Recent Articles
Photo Gallery: Tyler Childers at Wrigley Field • Chicago
Tyler Childers Wrigley Field Chicago, IL July 12th, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Tyler Childers has mastered the art of the crossover, and it seems he’s achieved it one fan at a time. In the past, the Kentucky native would perform in front of hundreds of people. However, with each subsequent visit, the […]
Photo Gallery: Jack Johnson at Huntington Bank Pavilion • Chicago
Jack Johnson Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Chicago, IL July 11th, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran They don’t make ‘em much more laid-back than Jack Johnson. As a teenager, he was well on his way to becoming an elite surfer, having grown up near Hawaii’s renowned North Shore. However, a horrific accident […]
Photo Gallery: Muse at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park
Muse Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL July 10th, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Bombast. That’s what Muse delivered when their “The WOW! Signal Tour” touched down in Tinley Park on a perfect summer evening to hear live music outdoors. Every available inch of the stage seemed to be stacked with fog […]
File: Remembering Bonnie Tyler
In February 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning to take hold, my IE Green Day interview could have been my last as we weathered the early days of the COVID-19 storm. By March, as Lockdown tightened its stranglehold on the world, I toyed with the idea of quitting, just walking away from writing to […]
Live Review: The Church at Park West • Chicago
The Church, 2026 The Church Park West Chicago, IL July 7, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel Led by founding member Steve Kilbey, Australian rockers the Church filled Park West with dreamy psychedelia, inventive alternative pop, and searing rock on Tuesday. “When I was young and getting started, the man opened the big book of […]
Stage Buzz: Evanescence, Bob Dylan, Muse, Taste of Westmont
Over 20 years ago, we were swept away by Evanescence thanks to “Bring Me to Life.” Amy Lee’s soaring vocals paired with heavy guitars were unlike anything at the time. Lee and the rest of the band continue to captivate audiences around the world. The band brings its world tour with Spiritbox and Nova Twins […]
Cover Story: The Church • A Warm Cocoon
The Church “True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud of the contemplation of so fine a virtue,” once observed German theologian Martin Luther. At 71, songwriter/painter/poet/novelist Steve Kilbey can easily relate. As much fun as it’s always been for the bandleader of Australia’s psychedelic-jangle combo, […]
Media: July 2026 • Fred Winston – Hall of Famer
Fred Winston is part of the 2026 class of Radio Hall of Fame inductees, although it didn’t happen without a bit of drama. “I found out I was nominated via phone call from one of the board members, Lon Helton, who is a former Chicago radio guy, who’s now in Nashville. We worked together briefly […]
Stage Buzz: Of Montreal, Buju Banton and Stephen Marley, Louis Tomlinson
Once upon a time, Of Montreal was an indie rock band making waves with their blend of psychedelic pop, funk, and R&B. Now, 20 albums deep into their career, they’re indie rock veterans. Taking their new album, aethermead, on the road, the band will perform at Thalia Hall with CorMae this Tuesday, June 30th. Grab […]
Stage Buzz: Kim Gordon, “Weird Al” Yankovic, The Human League
Kim Gordon will always be remembered for her groundbreaking work with Sonic Youth, but over the years, she has broken out to pave her own successful solo career. Now on her third album, the singer continues to prove why she remains one of the most impactful forces in music. Gordon brings the “Play Me” […]
Photo Gallery: Godsmack at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Tinley Park
Godsmack Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Tinley Park, IL June 20th, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Since their inception in 1995, Godsmack has arguably better navigated the blurred lines between hard rock and what would come to be known as the Grunge movement. With a collection of Grammy nominations and chart success, which included […]
Stage Buzz: The Strokes, Sheila E, Chicago Pride Fest, Taste of Randolph
Our favorite New York City (home of the NBA world champion Knicks) rock band is finally back. The Strokes are returning with their first new album in six years, Reality Awaits. Though we have to wait a little longer for the new record, the band will bring the highly anticipated “Reality Awaits” tour to the United […]
Live Review: Amy Grant at City Winery • Chicago
Amy Grant City Winery, Chicago, IL Monday, June 15, 2026 Review and live photo by Jeff Elbel “I just love songs that start conversations,” said singer-songwriter Amy Grant when introducing “The 6th of January (Yasgur’s Farm)” to an attentive, sold-out room at City Winery Chicago on Monday. Known for clean-cut and uplifting radio hits […]
Photo Gallery: Mumford & Sons at Wrigley Field • Chicago
Mumford & Sons Wrigley Field Chicago, IL June 11, 2026 Recap and Photos by Curt Baran Ah, the perils of an outdoor concert during a Chicago summer. For those assembled to see Mumford & Sons at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Thursday night, well, Ma Nature threw ‘em a curveball. Freakishly weird weather blew through the […]
Hello My Name Is…Michael Marcagi
Write what you know, goes the old Mark Twain-attributed creative imperative. It’s wisdom not lost on singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi, who once felt that his humdrum hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, was no great shakes in the inspiration department. So how could he possibly ever hope to compete with edgier streetwise artists from New York or […]
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