Homeroom - Events

Perpetual Ends: A film and video program assembled by Colin Palombi

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:09:00 -0500

Homeroom at Elastic Arts Foundation 2830 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60618 This program draws from Enduring Ends: A Video Program for End Times, which screened at Lasso Gallery on January the 26th, 2008. Now in its third, and perhaps last incarnation, the show is compiled of shorts that depict the end in many facets. The first half is paranoid, showing visions apocalyptic futures and altered landscapes, while the second half contemplates more personal ends. An underlying theme of the work also comments on the shifting use of technologies used in filmmaking. VHS, Nintendo, and found film are used and prove that they to can endure the end of their time. FEATURING: Sunset Coda by Kent Lambert (3:30, Video, 2006), Yosemite in TechnoColor by Brian Hank Henry (6:00, Video, 2006), And We All Shine On by Michael Robinson (7:00, 16mm, 2006), Hymn of Reckoning by Kent Lambert (7:00, Video, 2006), The Pain with Being Thirsty by David Yun (6:30, Video, 2007), The General Returns From One Place to Another by Michael Robinson (11:00, 16mm, 2006), Diagram 1-5 by Colin Palombi (5:00, Video, 2005), Ask the Insects by Steve Reinke (8:00, Video, 2005), Regarding the Pain of Susan Sontag (Notes on Camp) by Steve Reinke (4:00, Video, 2006), Artist Statement by Daniel Barrow (5:25, Video, 2006) TRT: 64:00

The Zoo Wheel & Leaf Bird at Music Garage

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:25:02 -0500

345-7 N Loomis Street Chicago The Music Garage – a leading rehearsal space in Chicago & NYC – is hosting HOMEROOM for an outdoor show featuring The Zoo Wheel & Leaf Bird. The Zoo Wheel is Liz Payne’s first solo project. Liz plays bass in the acoustic minimalist band Town and Country (Thrilljockey). She is also part of the the quartet Pillow (Bottrop Boy) and has played with many Chicago improvisers, among them Ken Vandermark and Adam Vida. Leaf Bird is a seven-member group led by Chicago musician Tyler Beach (Fingers and Toes, Leaves). In Beach's words: Leaf Bird is a leaf bird attempting to draw out some vague representation of the sounds that resound within him. The event will also feature a live video presentation by Colin Palombi and Jared Larsen. Using an overhead projector, Colin and Jared will draw over stock photos and footage in real time (a method nick-named scribble-prov).

youtube open mic

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:11:35 -0500

Join HOMEROOM at the Elastic Arts Foundation for our first Youtube open mic. Get up on stage and share your favorites. Kent Lambert will get the night started with a featured set of videos. Elastic Arts Foundation 2830 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd floor (above Friendship Chinese Restaurant)

around the coyote - friday

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:31:22 -0500

9:15 PM - Tomorrow Music Orchestra Tomorrow Music Orchestra is the chamber group led by bassist/composer Matthew Golombisky. With this 20-something piece ensemble of strings, winds, percussion, guitar and keyboards, Golombisky explores compositional methods that blend chance/random techniques, improvisation, and traditional orchestration. Nothing is too ambitious or grand for Tomorrow Music Orchestra; the forms seemingly leap between atonal, free improv, swing, funk and classical at whim. Since their debut performance at the Ice Factory in 2006, this assemblage of some of the city's finest jazz and classical instrumentalists has been performing in venues big and small all over Chicago and elsewhere. 8:15 - Sonic Inertia Sonic Inertia’s mission is to provide a forum for the creation and performance of new works of music, dance and electronic media. The Sonic Inertia Quintet is primarily focused with music and was formed promote the mission in more conventional venues. The ensemble seeks to showcase original compositions and collaborate with similar arts groups and artists in their constant effort seeking new forms and expressions. Composers Matthew Coley and Dr. Bjorn Berkhout lead an ensemble that includes hammer dulcimer, cello, piano, vibraphone and clarinet. 6:15 - Anomie Anomie exists at the intersection of contemporary classical music and indie rock. Melodic and formal structures are challenged as Anomie searches for beauty in the dissonant and the obscure. While the melodies are often angular and at times atonal, the rhythms are often paced in 4/4 by laptop. This is modern chamber music. Anomie pulls influence from Expressionist composers, Radiohead, and Bang on a Can. Live performers play violin, flute, clarinet, cello, and piano, while machines play drum, bass and synthesizer.

around the coyote - saturday

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:55:19 -0500

Scale Model Scale Model is a four piece indie rock/pop group with striking vocals and sophisticated arrangements. They are evidence that pop music can be a higher form of music. The female-fronted group utilizes counter-point, syncopation and searching lyrics to create their energetic and dynamic sound. Scale Model draws influence The Cure, The Smiths, Ivy, Midlake, Broken Social Scene, Karate, and anything with strong songwriting. (Photo by Luku Rock Photography.) Mike Musikanto Mike Musikanto leads a five-piece, folk/alt-country/rock-Americana band formed in 2005 and released his debut EP “Love and Anxiety” in 2007. With a lineup of acoustic guitar, bass, electric keyboard, violin, pedal steel, drums, and passionate, drawling vocals, Musikanto allows each sound find its place in a rich tapestry of auditory stimulation. The group formerly known as Sleeper Car celebrates elements of orchestral music, country and jazz while maintaining the continuity of the American Folk tradition. With the lyrical weight of artists like Tom Waits and Elliott Smith, Musikanto's narratives rattle the core of the human spirit. John Wesley's Band Featuring artists from the Riptones, Second Hand Poets, Daphne Willis and Howlin' Tumbleweeds, John Wesley's Band is a collective of some of Chicago's finest Americana, rock, alt-country and jazz musicians. Performances cover an engaging variety of songs, from inventive new takes on old spirituals to originals influenced by 50s country and gospel and bluegrass. Anchored by the clear and transfixing voice of Julia Klee and supported by premier instrumentalists, John Wesley's Band presents a rousing, riveting show of lively country and lyrical originals and creative renditions of early American gospel classics. Todd Kessler Todd Kessler is a passionate singer/songwriter, and his music is subtly arranged and powerfully delivered. Kessler’s lyrics are an insightful commentary on ourselves as people and our self as a society. Grounded in the traditions of Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, Kessler is influenced by artists like by Ray LaMontagne, M. Ward and David Gray.

around the coyote - sunday

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:22:20 -0500

Kyle Mann Combo Drawing upon a wide range of styles and influences, Kyle Mann Combo deliver a fresh brand of piano-driven rock that blends the unique and the familiar. Evoking colors reminiscent of indie pop, jazz, cabaret, progressive rock and earthy folk, the Kyle Mann Combo contrasts carefully crafted arrangements with extended improvised passages. Since its inception in 2005, the group has explored with a modular approach to both personnel and composition, allowing the music to breathe with a life of its own. The Kyle Mann Combo features: Kyle Mann - Vocals, Piano/Keyboards, Guitar; Vince Naples - Bass, Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar; and Matt Nagrodski – Drums. Grun-Tu-Molani Grun-Tu-Molani performs and composes music with rock forms and rhythms but by using jazz approaches to melodic and harmonic development. Sonic spaces and modes are explored with layered harmonies and textures while an unfaltering beat shapes and drives the music. Trumpet and Rhodes organ carry much of the melody in what could be described as ‘minimalist fusion’ as Grun-Tu-Molani travels the paths blazed by “Bitches Brew” and Isotope 217. The Moshier-Lebrun Collective The Moshier-Lebrun Collective has been a part of the Chicago music scene since its formation in early 2007. Best described as modern jazz at the intersection of gospel and art-rock, this band grooves with soul and intellect. The Arts of Life Band The Arts of Life Band is the music program for Arts of Life, which is an arts studio in Chicago for artists who have developmental disabilities. The Arts of Life Band performs songs with special meaning to its members. Band members work on creating original lyrics, singing, and learning how to play different instruments. The music program is directed by Ryan Shuquem. Music program artists are Veronica Cuculich, David Krueger, Christina Zion, Jean Wilson, Mike Marino and Kelly.

Joshua Dumas and Rock Falls: Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:41:22 -0500

Joshua Dumas, of the Notes and Scratches, writes songs that unfold with vivid imagery, understated melodies and the driving pulse of uncertainty. myspace.com/notesandscratches Rock Falls uses a playful approach to bring the listener into her intimate and subtle songwriting. myspace.com/rockfalls At Elastic Arts (2830 N Milwuakee, 2nd Floor.)

taqwacore

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:48:37 -0600

Pulaski Park Fieldhouse 1419 W. Blackhawk Street CHICAGO HOMEROOM presents a showcase of young artists featuring TAQWACORE (Islamic punk) artists **Al Thawra**, London-based actor and rapper **Riz MC**, and Chicago hip-hop mainstay **All Natural**. Toronto-based filmmaker **Omar Majeed** will open the program with remarks and clips from his forthcoming documentary **TAQWACORE.** **ALL AGES** 6 – 9 pm Riz Ahmed All Natural Al Thawra Remarks and film by Omar Majeed

Homeroom Benefit at Empty Bottle: The Blue Ribbon Glee Club and more

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:39:23 -0600

Homeroom will host its first event in a standard venue in hopes of raising its profile and recruiting members of Chicago's artistic community to become involved in Homeroom. The Blue Ribbon Glee Club is Chicago's premier all vocal, punk ensemble. With over 20 members, the group proves you don't need instruments to rock. Grun-Tu-Molani is fusion/rock group driven by trumpet and rhodes. Many of the songs are inspired by animals and explore the tonal space these animals occupy in our consciousness. Leaves is an improv quartet that shifts melody and texture seamlessly and eloquently among guitar, sax, bass and drums.

youtube open mic

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:52:02 -0600

Join HOMEROOM at the Elastic Arts Foundation for our second installment of the Youtube open mic. Get up on stage and share your favorites! BYOB! Elastic Arts Foundation 2830 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd floor (Above Friendship Chinese Restaurant)

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Garrett Brown of Hidden Mitten and The Dust Bunnies

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:59:27 -0500

Garrett Brown fronts The Hidden Mitten, a rock band with a forceful, rowdy live sound. But beneath the distortion and cymbal crashes, Brown's songs are well crafted and almost tender. As a songwriter, Brown has a very unique voice. The Dust Bunnies are also featured at our semi-regular Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. Share a song or just come out to hear some of Chicago's best songwriters in an intimate environment. Elastic Arts Foundation 2830 N Milwaukee

Around the Coyote with Julia and the Sweet Etc., The Get and Jared Grabb

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:30:58 -0500

Homeroom again curates music for the Around the Coyote Festival. We begin this three day event with soulful and country influenced rock. A pleasant departure from the expected, Julia and The Sweet Etcetera abandon the idea of contrived melody and forged verse for the thrill of raw honest music. Formed in early 2007, the band is Julia Klee (keys,vocals) Andrew Culhune (guitar) and Mike Neibaur (upright bass). The Get bring a straight forward approach to songwriting with simple harmonies flourished with beautiful harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Jared Grabb's music is full of contradictions and surprises. As a solo musician, Jared captivates audiences with a striking honesty of both words and song. The free event will be held at L Miller and Sons Lumber Yard at 1815 W. Division, Chicago.

Around the Coyote with Boutros, My My My and Project Ultra

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:46:56 -0500

Nicky and Dickie Boutros make irresistible electronic pop music. With a playful sound that seems influenced by Kraftwork and Hall and Oats simultaneously, Boutros will make you feel alright. Kyle Kostner of the Chicago Sun-Times say My My My is "fueled by rich interplay between the voices of Baylin and Sarah Snow, along with driving pop-rock rhythms dripping in Midwestern sensibility. My My My has drawn comparisons to the much-loved New Pornographers -- high, but certainly deserved, praise." Project Ultra is music that strives to eliminate all the filler. It is rock music that is propelled by tight grooves and melodies that cut straight into listener. Project Ultra is striking in aesthetic and hard to ignore. The free event will be held at L Miller and Sons Lumber Yard at 1815 W. Division, Chicago.

Around the Coyote with Conductive Alliance, The Dime Store String Band and The Main Men

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:58:42 -0500

Conductive Alliance combines acoustic and electronic sounds to create a sound that is both inviting and alienating and both intimate and grand. The music progresses through multiple soundscapes by traversing both the melodic and cacaphonic and thereby giving the listener a sense of journey with the songs. The Dimestore String Band plays Bluegrass with a large, and sometimes revolving, group of accomplished musicians. There is no better place to hear Bluegrass in Chicago. The Main Men bring a 21st approach to classic rock with great results. The free event will be held at L Miller and Sons Lumber Yard at 1815 W. Division, Chicago.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic with Garrett Brown and Tony Sackett

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:56:38 -0500

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our Songwriter Showase featuring Garrett Brown of the Hidden Mitten and Tony Sackett of Warms Ones. Following the songwriters of the 1990's, Garrett Brown's music is instantly appealing, but subversive in message and form. The Hidden Mitten is certainly one of Chicago's hardest rocking bands, and Garrett's songs feel direct and immediate. myspace.com/thehiddenmitten Tony's songs are straight forward rock with few frills -- his music is playful and earnest. Warms Ones describe themselves as "violently catchy guitarpop" and we think they're right. myspace.com/warmones Justin Petertil, our monthly host, is a bit of songwriting voyeur. His music, often performed with Love Raid, constrains a number of disparate influences into pop forms that belie their own complexity. At Elastic Arts, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Chicago.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic Featuring Mercedes Landazuri and Jared Grabb

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:04:36 -0500

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our Songwriter Showase featuring Mercedes Landazuri with Jodi Jean Amble and Jared Grabb. Mercedes is an accomplished banjoist specializing in traditional jazz and Brazilian bossa nova. She performs regularly in Chicago with several groups, including Bossa Saravah, Roommate and Chicago Samba. With a truely unique sound, Mercedes is a hidden treasure buried here in Chicago. Jodi Jean Amble is Mercedes's songwriting partner and they will perform as a duo. mercedesland.com Jared Grabb’s music is full of contradictions and surprises. As a solo musician who writes for both guitar and banjo, Jared captivates audiences with a striking honesty of both words and song. myspace.com/jaredgrabbsolo Justin Petertil, our monthly host, is a bit of songwriting voyeur. His music, often performed with Love Raid, constrains a number of disparate influences into pop forms that belie their own complexity. At Elastic Arts, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Chicago.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Chris Salveter and Reid Coker

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:15:17 -0500

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our Songwriter Showase featuring Chris Salveter of Judson Claiborne and Reid Coker of The Judy Green. Chris's songs are patient, stripped down, and are disarming and 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 his music stays true to a single, albeit winding, path. myspace.com/judsonclaiborne Reid Coker writes direct, satisfying songs performed on guitar and piano. His dark lyrics and spare compositions strike at the core of isolation and desperation. His clear, forlorn voice tempers the loneliness and detachment of his lyrics with the beauty and elegance of his remarkable melodies. thejudygreen.com Justin Petertil, our monthly host, is a bit of songwriting voyeur. His music, often performed with Love Raid, constrains a number of disparate influences into pop forms that belie their own complexity. At Elastic Arts, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Chicago.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Madsen Minax and The Wheels

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:25:56 -0500

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our Songwriter Showase featuring Madsen Minax of Actor Slash Model and Juliet Mizicko with LaRaie Zimm. Madsen's music is Americana Roots Music for contemporary lives. His music is acoustic and sparse, but powerful with strong lyrical strokes and pithy vocals. actorslashmodel.com 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. myspace.com/laraiez Justin Petertil, our monthly host, is a bit of songwriting voyeur. His music, often performed with Love Raid, constrains a number of disparite influences into pop forms that belie their own complexity. At Elastic Arts, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Chicago.

YouTube Assembly featuring Eric Graf and Alexander Stewart

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:31:47 -0500

The YouTube Assembly is an attempt to capture the phenomenon of viral video in a live event. The event consists of screening web-based video for a live, participating audience. Like karaoke or a traditional performance open mic, the YouTube Assembly creates a situation in which people take turns entertaining each other, in this case, by sharing their favorite Youtube clips. In the spirit of the popular YouTube interface, audience members will be encouraged to comment on the videos they watch, except out loud and in real time with no anonymity Each screening will feature a pair of hosts from different artistic backgrounds that will share their YouTube video picks and help facilitate the evening's open mic portion. Alexander Stewart lives in Chicago, Illinois. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he attended the University of Richmond and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His film work has screened at film festivals and galleries in the US, Europe, and Japan, including the Tribeca Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Alexander currently teaches at DePaul University, and curates a monthly screening series at Roots & Culture gallery. Eric Graf's bio has been deleted. The You Tube Assembly takes place at the "Nightingale":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ (1084 N. Milwaukee)

YouTube Assembly featuring Mairead Case and Bryan Wendorf

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:35:32 -0500

The YouTube Assembly is an attempt to capture the phenomenon of viral video in a live event. The event consists of screening web-based video for a live, participating audience. Like karaoke or a traditional performance open mic, the YouTube Assembly creates a situation in which people take turns entertaining each other, in this case, by sharing their favorite Youtube clips. In the spirit of the popular YouTube interface, audience members will be encouraged to comment on the videos they watch, except out loud and in real time with no anonymity. Each screening will feature a pair of hosts from different artistic backgrounds that will share their YouTube video picks and help facilitate the evening's open mic portion. Mairead Case is Managing Editor at Literago.org, The former Managing Editor at Proximity and Books Editor at Venus Zine, she's published fiction and criticism at places like featherproof, Pitchfork, Punk Planet, Village Voice Media, and Vice; started a writing program at an Indiana juvie; sold pumpkin pie wholesale; taught fangst lit to youth in libraries; and curated a radio show about dreams for Neighborhood Public Radio at the 2008 Whitney Biennial. Bryan Wendorf is the Artistic Director of the Chicago Underground Film Festival. The You Tube Assembly takes place at the "Nightingale":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ (1084 N. Milwaukee)

The 101 Lecture Show

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:42:27 -0500

The 101 Lecture Show is a monthly party organized in collaboration with "youmethemeverybody.com":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/– a website and podcast about Chicago arts and music. The show takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain in Chicago, hosted by Fred Sasaki. Each event features an expert, enthusiast, or fanatic who will give a short talk on a broad topic, followed by banter, late-night talk-show style. Evenings feature ukulele entertainment by house band, The Tiny Cover Band, who will provide accompaniment for karaoke at the end of each show. The debut 101 Lecture Show will feature JC Gabel talking about the life and death of Hunter S. Thompson. The Hungry Brain is located at 2319 W. Belmont. J.C. Gabel is the founding editor and publisher of "STOP SMILING":http://www.stopsmilingonline.com/, an arts & culture publication and web site based in Chicago and New York City. After 15 years at the helm of the magazine, STOP SMILING will morph into a book publishing imprint starting in 2010 through a partnership with Melville House/Random House. Gabel also writes regularly for Wallpaper, Playboy and Nylon.

101

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:26:46 -0500

101 is a monthly lecture series organized by Homeroom in collaboration with youmethemeverybody.com – a website and podcast about Chicago arts and music. The event takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain in Chicago. Each event features a different speaker who will give a short talk on a very specific or esoteric subject of interest, followed by an informal interview with the hosts that will include questions from the audience. The Tiny Cover Band will serve as the house band for the event providing musical interludes as well as accompaniment for a short karaoke session at the end of each show. The second 101 Lecture Show is a two-fer featuring Jay Ryan and Paul Hornschemeier. They will be talking and showing slides about life on the road together, after having just (and I mean just!) wrapped up a month long national book tour. They will be signing copies of Jay's book, "Animals and Objects in and out of Water," and Paul's book "All and Sundry: Uncollected Work, 2004-2009". Jay Ryan owns and operates the "Bird Machine":http://www.thebirdmachine.com and plays in the band "Dianogah":http://www.dianogah.com/. Paul Hornschemeier is a "graphic novelist":http://www.forlornfunnies.com/ and plays with the band "Music Hall":http://www.myspace.com/musichall. They both have really great hair, and big plans. The Hungry Brain is located at 2319 W Belmont.

Songwriter Showcase featuring Lily Schaffer and Roy Ivy

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:34:17 -0600

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our regular Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Lily Schaffer and Roy Ivy. "Lily Schaffer":http://lilyschaffer.com/ is a Chicago songwriter who channels skepticism and self doubt into broad melodies and rigid pop forms. Her strong voice rarely reaches; Shaffer alternates between a sung/spoken style and an effortless, airy voice. Even in her louder songs, she always maintains a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. "Roy Ivy":http://www.royivy.bandcamp.com/ is a songwriter from Texas where he was a founding member of Polyphonic Spree and The Tah Dahs. Ivy’s songs are often whimsical and avoid typical song structures. But his lyrics reveal darkness, loneliness and a general disgust with the crudeness of humanity and his own flawed nature. Ivy is anything but apathetic – his songs teem with frustration and hope expressed through his warm voice and simple guitar work. At Elastic Arts (2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor.)

EDELWEISS CARDENAS -Wanderers Wonder Where: Solo exhibition of paintings and drawings

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:34:23 -0600

Wanderers Wonder Where: New Paintings and Drawings by Edelweiss Cardenas LivingRoom Gallery - January 15-Feb. 27, 2010 Opening Friday, January 15, 6-9 pm In her first solo exhibition with LivingRoom Gallery, Edelweiss Cardenas shows new paintings and drawings that feature her “wanderers.” These free wheeling amoeboid forms putter, whiz, float, fall and plod past the viewers eyes in crisp, dark, intuitive line drawings and candy colored, patterned paintings. As they endlessly explore their surroundings, some displaced and others right at home, Cardenas’ figurative articulations emit a quixotic emotive power spanning everything from forlorn to fanciful. "Edelweiss Cardenas":http://edelweisscardenas.com/home.html was born in Mexico and lives and works in Chicago. She received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2009. She has previously exhibited at Marwen in 2008 and Murphy Hill Gallery in 2009. "LivingRoom Gallery":http://livingroomrealty.com/about-gallery/ is located at 1530 W. Superior St. Curated by Thea Liberty Nichols

101 featuring Shawn Campbell of CHIRP

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:44:50 -0600

101 is a monthly lecture series organized by Homeroom in partnership with "youmethemeverybody":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/ (a Chicago arts and music podcast). Each event features a different speaker who, in open dialogue with the audience, will give a short talk about not just what they do, but how and why they do it. Occasionally, 101 speakers also discuss other arts and culture makers that inspire and influence them. 101 takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) from February through May. Shawn Campbell, President and founder of Chicago Independent Radio Project ("CHIRP":http://chicagoindieradio.org/), will give a short talk about the newly launched web streaming radio station. Making "air" waves with more then just its live DJ sets and diverse musical output, Campbell will explain what being an independent station means to the organization, entailing everything from CHIRP’s legislative activism to their community building and beyond. A long time champion of all things radio, Shawn Campbell has worked as a media professional for over a decade, formerly as a producer at Chicago Public Radio and a program director at "WLUW":http://www.wluw.org/

101 featuring Mairead Case

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:24:29 -0600

101 is a monthly lecture series organized by Homeroom in partnership with YouMeThemEverybody(a Chicago arts and music podcast). Each event features a different speaker who, in open dialogue with the audience, will give a short talk about not just what they do, but how and why they do it. Occasionally, 101 speakers also discuss other arts and culture makers that inspire and influence them. 101 takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) from February through May. Mairead Case works at Columbia College Chicago and is Managing Editor at Literago.org. She's written and edited for Proximity, AREA Chicago, featherproof, the2NDHAND, Pitchfork.com, Punk Planet, Viceland.com, Squid Collective, and some other places. Mairead started a writing program at an Indiana juvie and did a radio show about dreams for Neighborhood Public Radio at the 2008 Whitney Biennial. Tonight she's talking about Greenwich Village folk music scene pioneer Karen Dalton.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerlove/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

101 featuring Anne Elizabeth Moore

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:48:52 -0600

101 is a monthly lecture series organized by Homeroom in partnership with "youmethemeverybody":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/ (a Chicago arts and music podcast). Each event features a different speaker who, in open dialogue with the audience, will give a short talk about not just what they do, but how and why they do it. Occasionally, 101 speakers also discuss other arts and culture makers that inspire and influence them. 101 takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) from February through May. Anne Elizabeth Moore is the author of Unmarketable: Brandalism, Copyfighting, Mocketing, and the Erosion of Integrity (The New Press, 2007), and Hey Kidz, Buy This Book: A Radical Primer on Corporate and Governmental Propaganda and Artistic Activism for Short People (Soft Skull, 2004). Co-editor and publisher of now-defunct Punk Planet, founding editor of the Best American Comics series from Houghton Mifflin, Moore teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when she’s not traveling the globe lecturing on freedom of speech issues. Recently, Moore mounted two single-person exhibitions of her conceptual art, has been the subject of two documentary films, and her work has appeared on the radio program Snap Judgment and in the Progressive, "truthout.org":http://www.truthout.org/, and the Boston Phoenix. Anne will be presenting LADYDRAWERS: The Thrilling World of Female Cartoonists and the Underthings They are Expected to Draw.

The YouTube Assembly featuring Jon Satrom

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:59:53 -0600

The YouTube Assembly consists of screening web-based video for a live and participating audience. Each event features a guest host presenting a collection of YouTube clips that elaborate on a project or theme in which they have some expertise or interest. In the spirit of the popular YouTube interface, audience members are encouraged to comment on the videos they watch, except out loud and in real time with no anonymity. After the presentation the host then invites audience members to share their own clips. Like karaoke or a traditional performance open mic, the YouTube Assembly creates a situation in which people take turns entertaining each other, thus bypassing the arguably isolating aspect of online networks like YouTube and encourage real, face-to-face interaction. The YTA is sponsored by Homeroom Chicago and is hosted by the Nightingale. Jon Satrom performs realtime audio/video, spends time data-bending, makes kludgey work-flows, creates colorful glitch-ware, and enjoys working within collaborative projects and open systems. He spends his days fixing things, making things work, and teaching. He spends his evenings breaking things, learning, and searching for the unique blips inherent to the systems he explores and exploits. Satrom is a faculty member at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, runs a small production studio called "Studio Thread":http://studiothread.com/, and is involved in various collective new-media efforts around Chicago.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonsatrom/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The YouTube Assembly featuring Mike Wolf

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:23:12 -0600

The YouTube Assembly consists of screening web-based video for a live and participating audience. Each event features a guest host presenting a collection of YouTube clips that elaborate on a project or theme in which they have some expertise or interest. In the spirit of the popular YouTube interface, audience members are encouraged to comment on the videos they watch, except out loud and in real time with no anonymity. After the presentation the host then invites audience members to share their own clips. Like karaoke or an open mic, the YouTube Assembly creates a situation in which people take turns entertaining each other, thus bypassing the arguably isolating aspect of online networks like YouTube and encourage real, face-to-face interaction. The YTA is sponsored by Homeroom Chicago and is hosted by the "Nightingale":http:\\www.nightingaletheatre.org. 1084 N Milwaukee. Mike Wolf presents: YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE LANDSCAPE! (LANDSCAPE IS ALWAYS PEOPLE!) To ask the question "what is my relationship to the landscape?" is to do better already. To know that the landscape is inextricable from people and that nothing is pristine is to do better still. The outlandish dreams of imperial capitalism only obscure the connections between people and land. When we each work for our own outlandish dream and find the wisdom to reconcile it with our neighbors the nightmares of imperialism will finally wither away. There is a lot of good collage material for these dreams on YouTube. Mike Wolf is a Midwestern itinerant cultural worker trapped in modern bohemian fantasies. At the moment he is in the early, agonizing stages of grasping the wisdom of de-colonization.

Songwriter Showcase featuring Eric Ziegenhagen and Isaac David Lyons

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:09:27 -0600

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our regular Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Eric Ziegenhagen and Isaac David Lyons. "Eric Ziegenhagen":http://ericzieg.com/ has a unique skill for narrative in his songwriting. Ziegenhagen’s lyrics are filled with mundane objects like street corners, breakfast dishes and dresses hanging in a shop window. And his themes are often not much grander than his imagery – he writes of small moments that quickly pass through the day and quirky thoughts that pop into our heads. His songs reveal and explore the deep emotions that so frequently accompany our everyday routines and quiet aspirations. Isaac David Lyons writes piano music much in the vein of Tom Waits. His songs recall taverns and bar rooms from the last century, while his lyrics are simple and humble. Lyons charm lies in the honesty of his songs and the bravado with which he belts out tales of love lost and isolation found.

Songwriter Showcase featuring Andy Rosenstein and Tyler Beach

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:12:30 -0600

Justin Petertil of Love Raid and Office hosts our regular Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Andy Rosenstein. "Andy Rosenstein":http://www.myspace.com/clipartsongs/ plays keyboard for Bumpus, and writes for and fronts Clip Art. Rosenstein’s songs draw inspiration from the pop music of the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. He avoids much of the cynicism of contemporary indie music. Instead, Rosenstein writes with an infectious exuberance and a playful naiveté. Even songs about breaking up bounce with optimism. "Tyler Beach":http://www.myspace.com/leaf_bird/ writes for and performs in Leaf Bird and numerous jazz projects. He plays and sings in a lanquid, gentle style that conveys a deep longing. As an accomplished jazz and soul guitar player, Beach prefers mellow, cascading melodies that sweep over his folk asthetic. He never rushes or forces an idea; Beach's music sips and savours. At Elastic Arts 2830 N Milwaukee (2nd floor)

Songwriter Showcase featuring Scott Masson and Kent Lambert

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:16:15 -0600

"Scott Masson":http://www.myspace.com/office/ of Office and The Juliets has been working to perfect and subvert the pop for more than a decade. While Masson strictly writes in the pop rock idiom, he can rarely resist the impulse to insert uncomfortable dissonance and lyrics. Even as his elegant melodies breeze through, Masson can be confrontational towards his subject and his audience. At times, his voice seems seduced and seducing, and at others, he seems tortured and cynical towards all things beautiful. While he is occasionally self searching, Masson is more apt to focus on others’ shortcomings and redemptions. Only his love songs are straight forward and reveal his untainted tenderness. "Kent Lambert":http://roommatemusic.com/ of Roommate writes dark, apocalyptic songs with stark atmospheres, both lyrically and musically. His songs rarely stray from a pop realm, but they stretch the form by bringing in unlikely sounds, frightening lyrics or almost disfiguring melodies. At times, he repeats an unsettling sound or disconcerting vocal line against a brighter or more mellifluous counterpoint building the tension to a nearly unbearable level before releasing into beautiful refrain. Much of his sound is accomplished by combining acoustic and electronic sources. Lambert primarily plays the keytar, but he also writes for woodwinds, strings, Theremins, saws, vibraphones and various analog machines along with traditional rock instruments. And yet, the arrangements never seem contrived or flamboyant. Lambert focuses every sound and every word into a singular, linear composition. At Elastic Arts, 2830 N Milwaukee (2nd floor)

101 featuring Michelle Garcia

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:09:25 -0600

101 is a monthly lecture series organized by Homeroom in partnership with "YouMeThemEverybody":http://www.youmethemeverybody.com/ (a Chicago arts and music podcast). Each event features a different speaker who, in open dialogue with the audience, will give a short talk about not just what they do, but how and why they do it. Occasionally, 101 speakers also discuss other arts and culture makers that inspire and influence them. 101 takes place the second Monday of each month at the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) from February through May. Michelle Garcia opened "Bleeding Heart Bakery":http://www.thebleedingheartbakery.com/ with Vinny Garcia in West Town in 2004. A popular success, the business has thrived, and the enterprise has expanded to three locations around the city. Bleeding Heart's mission, based on the Garcia's strong ethical and activist beliefs, is to use local, sustainable and organic ingredients in all of their pastries. Michelle Garcia will talk about her experience as a punk rock-trepreneur as well as her commitment to local and sustainable food culture. Michelle Garcia is a graduate of the French Pastry School and has spent years traveling, baking, learning and teaching. She was named ACF Regional Pastry Chef of the Year in 2006 and Chef in Focus by North American Pastry Art and Design.

The YouTube Assembly featuring Jesse McLean

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:50:18 -0600

The YouTube Assembly consists of screening web-based video for a live and participating audience. Each event features a guest host presenting a collection of YouTube clips that elaborate on a project or theme in which they have some expertise or interest. In the spirit of the popular YouTube interface, audience members are encouraged to comment on the videos they watch, except out loud and in real time with no anonymity. After the presentation the host then invites audience members to share their own clips. Like karaoke or an open mic, the YouTube Assembly creates a situation in which people take turns entertaining each other, thus bypassing the arguably isolating aspect of online networks like YouTube and encourage real, face-to-face interaction. The YTA is sponsored by Homeroom Chicago and is hosted by the "Nightingale.":http://nightingaletheatre.org/ Thematically based around fan culture, this screening will take a look at both fans and fan-created videos. Through our own cloudy voyeuristic lens, we will explore what it means to admire, to emulate and to obsess. Jesse McLean’s work is motivated by a deep curiosity about human behavior and relationships, especially as presented and observed through the mediation of found footage. Her recent work interpolates the production, proliferation, and consumption of televisual experience, investigating how this transfer of information creates a bind of complex relationships between maker and viewer. Interested both in the power and the failure of the mediated experience to bring us together, McLean's work asks the viewer to walk the line between voyeur and participant. "Jesse McLean":http://jessemclean.com/ received her MFA in Moving Image from University of Illinois at Chicago. Her work has been shown extensively throughout Chicago, as well as numerous film festivals around the country and beyond.

Homeroom Fundraiser at House Red in Forest Park

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:33:03 -0500

Homeroom will be hosting a fundraiser at House Red (7403 W Madison in Forest Park.) The event will feature a silent art auction, music and plenty of information about Homeroom. Also, Homeroom will receive 10% of all wine sales. After House Red, we'll head down to Molly Malone's at 10 pm for sets by the "Wheels,":http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wheels/167829863372 "Love Raid":http://loveraid.us/ and the "Get":http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/james.berthiaume?v=app_2405167945&ref=ts.

101: Juggalos

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:21:54 -0500

"Derek Erdman":http://www.derekerdman.com/ and Jenny Benevento will discuss Juggalo culture and Insane Clown Posse, the hip-hop group that inspires the phenomenom. Derek Erdman is a writer, painter and battle rapper.

Physics for Listeners: a Composer's Concert

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:28:27 -0500

Homeroom brings together six composers, three jazz and three contemporary classical, to write and arrange music for a single ensemble. Keefe Jackson, Frank Rosaly, Guillermo Gregorio, Eric Malmquist, James Falzone and Kyle Vegter will be featured.

Physics for Listeners: a Composer's Concert

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:37:05 -0500

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Ed Anderson and Andy Wagner

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:08:03 -0500

Josh Dumas of Notes and Scratches hosts this event. "Ed Anderson,":http://www.myspace.com/1900s writes for 1900’s and Mazes, both acclaimed Chicago bands. Anderson seems to constantly seek a balance between simple and grand. His melodies and harmonies are simple, but build on each other to create a full, deep aesthetic. At times, Anderson’s melodies suggest Americana and country music, and at others, indie pop and rock. His sound is never harsh or brash, but can still startle the audience with unexpected turns. A held note may move from discordant to resolute, and back again, as the music shifts under his voice. Regardless of lyrics that often deal with darker subjects, Anderson’s music is fundamentally affirming and comforting. "Andy Wagner's":http://andywagner.net/ songs possess a sense space and distance. Wagner’s weathered voice drifts through plucked guitars, giving a feeling of time suspended. As a multi-instrumentalist, Wagner sings his stories and moods with a confident patience. At times, his music is packed with regret and loss, but Wagner also conveys a beautiful passivity and numbness that accompanies years of sadness. It's always a great time and a great opportunity to hear some of Chicago's best songwriters in an intimate environment.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic featuring Rock Falls and Barilium

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:11:54 -0500

Annie Reese of Rockfalls hosts this showcase and open mic. This is always a great event to hear Chicago songwriters in an intimate environment.

Archaeology of Chicago Music 101

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:01:08 -0500

October's 101 will feature Rob Sevier "(Numero Group)":http://www.numerogroup.com/ Steve Krakow aka "Plastic Crimewave":http://plasticcrimewave.com/ (Secret HIstory of Chicago Music)to discuss the history of Chicago music. Both are venerated historians of Chicago's music, particularly those musicians and songs that most people have forgotten about or never knew about. Please come out to learn the history you never knew.

101 Lecture Series

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:50:51 -0500

The features are TBA, so please check back soon.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic hosted by Roy Ivy

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:55:46 -0500

"Roy Ivy":http://royivy.bandcamp.com/ of the Tuh Duhs hosts our monthly Songwriter Showcase. He will pick two songwriters to feature their work without a backing band at intimate venue Elastic Arts.

101 Lecture Series

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:57:15 -0500

The speakers are TBA, so please check back soon.

Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic hosted by Eric Ziegenhagen

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:02:17 -0500

"Eric Ziegenhagen":http://www.myspace.com/ericzieg hosts our December Songwriter Showcase. Eric will pick two songwriters to feature their work without a backing band in intimate venue Elastic Arts.

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.