiral":http://thomascomerford.bandcamp.com/album/archive-spiral, "Colin Palombi":http://www.colinpalombi.com has unveiled the video for the album's second cut, Dear Stephen Hauser. There's a lot of buzz around Comerford and his new collection of songs. Check out interviews in the "Chicago Tribune":http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ott-1028-thomas-comerford-20111027,0,5652229.story and "Chicago Maroon":http://chicagomaroon.com/2011/10/31/punk-professor-by-day-punk-rocker-by-night/ and then head over to the "Hideout":http://www.hideoutchicago.com Thursday night for the release. 9PM with Panoramic and True, Eiren Caffall

Composers for 'Physics for Listeners: a Composer's Concert' Announced

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:40:19 -0500

Homeroom is excited to announce that six Chicago composers have agreed to participate in our second 'Physics for Listners: a Composer's Concert." The concert will likely take place over on two nights in June 2012. We will post more information as it develops, but first we want to introduce the composers. "Matthew Dotson:":http://www.matthewdotson.com/ guitar and electronics "Tim Daisy:":http://timdaisy.wordpress.com/ drums and percussion "Jason Raynovich:":http://www.myspace.com/104205949 cello "Katherine Young:":http://katherineyoung.blogspot.com/ bassoon "Tobin Summerfield:":http://www.myspace.com/tobinsamuelsummerfield bass and guitar "Dan Mohr:":http://danmohr.bandcamp.com/ piano and voice

Footwork 101 video

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:03:47 -0500

For those that missed Homeroom's lecture on Chicago the style of dance and music known as Footwork, we've posted a small clip of Trevell "TJ" Johnson, one of the members from FootworKINGZ, discussing and demonstrating some of the dance moves and their history.

A Conversation With Two Women Writers @ Maxim's This Thursday

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:21:33 -0500

Meghan O'Rourke, author of "The Long Goodbye":http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/books/review/book-review-the-long-goodbye-by-meghan-orourke.html, a memoir of loss, and Rachel DeWoskin, who has most recently published a novel, "Big Girl Small":http://www.npr.org/2011/05/11/136150038/big-girl-small-humiliation-high-school-style (2011), speak about their work at Maxim's: The Nancy Goldberg International Center (24 E. Goethe St.). The event is free, but RSVP to info@chicagopublishes.com. A cocktail reception starts at 6pm; the program runs from 6:45 to 8pm. To get more info on these lovely ladies visit City of Chicago's "site":http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions/news/2011/oct/maxim_s_hosts_theliterarylifeaconversationwithpowerfulwomenwrite.html

Chicago Q Ensemble and Megan Hovany present AMBITION: music inspired by very, very big ideas on October 28 and 30

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:10:48 -0500

On Friday October 28 at 8pm and Sunday October 30 at 6pm at Dixon Strings Salon, 4636 N. Ravenswood, Suite 205/6, the all-female string quartet Chicago "Q Ensemble":http://www.chicagoqensemble.com/ and narrator Megan Hovany will present "AMBITION: Music Inspired by very, Very Big Ideas." First on the program is "Eric Malmquist’s":http://ericmalmquist.wordpress.com/ "Burnham’s Plan for Chicago," a focused, high-octane portrait that contrasts Chicago’s soaring beauty with its poverty and darkness. Next is a quirky, fascinating classic by Haydn "Opus 76 No. 1," who’s often credited as the father of the string quartet. Closing the evening is "Amy Wurtz’s":http://amywurtz.com/About.htm beautiful and wide-ranging "String Quartet No. 2," which the ensemble will record for its debut CD release this winter. Admission is $10, cash at the door or in advance "here.":http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/205453 Free wine and cheese reception will follow with the performers and composers.

Trubble Club plays for keeps

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:56:12 -0500

Past 101 presenter "Edie Fake":http://ediefake.com/, "former 10x10":http://www.spudnikpress.com/10x10/ participant "Grant Reynolds":http://grantreynoldstourjournal.blogspot.com/?zx=79dcc5e00981342b and "current 10x10":http://www.tenxtenchicago.com/ participant "Jeremy Tinder":http://www.jeremytinder.com/, all of "Trubble Club":http://blog.trubbleclub.com/, like to go for the high stakes when they play their drawing games. In this game, they have to draw a pop culture character from memory and the one that does the least accurate version has to get a tattoo of the drawing. "Check out their versions of Toucan Sam and Boris Badenov as well":http://blog.trubbleclub.com/2011/09/drawing-game.html (or if you know them personally, ask to see their tattoos!)

Manual Cinema remounts Ada/Ava

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:17 -0500

The collaborative, cross-disciplined theater ensemble "Manual Cinema":http://www.manualcinema.com/ is remounting their excellent piece "Ada/Ava" at "Links Hall":http://www.linkshall.org/ in November. This show combines puppetry, movement, and live music to tell a touching story about loss and loneliness. You are not likely to see a performance as cohesive or cinematic elsewhere. Take it from us. "The show":http://www.manualcinema.com/?p=65 runs from the 10th through the 13th. We suggest you go ahead and "buy your tickets now":http://adaava.eventbrite.com/.

Homeroom wants to invite you to our Winter Waltz on Saturday, December 10th

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:35:32 -0500

Homeroom will be hosting a Winter Waltz and Fundraiser on Saturday, December 10th, and we would love to invite you. The event will feature music by "Ami Saraiya":http://amisaraiya.com/ and "Weepain' Willlows,":http://www.facebook.com/weepinwillowsband "traditional dance cards,":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_card food catered by "Bin Wine Cafe,":http://www.binwinecafe.com/ complimentary drinks and a special Homeroom cocktail. To purchase tickets, please visit winterwaltz.eventbrite.com or email aaron@homeroomchicago.org

Homeroom Receives Illinois Arts Council Grant

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:29:17 -0500

Homeroom was a awarded a $500 in general operating support from the Illinois Arts Council. We are very honored to receive this award. We encourage you to write to your local and state representatives in support of the Illinois Arts Council so that it may continue to support Homeroom and other worthy arts organizations.

9th Annual Pilsen Open Studios October 15th & 16th

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:13:36 -0500

Head over to Pilsen this weekend to enjoy a celebration of art, culture and community. The 9th annual 18th Street Pilsen Open Studios will feature a collection of over 80 artists’ studios, alternative spaces, galleries, and cafes from around the neighborhood. To learn more about all the festivities going on check out their "site":http://pilsenopenstudios.wordpress.com/. Take it from experience; this event is always a good time, so take advantage of the last of this beautiful weather and go support the arts!

Ragdale! Featuring work by upcoming YouTube Assembly host, Buki Bodunrin

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:33:54 -0500

Ragdale is pleased to present an exhibition of the work of resident artists who have been awarded visual art residency fellowships within the past five years. Fellowships to Ragdale include two weeks of uninterrupted time and space to work on individual projects. A wide range of work in various media was developed during the artists’ stay, some of which will be presented in the exhibition. Opens tonight, October 7, 6PM Coalition Gallery, Chicago 217 N. Carpenter Chicago, IL

Urban Sandbox this Friday, 10/7 at Comfort Station Logan Square

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:24:56 -0500

The Urban Sandbox is a monthly performance series highlighting poetry, music, improvisation, comedy, and just about anything you can think to bring to the mic. This month's features are poet/neofuturist Mary Fons, (www.maryfons.com) and jazz singer Brandie Madrid! Hosted by Dan Sully, DJ Pipsqueek, and David Gilmer.

Homeroom's Emerging and Established Artist Exchange

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:07:53 -0500

Last spring, Homeroom launched its first Emerging and Established Artist Exchange (EEE) with 3 pairs of artists and high school students. This fall, Homeroom will be working with 6 pairs of artists and students. You can find more information under 'EEE' on the left column of this page. Here is a video of one the pairs from the spring: Christy LeMaster of the "Nightingale":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ and Ivan from Whitney Young.

Local Chicago Band Arlum at The Double Door 9/22

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:36:27 -0500

Nothing to do this Thursday night? Well, come check out a local show at The Double Door (1551 N Damen Ave) at 9pm for FREE. "Arlum":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arlum/87921394729 is a melody driven noise rock band influenced by Oasis, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age and many more. To check them out along with the rest of the bill visit their "facebook page":https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=214043448655457.

Cocktail Class with The Whistler's Paul McGee

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:33:30 -0500

Anyone who wants to take what they learned at Homeroom's recent "Mixology 101" event to the next level can sign up for expert Mixologist Paul McGee's "Cocktails 101":http://whistlerchicago.com/cocktail-classes/ class. Paul is as knowledgeable and as nice a guy as you can hope to meet. Not only does his approachable manner make the Whistler one of the most comfortable places to enjoy a craft cocktail but he has teaching credentials to boot: he spent years training bartenders around the country as the head mixologist of The Wolfgang Puck Group. Classes are $95 and take place from 2 to 5pm on Sundays throughout the Fall. Contact shelby@whistlerchicago.com to sign up.

EEE participant Rob Clearfield interviews Craig Taborn in the Reader

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:50:42 -0500

In case you missed last week's Reader, there's an "interview":http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/jazz-pianist-craig-taborn-rob-clearfield-classical/Content?oid=4571878 between Chicago musician Rob Clearfield and piano polymath "Craig Taborn":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Taborn Rob is a participating artist in Homeroom's 2011 Emerging and Established Artist exchange. It's not too late to have a young musician you know apply to spend a few months learning the ropes of the Chicago music scene with Rob. Click "EEE" from the menu on the right for more details.

Interview with Maria Jenkins

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:11:26 -0500

Homeroom sat down with Maria Jenkins of Hollows to talk about her musical inspirations and aspirations. After reading make sure to come to our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic this Friday, September 16th to check Maria out! 1. How did Hollows get their start? Hollows got their start when I posted a craigslist ad in 2008. I had been working on some girl-group influenced pop songs, and I was looking for bandmates who shared similar interests. Emma Hopselhorn (bassist in Hollows) responded and that was the beginning of the band.

Interview with Stephen Ucherek

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:34:47 -0500

Homeroom had a chance to talk with Stephen Ucherek about his music. Stephen will be featured at Homeroom's Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic on Friday, September 16th. 1. What were some of your early inspirations for music and songwriting? keith and mick (the rolling stones) i remember hearing "paint it black" on tv, i think it was the theme song for a show called tour of duty. vietnam combat type show, real intense jungle shit. that song really captivated me, always loved the guitar work and Mick's vocal. growing up i had two musically inclined brothers as well so we always had sort of a family band going on in the basement. our aunt took us to a rummage sale and there were the usual crates of old vinyl records. we thumbed through and bought endless summer, the double disc set. "help me rhonda" "girl don't tell me"... such amazing tunes and vibes. it definitely shaped my musical approach and stylings. so yea, i guess i was into the classics early on.

DJ meals: A 10 COURSE YouTube DINNER

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:40:47 -0500

Last week's YouTube Assembly featured 2 "jam packed" sets presented by Catie Olson and Meg Duguid. Each video was accompanied by a food or wine tasting. Delicious and Fun. Keep reading for Catie's full menu and video links. Also, be sure to check out next month's YTA featuring Fred Sasaki and Buki Bonundrin, October 18th at the Nightingale.

A NSFW Missed Connection

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:52:08 -0500

Homeroom programmer and upcoming Youtube Assembly presenter Fred Sasaki wrote a "literary missed connection" for the excellent website "Ships that Pass":http://shipsthatpass.tumblr.com/ recently. "Enjoy":http://shipsthatpass.tumblr.com/post/9919256417/interpreter-of-maladies-p-83-w4m-chicago

Gene Siskel Film Center Honoring the Great Lee Scratch Perry

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:55:44 -0500

This Saturday, August 27th and Tuesday, August 30th the Gene Siskel Film Center will be screening "The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry". For all you music fans out there this film is a must-see. Reggae wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for this man. Not to mention, he has also influenced many acts including, but not limited to, The Clash, Paul McCartney, and Beastie Boys. Head over to their "website":http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/upsetter-life-and-music-lee-scratch-perry for more info and to watch the trailer.

TEN X TEN ARTIST CHAT: BRIAN HOFMEISTER

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:35:25 -0500

Upcoming Shows: **August 19th** *free / not free* opening at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, 7 - 9 PM. **August 25th** Atomic Sketch, at the Green Eye on Western Avenue right under the Blue Line stop, 6 – 11 PM. "Brian Hofmeister’s":http://brianalexanderhofmeister.com/home.html work encompasses multiple disciplines, from painting and drawing, to sculpture, screenprinting and embroidery. His subjects include nature, geometry, symbology, language, mysticism and spirituality. His opening this Friday at the Center features a new series of birds and corsets. Later this month he will also be hosting the "Atomic Sketch Event":http://www.atomicsketch.com/index.php – a badass good time, which features a panel of established and emerging artists from Chicago creating original works of art live at the Green Eye. Colin Palombi had an online chat with Brian about his work and his upcoming events.

Venue Profile #3: Empathy Lodge

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:30:11 -0500

For our third venue profile Homeroom wanted to look into a loft space. So, we sat down with Jill Petrowsky from the "Empathy Lodge":https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000836684409 in east Pilsen. Read on to learn more about this up and coming space and afterwards stay tuned for more venue profiles to come!

Ten x Ten: In the Fish Tank September 8 - October 29

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:11:43 -0500

Remember Ten x Ten? The creative collaboration between Chicago bands and printmakers brought to you by "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com and Homeroom will be on display from September 8 - October 29 at "Anchor Graphics.":http://www.colum.edu/Academics/Art_and_Design/Facilities/Anchor_Graphics/index.php If you missed the official opening for Ten x Ten last winter, this is your (last) chance to see the work in public. Still want more Ten x Ten action? "Order on-line":http://10x10.wazala.com/ and visit "tenxtenchicago.com":http://tenxtenchicago.com for updates on the next edition, slated for release in March 2012.

The Urban Sandbox Returns Friday, 8/5

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:59:13 -0500

This Friday, 8/5, the Urban Sandbox returns at the Comfort Station, 2579 N Milwuakee. The Urban Sandbox is hosted by "Dan Sully":http://whoisdansully.com/ and is an all ages poetry open mic. It started 9 years ago at the Ice Factory, and we're all excited to that it's back.

The Printer's Ball: It's Alive on Friday, July 29th

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:58:18 -0500

The 7th annual "Printer's Ball":http://www.poetryfoundation.org/programs/event/615 is this Friday, July 29th from 6 to 11pm at The Ludington, 1104 S. Wabash, and is free to all ages. The Printers’ Ball is presented by the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine with the Center for Book & Paper Arts, the Chicago Underground Library, Columbia College Chicago, and MAKE magazine. Founded by independent Chicago literary magazines, the Printers’ Ball celebrates literary culture by offering thousands of magazines, books, and broadsides free of charge; showcasing live music, readings, and other performances demonstrating letterpress, offset, and silk-screen printing and paper-making; and providing other activities, entertainment, food, and drink—free! Read all the attractions below:

Art, Music, and Revolutionary Beer this weekend at Milwaukee Ave. Arts Festival

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:01:57 -0500

July 29th through the 31st Logan Square is having their annual arts fair. Come down to Milwaukee Ave. between California and Kimball to experience dozens of independently curated visual art galleries, interactive arts activities for the whole family, a spectacle of performance arts, and an electrifying music line-up on multiple stages. And plenty of food (trucks) and craft beers from Revolution Brewing to go around. For more information visit the MAAF's "website":http://milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org/ or "Facebook":http://www.facebook.com/MilwaukeeAvenueArtsFestival.

Celebrate 25 years of Slam Poetry at the Metro on Saturday, July 30, 2011!

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:44:52 -0500

25 years ago, "Marc Smith,":http://www.slampapi.com/new_site/bio.htm began hosting poetry slams every Sunday night at the Green Mill. Well, the idea caught on, and now it's a world wide phenomenon. Just out a Tribune article "here,":http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ae-0717-kogan-sidewalks-20110716,0,1299218.column and get half price tickets through the Reader to event through 7/21 "here.":http://realdeal.chicagoreader.com/daily_deals/16098?utm_source=widget_valueprop&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=realdeal

Venue Profile: Mac 'n Cheese Productions

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:55:11 -0500

This summer, Homeroom visited "Mac 'n Cheese Productions":http://macncheeseproductions.com/ for a "mingler.":http://macncheeseproductions.com/Minglers.html It was hosted by Saya Hillman at her home and work space, and was an opportunity to meet a broad mix of creative people in Chicago. We spoke Saya about Mac 'n Cheese Productions. 1. How did you start Mac 'n Cheese Productions? Got [happily] let go from a 9 to 5 job and didn't know what I wanted to do, just that I never wanted a boss again. So made a list of all the things I wish I could get paid to do, no matter how silly; six years later, every bullet point is a part of my professional life. Read more below

Interview w/ Front of House and Business Manager of Pitchfork Music Fest: David Rempis

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:58:40 -0500

"David Rempis":http://daverempis.com/ is probably best known as a ferocious saxaphone player and organizer of "Umbrella Music.":http://umbrellamusic.org/ But even if you haven't heard him play (and you really should,) there is a good chance that you been to, or at least heard of, Pitchfork Music Fesitval at Union Park. Rempis and a few others basically run the entire thing, so Homeroom thought it might be interesting to hear about his experiences. 1. How did you originally get involved in the Pitchfork Music Festival? My good friend, and now boss, Mike Reed started the festival in 2005...the first year it was called the "Intonation Music Festival" and was curated by Pitchfork Media, who we continue to work with today. I knew Mike as a fellow musician, and the organizer of the Sunday night Transmission Series at the Hungry Brain, which I'd played on regularly since they started in 2001. He and I were both bartenders as well - I was working at the Park West, Riviera, and occasionally the Vic Theaters for Jam Productions at the time, as well as Goose Island Brewpub. I'd also worked alot of Jam's outdoor events including the Radiohead show they did in Hutchinson Field in 2001, as well as some of their street fests - Randolph St., etc. Knowing this, Mike asked me to oversee the entire concession operation (beer, water, etc.) for the first year of the fest. After that, he split up with his partners on the event, and asked me to come in full time as one of the organizers of the whole thing. Since then I've been basically the business manager of the festival, and the onsite Front-of-House manager. I deal with city permits, insurance, hiring, accounting, security, ticketing, our volunteer program, etc. etc. Photo by John Pham. Read the rest below.

The Dorchester Project: Sharing Chicago's History Through Film Archives

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:22:00 -0500

This is a video that appeared on the "Chicago Tribune's":http://www.chicagotribune.com/ website. It talks about an out door film festival that will run July through August in vacant lot in Great Grand Crossing. Pretty cool stuff.

Great Music This Weekend: Roommate, Laura Palmer & the Kaits, and Weepin' Willows

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:38:27 -0500

"West Fest,":http://www.westfestchicago.com/ is definitely worth stopping by, but we know it's gets a little tedious standing in the heat all day while buying beers with tickets and tripping over strollers. So Homeroom is recommending two great shows in the comfort of air conditioning. On Friday, July 8th, "Roommate":http://www.roommatemusic.com/ and "Wooden Birds":http://www.thewoodenbirds.com/ perform at the "Hideout":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/ (1354 W Wabansia.) Roommate is one of Homeroom's favorite bands -- their songs are dark, textured and stirring with moments of brilliant melody. Saturday, July 9th at 9pm brings Weepin' Willows and Laura Palmer & the Kaits (for their last show) to Reversible Eye Gallery (1103 N. California.) Weepin' Willows are a fantastic Patsy Cline cover group fronted by the amazing Natalie Jose. They strike the right balace of staying true to the spirit of Patsy's music, while avoiding kitsch and nostalgia. The evening is headlined by Laura Palmer & the Kaits whose sense of humor will be sorely missed after this final appearance.

Interview with Dylan Posa from Three Cheers For One Dead Man

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:09:43 -0500

I sat down with the multi-talented musician Dylan Posa to chat all about his band "Three Cheers for One Dead Man":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Cheers-For-One-Dead-Man/188228531189211?sk=info. Read on to learn about how far the band has come and what's up next for Dylan, Justin Wexler, and Eorl Scholl. And afterwards be sure to catch their show this Friday, July 8th at Quencher's (2401 N Western Ave). These guys are zany, witty, and just an all around good time. So, don't miss out!

Pancho's Bar = MP Productions Success Story

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:29:12 -0500

Homeroom is starting a new online series of venue profiles. Our goal is to spread the word about underground/independent venues in Chicago that deserve more attention. Our first feature is "Pancho's Bar":http://www.mpshows.com/?venue_id=63 in Logan Square. Read on to learn about this notorious neighborhood bar and afterwards make sure to stay tuned on our site for more venue profiles to come!!

Benefit to Reopen the Underground Library Friday 6/24

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:36:20 -0500

"The Chicago Underground Library":http://underground-library.org/ is one of Chicago's coolest institutions: an organization dedicated to collecting indepent media made here in Chiago. However, a week before Chicago Underground Library celebrated its fifth anniversary, the February blizzard blew in one of the windows, forcing them out of their location. Read more about it "here.":http://lit.newcity.com/2011/06/06/weathering-the-storm-how-the-chicago-underground-library-rises-again-and-again/ So, the library was forced to become a library with no home. It is now trying to raise funds to find a new permanent location. This Friday, June 24th, Chicago Underground Library will be hosting a benefit at Beauty Bar (1444 W Chicago)and will be featuring Chicago culture writers/DJs: Chess (UR Chicago); David Drake (Pitchfork, Chicago Tribune); and Chelsea & Lauren (Stic-of-the-Week.)

Saki Records Celebrates Their One Year Anniversary. Come Celebrate With Them!

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:29:24 -0500

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (6/17-6/19)Saki Records in Logan Square (3716 W Fullerton)will be celebrating being one year old. To match the celebration they will have a full line-up of bands and DJs. And food from Provenance Food & Wine, pizza, and birthday cake! There's a lot more special deals in store so get more info at their "blog":http://sakistore.blogspot.com/p/sakis-birthday.html

Allos Musica Trio Performs at Strobe Sessions

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:14:21 -0500

James Falzone, who seems to play every type of music on this planet, shared this video of "Allos Musica Trio":http://allosmusica.org/ from their April 21 performance at Strobe Studio. The song is the Muwashah Arja'i Ya Alf Laila from their album "Lamentations.":http://allosmusica.org/RecordingsLamentations.htm

Art Through Gardening Block Party This Sunday 6/5

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:40:12 -0500

"Noisivelvet":http://www.noisivelvet.com/index/welcome.html and the "Altgeld-Sawyer Corner Garden":http://www.facebook.com/AltgeldSawyerCornerFarm are excited to announce Art Through Gardening Block Party on Sunday, June 5th, 2011 10am – 2pm. Art Through Gardening will serve to promote access to sustainable art & living through using materials from your garden. Art Through Gardening will feature a number of attractions including donated sod that will cover the pavement to create a temporary extension of green space for the event. Art Through Gardening will feature a number of DIY demonstrations and displays. Click more to read to the full lineup.

Homeroom's Fred Sasaki makes Newcity's "Lit 50"

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:41:47 -0500

Fred Sasaki, the programmer behind Homeroom's "101" series, is mentioned in "this weeks Newcity":http://lit.newcity.com/2011/06/02/lit-50-who-really-books-in-chicago-2011/4/ magazine as one of the "50 most influential folks":http://lit.newcity.com/2011/06/02/lit-50-who-really-books-in-chicago-2011/ in Chicago's literary scene. When Fred's not programming 101, he's putting together the wide ranging "Printer's Ball":http://www.printersball.org/, editing the prestigious "Poetry Magazine":http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/, or contributing to the mayhem caused by the adventurous "Dil Pickle Club":http://thedilpickleclub.tumblr.com/ His commitment to all things having to do with literature and language is an inspiration. Keep up the good work Fred!

Interview with Guitarist Dave Miller

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:20:27 -0500

"Dave Miller":www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Miller/118482326104?ref=ts is a Chicago based jazz/improv guitar player. He plays with a number of groups around the city, including "Algernon,":http://www.myspace.com/algernonmusic and currently hosts House Party Starting Jazz Series, including this Saturday in Logan Square (2834 W. Fullerton #3, 10pm.) 1. What inspired or compelled you to become a musician full time? Inspiration came from knowing that I really wouldn't be totally happy doing anything else besides music. I am also not really good at anything else other than music. Other jobs I've had are waiting tables and caddying, and I failed miserably at both of those. Seriously, though, I really do love playing and listening to music not just for the music, but also because of the deep connections you can establish working with other musicians. Music is a way for me to continually push myself to become a better human being.

Onery Little Darlings and Juliets for free at the Empty Bottle 5/27

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:42:20 -0500

On Friday, 5/27, "Chicago Mixtape":http://www.chicagomixtape.com/ presents "Onery Little Darlings,":http://www.myspace.com/ornerylittledarlings "Juliets,":http://www.myspace.com/julietsband "Fatty Acids":http://thefattyacidsmusic.com/ and "Continental Breakfast":http://www.continentalbreakfastband.com/ at the "Empty Bottle":http://www.emptybottle.com/home.php (1035 N Western.) With amazing songwriting and great arrangements, Juliets are one of our favorite bands, so it would be worth checking out no matter what. But if you RSVP to rsvp@emptybottle.com, it's free. You now have no reason not to go.

The Learning Moving Image Festival is currently accepting submissions

Mon, 23 May 2011 12:50:55 -0500

In conjunction with the 2011 Humboldt Park Art Fair, The Learning Moving Image Festival is currently accepting submissions. To submit a short, mail a data dvd of the work along with your contact info to: noisivelvet, c/o Nudge Gallery, 1000 North California, Chicago, Illinois 60622 The deadline to submit work is 'postmarked on, or before, July 14, 2011 and received no later than July 21, 2011'. To inquire about sponsorship, or to be on the feedback panel - send an email to Info@noisivelvet.org

Interview with John Lennox of Panoramic and True

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:49:41 -0500

And now for our next interview of music preferences and inspirations: John Lennox. Come see him perform at our Songwriter Showcase held at Elastic Arts (2nd floor) tomorrow, Friday May 20th at 9:00pm. 1. When it comes to your music, who (or what) is your biggest influence? Two things. First, the idea of its being well received. I'm seduced—maybe foolishly—by the some great moments in pop music (Bob Dylan, 1966; punk rock, some 1990s indie rock) and think some beautiful thing can happen that involves other people and pleasure and my music. Even on a very small scale communicating and giving pleasure is really gratifying. Second, regardless of how it's received, the idea that songwriting is a puzzle that I might solve now and then. Anyone can write a song as well as Lennon and McCartney. It's very difficult, but not impossible. Of course, timing and being a celebrity and magically being already good at it help, but like any art it can be done by the unknown and perfected by practice, so I've got a shot too. That's the complicated answer. The easy answer is: Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and friends who play in bands that I like. 2. Which do you prefer: recording in the stdio or playing live with an audience? I probably like listening to music more than playing it (though I play more than I listen), so I'll say recording in the studio. A lot of studio time is spent hearing things back, and listening while a recording takes shape is pretty magical. This would seem to contradict my answer above (that connecting with people is my biggest influence), but so much of music is just imagination. I dream that this song is about a beach, and so on. And records can touch a million more people in a million more ways. Still, come to our shows! 3. Can you name one of your favorite shows/performances and why? Of others: seeing Eric's Trip as a teenager in Ontario where I grew up. They turned out all the lights in the place and put bare bulbs on the stage floor. Creepy; awesome! No drugs involved. Of mine, I can't say. I'm rarely satisfied with my performance, and when I am satisfied I'm afraid of being proud. There's always someone better. Maybe playing at Cole's recently; the crowd has been really receptive, we've played well and have had a lot of fun. As a band, Panoramic & True gets better every time we perform, so my favorite show is the next one. You should come! 4. When in need of inspiration, where do you find it? Driving long distances. Several times a year I can be found on the 94 between here and Detroit, then on the 401, mulling things over. Something about seeing the homes of strangers. Staying with strangers—sleeping on the couch, making coffee at 6:30 am—though I do less of that these days. Solitary record listening parties in the middle of the night. Fashion magazines. History books. Rainy days. 5. What song or songs do you want played at your funeral? Probably "God's Song" by Randy Newman. Off of the Sail Away album. A great dirge, in the tradition of "St. James Infirmary Blues" or Blind Willie McTell's "Dyin' Crapshooter's Blues" or Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie McTell"—all great funeral songs. "God's Song" takes the next step and sees the whole human picture, a step I guess I will maybe have taken when it's playing, as my friends and family—those of them who could stand me in my old age (should I live that long)—trudge away from the cemetery, spared for the moment.

Interview with Mark Jumper of Bob Dey's Tank Engine Man

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:24:04 -0500

Last week Homeroom spoke with "Mark":http://www.myspace.com/tankengine and his "Bob Dey" to pick his (their) brain about some things we all can relate to; music preferences and inspirations. Come see this man in action at our Songwriter Showcase held at Elastic Arts (2nd floor) Friday May 20th at 9:00pm. 1. When it comes to your music, who (or what) is your biggest influence? We have found that we are often most influenced to act in opposition to the things which we find distasteful rather than in accordance with what we find pleasing. That is to say that we have less an idea of who we would like to be than do we have of how we wish to be perceived. It is, perhaps, our insecurities that drive us toward our ambitions. 2. Which do you prefer: recording in the studio or playing live with an audience? They both have their merits and drawbacks. Strangely, within those merits and drawbacks are a number of contradictions that can make either one seem simultaneously delightful and dreadful. Fortunately, Mr. Jumper handles the brunt of such things. MJ: I agree with Mr. Dey that they both have good and bad things about them. It's all part of the job and I derive satisfaction out of everything that entails. 3. Can you name one of your favorite shows/performances and why? No, I don't believe we can. We don't tally those sorts of things, neither for record keeping nor personal reasons. 4. When in need of inspiration, where do you find it? We aren't in the habit of looking for inspiration. It is our belief that it will come when it needs to come; and that is rather random and unpredictable. The rest is the work of a skilled tradesman, in a sense. 5. What song or songs do you want played at your funeral? Mr. Jumper and I are in agreement that neither of us would like music played at our funerals. I can't listen to it, of course, and Mr. Jumper simply has no interest. It would be in poor taste to attempt to honor our respective memories with tunes and melodies. However, if our grieving families required the distraction, we would not deny them any comfort at such a difficult time.

Homeroom Presents EEE Student Film Screening on May 21st

Mon, 09 May 2011 19:06:01 -0500

During this spring, Homeroom has been developing the Emerging and Established Artist Exchange (EEE.) EEE offers high school students who are serious about a specific field of the arts a realistic experience of what it is like working in that discipline in Chicago today. Our fist pair, student Yiyang Hou and film curator Christey LeMaster, will present a film screening on May 21st. As part of his mentorship, Yiyang has been watching film and video work and helping out at The Nightngale, a microcinema run by Christy LeMaster, at 1084 N Milwuakee. The program Yiyang has curated for the space will feature his first experimental video, called ASHES OF THE WHALE, and the work of his classmates. all students of Whitney Young art teacher, Nancy Klark. See the full program below.

2 Great Events this Thursday, May 5th

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:42:28 -0500

This Thursday boasts a few great events we would like you to know about. At 7:30, Chicago Q Ensemble Presents "Talking Back to Beethoven" at Grace Episcopal Church (637 S. Dearborn Street.) Chicago Q Ensemble invited super-creative local composer and video artist Patrick Liddell to 'talk back' to Beethoven -- in whatever way he chose. The resulting piece for string quartet, tape, video, and foods will receive its premiere on May 5. In addition to debuting Liddell's piece, the ensemble with perform Beethoven's String Quartet op. 18 no. 5. Then, at 9pm, we recommend you attend House Party Starting Jazz Series (Episode V) - BENEFIT FOR JAPAN! The concert will feature Set I with Andrew Trim's Hanami Quartet -- Andrew Trim: guitar; Mai Sugimoto: alto sax; Jason Stein: bass clarinet; and Charles Rumback: drums. Set II will feature Tread on Sure Ground with Jeff Parker: guitar; Fred Lonberg-Holm: cello; and Mike Reed: drums. All donations will be donated to the Japan Relief Fund. The concert is at 3500 N. Damen, but you must RSVP by emailing Dave Miller at diller2001@yahoo.com.

The Pocket Guide to Hell presents a Haymarket Reenactment

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:19:53 -0500

The indefatigable "Paul Durica":http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/paul-durica,52528/ is at it again with an educational tour/protest/public re-enactment to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the "Haymarket Riot of 1886":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_Riot. This time, he's partnered with several Chicago groups (including the "Illinois Labor History Society":http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/) to close off the street and assemble the proper number of folks to do a real, full-scale re-enactment of the tragic events that led to the international recognition of workers that is May Day. If you want to support labor or just spend a beautiful day outside learning and having fun, the event takes place at the original site at Randolph and Halsted. The day begins with the ILHS dedicating a plaque at 2pm and the re-enactment starting at 3pm. An after party will take place at 4 at the "Haymarket Pub and Brewery":http://www.haymarketbrewing.com/.

HOMEROOM recommends:

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:38:29 -0500

"Implodes":http://www.myspace.com/chicagoimplodes Record Release show at Lincoln Hall (2424 N Lincoln) with "Brain Idea":http://www.myspace.com/brainidea, & "Alex Barnett":http://alex-barnett.blogspot.com/ Sunday, May 8th, $10. "Chicago crew Implodes’ first official full-length Black Earth’s a 43-minute collection of densely atmospheric star-melting guitar scrawl, acoustic interludes, and gentler drone. It’s the kind of heady nighttime psychedelia that has a way of feeling truly space-stretching and mind-altering, like how Flying Saucer Attack could create and then maintain those private shadowy landscapes. It’s pop music buried in shimmering murk and it feels way more refined than a “debut” should sound. It’s a record that gets stronger on repeat listens." -Stereogum Come check them out and support Chicago locals!

The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship Presents An Alternative Networking Night

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:13:24 -0500

The mission of this event is to connect artists and entrepreneurs with one another, across discipline, age, demographics, location, etc... plus FREE snacks and cafe drinks. This is an opportunity not only to meet other artists and entrepreneurs, but for artists to get feedback on their ideas. Admission is free but "RSVP":http://createinnovaterepeat2011.eventbrite.com/ is required for attendance. May 19th, 2011 ING Direct Cafe 21 E. Chestnut, Chicago, IL 6:00p-7:30 More information can be found at "here.":http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/dance/node/33427 Should you be interested to present your business to our audience please send a concise description of what you do to "Jess@TheIAE.com":Jess@TheIAE.com.

Benefit for Assualt Victim

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:06:58 -0500

Homeroom board member Patrick O'Connor will be hosting and emceeing a benefit this Thursday, April 28th at the "Bottom Lounge":http://www.bottomlounge.com/ (1375 W Lake)to help pay the medical bills for Justin Sandberg. Sandberg was a victim of assault after trying to do a good deed. Performers include the Brokedowns, American Draft, We Repel Each Other Higher, and Black Actress, plus a burlesque show by Sugar Cane Jane & Loraine Rose. The show starts at 8pm and a $10 donation gets you in the door. The evening will also include a raffle and silent auction.

Watch the Nightingale's 2011 Trailer

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:49:29 -0500

Every year, the "Nightingale":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ (1084 N Milwaukee,) a Chicago micro-cinema, makes a trailer that is shown before all their screenings. 2011's was filmed at their annual Friendsgiving in November and was edited by Christy LeMaster, the founder and director of the Nightingale.

The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship Offers Panel and Workshop for Emerging Artists

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:50:13 -0500

This Saturday, April 16th at the Greenhouse Theatre Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave) join the "Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship":http://www.instituteforartsentrepreneurship.com/ from 10:30am-12:30pm for "PRODUCE IT.":http://produceitgreenhouse.eventbrite.com/ This panel and workshop focuses on the process and challenges of finding your audience, getting them to your venue, and keeping them connected long after the lights go down. This event is not only for performing artists, as the 'art' of self producing is no doubt interdisciplinary. Speakers include Discopoet Khari B, "T. Daniel":http://www.tdanielcreations.com/ of T. Daniel Creations, Janice Bond of "SAVANT/SAVANT":http://www.savantsavant.com/. It is a great opportunity for emerging artists to meet professional artists and network with other emerging artist. Tickets are $ 5 in advance or $10 at the door. RSVP via the link below to reserve your seat: "http://produceitgreenhouse.eventbrite.com/":http://produceitgreenhouse.eventbrite.com/

A Call for Sculpture Artists

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:04:31 -0500

The "Altgeld-Sawyer Corner Farm":http://altgeldsawyer.cornerfarmchicago.com/ (3240 W Altgeld) and "Noisivelvet":http://www.noisivelvet.com is excited to host the “Art Through Gardening Block Party” on Sunday, June 5th at the corner of Altgeld and Sawyer. “Art Though Gardening” will serve to promote education of and access to sustainable art and living through gardening. The event will host a variety of installations, demonstrations and interactive booths. In addition to the many activities, there will be a sculpture installed in the garden. While the curators are open to many different ideas and techniques, they would like the art to gracefully degenerate into garden. Also, it is preferable that the sculpture installed and even partially assembled during the “Art Through Gardening” event. Noisivelvet is offering a small supplies stipend of $50 towards the work. While the chosen work will be un-commissioned, the artist chosen will have his or her work displayed in the garden for at least the growing season and will be part a great community event. All proposals must be submitted by April 27th, and the selected artist will be notified by May 1st. Please send written proposal and any related materials to info@noisivelvet.org.

Adam Hart talks about Friday the 13th during Horror 101

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:50:30 -0500

Matthew Kohnhorst edited video from Homeroom's Horror 101 that took place in March at the Hungry Brain. In this video, Adam Hart discusses "Friday the 13th."

Sign Petition Against Pawn Shop Near Rumble Arts

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:55:46 -0500

"Rumble Arts":http://rumblearts.com/ is an amazing all ages, multicultural, 501(c)3 certified community arts organization serving Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood at 3413 W North Ave. They offer donation based classes in art, music, dance, yoga, martial arts, writing, and performance in addition to special workshops and cultural events. By providing educational opportunities for all ages, Rumble Arts actively cultivates an environment where entire families can come together to learn, teach, and play under the same roof. Rumble Arts is asking people to sign a "petition":http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/rumblearts/ against a new pawn shop opening on their block. They say, "this pawn shop is a threat to Humboldt Park's well-being because of the adverse affect it will have on the community. Humboldt Park residents are working to bring renewed life and vitality to the neighborhood. Say "NO" to Cash America and support the rise of Humboldt Park." Sign the petition "here.":http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/rumblearts/

CHIRP Record Fair Runs This Weekend April 9th - 10th

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:42:52 -0500

The "CHIRP":http://chirpradio.org/ Record Fair & Other Delights is this weekend, Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th, 2011 from 10am-5pm both days at the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers at 1340 West Washington Boulevard. The admission is $7 or $5 with any ad that mentions the record fair. There is a special pre-admission on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 8am-10am for $25 and gets you reentry all weekend long. Listed below is the entire performance lineup.

Sound of Silent Film Runs April 1st through April 3rd at the Chopin

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:58:14 -0500

"Access Contemporary Music":http://www.acmusic.org/ will be presenting their annual Sound of Silent Films at the Chopin Theater (1524 W Division) from Friday, April 1st through Sunday, April 3rd. Tickets can be purchased at their wesite, and cost $20, $15 online, and $8 seniors and students. This year's festival features short films by renowned directors like Martin Scorsese, Gus Van Sant, and Manoel de Oliveira plus a stunning animated film by Manga creator Osama Tezuka and a horror comedy created especially for the festival. The composers include Brian Baxter, Mike Leghorn, Brian O'Hern, "Matthew Pakulski,":http://www.acmusic.org/user/186 Jason Seed, and "Amy Wurtz.":http://www.acmusic.org/user/224 This event should not be missed, so we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance.

Two Fun Events: Trivia and Dust Bunnies

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:57:47 -0500

Homeroom encourages you to check out these two great events: Thursday, 3/22, "CHIRP":http://www.chirpradio.org/ and "Saki Records":http://sakistore.net/ will be hosting Trivia Night at the "Empty Bottle":http://www.emptybottle.com/home.php (1035 N Western.) Gather a team and compete for prizes and the glory of knowing you know more music trivia than anyone else! It's free to get in, while game registration is just $2 and benefits CHIRP and Saki. Registration starts at 6:30pm and the game kicks off at 7pm. Friday, 3/25, "the Dust Bunnies,":http://bottomlounge.com/ "Pharmacy Spirits":http://www.pharmacyspirits.com/ (all the way from Lincoln, NE!) and "Post Honeymoon":http://www.posthoneymoon.com/ will be performing at the "Bottom Lounge":http://bottomlounge.com/ (1375 W Lake.) Click "here":http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/photo.php?fbid=10150463407050595&set=o.155806627810270&theater to get a flier that will get you into the show for free before 8.

Jody Weinmann sings "The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning"

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:17:19 -0500

In December of 2010, Jody Weinmann performed at our Songwriter Showcase at "Elastic Arts.":http://www.elasticrevolution.com/ This clip is her performing Willie Nelson's "The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning."

The Hobo College comes to your earbuds

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:59:39 -0500

If you missed the Feb 8th installment of our 101 series: "Hobo 101: the Return of the Hobo College":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/2/2011/8, then you missed a really fun night that included, "art,":http://tonyfitzpatrick.wordpress.com/ "performance":http://www.amazon.com/This-Train-Artists-Tony-Fitzpatrick/dp/0615385761, "music":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Dondero, stories, and lots of laughs. Thanks to digital technology and the "internet":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/2011/03/15/episode-137-homeroom-presesnts-101-the-return-of-the-hobo-college/, you can hear a shortened version of "Paul Genesis Durica's":http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001010024879 informative and brilliant talk on Hobos and Hobo culture where you'll learn the difference between a Hobo, a Tramp, and a Bum; the origins of the "Hobo College"; and the secret sinister meaning of the song "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" as well as many other fun and interesting facts. Tell every Hobo you knowbo! Special thanks to Brandon Wetherbee and youmethemeverybody.com for hosting the 101 series, other great shows at the Hungry Brain, and one of the "best podcasts in Chicago.":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/category/ymte/ You can subscribe to YMTE in "itunes":http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/you-me-them-everybody/id296107230 or use "this link":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/2011/03/15/episode-137-homeroom-presesnts-101-the-return-of-the-hobo-college/ to stream the lecture. Keep an eye on this blog to catch future podcastable versions of the 101 lecture series that takes place every second Tuesday at the Hungry Brain.

Interview with Matt Baron of Coach House Sounds

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:26:08 -0500

"Matt Baron":http://www.mbaronmusic.com/MBARONMUSIC/MBARONMUSIC.html is a founding member of "Coach House Sounds,":http://www.coachhousesounds.com/ a Chicago recording studio that tracks bands in a single session on analog tape. Baron will be performing this Friday at "Elastic Arts":http://www.elasticrevolution.com/ as part of our Songwriter Showcase. 1. What inspired you to found Coach House Sounds? I play in a couple bands that use my basement as a rehearsal space. We had some amps, a drumset, mics, bass, guitars, etc. One day while eating lunch at Amitabul (a restaurant that fosters inspiration), I was sifting through their stack of newspapers and stumbled across an article about Daytrotter in the Chicago Tribune. The article mentioned how a band called Grand Ole Party played a show at Schubas directly after recording a session with Daytrotter; the spark went off because I live a couple blocks from Schubas, and already had the space up and running. I was familiar with Daytrotter, Black Cab Sessions, and La Blogotheque (at the time we started, those were the only newer session sites I was aware of), and thought that there was room for another session site, especially one that focused mostly on Chicago bands.

Global POP's this Saturday at Creative Lounge Chicago

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:13:09 -0500

This Saturday, 3/19, Homeroom will be featured at "Global POP's":http://www.facebook.com/moglobalpops at Creative Lounge Chicago, 1564 N. Damen Ave. 3rd floor, from 2 to 8pm. Global POPs is a traveling "pop-up" shopping/promotional vehicle which provides artists a platform to share their works and "worlds" with new and existing clientele globally. Dozens of Chicago artists and organizations will be showcasing their work. For more information, please contact Janice Bonds: janice@janicebond.com.

An Art Exhibition With A Cause

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:31:01 -0600

"Art Works for Change":http://www.artworksforchange.org/exhibitions_otbp.htm produces contemporary art exhibitions to address social and environmental issues such as social justice, human rights, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. It uses the transformative power of art as a vehicle to promote dialogue and awareness; inspire action and thought; and address systems for social change. Come support this non-profit organization and check out their current exhibition at the "Chicago Cultural Center.":http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/OffTheBeatenPath.html Exhibition closes April 13, 2011. Twenty-nine contemporary artists from 25 countries address violence against women and their basic human right to safe and secure lives around the world. Featuring work by renowned artists such as Marina Abramović, Laylah Ali, Yoko Ono, among others, the exhibition asked artists to create art that builds awareness, inspiration, and positive social change and action.

The Artist Book Show at the Paper Crane Opens on 3/12

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:50:19 -0600

"The Paper Crane":http://thepapercrane.com/ is pleased to announce The Artist Books Show. Opening Saturday March 12, 2011 from 5-8pm located at 2846 W. North Ave on the second floor. (Please enter through the side door on Francisco Street) The Artist Book Show is a project that was developed to encourage people to see the book as more than something to read but also as an art object. 26 artists from around the world participated in The Paper Crane's first book project. Each person either made their own hand bound hardcover book at our studio or were mailed one made by The Paper Crane. Artists had 3 months to fill their book in any way they wanted and were encouraged to 'test the boundaries' of the book. For many this meant re-making the book entirely, for others it was allowing themselves to let their work spill out of the 6 x 9 measurement or challenging themselves with a new medium. Each and everyone of these books is a unique artifact of it's maker. Produced entirely by hand, each artist invested countless hours and personal time to this project. The artists listed below are applauded for their enthusiasm, effort and dedication to this project.

Paul Durica brings history to life (literally)

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:17:28 -0600

Homeroom had the honor of hosting the writer and historian Paul Durica last month as he brought the "Hobo College":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/2/2011 to the Hungry Brain as part of our 101 series. This Sunday, Paul will be staging a re-enactment of a 1915 protest of the unemployed known as the "Hunger March" as part of his "Pocket Guide to Hell" series of re-enactments and guided tours. This great interview at the "Onion A.V. Club":http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/paul-durica,52528/ will explain everything as well as teach you how someone can be both a hobo and a millionaire. The event starts at Hull House (800 S Halsted) at 2pm this Sunday the 6th. Costumes will be provided. Email pocketguidetohell@gmail.com with questions.

Morgan Lord of Velvet Rope and Inkling Gives an Interview

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:35:32 -0600

Morgan Lord is a very funny lady. She is featured in improv comedy troupes "Velvet Rope":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Velvet-Rope/158296634188662 and "Inkling":http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Inkling/335724057538 in addition hosting "The Sweater Kittens Variety Hour":http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=500256092538&set=a.424900882538.222904.335724057538#!/pages/Sweater-Kittens-Variety-Hour/125622904133208 at Coles (2338 N Milwaukee) and singing in the "Blue Ribbon Glee Club.":http://www.blueribbongleeclub.org/ Obviously, she's very busy, so Homeroom is thrilled that she took some time to give an interview. 1. How did you get into comedy? I once went to a psychic who told me that my spirit guide was a short, overweight, smiley, singing Irish man named McHenry. When your guide is silly, I think you just go with him/her. I grew up with my mom and sister and on family night we watched In Living Color. My sister was even a fly girl for Halloween one year. In high school, I fell in love with The Kids in the Hall, The State, and Sifl and Olly. (For Halloween this year, I was Chester). I came into improvisation when I moved to Chicago, I started taking classes at Second City and from there moved to iO, and I currently play on a sketch team named the Smart Set, improv teams Inkling, Velvet Rope, and ampersand, and I host a comedy variety hour with Paul Nixon called The Sweater Kittens Variety Hour.

Chicago Zine Fest Fundraiser this Thursday at Coles

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:34:33 -0600

Thursday, 3/2, "Chicago Zine Fest":http://chicagozinefest.org/ is having a fundraiser at Coles (2238 N. Milwaukee.) The Chicago Zine Fest is an independent event creating an outlet for small press and independent publishers to showcase their work. Their goal is to make DIY zine-making accessible, highlight the talents of self-published artists, and give independent artists a chance to interact, and swap skills through tabling, community events, and workshops. Erica Schwanke and Karin Fjellman spin records and there will be readings by "Julia Miller,":http://vimeo.com/17089161 A D Jameson, Kisha Hope and "Liz Mason.":http://www.lizmasonisawesome.com/

Spudnik Press Fundraiser, Hashbrown!!!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:20:37 -0600

"Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com invites you to attend their annual Hashbrown fundraiser. On February 26th, Spudnik will host a festive one-of-a-kind Chili Cook-off to garner funds and support for their new Space Race initiative: an epic mission to expand the boundaries of community printmaking. The Hashbrown Chili Cook-off will feature vegetarian and meat filled chili provided by members of Chicago’s printmaking community. Representatives from One Horse Press, Screwball, The Post Family, Hummingbird Press, Rar Rar Press, Ork Posters and Anchor Graphics, as well as Jetsah (Dan Grezca) and the student printshops at Columbia College, SAIC, and Harold Washington City College will all vie for the title of chili royalty while helping support Spudnik’s efforts to expand into a new studio space. Artwork created through the Residency Program, Publishing Program, and collaborative projects will be on display. And, plus also, what's more, is the first 50 guests will receive a complimentary print. Rad! Through unveiling Space Race, Spudnik hopes to spark unprecedented support for community arts and democratic printmaking. Evolving into a larger space will allow Spudnik to launch two new printing processes: letterpress and offset printing. Be there. Saturday, Februay 26, 2011 1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302 7 pm – 10 pm Cook-off winners announced at 9:30 pm Cocktails provided by Hornswaggler.

Bicycle Film Festival Arrives in Chicago Friday and Saturday

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:16:33 -0600

"The Bicycle Film Festival":http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/chicago/ is coming to Chicago February 25-26 at the Viaduct Theater (3111 N Belmont.) The BFF, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, was started by Brendt Barbur after his infamous bicycle accident with a bus in New York over 10 years ago. The BFF has expanded from its beginnings in New York to include 40 stops worldwide from Tokyo to Sydney to London. In these last ten years the BFF has given the bicycle movement a venue to make, show and celebrate its movies, art, and culture.

Creative Chicago Survey through February 25th

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:22:17 -0600

"Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events":http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca.html (DCASE) is interested in learning more about the creative practices of people who live and work in Chicago. With your help, this "survey":http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CreativeChicagoSurvey will paint a useful portrait of the range of creative activity in Chicago, and help us learn more about what the City can do to foster creativity in terms of space, programs and other assistance. Your participation will provide a crucial benchmark with which to measure the future growth of our creative economy and community. So take a few minutes and fill it out "here.":http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CreativeChicagoSurvey

Dimorphisms: New Woodcuts by Liz Born

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:48:55 -0600

Check out "Dimorphisms", a new series of full-color woodcuts that will kick your ass. Spudnik Press member and SAIC grad, "Liz Born":http://www.higada.com/, is pleased to present her most recent prints featuring her own brand of animal portraits; blending gender, mysticism and the imagined realm. Join us at the opening reception for food, libations, and a number of exciting musical performances. Saturday, February 19 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm Forte' Framing and Gallery 2301 W. North Ave Chicago, IL Pictured above: The Dinosorceress 4-color Reduction Woodcut Edition of 26 15x22" 2010

Dave Miller Trio at Strobe Sessions

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:52:48 -0600

"Dave Miller":http://www.myspace.com/davemillermusic4 is a Chicago guitarist and improvisor. His trio performed at "Strobe Studios":http://stroberecording.com/ as part of their monthly performances.

Check Out the Dil Pickle Club's New Publication

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:12:23 -0600

"The Dil Pickler: LOVE/DEATH":http://thedilpickleclub.tumblr.com/post/3236041682/these-are-copies-of-the-dil-pickler-love-death is the newest publication from the "Dil Pickle Club." The issue can be accessed from the link above. The Dil Pickle Club, modeled on the famous Bohemian nightspot, advocates nor propagates nothing. They are a public forum and a performance space. They welcome all ideas, methods, and manners of presentation. The club meets four times a year in different locations around the city, with a different theme each time. The Dil Pickle Club's motto is STEP HIGH STOOP LOW LEAVE YOUR DIGNITY OUTSIDE. So now you know.

Events You Should Know About

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:02:19 -0600

Here are three great events that we think you should know about: On Thursday, 2/10, the "Dill Pickle Club":http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Dil-Pickle-Club/180273208674025 presents "Love/Death" at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) at 7pm. The Dill Pickle Club is an organization that meets four times a year to exchange ideas on a single theme. This Thursday will focus on those wonderful moments where love and death intersect. Highlights include Jenny Benevento unvieling Precious Moments Figurines' Faces of Death and Richard Lindberg discussing Lonely Hearts and Serial Killers. Friday, 2/11, the "Nightingale":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ (1084 N Milwaukee) presents the "Creative Capital Grant":http://creative-capital.org/ Info Session at 7pm. Ruby Lerner, Chief Executive Officer/President of Creative Capital to Chicago will discuss how artists can apply for a grant. Creative Capital provides integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing innovative and adventurous projects. Monday, 2/14 Weepin' Willows (a fantastic Patsy Cline cover band) and "Roy Ivy":http://royivy.bandcamp.com/ (songwriter extraordinaire) put on a Honky Tonk Heartbreak Valentine's Day Dance at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W Belmont) starting at 8. These are two amazing acts that know how to deliver the perfect soundtrack for crying in your beer and comtemplating your heartbreak.

Hobos 101: The Return of the Hobo College

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:02:45 -0600

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) for an educational evening on Hobo culture.

Josh Dumas Performs in Blizzard

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:03:19 -0600

With no festivals and few touring bands venturing to the Chicago weather, people might think that January and February are dead times for culture and music. But we think it is some of the best time to go out and experience this city. "Josh Dumas":http://lamplitensemble.bandcamp.com demonstrates that the dedicated never stop creating. He performs "The Train Whistle" during our recent blizzard.

Sanya Glisic Presents Struwwelpeter at Quimby's Feb 10th

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:24:54 -0600

Struwwelpeter, first published in Germany in 1844, contains ten cautionary tales for children, each one with a clear moral and overly exaggerated consequences for misbehavior. In one parable, a mother warns her son not to suck his thumbs. The son continues his habit. A tailor with giant scissors joins the scene, and the story heads in a dreadful direction. Ten x Ten artist "Sanya Glisic":http://sanyaglisic.com/, while a Resident Artist at Chicago's "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com/, has created a new version with whimsical and playful illustrations that capture the dark, often morbid sensibilities of the tales. "Quimby's":http://www.quimbys.com/ will host the artist with her beautiful screen-printed hand-bound book on February 10th. Visit Quimby's site for more information. Also check out a recent "TimeOut Chicago":http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/books/91465/sanya-glisic interview where Glisic elaborates on her inspiration and approach to the project.

Louder Than a Bomb Documentary comes to the Siskel

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:02:23 -0600

"Young Chicago Author's":http://www.youngchicagoauthors.org/annual teen poetry slam "Louder Than a Bomb" is the subject of a new documentary that has been "taking the film festival circuit by storm":http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com/index.php?ref=siskeljacobs.com and has been chosen for inclusion in the "American Documentary Showcase":http://www.ufva.org/showcase and the "OWN Documentary Club" - the documentary showcase of the Oprah Winfrey Network. Young Chicago Authors has been providing creative outlets for teenagers who are interested in creative writing since 1991 and is one of the city's greatest and most successful homegrown outreach programs. Learn about and celebrate their success by catching the LTAB documentary Friday, 2/4 through Thursday 2/10 at the "Gene Siskel center":http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/louderthanabomb or by checking out the real thing at "LTAB 2011":http://www.youngchicagoauthors.org/.

Kent Lambert-Guided By Voices Medley

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:53:27 -0600

This footage is from our Songwriter Showcase in May of 2010. You can catch Kent performing with "Roommate":http://roommatemusic.com/ this Saturday at the Hideout as part of the "Coach House Sounds showcase":http://www.hideoutchicago.com/event/24801/ that also includes Brian Costello and Shapers. "CHS":http://www.coachhousesounds.com will also be curating the "March installment":http://homeroomchicago.org/events of Homeroom's Songwriter showcase

Interview with Nell Taylor of Chicago Undergound Library

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:45:26 -0600

Nell Taylor founded and runs the "Chicago Underground Library":http://underground-library.org/ (621 W. Belmont, 2nd Fl.) CUL is a new model for open, location-specific archiving of independent and small press media. They are always seeking books, magazines, zines, journals, broadsides, newspapers, and art books of all types, genres, and print runs from the Chicago area. 1. What inspired you to found the Chicago Underground Library? In all honesty, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from my city’s culture. I had the idea when I was still in college, and I think that feeling is pretty common when you’re just starting out. You know you want to get involved, but you don’t know what’s going on or who the likeminded people are or which ones would want to work with you. If you’ve been around for awhile it can sometimes seem more organic. People forget what it’s like to try to find your collaborators or get your foot in the door. What surprised me and led me to actually move forward with the project was finding out that this feeling wasn’t specific to age or career level. Even people who seemed to have found (or made) a place for themselves expressed a similar feeling when it came to a different discipline, neighborhood, generation, etc. They wanted to know more and didn’t have a context to make those discoveries, let alone reach out to people. I thought a library was the perfect structure for creating that context.

The Whistler is giving away 50 free records every week

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 12:28:03 -0600

"The Whistler":http://www.whistlerchicago.com/ (2421 N. Milwaukee,) one of Homeroom's favorite bars, will be giving away 50 records every Wednesday in February to the first 50 patrons. Basically, the Whistler wants to share the music they love. So each week, it will be a different release from the Whistler Records catalog. In the coming months they will also be featuring exclusive releases from some of our favorite local record labels and bands. So why not grab a delicious and unique cocktail while picking up some great music you've likely never heard?

CHIRP One Year Anniversary Party Thursday 1/20 at Empty Bottle

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:21:27 -0600

"CHIRP":http://chicagoindieradio.org/ (Chicago Independent Radio Project is a major asset to Chicago. Within its first as live, web-based radio station, it has quickly become a vital part of Chicago's music scene. With great programming, cool dj's and emphasis on local music, it's already hard to imagine Chicago not having CHIRP. So come out Thursday, 1/20 to the Empty Bottle (1035 N Western) to celebrate CHIRP's first birthday and fundraiser. Of course, they lined up some cool bands including "Camp Fires,":http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcampfiresmusic.com%2F&h=8f373 "Black Math":http://giantsystem.tv/004_blackmath.html and "Cool Memories":http://www.facebook.com/pages/COOL-MEMORIES/181066490559

New Video for New Roommate Song

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:01:20 -0600

Go to Magnet Magazine to see "Roommate's":http://roommatemusic.com/ new video "Snow Globe.":http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2011/01/13/film-at-11-roommate/ If you like mellotrons, snakey bass grooves, 16 bit video games, high-definition clouds and or slo-mo slow dancing you'll surely find something to enjoy in this video. "Snow Globe" is the single off of Roommate's new album "Guilty Rainbow" due out March 22nd on "Antephonic.":http://www.antephonic.com/

art on track

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:11:36 -0600

art

Great Events This Week Including the Ten x Ten Release

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:51:42 -0600

Don't let January get you down. It can be a great month to hear local music in Chicago. Tuesday, 1/4, Homeroom presents the Ten x Ten release with Netherfriends and Locks at the Whistler (2421 N Milwaukee.) For more info, just check out our calender. Wednesday, 1/5, the Hard Times Trio with "Charles Rumback":http://www.colorlist.net and John Tate also perform at the Whistler. Charles Rumback is one of our favorite Chicago drummers because in addition to his mad chops, he drums with a sense of melody and composition. Thursday, 1/6, "Leafbird":http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/leafbird and "Caw! Caw!":http://www.myspace.com/cawcawmusic perform at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia.) Leafbird is stacked with great musicians including Charles Rumback, Tyler Beach, Quin Kirchner and Larry Robertson, and the band explores the outer reaches of pop music composition. Photo by Jacob Hand.

Interview with Angee Lennard, founder of Spudnik Press

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:07:06 -0600

Founded on the premise that art should be a democratic and empowering medium, "Spudnik Press Cooperative":http://www.spudnikpress.com/ is committed to providing a print shop that is approachable and affordable; a space where professional printmakers merge with aspiring students; a space that encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas. Angee Lennard is the founder and executive director of Spudnik, and is also a driving force behind our "Ten x Ten":http://www.spudnikpress.com/10x10/ that is now available for purchase. 1. What first inspired you to open Spudnik Press? Spudnik Press grew out of a genuine need for space to make my own work. I felt that at the time (2007), Chicago was lacking a community-oriented press that welcomed students and others still developing their craft. In a print shop, artists are not necessarily collaborating, but they are influenced by each other. There is constant casual conversation about the work being produced, and styles, color choices, printing methods begin to rub off on each other. We share resources with each other, and help keep each other focused on improving our craft. I was missing the sense of comradeship that I felt as a student in the print shop at SAIC.

Jim DeRogatis Blogs About the Gutting of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:39:37 -0600

Jim Degogatis, well respected, albeit often mocked, Chicago music journalist, has done a great job of covering the city effectively shutting down the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Read his blog "here":http://www.wbez.org/blog/jim-derogatis/what’s-really-going-cultural-affairs-and-what-happens-arts-and-music-now

Tiny Cover Band performs on Giant System

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:20:48 -0600

"Giant System":http://giantsystem.tv/ makes motion pictures of bands playing their songs in their spaces. Each episode is shot live in Chicago with a small, hardworking crew of folks who are excited to create something unique with each band. Kyle Obriot and Justin Schmitz spearhead the project. Recently, they taped "Tiny Cover Band":http://www.facebook.com/pages/TCB-tiny-cover-band/317076105560 performing Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You. And while you're listening to Chicago musicians doing some Christmas favorites, listen to "Josh Dumas":http://quieterrors.com/sound/ perform Darlene Love and Phil Spector's "Please Come Home":http://quieterrors.com/audio/please_come_home.mp3

Tomorrow Kings release "Industrial Mix": Listen and Download

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:02:32 -0600

"Tomorrow Kings":http://www.myspace.com/tomorrowkingschicago is a Chicago super group. The brain child of seven rappers and one dj, the Tomorrow Kings offer a great glimpse into the talent making music in Chicago. They pull no punches on "Industrial Mix, vo. 1" and make music for people that love hip-hop. We especially recommend it for those that can appreciate tight verse after tight verse. You can listen to and download the entire album for free "here.":http://tomorrowkings.bandcamp.com/

An Interview with Seth Vanek about the Ice Factoy

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:42:39 -0600

1) What was your involvement with the Ice Factory? I started the Ice Factory in 2002 with 3 friends. Like many places, residents came and went over the next nearly 5 years. There were always myself and 3 other people living there and usually, those 3 people and myself were responsible for its functioning and upkeep. Towards the end, we attempted to get other helpful friends involved in planning and hosting events with good results. Over the years, we often worked with outside curators or promoters to plan and host events as well.

Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs Is Being Dismantled

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:57:47 -0600

Today, Jim DeRogatis reports that the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is being dismantled. 29 employees are being laid off. This is a damn shame considering all the great work it has done in the past. It's also a shame because politics, not budget seems to be the reason. Read the article "here":http://www.wbez.org/blog/jim-derogatis/chicagos-department-cultural-affairs-dismantled-29-are-laid?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Derogatis+%28Jim+DeRogatis%3A+PopNStuff%29&utm_content=Twitter

Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson, father of modern photojournalism.

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:38:02 -0600

From Wikipedia: Henri Cartier-Bresson (August 22, 1908 – August 3, 2004) was a French photographer considered to be the father of modern photojournalism. He was an early adopter of 35 mm format, and the master of candid photography. He helped develop the "street photography" or "real life reportage" style that has influenced generations of photographers who followed. Came across this photo blog. Check out the truly striking and amazing photos. "Link":http://community.livejournal.com/everyday_i_show/85173.html

Exposure@Fitz featuing The Wheels and other bands on 12/17

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:38:20 -0600

This Thursday, 12/17, check out four bands for $5 at "Fitzgerald's":http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/ Side Bar, 6615 W Roosevelt, Berwyn. Thursday marks the first night of a new series called Exposure@Fitz, and features Johnny & the Beloveds, Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray, "the Wheels":http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wheels/167829863372 and Mike Harrison. The show starts at 8pm, and is sure to be a great evening music.

Rock Falls performs at Homeroom's Songwriter Showcase on 10/8/10

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:14:15 -0600

Check out Rock Falls singing "You Are So Tall."

Ten x Ten available at Renegade Dec 4th and 5th

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:51:53 -0600

Ten x Ten is finished! If you've been thinking about ordering online but are too impatient for the mail to arrive, then you should head over to Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk) between 11am – 7pm for the Renegade Craft Fair. "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com will be showcasing Ten x Ten along with other prints made at, and by, members of the Spudnik family.

The Night of the Living Song Poem is coming!

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:18:24 -0600

December's 101 is going to feature the great Ed Crouse teaching us about the history of the 20th Century American practice of setting amateur poetry to music for a fee known as Song Poetry. Crouse is soliciting poems that he will be setting to original music just for the occasion. He will perform the songs with the Tiny Cover Band at the show after the lecture. Don't miss out. This could be your chance to hear your thoughts in a new light. Poetry submissions can be made at "songpoemnight@wordpress.com":http://songpoemnight.wordpress.com/ If you don't want to submit, you can still vote on the poems you'd most like to hear. Don't delay. The deadline is December 7th. The Night of the Living Song Poem will take place at the Hungry Brain on Tuesday, December 14th at 9.

Listen to and Download "Physics for Listeners"

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:39:17 -0600

On October 19th and 10th of 2010, Homeroom presented "Physics for Listeners: a Composers Concert.":http://homeroomchicago.bandcamp.com/ The evening featured six compositions performed by an ensemble of jazz and classical musicians. The composers included Kyle Vetger, Guillermo Gregorio, James Falzone, Frank Rosaly, Keefe Jackson and Eric Malmquist. The program displayed a variety of innovative approaches to composition. We invite you to listen to, download, and learn more about Physics for Listeners at "homeroomchicago.bandcamp.com":http://homeroomchicago.bandcamp.com/

Big Tranny Hootenanny this Saturday 11/27 at the Hideout

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:18:45 -0600

As a benefit for someone who needs ovarian surgery, the Big Tranny Hootenanny will deliver a range of entertainment. There will be a Boylesque by LaWhore Vagistan (Kareem Khubchandani) & Andrew Brown, and music by "The Homoticons":http://www.myspace.com/homoticons and "Cobalt and the Hired Guns.":http://myspace.com/cobalttheband The night will finish with dancing with music provided by John Twatters (Ethan A White of Chances Dances)DJ Ang.G (Ang Garcia of the Peoples DJs Collective.) There will also be a raffle and baked goods. And of course, it all goes to help someone who really needs it. The show starts at 9pm, costs $12 or $5 after 11:30, and is located at the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia.

Riz MC stars in groundbreaking comedy "Four Lions"

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:49:50 -0600

Two years ago, Homeroom hosted "an event":http://homeroomchicago.org/calendar/12/2008 about Muslim Culture that featured actor and MC "Riz Ahmed":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riz_Ahmed. Riz is now starring in English satirist "Chris Morris'":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Morris_(satirist) new comedy "Four Lions" about four would-be terrorists in the UK. The film manages to blend dark comedy and slapstick - a combination you're not likely to find in many American comedies (sorry "Zach Galifianakis":http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.fd.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Zach-Galifianakis-Calendar3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2010/10/zach-galifianakis-adam-sandler-cross-dress/zach-galifianakis-calendar3&usg=__wy3PayU03PyEcsZycQYdp7C5-Gk=&h=615&w=404&sz=62&hl=en&start=300&zoom=1&tbnid=svApOLuIGj47fM:&tbnh=154&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dzach%2Bgalifianakis%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1048%26bih%3D926%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C8747&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=549&ei=mGvoTL_HBKHfnQeA8ZTwDQ&oei=YmvoTMvpEIPKnAeqgpHxDA&esq=12&page=12&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:300&tx=81&ty=82&biw=1048&bih=926). "The New York Times":http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/movies/05four.html says the film, "sustains its comedy past the point of sensitivity or good feeling, tickling the audience with matters that may be too painful, too awful, to contemplate otherwise and building toward an ending that manages to be grim, appalling and uproarious all at once. You laugh until the laughter turns to ashes in your mouth. And then you laugh some more." "Four Lions" is playing this weekend at "Piper's Alley":http://www.google.com/movies?hl=en&near=Chicago&ei=lGzoTJ2eOtKcnwebvIzfDQ&mid=d381417cf7205bde.

So Much Good Music this Friday

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:15:51 -0600

Chicago music lovers, you have some hard choices to make this Friday as there are three Homeroom recommended shows. The first is a record release for James Falzone's "Allos Musica Trio.":http//www.allosmusica.org/ "Lamentations" will be released at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2012 W Dickens Avenue with a start time of 7pm. Falzone is truly amazing clarinet player who can move as easily between jazz and classical as you flip channels. Your mind will be blown, guaranteed. Next, we have "Roommate":http://roommatemusic.com/ with "mr 666":http://www.myspace.com/buddysatanmr666 and "Drone Baez":http://soundcloud.com/dronebaez at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N Western, starting 10. Homeroom loves Roommate, and not just because our program director is the drummer. Roommate creates a dark, textured sound that evokes loss, remorse, isolation, and despair. But you know, in a good, beautiful kind of way. Finally, we recommend going to "District 97's":http://district97.net/ record release with "Algernon":http://www.myspace.com/algernonmusic (one of Homeroom's favorite Chiago bands) and "the Hue":http://www.myspace.com/huemusic at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln starting at 9pm. District 97 plays progressive rock with elements of metal, classical and jazz combined with pop vocals. This show should be great time, especially for those that love musicianship.

Steve Steim Documentary about Wheel Chair Marathon

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:32:33 -0600

Homeroom founder and consultant Steve Steim recently moved to New York to study journalism. While there, he recently made an inspiring short documentary about a New York City marathon particpant who uses a hand cycle because he lost parts of both his legs while serving in the army in Iraq.

Weepin' Willows (a Patsy Cline cover band) plays Saturday at Coles

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:59:06 -0600

Some artists should never be forgotten, and the Weepin' Willows do a damn fine job of making sure Chicago remembers "Patsy Cline.":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patsy_Cline This Saturday, 11/13, the Weepin' Willows perform for free at Coles (2338 N Milwaukee) with "Tim Larson.":http://www.theowneroperators.com/ Coles fills up quickly, to so be sure to get there early so you don't miss "Crazy":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzq5X-p2C0Y or "She's Got You.":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtkFmCY9IZ0 Also, check out "this":http://www.avclub.com/articles/week-45-patsy-cline-chanteuse,46521/ article recently written by A.V. Club head writer and hip-hop specialist Nathan Rabin who is taking a year to discover country music.

Interview with DJ Intel

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:50:55 -0600

"Intel":http://www.djintelone.com/ is clearly one of the best and most renown dj's in Chicago. He's also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He has a free set tonight, Wednesdy, 11/10 at 5pm for "Cutz on Cuts" at at the Skratch Acquarium (all ages) and will be at the Red Canary (695 N Milwaukee) on Friday and at the Wineward Sports Reopening (3317 N Clark) for free on Saturday. Check his site for free mixes and a great blog: djintelone.com/ 1. What first inspired you to get into djing? I was going to a lot of hip hop parties and raves in the 90's and I always loved the way the DJ could completely control the vibe of the party. Everything came down to that. Around the same time my older brother bought a mail order DJ in a box kit from the back of "The Source". I think it was was from Upstairs Records or something. It was $99 for two Gemini BD10's and a Gemini mixer. I started playing around with being a bedroom DJ. Learned the essential basics. Started DJn and throwing parties with my then crew The Chicago Tribe. Then I met a dude and he gave me a couple of mixtapes from West Coast of "scratch" DJ's like Rip One, Q-bert and Rhetmatic. They totally blew my mind and changed the way I thought about DJn... and here we are today.

Haitian Zombie Documentary : Nzambi, by Hamilton Morris

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:25:16 -0600

Halloween is behind us and our zombie costumes have all been folded neatly and put away. But in Haiti, zombies don't just come out one night a year. Haiti's culture is ripe with voodoo lore of the dead reappearing and suddenly walking amongst the living. Filmmaker Hamilton Morris, son of Errol Morris, investigates the stories of these Haitian zombies. Along the way, he enlists the help of the foremost authority on the phenomenon, anthropologist Wade Davis, author of "The Serpent and the Rainbow,":http://www.amazon.com/Serpent-Rainbow-Scientists-Astonishing-Societies/dp/0684839296 and attempts to concoct his own black-magic zombie potion. ----Check out his full documentary called "Nzambi":http://www.vbs.tv/watch/hamilton-s-pharmacopeia/nzambi-full-length-no-subs--2 on VBS.TV. ----Also, read the interview with the filmmaker on "Boing Boing":http://www.boingboing.net/2010/11/08/interview-with-hamil.html

Bitch Magazine article by Keidra Chaney

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:05:20 -0500

If you are curious about our "Heavy Metal 101":http://homeroomchicago.org/events event next Tuesday, why not check out "this article":http://bitchmagazine.org/article/sister-outsider-headbanger that one of the presenters, Keidra Chaney wrote for Bitch magazine in 2000 about what it is like to be a Black, female, metalhead.

Umbrella Music Fest begins tonight, 11/3

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:31:27 -0500

"The Umbrella Music Festival":http://umbrellamusic.org/ begins tonight, 11/3, and runs through Sunday, 11/7. This is Chicago's best jazz festival. Yeah, it's better than the one in Grant Park. It features some of the world's most exciting imporvisors, with an emphasis on collaborations between Chicago and European musicians. The festival features a gaudi lineup of musicians and should not be missed. We strongly encourage going to umbrellamusic.org to get all the info, but here's a quick run down on what's happening where and when. Wednesday, 11/3: European Jazz Meets Chicago (part 1) starts at 6:30 at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington.) This event, co-sponsored by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and ten different European consulates and organizations, features ensembles made of both European and Chicagoan improvisors. Thursday, 11/4: European Jazz Meets Chicago (part 2) starts at 7:15 and is also at the Chicago Cultural Center. Friday, 11/5: The festival moves to Elastic Arts (2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd floor) and features both Chicago and European ensembles. Saturday, 11/6: The Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) hosts the fourth evening of the set with Chicago and European musicians and a dj set after. Sunday, 11/7: The fesival concludes at the Hungry Brain (2319 W Belmont) with two sets -- one made of mostly Chicago musicians and the other touring European musicians.

Senegalese Bicycle Tricks

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:01:55 -0500

Came across this on "Popwuping":http://www.popwuping.com/. I guess this was shot by someone outside of cafe BM Chez Kiki in Abene, Senegal. Pretty freakin slick.

Arthi Meera - One woman. One guitar. One refined, damned graceful sound.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:44:29 -0500

"Arthi Meera":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arthi-Meera/124978494192919 is a Chicago-based Singer/Songwriter. Several weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to stumble onto an impromptu music session, featuring Arthi and Jeff Breakey (who I will post about soon). The setting was intimate; the sound was soft and acoustic. It was perfectly random. We were on a back porch in Pilsen. The light turned off every 15 or so minutes and I had to stand up and wave at the motion sensor to turn it back on. But nothing phased them and watching the musicians playing for the sake of playing, because they love what they do, was a great experience. And while I do not consider myself a music critic, save for an occasionally flippant comment about how badly I hate something, I can stand behind my statement: Arthi's soft pop tenderness flows around the strums of her acoustic guitar effortlessly. It was a pleasure to witness the raw simplicity of the moment. I was blown away by her awesome cover of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJeZOaf2VhY

An interview with Caitlin Lavin, Chirp Radio DJ

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:53:30 -0500

HR: How did independent radio get its start in Chicago? CL: There have been college stations in and around Chicago since the late 1960s, and those are the types of stations that tend to be more adventurously programmed. I know that a couple of the local college radio stations were student-run only stations, created as a learning lab for media/broadcasting studies. They played “high-energy dance” or top 40. A couple of them, like WRRG at Triton College and WLUW (Loyola) were like that but in the mid to late 90’s turned into an “independent” format by playing indie rock or “college” rock. CHIRP began because Chicago was the largest market in the country without a true community radio station – a station that allows anyone in the community to come in and participate. Our goal in starting CHIRP was to create that type of community radio station that already exists successfully in other places around the country. After two and a half years and a lot of hard work, we now have a working radio station - broadcasting began online this past January.

Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt at Strobe Studios Friday, 10/29

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:13:47 -0500

"Strobe Studios":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/Strobe-Sessions/ (2631 W Division) will host Chicago indie rock stalwarts and the Sea and Cake members "Sam Prekop":http://www.myspace.com/samprekop and "Archer Prewitt":http://www.myspace.com/archerprewittmusic on Friday, 10/29 as part of their Strobe Sessions series. Doors open at 7:30 and Coat (Libby Reed) opens at 8pm before Prekop and Prewitt go on at 9pm. The cover is only $10, but here's the catch: space is really limited and you must RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com. This should be a great opportunity to hear some of Chicago's most innovative musicians in a very small, but brilliant sounding room.

Police Shut Down Ronny's

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:11:44 -0500

Annie Reese of "Rockfalls":http://www.myspace.com/rockfalls was getting set to perform at Ronny's on Friday when the police showed up to shut it down. According to Reese, the police shut down Ronny's for not having the permits for the music room, the license to have shows and for smelling like natural gas. (I know, it smelled like a lot of of other things.) Check out Reese's "recap":http://keep-it-like-a-secret.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-oct22-2010-night-ronnys-was.html of the events and funny picture of her "'aww shit' face." She says the police were courteous and we all knew it was a matter of time before that place attracted the attention of the authorities. But there will be a hole in Chicago without Ronny's: a disgusting bar that you could always get a gig at.

Jason Adasiewicz & Sonnenzimmer for 10x10

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:12:39 -0500

For more info on 10x10, or to pre-order, check out the link at the top of this page. Can't enough Sonnenzimmer? Nick and Nadine are selling one of a kind test prints. Available now though Halloween. Check em out "here.":http://sonnenzimmer.com/sztpsaleoct2010/

An interview with Andy Wagner, Musician

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:43:14 -0500

HR - Who are some of your biggest influences on your songwriting? A - __There are definitely my staples who I’ll probably be inspired by forever: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt, Daniel Lanois and my favorite Willie Nelson. I try to buy a record a week though and some of my most present influences are: Tift Merritt, Mason Jennings, Cary Ann Hearst, The National and strangely, Jamey Johnson. My close circle of friends always influences me as well: Casey Meehan, Josh Dumas, Brother Truck, Ben Clarke, Mark Benson, Kevin O’Donnell, Rachel Ries, and Samuel Stiles.__

Jonah Rocks! 5 year old drummer covers everything from Rush to The Offspring

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:01:20 -0500

Jonah is a drummer. He is a pretty damn good drummer. He is also just 5 years old. I randomly found videos of Jonah drumming his young heart out on YouTube and I've been hooked ever since. It is pretty incredible when talent shows itself at such a young age. Jonah is giving Travis Barker, Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland a run for their money. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order): "The Police - Message in a Bottle":http://www.youtube.com/user/JonahRocksOfficial#p/u/37/tXO1Ec_X2jo "Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child o' Mine":http://www.youtube.com/user/JonahRocksOfficial#p/u/49/GanMDOfzRrM "System of a Down - Toxicity":http://www.youtube.com/user/JonahRocksOfficial#p/u/63/5z4PKBNzmuo If you want to check out more of his videos, you can subscribe to his "YouTube":http://www.youtube.com/user/JonahRocksOfficial channel. Or check out his "website":http://www.jonahrocks.com/home.htm. He also has a "Myspace":http://www.myspace.com/jonahsrocks page, a "Twitter":http://twitter.com/JonahRocks account and a "Facebook":http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonah-Rocks-Official/288018058405 page. Rock on.

Canasta play with Black Prarie Thursday, 10/21 at Schuba's

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:41:08 -0500

"Canasta,":http://www.canastamusic.com/ one of Chicago's top pop rock groups, will play Thursday at "Schubas":http://www.schubas.com with "Black Prarie,":http://www.blackprairie.com a group with members of the Decemberists. It should be a great chance to hear some great melodies in one of Chicago's best rooms. "Honda Pavarotti":http://www.myspace.com/hondapavarotti also performs.

Do you know Dee?

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 18:42:45 -0500

This past week "10x10":http://www.homeroomchicago.org/10x10 artist Dee Clements was interviewed by Thomas Nicholas, editor of "New Heroes Magazine":http://thepearlykings.com/thenewheroes/ about her project, The Paper Crane. "The Paper Crane":http://thepapercrane.com/ is an online art blog that chronicles art practices through a locus of exchange between local and international contemporary art communities. The site serves to support a community of artists working in various mediums through contemporary critical writing. The blog probes the importance and difficulty of situating aesthetic objects within their broader social and political contexts through critical writing. Check out the interview "here.":http://thepearlykings.com/thenewheroes/?p=735 Tomorrow, Sunday October 17th, The Paper Crane will be celebrating its one year anniversary with an exhibition featuring artists from the site. Dee's studio is located at 2846 W. North Ave on the 2nd Floor, and will be open between 2pm and 6pm.

Interview with Christy LeMaster, founder of the Nightingale Theater

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:41:48 -0500

Christy LeMaster founded the "Nightingale,":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ a theater that features independent film and video. Today, Friday, 10/15 the Nightingale features RESTORING APPEARANCES TO ORDER: Rare Films by Coleen Fitzgibbon presented by WHITE LIGHT CINEMA, and Sunday, 10/17 brings OPTICAL BOUNDARIES Films by Ross Nugent, Fern Silva, and Steve Cossman. 1. How did you get involved in film and video? Out of college, I started working for a documentary film festival in Columbia, MO called True/False. My friend David Wilson had just started it with his partner Paul and it turned out to be an absurd amount of work. So I helped and I loved it. Then I ran across some experimental video work, like Trent Harris's THE BEAVER TRILOGY and HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT by John Heyn and Jeff Krulik, at one of the world's best video stores, NINTH STREET VIDEO (also in Columbia) and felt immediately compelled to watch more and figure it out. And I am still pretty much doing that.

Social Studies at Hideout this Thursday 10/14

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:18:17 -0500

In addition to coming to tonight's Archaeology of Chicago Music 101, Homeroom strongly encourages you to come out Thursday, 10/14 to the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) to hear "Social Studies":http://www.socialstudiesband.com/ play with "Brent Pulse.":http://www.brentpulse.com/ Social Studies is one of our favorite bands, and not just because guartist Tom Smith has helped Homeroom so much in the past. No, this San Francisco outfit writes genuinely unique pop songs that will reveberate long after you hear them. Songwriter Natalia Rogovin plays keyboards and drives the melodies with her haunting alto voice. She rarely writes with traditional song forms, and instead each song has its own narrative. Drummer Michael Jirkovsky provides mathy and driving beats that allow Natalia to wander and explore, but never linger or brood for too long. Jesse Hudson fills out the band on bass. Again, this show is strongly recommended.

Looking to fund your next project?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:10:11 -0500

Here any creative idea is fair game. "Kickstarter":http://www.kickstarter.com/ is a website that allows artists to use their creativity to fund projects. Propose a project with a fundraising goal, set a deadline and click submit. Ideas must be specific and finite, but can range any and all creative fields. The community comprises of filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers and performers who post videos to the site and “backers” who pledge for projects they want to support. If the project does not meet the goal, no money is funded. This is the place to raise money for your creative dreams not feed your sweet, sweet greed. Looking to fund the next edition of your comic or finish the mural you’ve been working on? The skies the limit. There is no maximum on how high you can set your goal or how much you can raise.

Saturday is full of Awesomeness

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:34:04 -0500

Saturday 10/9 brings two great events. First, "Another New Calligraphy,":http://www.facebook.com/anothernewcalligraphy a Chicago based label, introduces its very first installment of Pish Posh, featuring local musicians and writers doing what they do best at Saki Records (3716 W Fullerton Ave) from 1 to 3pm. So after brunch, mosey on over to Saki to hear "A Light Sleeper,":http://www.myspace.com/alightsleeper/ Elizabeth Wylder, The Green Pasture Happiness and Megan Milks. Then at 8pm, head over to the Nightingale (1084 N Milwaukee) to view CAS'L', A Recent Claymation work by Bruce Bickford. The screening is presented in assoiciation with "Coversations on the Edge":http://conversationsattheedge.org/ and feature live music from Jeff Parker and Frank Rosaly. Salem Film Festival says "Bruce Bickford is a sixty-two-year-old artist who achieved cult status for his collaborations with Frank Zappa in the 1970s. His two-dimensional line animation is remarkable; his clay animation is legendary. That said, it is nearly impossible to furnish the unintiated with satisfying synopses of Bickford’s films. ..They are organic, fluid montages -- vibrant pseudonarratives that defy logical comprehension. They are, in short, purely cinematic -- meant to be experienced and wondered at..." Bruce Bickford in person

Riot Acts at Harold Washington Library

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:21:37 -0500

If you haven't seen "Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance", "you have a great chance today":http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/49426/. The CPL is holding a screening and filmmaker Q&A today at 6pm at the Harold Washington Library. "Riot Acts" is a feature length documentary about transgendered and gender-variant musicians made by Madsen Minax and Simon Strikeback of the incredible duo "Actor Slash Model":http://www.actorslashmodel.com/music.htm Watch the Riot Acts trailer on "Vimeo":http://vimeo.com/15340476

The Wheels play with Tim Menard and the Flying Nowakowski Bros at the Abbey Pub

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:12:50 -0500

Thursday, 10/7, "The Wheels":http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wheels/ perform at the "Abbey Pub":http://www.abbeypub.com/last-rites-at-the-abbey-presents-tim-menard-and-the-flying-nowakowski-bros (3420 W. Grace St) with Tim Menard and the Flying Nowakowski Bros, Johnny and the Beloveds, and Right Rongly. The Wheels’ music often moves at the pace of weeping. The trio captures the catharsis of loss and loneliness with tender but strong voices carrying long phrases. Their sound is broad and open, but also intimate and self searching.

An interview with Raun Meyn, Craftsman, FoundRe Furnishings, Chicago

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:11:40 -0500

HR - What interests and appeals you about making frames out found materials and discarded frames instead of fresh wood? R - __I have always found myself drawn to textured material but especially the texture that only a dilapidated building can provide. I use to frequent these giant abandoned grain elevators in Kansas City and take rolls of black and white photos. I love the way an old building can tell a story about the culture and the lives of the people who use to occupy it. I feel that using material from these types of structures gives you a sense of the story or history that has unfolded in the natural weathering of the wood.__

Rock Music This Week!

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:25:45 -0500

Rocktober must be appoaching because there are three great shows this week that will rock your ass. Wednesday, 9/29 brings the slimy Australian punk savant wonders, "The U.V. Race":http://www.myspace.com/the_uv_race with Total Control with special guest, "NONES!":http://www.myspace.com/nonessongs at Crown Liquors Tap Room (2821 N Milwaukee.) Thursday, 9/30 offers "Reset List" with the "Blue Ribbon Glee Club":http://www.facebook.com/blueribbongleeclub at the ViaDuct Theater (3111 N Milwaukee.) Reset List is an exciting improv rock outfit and the Glee Club is Chicago's finest all vocal punk ensemble. Friday, 10/1 - Sunday 10/3 is "EP Theater":http://www.facebook.com/pages/EP-THEATER/ will hosting over a dozen bands during the 40th Pilsen Art Walk. This includes "The Juliets,":http://www.facebook.com/thejuliets a truly amazing Detroit band that will play two sets on Saturday.

So that's where I live!

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:04:13 -0500

Want to know what makes each of Chicago’s 77 district neighborhoods unique? Download "Explore Chicago Eat, Play Love Our Neighborhoods":http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/tourism/neighborhood_ebook.html by Alan Solomon. This informative e-book is FREE for your computer or mobile device. Solomon’s work chronicles the cultural and historical significance of Chicago’s infamous neighborhoods through short essays featuring restaurants, shops, landmarks and other tourism sites. Embedded throughout the book are colorful images, detailed maps and a generous helping of local flavor. Eat, Play Love has oodles of fun facts about our fair city: “An estimated 2,896,016 residents, over 50 cultural institutions, historical sites and museums, more than 200 theaters, nearly 225 art galleries, more than 7,300 restaurants, 77 neighborhoods, 26 miles of lakefront, 33 beaches, 15 miles of which are along the lake, 35 annual parades, 19 miles of lakefront bicycle paths, 552 parks covering more than 11 square miles”

More Great Events This Week

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:51:18 -0500

Homeroom realized there are more great events this week that were not included in our last post, so we'll give you the heads up on what else you should be checking out. Thursday, 9/23, 6-8pm: "Form and Content of Writing" at the Nomadic Studio at the DePaul University Art Museum. Panelists will engage in a casual discussion that examines the form (newsprint, published monographs, online journals or blogs) and content (criticism, interviews, exhibition reviews, press r...eleases or scholarly essays) of their writing. Panelists include Thea Liberty Nichols, Patrice Connolly, Claudine Ise, Abraham Ritchie and Bert Stabler. Friday and Saturday, 9/24 & 9/25: "High Concept Laboratroy":http://highconceptlaboratories.org/ presents "Moon Far Ocean Deep." It is a new play created and performed by Theatre Run. Members of the ensemble from Switzerland, UK, New York and Chicago have worked virtually for the past ten months on through Skype, email, video and audio posts to conceive and develop this new work based around the theme of distance. It starts at 8pm and is located at ‎1401 West Wabansia

An interview with Joseph Baldwin, New Media Artist

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:22:56 -0500

HR - Describe your inspiration for the ["Mobile Garden":http://www.themobilegarden.org/the_mobile_garden/the_mobile_garden.html]? J - __The mobile garden started out as a project for a graduate school interdisciplinary seminar "how to design a sustainable future". I knew I wanted to tackle transportation and when thinking about transportation I thought about freight trains, more specifically the small town railroad crossings where you can expect to sit parked watching a train go by and catch glimpses of shipments of cars, livestock, fuel, etc -- and though graffiti is a strong contender I couldn't think of any situation where aesthetics or art had been pulled around. Then I started thinking about the installation of a garden, which evolved into a native plant garden on the CTA grid - primarily because it was a responsible choice of medium, both being closed loops that don't unnaturally extend outside of the region. Once the project was finished I wanted to really see it happen. Christo & Jean Claude have always been a big inspiration, so mentally I knew I was good for a large time consuming project that would span years.__

Music, Eduation and Film This Week

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:59:18 -0500

Homeroom would like to let you know about the following cool events happening this week in Chicago: Tuesday, 9/21: THINGS THAT HURT tour with "Tomorrow Kings,":http://www.myspace.com/tomorrowkingschicago "Social Espionage,":http://www.myspace.com/socialesp Obeah, and SCC at Silvies (1902 W Irving Park.) The Tomorrow Kings always bring a great hip-hop performance. Wednesday, 9/22, 8-10pm: the Education Show: Science Fair at The Pub Theater (3220 N Lincoln.) The Education Show features familiar funny faces from iO, Second City, the Annoyance, Impress These Apes, Midwest Teen Sex Show, and other Chi institutions and stages who will tickly your funnybone at the subatomic level. Thursday, 9/23: "Conversations at the Edge":http://conversationsattheedge.org/ present "Have to Believe We Are Magic" at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State.) By turns haunting and hilarious, the works of Chicago artists Kent Lambert and Jesse McLean remix the banal debris of television culture into striking meditations on our highly mediated public sphere.

Sanya Glisic Completes 10x10 Print

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:22:30 -0500

This past week "Sanya Glisic":http://www.sanyaglisic.com/ printed her contribution for 10x10. Yes indeeder, 275 beautiful prints for electroacoustic-experimental musician "Max Alexander":http://music.maxalexander.net/. In addition to working on 10x10, Sayna is "Spudnik’s":http://www.spudnikpress.com current Artist in Residence, diligently illustrating ten stories that comprise Heinrich Hoffmann’s ‘Der Struwwelpeter’. Need more info on 10x10? Check it out "here!":http://www.homeroomchicago.org/10x10

¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:49:56 -0500

Friday & Saturday, 9/17-9/18, "Millennium Park":http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/event.aspx?id=1153 shakes it up at the ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival from 11am - 9pm. The festival features art, food, and dancing to local acts like folk group Sones de Mexico. Pritzker Pavilion will stage world renowned artists such as Cristian Castro, Don Tetto, and Carolina La O. Over thirty groups will perform over the weekend with sounds of cumbia, merengue, samba, reggaeton, y más. Both evenings end with DJ sets by the Mexican Institute of Sound. The 2010 festival is billed as a salute to the bicentennials of Colombian and Mexican independence and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

Great Events This Week Including Greg Ward and Roy Ivy

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:39:20 -0500

Thursday, 9/16, "Roy Ivy":http://royivy.bandcamp.com/ will play a benefit for himself at Mayne Stage (1328 W Morse.) Roy needs surgery to remove a tumor. He is great songwriter and performer, and is the kind of guy you want to support. He goes on at 8 sharp, so get there early. Also on the bill are The Outbreaks, Johnny Sullivan, and Colin Tyler - all of whom rule according to Roy. Friday, 9/17, "Greg Ward's":http://www.gregward.org Fitted Shards will release its album at the Velvet Lounge (67 E Cermak.) In addition to Greg Ward, Fitted Shards also features Quin Kirchner, Rob Clearfield and Jeff Greene -- all bad-ass Chicago jazz musicians.

ACM presents "Songs About Buildings and Moods"

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:36:45 -0500

This Saturday, 9/18, "Accessible Contemporary Music":http://www.acmusic.org/ presents "Songs About Buildings and Moods." The event is a celebration of Chicago’s Architectural Legacy through live performances of newly commissioned works by Chicago composers. The Monadnock Building, the Marquette Building, the Aqua Tower, the Chicago Cultural Center and the Harry Bertoia sculpture in the plaza of the Aon Center serve as the inspirational architecture. Guided tours will be given by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation and will include well-known figures like Lynn Becker. The tours will last a little over an hour and will include background information on each building and a live performance of the music for each building. The composers will be on hand to talk briefly about how the building inspired the music they composed. Tickets must be "purchased":http://www.acmusic.org/node/234 in advance, and tours will leave every 20 minutes from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 9/18.

Support Local Farms, Urban Agriculture & Get Your Yoga On 9/11 & 9/12

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:23:38 -0500

Get involved in urban agriculture at the "Altgeld-Sawyer Corner Farm":http://altgeldsawyer.cornerfarmchicago.com/ this Saturday, 9/11 for a workday & Garden Walk 10 am – 2 pm. Projects will be focused on preparing the garden for the Fall months with seasonal veggies and maintenance of plant beds and rain barrels. Sunday, 9/12 support local farms at the "Independence Park Farmers Market":http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/independence_park.html 9 am – 1 pm. Vendors will supply their weekly harvests and FREE YOGA! Bring your mat and join the ½ hour sessions of Level 1 Hatha at 10 & 11 am lead by Kerry Burki. Kerry is a 13 year yogi veteran who teaches at studios and private classes across the city. What inspires her to get in Half Moon pose every day? The famous Buddha quote “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”. Seize the moment! Arrive early and look for Kerry and her mat between the fresh and local produce! For more info email Kerry @ ksween77@hotmail.com.

Check out Youmethemeverybody

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:48:53 -0500

"youmethemeverybody":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/ is pod cast that broadcasts live recordings of programming at the Hungry Brain. This includes not only Homeroom's 101 Lecture Series, but a variety of programming. The most recent post is a hilarious program with Nathan Rabin (The Onion's AV Club,) James Fritz (stand up comedian) and Jon Langford (Waco Brothers and The Mekons.) This Monday, 9/13, youmethemeverybody will feature founder of the Chicago Underground Library Nell Taylor, comedian Michael Palascak, a special set from Tangleweed and music from Jeremy Tromburg.

Redmoon Theater's: "The Astronaut's Birthday: runs 9/9 - 9/26

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:53:40 -0500

The exceptional invoative Redmoon Theater begins its three week run of "The Astronauts's Birthday" starting tomorrow at the MCA. They promise: 113 ROBOTS, 91 ROCKET SHIPS, 3 ASTRONAUTS, 1 DANGEROUS PLANET, 4 CHAPTERS OF SPACE ADVENTURE. JOIN REDMOON IN OUTER SPACE! The show runs Thrusdays ($15,) Fridays ($20) and Sundays ($20) at 7:30pm each night at the Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza. Redmoon says "gather in the plaza of the Museum of Contemporary Art and be witness to an ENORMOUS STORYBOOK of EPIC ADVENTURE! See Redmoon bring art outside the gallery walls and delight in our collision of SCIENCE FICTION, COMIC BOOK, SPECTACLE PERFORMANCE, WILD SHADOW, SILHOUETTE PERFORMERS, AND BERSERK MUSIC! Marvel as we take over the entire façade of the MCA with our WEIRD and WONDERFUL tale of a single astronaut’s journey to SAVE THE EARTH. Using the glass façade of the MCA, this MASSIVE shadow play will be rendered as a 5 STORY HIGH GRAPHIC NOVEL for an audience of spectators. Prepare for your transmission. COME AND BE ASTONISHED…"

An Interview With Patrick Oconnor, DJ.

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:36:05 -0500

Patrick dj's this Thursday, 9/9 at the Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton Avenue. HR - What kind of music do you play and how did you get interested in it? P - __We play classic country that spans from the 50s through the mid 80s. We only play vinyl. I think country sounds a little better on vinyl; it sounds a little more authentic. I grew up in Texas and my only exposure to country was what was playing on the pop country radio stations in the mid 80s and early 90s, which is among the most uninspired, trite, insipid music that has ever been created in the history of recorded sound. So for the longest time I thought I hated country. I was into indie rock and post-punk growing up, but eventually my musical tastes broadened and I got into the 70s outlaw country movement. I really got into Willie and Waylon and Johnny and the boys. That eventually led into Hank and Patsy and Bob Wills and some of the other more popular classic country artists.__ __A friend of mine from Texas named Shade Degges started up "Tender Tuesday" at Danny's with Dennis, who I DJ with now. It was at Tender Tuesday when I really got dug a little deeper. Shade moved out to LA and another friend of ours, KC Haywood, took over with Dennis. When KC tragically passed away a couple of years ago Dennis asked me to fill in for a benefit we did for his medical bills. We worked well together so I've been doing this classic country night with him for a couple of years now.__

Homeroom's Picks for Jazz Fest

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:20:20 -0500

Today, 9/3, marks the beginning of the Chicago Jazz Fest. Chicago's Jazz Fest isn't like New Orleans Jazz Fest that will feature Dave Mathews Band or Ben Harper. Instead, Chicago's has a much more narrow scope of jazz. Basically, nearly everything will swing and none of it will be found on pop radio. Here are a few of Homeroom's recommended picks: AACM Experimental Ensemble: Friday, 1:45 at Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington.) Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Orchestra: Friday, 7:10 at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

New Library on Chicago Ave and Ashland opens 9/7

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:12:16 -0500

West Town has not had a decent public library for a minute. There was a little one on 1300 block of W. Chicago, but that turned into a restuarant. (Branch something or another that took it's name from being the former site of library.) But Tuesday, September 7th, a brand new "library":http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/west-town/p/History/ will open at 1625 W. Chicago in the Goldblatt's building. And this is no storefront library, but a large space with lots of books, computers and other resources. It should be a great resource for the community.

"Sameness" a book by alex fuller and gabe usadel

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:31:01 -0500

Alex Fuller and Gabe Usadel of The Post Family have recently published a beautiful book called The Sameness. Here is how the creators introduce their book: "The Sameness,” as originally named by Lois Lowry, suggests a social balance through the rules of order and structure. All of life's pain and spontaneity disappear through a rigid architecture of overwhelming conformity.

An interview with Gerard Barreto, Recording Engineer, Glamour Studios, Chicago

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:12:07 -0500

HR - How did you get into being a recording engineer and what keeps you doing it? G - __When I was in high school, I worked sound for the theater program and I learned a lot about microphones and other technical things regarding audio engineering. My good friend Dave's older brother Tom would always have recording equipment around their house with which Dave and I would make little sound pieces. Tom recorded a lot of interesting experimental things and it really piqued my interest. I then went to Columbia College Chicago and enrolled in the Recording Department.__ __I keep recording because I'm always aiming to get the best sound, out of the best instrument, played by the best artist, to make the best possible record.__

ICHTHYODYSSEY: a puppet rock opera 9/3 - 9/17

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:49:20 -0500

Homeroom probably isn't alone in thinking that the best part of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is the puppet rock opera at the end. I mean, it's a great movie from beginning to end, but puppet rock operas are awesome the to nth degree. So we have to tell you about ICHTHYODYSSEY: a puppet rock opera composed and directed by Max Wirt. The production will be put on by the Rough House at the Puppy Tears Festival. The event runs September 3rd through the 17th on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and on Sundays at 7pm. We don't have a lot of other information, but you contact the folks behind it by calling 408-646-9299 or emailing reservations@roughhousetheatre.com.

Veggie Bingo to Benefit Algeld-Sawyer Corner Farm on 8/25

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:32:36 -0500

Who doesn't love bingo? And who doesn't love urban farms? Wednesday you can play bingo while supporting the "Altgeld-Sawyer Corner Farm":http://altgeldsawyer.cornerfarmchicago.com/ at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) starting at 6pm Wednesday, 8/25. The Algeld-Sawyer Corner Farm is a great garden in Logan Square that engages the community to grow and eat produce. So swing on by for a beer and bingo card after you get off work and support the community you love.

The Blue Ribbon Glee Club performs w/ Joan of Arc at Ronny's on 8/21

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:25:11 -0500

"The Blue Ribbon Glee Club,":http://blueribbongleeclub.org/ Chicago's best punk glee club, will perform at Ronny's (2101 N California) with "Joan of Arc,":http://www.joanfrc.com/ Maximum Wage and Abner Trio this Saturday, 8/21. With these bands known for wild shows, this is sure to be an event no one wants to miss.

10x10 Update

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:23:03 -0500

Recently Tom Smith completed his Blasted Diplomats print for 10x10. We can’t show you the final piece, but you can watch several hours of Tom's work condensed to just about a minute in the video above… If you haven’t been following the 10x10 story you probably need to a quick catcher upper. 10x10 is a collaborative print and music project facilitated by Homeroom and "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com. The idea is simple: Ten Chicago printmakers chose their favorite Chicago musical artists and bands to each record an original song for a compilation. Currently each printmaker is realizing a 10" x 10", 3-color screen-print inspired by the song given to them by their chosen band. The final package will feature a suite of ten fine art prints and a ten-song compilation of exclusive tracks. The 275 editions will be available in January and (this just in!) will be celebrated with a month long residency at The Whistler. Pre-orders are encouraged; we expect them to go fast. We expect Joey Potts, Colin Palombi, and Sanya Glisic to finish their prints by the end of the month. For a complete list of participating bands and artists, or to pre-order click right "here":http://homeroomchicago.org/10x10/.

Jeb Bishop Trio at Velvet Lounge Thursday, 8/19

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:37:54 -0500

"Jeb Bishop":http://www.jebbishop.com/jebphotos.html brings his trio to the "Velvet Lounge":http://www.velvetlounge.net/ (67 E Cermak) Thursday. Bishop is an innovative trombone player and improvisor. His trio includes bassist Jason Roebke and drummer Frank Rosaly. To see Peter Margasak gush over Bishop in the Chicago Reader, click "here.":http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/jeb-bishop-trio/Event?oid=2252678

Juggalos Attack Tila Tequila

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:07:45 -0500

To follow up after our Juggalos 101 on August 3rd, Tila Tequila suffered cuts and bruises after performing at the 11th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos. She required stiches after bottles, rocks and excrement were thrown at her as she performed. According to CNN, comedian Tom Green described a mob of hundreds chasing Tequila to her trailer, rocking the trailer and breaking the windows. The speakers at our 101 spoke mostly of how inclusive Juggalos and Juggalolettes are, but the group's misogyny was also mentioned. For more information, please visit CNN.

Updates on Homeroom Events

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:18:19 -0500

Here's a quick rundown on upcoming Homeroom events: Saturday, 8/14: Homeroom Fundraiser at House Red (7403 W Madison) and Molly Malone's (7652 Madison.) The event will start at 7pm and will feature a free wine tasting, an art auction, and performances by the Wheels, the Get, Love Raid and James Robinson-Parran. We'll also be having a bike raffle with $5 tickets for a chance to win a Trek 7200.

Nones at Lincoln Hall 8/11

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:58:24 -0500

Psych-punk group "Nones":http://www.myspace.com/nonessongs are not only playing Wednesday night at "Lincoln Hall":http://www.lincolnhallchicago.com/ but are also "Joey Pott's":http://joeypotts.com/blog/ pick for the unconquerable "10x10":http://homeroomchicago.org/10x10/ project. 2424 N Lincoln Ave, 8pm with: Remington Pettygrove LAZ Soft Jolts

Charles Rumback Quartet at Whistler 8/10

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:17:07 -0500

Charles Rumback, an amazing improv drummer and Homeroom friend, brings his quartet to the Whistler tomorrow, 8/10. The quartet also features Andrew Toombs, Bryan Doherty and Greg Ward. Rumback plays with lyrical, almost melodic style that steers an audience through beautiful cacaphonies. The Whistler is at 2421 N Milwaukee.

Jason Adasiewicz's Rolldown at Hungry Brain

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:03:29 -0500

"10x10":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10/ participant "Jason Adasiewicz":http://jasonadasiewicz.com/ is performing with his group Rolldown tonight at Homeroom's favorite venue, the Hungry Brain. Rolldown features: Jason Adasiewicz: vibraphone Josh Berman: cornet Aram Shelton: alto saxophone & clarinet Jason Roebke: bass Frank Rosaly: drums 2 sets starting at 10. 2319 W. Belmont Suggested donation.

Composers confirmed for Physics for Listeners

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:18:45 -0500

Homeroom is excited to announce the six composers for "Physics for Listeners: a Composers Concert" on October 19th and 20th at the Viaduct Theater. Keefe Jackson, Frank Rosaly, Guillermo Gregorio, Eric Malmquist, James Falzone and Kyle Vegter will all be featured composers. These composers represent some the best of Chicago's jazz and contemporary classical scenes.

Netherfriends at P4k

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:34:08 -0500

Wake up and get to Union Park early on Saturday to see 10x10 participant "Netherfriends":http://www.myspace.com/netherfriends play the "Pitchfork festival":http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com/news.php this weekend.

A Few Great Things To Do

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:49:06 -0500

Homeroom has some suggestions if you are looking to hear some great music over the next few nights. Tonight (7/8,) at the Burlington, (3425 W Fullerton) Patrick O'Connor will be spinning some of the best country music you can hear in Chicago. He recommends you drink beer and whiskey while doing so, and we won't argue with that. On Saturday (7/10,) Coles (2338 N Milwaukee) hosts an awesome bill of Weepin' Willows, the Dust Bunnies and Bomba Deer. Weepin' Willows is a great Patsey Cline cover band led by Natalie Jose and her amazing voice. The Dust Bunnies are fronted by Paul Nixon, and perform beautiful, pared down soft pop. Bomba Deer is an experimental group that features Homeroom's Seth Vanek on drums. All three groups should not be missed so show up early as Coles gets full quickly. Finally, on Sunday, Tomorrow Music Orchestra returns with a show at Jerry's (1938 W Division.) This will be a smaller ensemble than the 20+ that TMO has featured in the past, but the ten musicians featured this night will be fantastic. TMO is the brain child of Matthew Golombisky, and performs original jazz/classical/experimental music that is always exciting and engaging.

Fruit Tree Backpack

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:40:14 -0500

Former Homeroom songwriter feature and future songwriter host "Eric Ziegenhagen":http://www.myspace.com/ericzieg is directing 3 short plays by Barrie Cole at "The Side Project":http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the_side_project/Location?oid=926335 in Rogers Park called "Fruit Tree Backpack." They are presented by "Clove Productions":http://www.chicagostagereview.com/?tag=clove-productions along with Michael Maritn's "Madeleine Remains" Fridays and Saturdays through July17th.

Mazes play last show w/ Hotel Brotherhood at Hideout on 7/2

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:33:54 -0500

"Mazes,":http://www.myspace.com/chicagomazes a kick-ass Chicago band, will be playing their last show for a while at the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia) due to members leaving for other projects out of state. They will be playing with Hotel Brotherhood tomorrow night (Friday, 7/2.) You should come for two reasons. #1. The music will be awesome. #2. This is simply the place to be this Friday. You know, everyone who is anyone will be there. Just saying. photo - Jeanine O'Toole

SONNENZIMMER'S Nick Butcher in Post No Bills

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:27:48 -0500

Our favorite Chicago music writer Peter Margasak writes about Homeroom collaborator Nick Butcher's "music":http://www.nickbutcher.net/ in his excellent "Post No Bills blog":http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/post-no-bills/ at the Chicago Reader.

Everything Is Changing

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:37:06 -0500

This Saturday, 6/26, the "Paper Crane":http://www.thepapercrane.com/ will host an art exhibition called 'Everything Is Changing.' The show will feature the work of "Heather Chontos":http://www.heatherchontos.com/, Leslie Carlson and "Dee Clements":http://papercranedee.blogspot.com/. The show will be open from 6-9pm and the Paper Crane is located 2846 W. North Avenue (door is on Francisco.) In addition to the great art we guarantee you will see, there will also be free drinks available.

The Books and Via Tania

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:50:57 -0500

Don't worry about the rain. Come out for an awesome free concert at Millennium Park with "The Books":http://www.thebooksmusic.com/ and "Via Tania":http://www.myspace.com/viatania Via Tania features Homeroom friend Charles Rumback on drums, and Via Tania's voice is a beautiful as her songs are haunting. They go on at 7:30 at the Pritzker Pavillion. Also, Whitney Johnson is performing with The Books, so you might as well just enjoy the whole show.

Fred Anderson

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:35:35 -0500

Our thoughts are with Fred Anderson, one of the city's great tenor saxophone players and a pillar of the Chicago Jazz community who has been in the hospital since Sunday. Fred founded and continues to run the "Velvet Lounge,":http://www.velvetlounge.net/ one of the finest and most well-respected locations for Chicago music. While a visit to the Velvet is never a bad idea, please consider a trip this week as a show of support for Fred.

Scream into the Abyss at On a Mountain Top

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:55:04 -0500

Our buddy (and logo designer) Alex Fuller is always at it. His latest creation is a new social media site that matches his minimalist sensibilities: onamountaintop.com. In Alex's own words: "I do not enjoy most social media platforms. They seem more like popularity contests than anything else. I only say that because I have less than 200 friends on Faceplace. That’s why I developed onamountaintop.com with developer, Noah Bernsohn. At it’s most basic form, I believe social media is a dialogue. Onamountaintop.com allows users to say whatever it is they want to say with no accounts, no friends and no poking. Once the user’s entry fades to white, their words are gone forever. Just as one’s voice echoes into the valley from a mountain top. I know, it's pure poetry." Via The Post Family.

Singer Songwriter Dates Set for Fall Semester

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:45:36 -0500

The first dates of Homeroom's fall semester are set. Our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic will continue at Elastic Arts on 9/10, 10/8, 11/12 and 12/10. This time around, we're picking a different host for each night and asking them to choose the features. Josh Dumas of Notes and Scratches, Roy Ivy of the Tuh Duhs, Annie Reese of Rock Falls and Eric Ziegenhagen all agreed to host. It's only June and we're already getting excited. Check out Roy Ivy's performance from February for a little taste.

Love Raid w/ Death Ships, Will Phalen & The Stereo Addicts, and Emblems

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:57:31 -0500

"Love Raid":http://loveraid.bandcamp.com/ is a rock trio made of Homeroom folks Justin Petertil, Seth Vanek and Gerard Barreto. Justin's song subvert and stretch pop music with subtle turns of phrase and melody. They will be playing Thursday, at the Subterranean (2011 W North Ave) with Death Ships, Will Phalen & the Stereo Addicts, and Emblems. The rock starts at 7:30, so grab a quick dinner and come out for some fun. Photo by Thea Nichols.

LivingRoom show write up

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:40:31 -0600

Check out the Tribune's write-up of Edelweiss Cardenas' show at LivingRoom Gallery. No empty walls indeed!

high five fundraising campaign

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:34:39 -0500

Homeroom's summer has been all about the number five. In June the IRS approved our application for 501 (c) (3) status. This is a real milestone for the organization and we thank you for your support in getting us here. To celebrate this achievement, a generous and anonymous donor has challenged Homeroom's supporters to raise $5,000 towards our goal of opening a performance space. **If we do, the donor will match that $5,000!** **If you have ever considered making a donation to Homeroom, this is the best time to do so.** If we reach our goal, your support will be doubled during this campaign. Click **here** or the donate button to the left to add your support.

Sonnenzimmer Profile

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:23:58 -0500

Check out this profile of the brilliant Nick and Nadine at Sonnenzimmer. The video includes a great track from Nick's album The Complicated Bicycle. See if you recognize the totally sweet poster about 45 seconds into the piece.

"homeroom presents" at the empty bottle

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:38:56 -0600

The Reader and New City recommend you check out the HOMEROOM PRESENTS show at the Bottle with Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Grun-Tu-Molani and Leaves... so do we!

Taqwacore Review in ArtSlant

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:42:33 -0600

Thea Liberty Nicols reviews the Taqwacore show for ArtSlant here. (You may have to scroll down to the bottom.)

taqwacore poster

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:18:25 -0600

Our friends at Sonnenzimmer designed a beautiful limited edition poster for our Taqwacore show last week. Check it. Get in touch (stephen@homeroomchicago.org) if you're interested in buying one! All proceeds benefit HOMEROOM.

timeout profile on riz Ahmed

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:13:44 -0600

John Dugan from TimeOut Chicago did a great profile on Riz MC, who headlines our Taqwacore show on December 3rd. Check it out here.

radio m interview

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:59:58 -0600

Marwan, Mikah and Mario from Al-Thawra did an interview on Radio M about their music, Taqwacore and the HOMEROOM show on December 3rd. Tune in to Chicago Public Radio on Friday, November 28 at 10pm. Listen online at www.wbez.org

homeroom & around the coyote

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:36:18 -0500

HOMEROOM is curating the music at the 2008 Around the Coyote Festival, October 17 - 19 at Plumbers' Hall in the West Loop. Check back here and at www.aroundthecoyote.org for updates.

homeroom & elastic arts foundation

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:31:44 -0500

HOMEROOM is curating programs at the Elastic Arts Foundation while we raise money to open our space. Look for "Homeroom at Elastic Arts Foundation" events here on on Elastic's site.