Homeroom - Events

Homeroom & Coach House Sounds Present an Evening of Music

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:26:07 -0500

As part of Homeroom's Emerging and Established Artist Exchange, "Coach House Sounds":http://www.coachhousesounds.com/ present "Advance Base,":https://www.facebook.com/AdvanceBase?fref=ts Peninsula and "Matt Baron.":http://mbaronmusic.com/ Gio Avila, aka Peninsula, is working with Coach House Sounds' Matt Baron to put together some shows and release his debut album as part of Homeroom's education program, EEE. Gio was selected for the program because he showed a little ambition and intelligence, and we liked his music. Come out for a free night of great music.

Songwriter Showase Presented w/ Columbia College: Yoo Soo Kim of Hemmingbrids, Mark Goldberg-Foss, Rockfalls & Hanna Ashbrook

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:39:27 -0600

Join us after work or class for this FREE presentation of our Songwriter Showcase featuring some of Chicago's best songwriters. Plus, there will be snacks! Yoo Soo Kim of "Hemmingbirds":http://hemmingbirds.com/ builds melodies that bounce, twist, and stream across a song. He rapidly builds and releases tension as his songs transition from one motif to another — but each has song has a defined arc and theme that often reveal an overall sense of frustration, alienation, and uncertainty. Mark Goldberg-Foss of "Marcel Marcel":https://www.facebook.com/marcelmarcelmusic/app_204974879526524 uses dissonance and a vocal style that moves between apathy and angst to deliver melancholia melodies. His guitar driven music peaks and recedes, and occasionallys find a sense of comfort and peace, if only for a moment. His songs have inflections of humor and disappointment, but also at times convey a guarded appreciation of life and its imperfections. "Rockfalls":http://rockfalls.bandcamp.com/ writes intimate and playful songs delivered with her soft and powerful voice. She performs with both guitar and ukulele and her songs have quality reminiscent of the great American songbook. With hints of jazz and soul, Rockfalls’ melodies are broad and fill her sparse instrumentation and arrangements. Her lyrics are often sad and wishful, but her music is constantly permeated by the simple joy of beautiful music. "Hanna Ashbrook":https://soundcloud.com/hannaashbrook crafts sophisticated songs that belie her youth. Plucked guitar provides a counterpoint for her vocal melodies that slowly rise and fall. At times, her songs seem to capture a single moment, crystalized and delicate, and her voice can be simultaneously vulnerable and strong. The Showcase features four songwriters per event who are each encouraged to discuss their song-writing processes and influences in an intimate environment that fosters focused listening and promotes open interaction with the audience. By stripping away the style and posture of a full band, songwriters’ techniques and philosophies become unobscured.

Visual Music 101

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:43:07 -0600

On Sunday, February 17th at 3pm at the Spudnik Annex, Homeroom Chicago, "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com/ and "Access Contemporary Music":http://www.acmusic.org/ present a public seminar exploring the relationship between color and sound. As music became the inspiration for the movement towards abstraction in early 20th century European painting, artists searched for ever more meaningful ways to incorporate the language and gestures of music into their work. Similarly, the use of the color spectrum to illustrate musical tonality and timbre became common, not only among synaesthetic composers like Scriabin and Messiaen but also in the forms of light displays, color organs, and abstract animation. As we delve deeper into the mixed media possibilities of the digital age: how do color and light inform our experience of sound textures and vice versa? Writer "David Metcalfe":http://www.realitysandwich.com/user/david_metcalfe will present his research about various theories and practices regarding the relationship between color and sound ranging from Pythagoras to David Lynch, providing specific audio and visual examples as well as methods useful for active artists and musicians. The event will also serve to kick off Homeroom and Spudnik’s third iteration of "Ten x Ten":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/3-ten-x-ten, a collaborative project between Chicago musicians and printmakers. The event is free to the public. Snacks and drinks will be made available.

Songwriter Showcase: Shelley Miller, Rockfalls, Jordan Burk & Hanna Ashbrook

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:00:06 -0600

Homeroom’s Songwriter Showcase emphasizes the craft of songwriting by inviting songwriters from diverse musical backgrounds to perform without a backing band or a full amplifier rig. "Shelley Miller":http://www.shelleymiller.net/ is an accomplished songwriter that can send the listener through multiple emotions in each song. She shifts from confrontational to contemplative or embracing with a simple turn of phrase and melody. Shelley seems embrace contradictions and dichotomies as a way to penetrate a deep truth and uses vivid imagery to weave tales of love, loss and depression. "Rockfalls (Annie Reese)":http://rockfalls.bandcamp.com/ writes intimate and playful songs delivered with her soft and powerful voice. She performs with both guitar and ukulele and her songs have quality reminiscent of the great American songbook. With hints of jazz and soul, Rockfalls' melodies are broad and fill her sparse instrumentation and arrangements. Her lyrics are often sad and wishful, but her music is constantly permeated by the simple joy of beautiful music. "Hanna Ashbrook":https://soundcloud.com/hannaashbrook crafts sophisticated songs that belie her youth. Plucked guitar provides a counterpoint for her vocal melodies that slowly rise and fall. At times, her songs seem to capture a single moment, crystalized and delicate, and her voice can be simultaneously vulnerable and strong. "Jordan Burk's":http://facebook.com/JordanBurkMusic Georgia roots are evident in her folk and country songs. With a twang in her voice and rambling plucked guitars, Burk delivers her songs with an intense sense of forlorn sadness and beauty. The Showcase features four songwriters per event who are each encouraged to discuss their song-writing processes and influences in an intimate environment that fosters focused listening and promotes open interaction with the audience. By stripping away the style and posture of a full band, songwriters’ techniques and philosophies become unobscured. Photo by CB Lindsey.

Songwriter Showcase: Yoo Soo Kim of Hemmingbirds, Mark Goldberg-Foss of Marcel Marcel, Liza Day & Julia Klee

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:49:55 -0600

Homeroom’s Songwriter Showcase emphasizes the craft of songwriting by inviting songwriters from diverse musical backgrounds to perform without a backing band or a full amplifier rig. Yoo Soo Kim of "Hemmingbirds":http://hemmingbirds.com/ writes melodies that bounce, twist, and stream across a song. He rapidly builds and releases tension as his songs transition from one motif to another -- but each has song has a defined arc and theme that often reveal an overall sense of frustration, alienation, and uncertainty. Mark Goldberg-Foss of "Marcel Marcel":https://www.facebook.com/marcelmarcelmusic/app_204974879526524 uses dissonance and a vocal style that moves between apathy and angst to deliver melancholia melodies. His guitar driven music peaks and recedes, and occasionallys find a sense of comfort and peace, if only for a moment. His songs have inflections of humor and disappointment, but also at times convey a guarded appreciation of life and its imperfections. "Liza Day":http://www.lizaday.com/ uses subtle imagery to tell stories of loved ones leaving, our fears & hopes for the future, and self awakening. Mid-tempo songs may be the hardest to write, but Liza excels at unlocking both the forlorn and the beautiful in a paced but flowing pulse. A pleasant departure from the typical, "Julia Klee":http://juliaklee.com/ writes unexpected melodies and unassuming lyrics. With a striking and disarming voice, Julia confidently paints settings and spins stories of love and drinking. She writes songs in a style all her own that also feel familiar. The Showcase features four songwriters per event who are each encouraged to discuss their song-writing processes and influences in an intimate environment that fosters focused listening and promotes open interaction with the audience. By stripping away the style and posture of a full band, songwriters’ techniques and philosophies become unobscured.

Sun Ra 101: The Man From Saturn

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:48:55 -0600

Tuesday, December 11th 9pm The Hungry Brain 2319 W. Belmont Donation requested 21+ Sun Ra 101: The Man from Saturn Featuring: John Corbett With a career spanning from Chicago's South Side to Interstellar Space, Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount) was an immensely prolific composer, writer, entrepreneur, and pioneer of an aesthetic that would become known as afro-futurism. Writer, musician, and gallerist John Corbett will give a survey of Sun Ra's expansive terrestrial career, drawing from his impressive personal archive of Sun Ra music, art, and artifacts. Following will be a discussion of the influence of Sun Ra's artistic legacy in Chicago and beyond.

Homeroom presents: Teen River Nite

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:36:01 -0600

Tuesday, November 13th 9pm The Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) Homeroom presents: Teen River Nite Featuring: "POTIONS":http://prettyallright.bandcamp.com/album/potions-ghostandthesong "King Tut's Tomb":http://soundcloud.com/teen-river-pt-2/king-tuts-tomb-chardonay "RXM Reality":http://soundcloud.com/michaelreality Donation requested 21+

R. Kelly 101

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:43:17 -0500

This may be your best chance to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about one of Chicago's most brilliant and incomprehensible musical figures. Librarian and writer Jenny Benevento will take us through the many downfalls and triumphs in Kells' more than 20-year career. Then we will screen the work the man may well be known best for; "Trapped in the Closet," in its entirety (chapters 1-22). Commentary and insight will be provided by Benevento along with film critic and musician Ed Crouse and Jake Austen of Roctober magazine and Chic-a-go-go.

Hoemroom Fundraiser: the Ice Factory 10 Year Anniversary

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:46:29 -0500

We are hosting a party to celebrate Homeroom and its predecessor, the Ice Factory. The event will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the founding of the Ice Factory, an underground venue that hosted all manner of art, music, culture and fun. The evening will feature a number of acts that performed at the Ice Factory during its hey day, including "dj Intel,":http://www.djintelone.com/ "the Fake Fictions,":http://fakefictions.bandcamp.com/"Velvetron,":http://www.velvetron.net/ "Crap Engine,":http://www.last.fm/music/Crap+Engine and Crash Davis. Many of these acts are reuniting for this night only. The party will go until they kick us out at 4am, so get ready to throw down. There will be a raffle and plenty of opportunities to learn about how Homeroom is creating and facilitating some of Chicago's best new art and music.

Karaoke Idol

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 18:00:16 -0500

See Chris Salveter of Judson Claiborne like you have never seen him before as he represents Homeroom in an intense, multi-round karaoke competition! Come ready to karaoke before and after the competition and to support Chris as he sings his heart out to earn money to support Homeroom's Emerging and Established Artist Exchange.

Untrained Explorations: a Youth Film Festival

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:02:24 -0500

As part of Homeroom's "Emerging and Established Artist Program,":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/4-eee high school video artist Emma Todd Coleman and Nightingale founder/executive director Christy LeMaster present "Untrained Explorations: a Youth Film Festival." Ms. Coleman curated the evening of films made by some of Chicago's best young film makers. Featuring work by: Ben Fout Erin Law Dan Sobor Free Spirit Media The Global Action Project Chicago Filmmakers Morley Musick Kush Thompson Bunee Tomlinson And best of all, it's completely free!

Wu-Tang Clan 101: Mystery of the Illest Rap Group Ever

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:31 -0500

Join hosts Fred Sasaki and Seth Vanek, comedian Emerson Dameron, and hip-hop writer Sherron Shabazz for a look at the many hearts of hip-hop royalty. The leader of the group, RZA, named the band after a kung-fu movie he watched as a child and developed the Wu-Tang philosophy around topics of spirituality, martial arts, capitalism, comic books, chess, organized crime, cinema, and chemistry. Only after the band’s multi-platinum success RZA discovered that the Chinese word “Wu-Tang” means “man who deserves God.” The Wu went from Staten Island rappers to international entrepreneurs to spiritual gurus while creating a lasting, influential universe starring RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Masta Killa—36 chambers of one heart. The whole brought people together of all colors and creeds under one roof, under the W, and this 101 will explore how and why.

Physics for Listeners Recording Session

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:34:23 -0500

After debuting the concert at the Hideout on June 3rd, Homeroom will be recording Physics for Listeners at "Strobe Studios":http://stroberecording.com/ as part of their "Strobe Sessions":http://www.strobesessions.com/ series. We invite you to join this intimate session. Please RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com. The event is BYOB and is a great chance to get an intimate look at some of Chicago's best composers and musicians in the recording studio. The composers include "Matthew Dotson: guitar;":http://www.matthewdotson.com/ "Tim Daisy: drums and percussion;":http://timdaisy.wordpress.com/ "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 Photo by Krzysztof Penarski.

Physics for Listeners: a Composers' Concert

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:12:46 -0600

Homeroom's Spring Semester 2012 culminates with two very special presentations of brand new pieces from some of Chicago's most exciting young composers. Physics for Listeners: a Composers' Concert brings composers and musicians from across Chicago's jazz/improv and contemporary classical communities into dialogue and collaboration. Homeroom commissioned new works from 6 composers, who are also accomplished musicians, to write for a single ensemble made of the composers themselves. By inviting the participants to act as both composers and ensemble members, Homeroom has been able to encourage a level of experimentation and collaboration that explores the spaces between traditional and experimental compositional practices. The composers include The composers include "Matthew Dotson: guitar;":http://www.matthewdotson.com/ "Tim Daisy: drums and percussion;":http://timdaisy.wordpress.com/ "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 The debut performance takes place at one of Chicago's most beloved small venues - The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Sunday, June 3rd at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered directly from the Hideout by following this "link.":http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/122233?__utma=1.1590071549.1337227494.1337227494.1337227494.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1337227494&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1337227494.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=99685534

Ten x Ten release party at the Hideout

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:49:12 -0600

The musical element of Ten x Ten will be celebrated on Thursday, May 3rd at the Hideout with a concert featuring: "Animate Objects":http://www.animate-objects.com/ "Wes Restless and the Jordan Years":http://wesrestless.com/ "The Luna Blues Machine":http://www.thelunabluesmachine.com/thelunabluesmachine/home.html and hosted by: "Knife Gang":http://whoisdansully.com/about/

urban sandbox Ten x Ten Preview

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:58:11 -0600

The Urban Sandbox is an all ages multi-canvassed Open Mic that takes place at Logan Square's "Comfort Station":http://www.comfortstationlogansquare.com/ The long running event features visual art, spoken word, comedy, music & more. This month will celebrate the completion and release of "Ten x Ten":http://www.tenxtenchicago.com with Defcee, members of Animate Objects, and Tomorrow Kings.

Songwriter Showcase featuring Aleks Eva and Andrea Bauer

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:29:40 -0600

Homeroom brings together two of Chicago's most compelling female songwriters in Aleks Eva (Aleks Tomaskewska) of "Magic Key":https://www.facebook.com/key.of.magic?sk=wall and "Aleks and the Drummer":http://www.myspace.com/aleksandthedrummer and Andrea Bauer of "Touched by Ghoul":https://www.facebook.com/pages/Touched-By-Ghoul/131027630333065?sk=wall and "Coupleskate":http://www.coupleskatemusic.com/ will be our featured songwriters. Aleks Eva's songs are emotionally dynamic, shifting between moments of soft intensity to rushes of booming intimacy and back again. Aleks is force live, and can leave the listeners gasping for breath. Read an excellent interview of Aleks Tomaskewska by Jessica Hopper in the Chicago Tribune "here.":http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-18/entertainment/ct-ott-0819-magic-key-20110819_1_drummer-songs-duo For years, Andrea Bauer has stood out as one of Chicago's strongest and most talented front-women. Her melodies are consistently soft and beautiful even as guitars and drums crash behind. Bauer's voice can move from seething to ennui with the slightest change in inflection. Her superb guitar playing often fiercely drives the music, but sometimes, its counterpoint simply cushions and gently frames her voice. Photo by Adam Hoff.

Godzilla 101: The Birth of an Atomic Monster

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:55:50 -0600

Together, Homeroom and the JASC host Dr. Larry Mayo, professor of anthropology at DePaul University, for a look at the radioactive origins of the world’s most caustic monster risen from the ashes of the U.S. devastation of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Bikini Atoll. Godzilla was at once comfort to a nation in mourning as well as confrontation with the dawning of the Atomic Age. Mayo will trace out the direct influence of the U.S. occupation of Japan, the H-bomb, and modernity as “foreign pathology” on the genesis of Godzilla, as well as the continuing mutation of our hero/horror in popular global culture. Is Godzilla friend or foe? Is he to be understood—OR DESTROYED!? The night features special guests, slide-shows and screenings (including excerpts from Kim Jong-il’s “Godzilla” movie) plus, monstrous J-Rock curated by Laurel Fujisawa. Presented in partnership with the "Japanese-American Service Committee":www.jasc-chicago.org

Ten x Ten Exhibition at LivingRoom Gallery

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:28:34 -0600

Join Homeroom and "Spudnik Press":http://www.spudnikpress.com/ to celebrate the release of Ten x Ten. Featuring work by: "Brian Hofmeister":http://brianalexanderhofmeister.com/home.html "Colin Palombi":http://colinpalombi.com/ "Jeremy Tinder":http://www.jeremytinder.com/ "Joe Tallarico":http://www.robotcastle.blogspot.com/ "Justin Santora":http://www.justinsantora.com/ "Krista Franklin":http://www.kristafranklin.com/ "Liz Born":http://lizborn.com/ "Lovercraft":http://www.chrissilva.com/index.php?/possession/lovercraft/ "Nate Beaty":http://natebeaty.com/ "Revise CMW":http://www.revisecmw.com/

Songwriter Showcase with Antony & the Tramps and Wooden Rings

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:29:29 -0600

"Antony & the Tramps":http://www.antonyablan.com/ and "Ramah Jihan":http://ramahjihan.com/ will be featured at Homeroom's last event of the Spring Semester. With a rambling contemporary Americana aesthetic, Anthony & the Tramps describe themselves as 'American Gypsy'. Melodic narratives wind through textured acoustic and electric instruments, while Anthony's lyrics spin images of urban and rural landscapes. At times, a flute provides a whimsical counterpoint in Sunday-afternoon type jams. Other times, the songs are driven and pushed by a forlorn wonder-lust. Wooden Rings is the solo project of Ramah Jihan, and his music is clearly influenced by traditional and classical music -- recalling old English ballads, but with a sophisticated, 20th century tonality. A talented guitar player, Jihan's plucked guitar and the accompanying cello provide beautiful through-composed interplay. Jihan's voices flows in easy melodies that gives the impression of a passive and pensive observer watching events and lives roll past him. The lyrics are often somber, but more than anything, the music of Wooden Rings gives the listener a sense of peace in a world that can leave us wanting more.

Songwriter Showcase with Shelly Steffens, Donny Mahlmeister and Brian Sulpizio

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:35:08 -0600

Shelly Steffens and Donny Mahlmeister of "A Tundra":http://www.atundra.com/home.php and Brian J Sulpizio of "Health&Beauty":http://healthbeautyband.com/ will be our featured songwriters at our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. Steffens crafts modern rock songs rooted in Chicago's post-rock tradition. She finds ways to make the awkward sound lyrical and the unpredictable seem obvious while keeping the listener on his toes with unconventional arrangements and melodies. Sulpizio's songs are often driven by a plucked guitar that dances over the beat. With influences that span modern jazz, Afrobeat and contemporary indie-rock, Sulizio distills his tastes into a focus and expressive style that incorporates improvisation.

Winter Waltz

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:08:40 -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 "Weepin’ Willows,":http://www.youtube.com/user/weepinwillows "Ami Saraiya,":http://amisaraiya.com/ and DJ Verb, traditional dance cards; and food catered by "Bin Wine Cafe;":http://www.binwinecafe.com/ complimentary drinks including a special Homeroom punch. To purchase tickets, please visit winterwaltz.eventbrite.com or click "here":http://winterwaltz.eventbrite.com/

Steampunk 101

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:45:30 -0500

Homeroom presents: Steampunk 101 featuring: Joe Mason Joe Vorteque Fay Kabian Steampunk has made its way into lots of fiction, art, movies, music, fashion and more. But what exactly is it and where does it come from? This movement that reenvisions history with anachronistic Victorian technology inspires modification of objects to reflect an aesthetic of brass goggles, airships, gears, steam-powered devices and more. Learn about steampunk or further your pre-existing preconceptions about it at this event that promises to make the past the future.

Rrap Kryeziu Solo Show

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:29:17 -0500

EEE participant Rrap Kryeziu will be presenting a solo show of his paintings at Saki Records. Come view the work of this amazing 17 year old prodigy.

Songwriter Showcase with Colin Tyler and James Berthiaume

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:21:38 -0500

"Colin Tyler":http://www.colintylermusic.com is a multi-genre singer-songwriter with a broad vocal range and poetic story-telling. Having spent time in touring bands of differing genres, recording in various studios and being fully immersed in the music industry culture, he has arrived at a unique point in his career giving him a very different perspective. His music seeks to avoid the superfluous and strike the core of the sentiment. Tyler speaks of moving beyond perfectionism is seek of raw and messy emotions. James Berthiaume sings and writes for the "Get.":http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Get/49783289825 Berthiaume brings Americana melodies, chord progressions and harmonies to indie rock forms. Even when his lyrics are forlorn or melancholy, Bertiaume always seems to be enjoying himself as though he cannot contain the joy of singing about a love that falls apart. His songs provide comfort and can uplift the most downtrodden.

Songwriter Showcase w/ Matt Priest and Dann Morr

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:09:04 -0500

Matt Priest of "Canasta":http://www.canastamusic.com/ and Dann Morr of "Wells-next-the-Sea":http://www.facebook.com/wellsnextthesea?v=info will be featured at our Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. While playing bass with Chicago veteran rockers Canasta, Matt Priest crafts straight forward pop anthems. He avoids the superfluous, but uses careful arrangements and subtle turns to provide depth. Priest, who also plays trombone, seduces listeners through slow developing melodies and a musical exuberance that seems to emerge regardless of his subject matter. Canasta recently performed a tribute set to Belle and Sabastian, and his songs might be understood as an American extension that British indie-pop outfit. Sometimes, the hardest to write are mid-tempo songs that are void of extreme emotions. But this is where Dann Morr excels. Morr's songs give the sense of time moving along, indifferent to the lives that occupy it. Morr's voice never strains or strays, but is firmly lofted above plucked guitar and violin. Notes of melancholy and tepid optimism color his compositions, and strong imagery plants the listener somewhere solid, if just for a fleeting moment. Photo by Eduardo R. Ortiz Romeu.

MIxology 101 featuring Mike Ryan and Roger Kamholz

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:09:12 -0500

Mike Ryan (Head Bartender at Sable restaurant) Roger Kamholz (Food and Drink writer for Chicagoist.com) Topics discussed will include: The history of the cocktail in America The recent revival of craft cocktails The cocktail scene in Chicago The origin of the term "Mixology" What distinguishes a Mixologist from a Bartender How to make a good cocktail and more...

YouTube Assembly: Catie Olson and Meg Duguid presenting a "10 Course Meal"

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:58:01 -0500

*Meg Duguid* and *Catie Olson* have scoured YouTube's vast horizons to each create a 10-course feast for the eyes and tummy. Meg will be presenting a visual Food Explosion! where visions of sugar plums will dance in your head. Her menu includes sweet exotics like Gummy Army Men and a Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean. But it doesn't stop there, save room for a seasoned sonic tasting presented by Catie (aka DJ Meals!) Decades of delectables, including crunchy potato morsels, will be served with complementing tastes of wine. Catie Olson is multi-disciplinary artist born in Decatur, Illinois, the pleasant home of two chicken cars. She received her BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1995 in Agriculture, ventured to Chicago and received her BFA at the School of the Art Institute in 2000. Catie organizes SpiderBug, a mobile short film festival, along with her husband, EC Brown. The pair also run Floor Length and Tux, an apartment art space. Catie has an animation that will be shown in the International Pancake Film Festival in Boston upcoming in July. She has shown work in Chicago including Heaven, Swimming Pool, antena and minidutch galleries. "catieolson.com":http://www.catieolson.com "floor length and tux":http://www.floorlengthandtux.com "Spiderbug":http://www.spiderbug.org Meg Duguid was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her MFA in from Bard College. She has performed and exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, the DUMBO Arts Festival in Brooklyn, and 667 Shotwell in San Francsiso. Duguid has screened work at Synthetic Zero in New York, Spiderbug in Chicago, and at the Last Supper Festival in Brooklyn. Duguid lives and works in Chicago, IL where she runs Clutch Gallery, a 25 square-inch white cube located in the heart of her purse. "megduguid.com":http://megduguid.com/home.html

YouTube Assembly: "Power" w/ Daniel Tucker and Deborah Stratman

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:29:04 -0500

POWER: On and Off the Grid Deborah Stratman is a Chicago-based artist and filmmaker interested in landscapes and systems. Her films, rather than telling stories, pose a series of problems - and through their at times ambiguous nature, allow for a complicated reading of the questions being asked. Many of her films point to the relationships between physical environments and the very human struggles for power, ownership, mastery and control that are played out on the land. Most recently, they have questioned elemental historical narratives about freedom, expansion, security, and the regulation of space. She has exhibited internationally at venues including the Whitney Biennial, MoMA, the Pompidou, Hammer Museum and many international film festivals including Sundance, the Viennale, Ann Arbor and Rotterdam. "pythagorasfilm.com":http://www.pythagorasfilm.com Daniel Tucker has worked as a cultural and political organizer in Chicago for over ten years, initiating a number of large-scale local projects and events. His particular focus has been on documenting social and cultural movements and the places from which they emerge. Most of his work exists in a blurry line between documentary, advocacy, journalism, curating and art-making and deals with themes of political imagination, localism, hidden history, economy and community. All of his projects utilize careful consideration of audience and distribution and involve significant research and relationship building to have effective and lasting impact. "miscprojects.com":http//:miscprojects.com

YouTube Assembly: NSFW with Fred Sasaki and Buki Bodunrin

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:26:33 -0500

Make sure the boss isn’t looking! This YouTube Assembly is NSFW! Adebukola Bodunrin and Fred Sasaki have compiled the best of the worst, horrible to hilarious, boredom busting videos. An evening ranging from the tragic to the comedic; Fred will present the fabulous taboo, featuring hot Jewish girls, a Japanese erection, and dancing! Keep watching as Buki sticks it to the man with a collection featuring regular folks making videos while on the clock, those damn kids subverting and taking advantage of corporate identity, and even more dancing!

Songwriter Showcase featuring Maria Jenkins from Hollows and Stephen Ucherek of Village

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:22:14 -0500

Maria Jenkins of "Hollows":http://hollowschicago.com/ is clearly influenced by the Beach Boys, Mod rock and other 60's music. But to describe her and Hollows as simply a girl group throw back would be to miss the subtleties that make her songs unique. A punk aesthetic and a lyrical sense of self awareness give Jenkins's songs an adroit edge. Her voice cuts through thick keyboards and guitars to deliver sophisticated melodies that develop throughout the course of the song. Jenkins builds tension through slightly disonate refrains before releasing with yells and sweeping choruses. With a voice that seems unafraid to fight the rising tide, Stephen Phillip Ucherek of "Village":http://www.myspace.com/villagegroup writes like he's in a state of self exorcism. Like with Pavement or Hendrix, guitars seem like they are on the verge of bursting free, even in Ucherek's more subdued songs. A sweet melancholy, more than a deep despair, provides the depth, and the lyrics provide more of a setting than a story.

Footwork 101 featuring Miles Raymer and members of FootworKINGz

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:59:16 -0500

Miles Raymer (columnist for the Chicago Reader) Trevell "TJ" Johnson and Stephan "Stepz" Gregory of the FootworKINGz (as featured on MTV"s "American's Best Dance Crew") Miles will give a genealogy Footwork as a musical genre, tracing its roots back to early Chicago House and Juke. TJ and Stephan will explain Footwork as a dance style by showing video and doing live demonstrations of specific steps and techniques. Don't miss this chance to engage in an exciting underground dance and music culture that is unique to Chicago.

Photography Exhibition of Diego Campos, Paulina Pei and Allison Steffens

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:03:39 -0500

Emerging and Established Artist Exchange participant Diego Campos has curated an exhibition that will feature his work, and the work of Paulina Pei and Allison Steffens. Pleaes join us from 6-9 to view these young photographers in their first professinal show.

View from Jackson and Loomis

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:32:53 -0500

Whitney Young 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 program details below.

Britney Spears 101

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:11:30 -0500

Liz Mason, Chris Smit, and Judy Hoffman will each speak on topic of Britney Spears. "Liz Mason":http://lizsmasoniclodge.blogspot.com/ has been self-publishing zines for fourteen years. Her work has been printed in such publications as The Chicago Tribune, Punk Planet, Venus, Lumpen and The Zine Yearbook. Her most recent published work is "Caboose #7: Britney Spears 101," which focuses on her experience undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer, as seen through the lens of consumerism, celebrity obsession and public scrutiny. "Christopher Smit,":http://smitwork.com/ PhD, is an Associate Professor of Media Studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His newest book is "The Exile of Britney Spears: A Tale of 21st Century Consumption." His work on disability, aesthetics, culture, and popular music can be found in a variety of texts and journals. He is also an award-winning singer-songwriter and musician who currently fronts the band The New Midwest. Judy Hoffman is an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, as well as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago in the Department of Cinema and Media Studies and Department of Visual Arts. Hoffman has worked on films about such topics as Howard Zinn, Studs Terkel,the Dalai Lama and Chicago politics, just to name a few. She is also the director of Stages: 3 Days In Mexico, about Britney Spears’ 2002 concerts in Mexico City.

Songwriter Showcase featuring Chris Salveter & Angela Mullenhour Curated by CHIRP

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:53:09 -0600

"CHIRP":http://www.chirpradio.org/ (Chicago Independent Radio Project) curates this evening of songwriters. "Chris Salveter’s":http://www.myspace.com/judsonclaiborne songs are patient, stripped down, and disarming, and are almost enchanting in their simplicity. He writes, “the songs herein are mostly narratives about my strange and beautiful travels, encounters, adventures, family, lovers, and dreams.” Textures and melodies stray in and out of his music, but stays true to a single, albeit winding, path. "Angela Mullenhour":http://www.myspace.com/sybris has one the most distinctive voices in Chicago. As lead singer for "Coins":http://www.myspace.com/angellencoins and "Sybris":http://www.myspace.com/sybris, Mullenhour can effortlessly shift between indie crooner to fierce iconoclast. Her songs are journeys with whimsical detours and schizophrenic outcomes -- passion gives way to a timid beauty before leaping into a contemplative shriek. With a stage presence that cannot be ignored, Mullenhour is an unmistakable force in Chicago music.

Homeroom Fundraiser w/ Blasted Diplomats, Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Tiny Cover Band and My Damn Butterfly

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:12:29 -0600

Homeroom will be hosting a fundraiser with some of Chicago's best and most innovative cover bands. The evening will include a raffle for local record stores. "Blasted Diplomats":http://www.myspace.com/blasteddiplomats are one of Chicago's rowdiest bands, and will be playing some of their favorite covers. "The Blue Ribbon Glee Club":http://blueribbongleeclub.org/ is composed of nearly thirty singers and sings some of your favorite punk and rock hits. "Tiny Cover Band":http://www.facebook.com/pages/TCB-tiny-cover-band/317076105560 uses tiny instruments to play an assortment of pop hits. "My Damn Butterfly":http://www.myspace.com/mydamnbutterfly one of Chicago's most ecclectic a cappella choirs, has been performing in Chicago since 2000. The five-woman ensemble has been billed at many of the city's top music venues.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Mark Jumper and John Lennox

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:48:42 -0600

Tyler Cannan of "Saki Records":http://sakistore.net/ curates the evening that features Mark Jumper of "Bob Dey's Tank Engine Man":http://www.myspace.com/tankengine and John Lennox of "Panoramic and True":http://www.myspace.com/panoramictrue. Mark Jumper's songs fly all over the map -- his songs range from from stripped down and lo-fi to physchelic and strange to garage rock. A Kinks influence can be heard in his singing and arrangements. Jumper also writes with a modern irreverence that seems to defy any sense of the sacred or pure. It's hard to predict what we'll get when he performs, so you'll just have to show up and find out. Originally from Montreal, John Lennox moved to Chicago in 2006. After two solo albums, Lennox formed Panoramic and Ture, which released the very well received self titled debut in 2010. Lennox's songs are clearly influenced by British pop and rock. The forlorn gait of his compostions at times recalls Belle and Sebastian. Lennox's lyrics suggest a soul that will be forever searching for and sometimes finding beauty. Check out a video "here":http://vimeo.com/16409467 of "I Love You Too."

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Baron von Something + Dave Onderdonk and Loto Ball Show

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:37:01 -0600

Join us for our regular Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. "Baron von Something + Dave Onderdonk":http://mbaronmusic.com/ create an unprecedented collaboration combining a direct and traditional rock structure with an intricate and hushed tone. Baron von Something is the musical vehicle for Matt Baron of Coach House Sounds. "Loto Ball Show":http://www.lotoballshow.com/ has been testing the limits with visceral, experimental punk music since the early 90s. Involving himself in various collaborations as an organist, trumpet player, noise punk frontman, and clown for Chicken John's (GG Allin) Circus Redickuless band, Loto Ball makes for a must-see.

Underground Comix 101 featuring Joe Tallarico, George Hansen, and Edie Fake

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:05:43 -0600

Artist and comics aficionado "Joe Tallarico":http://robotcastle.blogspot.com/ will give a brief overview of the genre before sitting down with the 1970's underground Comix artist "George Hansen":http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JpL3ECGEjKAJ:lambiek.net/artists/h/hansen_george.htm+george+hansen+comics&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a&source=www.google.com as well as current comic superstar "Edie Fake":http://ediefake.com/ where they will discuss the past, present and future of comics, Comics, and Comix. There will be things to buy for collectors as well as a screening of rare 1920's and 30's cartoons for weirdos and nerds.

Horror 101 featuring Adam Hart and Megan Milks

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:03:40 -0600

Adam Hart will give a talk called, ""What's the Point of a Monster?: Freddy, Jason and the Villains of Horror" in which he will dissect (no pun intended) slasher films of the 70s and 80s and discuss how to understand the purpose of and fascination with monsters and villains in the horror film and how they've changed through the genre's development. Megan Milks will speak on Women in Horror films, specifically the notion of the Monstrous Feminine and how it's exploited in the genre. She'll then turn to some more contemporary horror narratives that attempt to either eschew or satirize these tropes.

Hobos 101: The Return of the Hobo College

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:01:19 -0600

Hark, hark, the dogs do bark! For one night only, the Hobo College of old reconvenes. Topics to be discussed include "Panhandling vs. Mooching"; "Riding the Rails: Over, Under, or In"; "The American Tramp, Then and Now"; "The Secret of the Big Rock Candy Mountain"; and "The Great Windsor-Clifton Beggars Banquet of 1908." True blowed-in-the-glass stiffs will be on hand to lend their expert opinions. Scissorbills and shacks need not attend. Artist, poet, and writer Tony Fitzpatrick relays the lore of the Hobo Alphabet, with a reading and screening from his new book, This Train (Firecat). Gentleman and scholar Paul Durica conducts interviews with rail riders and hobo organizers. Plus songs sung from the I.W.W. Little Red Song Book. All aboard!

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Ami Saraiya and Arthi Meera

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:49:28 -0600

"Ami Saraiya":http://amisaraiya.com/ is at times sensuous and seductive and at others, playful and quirky. Beautiful orchestration, that often includes accordian, is lush and frames Saraiya's rich voice. Dark gypsy waltzes, accordian chamber pop and a touch of Bollywood cheekiness give her songs a rich depth. "Arthi Meera":http://www.myspace.com/arthimeera/music is a Chicago artist with a clear voice and a direct approach to composition. At times, Meera's songs produce a meditative mood -- still and searching. Her melodies, rising and falling, narrate as much as her lyrics. Quietly moving, Meera can create a narcotic effect no listener wants to let go of.

Ten x Ten Gallery Viewing

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:24:52 -0600

Join us in celebrating the opening night of "Ten x Ten":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10 at the LivingRoom Gallery. All ten prints will be on display from January 14th to February 19th. Opening night will run from 6 to 9pm, and will feature music by the "Strictly Jug Nuts":http://strictlyjugnuts.com/ and homemade donuts. The Ten by Ten features prints made by Dee Clements, Sanya Glisic, Kathleen Judge, Angee Lennard, Jeremy Onsmith, Colin Palombi, Joey Potts, Grant Reynolds, Tom Smith, and Sonnenzimmer.

Ten by Ten: The Late Model Races and Christine Kick

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:06:34 -0600

Every Tuesday of January 2011, Homeroom and Spudnik Press will be celebrating the release of their collaborative project called Ten by Ten with a series of shows at the Whistler in Logan Square. For a complete list of print artists and musicians participating in Ten by Ten, click "here.":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10 The impetus of the project was to develop a relationship between Chicago bands and printmakers that went beyond show posters. To this end, ten artist/printmakers were asked to choose a favorite Chicago band or musical artist. The bands each recorded a song for inclusion on a compilation. The printmakers then created a 10 inch by 10 inch 3-color print design inspired by the song they commissioned. "The Late Model Races":http://www.jasoncreps.com/ is the brand new project of photographer Jason Creps. Creps might best be known musically as the drummer of the now defunct Low Skies. The Late Model Races specialize in beautiful and subtle instrumentals. "Christine Kick":http://www.myspace.com/christinekick is a self-produced singer and songwriter whose charming vocals and layered arrangements are sure to draw listeners who appreciate quiet, thoughtful, melody-driven music. Her accompaniments showcase string instruments, from guitar to mandolin to cello to ukeleles.

Ten x Ten: Blasted Diplomats and Nones

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:31:58 -0600

Every Tuesday of January 2011, Homeroom and Spudnik Press will be celebrating the release of their collaborative project called Ten x Ten with a series of shows at the Whistler in Logan Square. For a complete list of print artists and musicians participating in Ten by Ten, click "here.":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10 The impetus of the project was to develop a relationship between Chicago bands and printmakers that went beyond show posters. To this end, ten artist/printmakers were asked to choose a favorite Chicago band or musical artist. The bands each recorded a song for inclusion on a compilation. The printmakers then created a 10 inch by 10 inch 3-color print design inspired by the song they commissioned. "Blasted Diplomats,":http://www.myspace.com/blasteddiplomats a super-group of sorts, is comprised mostly of Reckless Records clerks. “Blast Mats” for short, play the kind of fun, fuzzy, reference-filled garage that you would expect would establish them as one of the most noteworthy and satisfying workhorse live acts in town. "Nones":http://www.myspace.com/nonessongs is a 4 piece band from Chicago featuring Brandon Bayles on vocals, sax and guitar, Erin Page on vocals and guitar, Tara Noonan on bass and Sara Jean on drums. Their genre-bending sound has been compared to the Stooges, Big Black, Flipper and the Jesus Lizard. The rawness of the music combined with a high-energy live performance makes this band a local favorite. Their first self-released 7” single with hand-printed sleeve displays their DIY approach to their craft. Photo by John Sturdy.

Ten x Ten: Jason Adasiewicz

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:22:49 -0600

Every Tuesday of January 2011, Homeroom and Spudnik Press will be celebrating the release of their collaborative project called Ten x Ten with a series of shows at the Whistler in Logan Square. For a complete list of print artists and musicians participating in Ten x Ten, click "here.":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10 The impetus of the project was to develop a relationship between Chicago bands and printmakers that went beyond show posters. To this end, ten artist/printmakers were asked to choose a favorite Chicago band or musical artist. The bands each recorded a song for inclusion on a compilation. The printmakers then created a 10 inch by 10 inch 3-color print design inspired by the song they commissioned. "Jason Adasiewicz":http://jasonadasiewicz.com/ is a prolific member of Chicago’s jazz and improvised music scene and quite possibly the city’s most busy vibist. Adasiewicz performs with more than 20 working bands, including the Guillermo Gregorio Trio, Fred Lonberg-Holm’s Valentine Trio + 1, Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra, the Nicole Mitchell Quartet and Ken Vandermark’s Double Quartet. Opening up will be "EEE":http://homeroomchicago.org/pages/2-eee-application participant "Dave Miller":http://davemillerguitar.wordpress.com/ performing with his trio featuring Jake Vinsel on bass and Tim Daisy on drums.

Ten x Ten: Netherfriends and Locks at the Whistler

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:14:56 -0600

Every Tuesday of January 2011, Homeroom and Spudnik Press will be celebrating the release of their collaborative project called Ten x Ten with a series of shows at the Whistler in Logan Square. For a complete list of print artists and musicians participating in Ten x Ten, click "here.":http://spudnikpress.com/10x10 The impetus of the project was to develop a relationship between Chicago bands and printmakers that went beyond show posters. To this end, ten artist/printmakers were asked to choose a favorite Chicago band or musical artist. The bands each recorded a song for inclusion on a compilation. The printmakers then created a 10 inch by 10 inch 3-color print design inspired by the song they commissioned. "Netherfriends":http://www.myspace.com/netherfriends recently signed with indie label Emergency Umbrella. Their debut 6-song EP “Calling You Out,” fuses heavily layered arrangements with group sing-a-longs, spare pianos, glockenspiels and other hard to place, but familiar sounds. The three-piece psychedelic pop band has grabbed attention from the publications Blender and RCRD LBL, and has played at SXSW in Austin, CMJ in New York, and most recently the 2010 Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. "Locks":http://locksism.com/ has taken the concept of "two people with samplers and some instruments" and turned it into a band. The first full length by this unpredictable Chicago duo, The Kitchen-Sink, is post-prog-minimalist song-craft served with an absurdist's eye for detail. Photo by Elise Tanner and photoshoped by Mary Charlene.

Heavy Metal 101 featuring Michael Robbins and Keidra Chaney

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:30:54 -0500

Ever wonder what distinguishes Doom Metal from Black Metal? Keidra Chaney will walk us through a geneology of Heavy Metal including an editorial analysis of what makes “true” metal different than, you know, stuff you’ve probably heard. Poet Michael Robbins will give some personal musings on the value of Metal and talk about what its like to become a Metalhead later in life. Chicago Underground Film Festival Curator and Black Metal Junkie Bryan Wendorf will keep things loud before and after the lecture.

YouTube Assembly with Lori Felker and Nicholas O'Brien

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:19:16 -0500

Oh Snap! Another YouTube Assembly featuring Lori Felker and Nicholas O'Brien. Felker and O'Brien will be presenting on the topic of DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER, delving into many different layers of parody, slander, and character hacking. The night will involve many different depictions and reenactments, all piled together to explore how YouTube has effected and influenced the growing unstable nature of self-dom and common character... types. They will weave a dense history that will at once seem familiar but will also unravel as the night goes on. The event aims to leave viewers uncertain where origins and copies begin and end, eventually complicating the otherwise formulaic paradigms of what constitutes authentic portraits of people and their behaviors.

Music Copyright 101 w/ Miles Raymer, Thomas Irvin and Johnathan Crawford

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:05:12 -0500

September's 101 will consist of a panel discussion about copyright law as it pertains to music featuring: Intellectual Property Lawyer Thomas Irvin The Chicago Reader's Sharp Darts columnist Miles Raymer Label Owner Johnathan Crawford (of Candy Dinner) Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about how the law protects musicians, songwriters and the profits of the huge corporations that they work for.