Record review: White Mystery - 'Telepathic'

By Gene Wagendorf III  

Crunchy, dirty, headbangingly fantastic- lead track "White Spiders" kicks off Telepathic, the third full-length from local rabble-rousers White Mystery, in the most familiar of ways. Singer/guitarist Alex White and drummer Francis White have bashed out such a clear and electric identity that when they lean on their strengths they seem capable of effortlessly consistent fury. Francis brutalizes his kit while Alex lays down thick layers of gnarled guitar. The vocals are giddy, sometimes nonsensical yet still magnetic, almost empowering. When Alex paraphrases Dylan Thomas in a romper about pale arachnids I'm not quite sure what she's getting at but it's still getting me pumped up.

"Break A Sweat" rocks in a similar vein- a grinding, lick-filled rocker about the duo's experience opening for The Stooges (among others) at last year's Riot Fest. "San Francisco Dream" is a galloping jam that feels like a long lost Yardbirds tune, eventually bursting into a mosh of cymbal splashes and twisted strings. These songs are great, especially the latter, but what elevates Telepathic from being a good record to a special one are the moments where the band sheds their tried and true formula.

Valentine's Day show preview: White Mystery, Twin Peaks at Schuba's, 2/14

By Gene Wagendorf III 

While jewelry stores, florists and fine dining establishments would have you believe otherwise, not every successful Valentine's Day requires Italian food by candle light, a necklace and a dozen roses. Often the best dates of your life will involve seeing some killer live bands, tossing back a few drinks and stumbling into bed for a three-hour fuck session. It's for these deaf, sweaty and oft-inebriated lovers that we suggest you hit up Schuba's on Thursday night, where a couple WCR favorites will be performing for a good cause.

Miss Alex White will has put together a benefit for The Chris Saathoff Foundation, a touching non-profit that "provides support for children in need" and "supports organizations that work to preserve music as an art." Brother/sister duo White Mystery return to Chicago from their riotous European tour just in time to headline the show and play the role of redheaded cupids. Gearing up for the release of Telepathic in April, The Siblings White should be packing a quiver full of fresh tunes. The band's crunchy, stompy garage stylings are both smile-inducing and boogie-friendly, a perfect combo for an amorous evening.

WCR and The Empty Bottle Present: A Rock For Kids Charity Jam

By Gene Wagendorf III  

Where does the music you love come from?

It's a simple question, with an equally simple and completely obvious answer: It comes from musicians.

Chicago's music scene is experiencing a creative swell unlike almost any time in its history; there are new, incredible bands being born seemingly every day. Whether you're into punk, art-rock, garage-pop, folk or just anything that sounds great in a sweaty basement, this city has dozens of killer bands to meet your taste. But even a scene that's flourishing the way Chicago's is can't sustain itself without new ideas and new creators to give those ideas life. That's where Rock For Kids comes in.

Rock For Kids is an inspiring and wholly necessary local non-profit that provides music education to underserved youth. Quite literally, they're putting guitars and drum sticks in the hands of children who might not otherwise get a hold of them. They're teaching critical thinking and musical theory. They're offering kids an outlet for their creativity, and, lucky for you, laying the foundation for the next generation of Chicago bands that you'll be rocking out to. As important as it is to support already existing bands by seeing shows and buying records, it's equally important to invest in the scene's future.

On that note, Windy City Rock is beyond proud to join Chicago's best rock club, The Empty Bottle, in hosting A Rock For Kids Charity Jam. The benefit show will take place on Sunday, November 25th (6pm, 21+), and proceeds from the show will go directly to R4K. We're asking for a $15 donation at the door, but we also understand that times are tough, and have provided smaller donation options that will still allow you the help out and enjoy a night of fantastic local music.

That music will be provided by 7 bands who, in this writer's opinion, are some of the best acts making music in Chicago. The lineup is as follows.

Windy City Rock and The Empty Bottle Present: A Rock 4 Kids Charity Jam
Sunday, November 25th
6pm, $15 donation

Rambos
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp
Panda Riot
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp
We Repel Each Other
Facebook Bandcamp
The Hecks
Facebook Soundcloud
Massive Ego
Facebook Bandcamp
Shiloh
Facebook Bandcamp
Tiny Fireflies
Official Website Facebook Bandcamp

and special guest DJ Miss Alex White 

The bands have generously offered to donate their sets, and The Bottle is joining them by donating the door. With that in mind, we ask you join us, buy some records, have a few drinks and jam out for a good cause. 

Tickets are on sale at The Empty Bottle's website, and you can join the action on Facebook here.

If you enjoyed this, like us on Facebook and follow Gene on Twitter. 

Riot Fest 2012 recap: Part two

By Gene Wagendorf III

Ferris Wheel | Photo Credit: Gene Wagendorf III

The 2012 incarnation of Riot Fest saved its best for last with an absolutely loaded Sunday lineup. Before I get into who I saw and what I thought, I want to take a moment to say this: do it again. As I mentioned in part one of my recap, I came away from Riot Fest blown away by the execution of the festival. The grounds were clean, the weather excellent, Humboldt Park as beautiful as ever and the sound, for the most part, spot on. Does Chicago have a lot of outdoor music in the summer? Sure. But I welcome the Riot Fest addition with open arms, assuming there are no plans to add an electronic music stage.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton Heat | Photo Credit: Tara Griffin

While The Reverend and crew have been kicking around for decades (almost three of them, actually), the trio showed no signs of bland maturity or geriatric complacency. Kicking their set off with "Psychobilly Freakout," from 1990's Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em, gave the band the chance to quickly acquaint the unacquainted. The Reverend's big, sizzling guitar shreds skittered across heavy bass and Scott Churilla's slam dance percussion, promptly knocking the hangovers out of the afternoon crowd. The rest of the set was a cohesive blend of slick lounge pop and more rollicking jams. "Drinkin' and Smokin' Cigarettes" offered the crowd a moment of cool respite (as well as an unofficial theme song for the weekend); its elastic jangle met with the click of a hundred Zippos. While I still believe Reverend Horton Heat are best enjoyed in a dark club at a later hour, the group did well out of their comfort zone. The band rode out on "Big Red Rocket of Love," giving festival goers one last helping Jimbo Wallace's punchy bass to boogie on.

Show review: Shonen Knife, White Mystery, Rambos at The Empty Bottle, 8/2

By Gene Wagendorf III

Rambos

When I first saw that Shonen Knife and White Mystery were playing a show together at The Bottle, I thought, "aw, fuck, that's the day before Lolla." Much as I dig both bands, I wasn't keen on the idea of being out late before kicking off three days of loud music and nasty heat. Then Rambos were added to the bill, and I thought, "aw, fuck, I'm going to be hungover for Lolla."

The local garage rockers opened their set with "Terrorize," the lead track from this year's Rock and Roll Monsters and the ideal song to play during any imp prison break. I imagine such a thing being a playful rampage, which seems fitting for Rambos as well. During "Human Monster" singer/bassist Jeremy David Miller delivered his somewhat slapstick lines with an eerie conviction that suggested something vile, hairy and howling was on the loose. He was right, though the culprit wasn't a werewolf, it was the grizzly guitar of Ryan Anderson. Playing without French songstress Julie Meckler, the band did a fine job of carrying on; her absence only really glaring on "Vampire," which found Anderson filling in on the harmonies. Not a bad job, but not quite the chemistry and haunting dissonance that exists between Meckler and Miller. Rambos compensated by cutting a little looser in her absence, really digging in to the manic, jammier parts of songs like "Hiyawatha."

Video: White Mystery - 'People Power' (live)

By Frank Krolicki

White Mystery are one of the Chicago bands set to head to Texas to play SXSW in a few days, and leading up to all of the excitement comes a new live video of the duo from Five Penn Films. The locally-based music video production company caught Miss Alex and Francis Scott Key White's January 15th performance at Schubas during the Tomorrow Never Knows fest, and captured the very rocking set closer "People Power" for all to see. If you've got five-and-a-half minutes to devote to loud, pure, unrestrained rock and roll, check out the clip below, and if you happen to be SXSW-bound, click here to scope out your many opportunities to take in some WM sounds while there.

White Mystery - People Power (Live) from Five Penn Films on Vimeo.

Show preview: Le Butcherettes at Subterranean, 11/4

By Andrew Hertzberg

(Photo Credit: David Summers)

Halloween may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean it's time to give up on live gore and campy horror. If Le Butcherettes' set at Lollapalooza was any indication, their show this Friday should be something not to be missed. They had probably the smallest crowd of anyone I saw that weekend, but I think every one of us walked away knowing we wouldn't see anything better for the whole event. Musically, the trio links the Cramps with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Lead singer Teri Gender Bender (originally from Guadalajara, Mexico) ran around the stage like a possessed madwoman, her smock covered in (hopefully) fake blood. She threw her shoes into the audience, bounced around a lot, pounded on the keyboard and six-strings and referenced Henry Miller. Let’s see…oh yeah, the drummer vomited before the last song and still managed to finish the set at breakneck speed. Ummm, yeah, it was a great show. I can only imagine it getting wilder in a more intimate venue, like say, maybe the Subterranean this Friday, November 4th (9:00 PM, 17+, $10, tickets here). This deal is equally sweetened with the addition of opening sets by locals White Mystery and Gypsyblood. Get ready for some noise and chaos.

Le Butcherettes - New York by Cargo_Promo

Show preview: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, White Mystery at Double Door, 10/28

By Frank Krolicki

Ever since JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound graced the world with their funky, soul-infused take on Wilco's much-lauded "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," their name has been thrown around quite frequently around town and beyond. Now the band have unleashed their new Bloodshot Records album Want More, and are celebrating with a release show this Friday, October 28th at Double Door. If the show goes down anything like the album plays out, not even the most guarded of hipsters in attendance will be able to stand still. JC and company are armed with the most soulful of soul rock, as heard on lively tunes like first single "Everything Will Be Fine," "Bad News" and the record's title track. The guys also know how to slow it down without making you lose any of the good vibrations (see ultra-smooth cuts like "Awake" and "To Love Someone (That Don't Love You)"). This is pretty much a guaranteed good time.

Sweetening the deal is another of the Windy City's most noted acts--flame-haired garage rock siblings White Mystery--who seem to be playing shows constantly yet somehow never got tiresome. Also on the bill are Satan's Youth Ministers (appropriately-named considering it's Halloween weekend and all) and DJ Sloppy White.

Things kick off at 9 p.m. and will cost you 10 bucks if you order in advance ($12 at the door). Click here for more information and tickets and check out "Everything Will Be Fine" below.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound - Everything Will Be Fine by Windy City Rock

The Hideout Block Party with Andrew Bird, Mavis Staples and more

By Andrew Hertzberg

(Photos by Shannon Shapiro)

We are officially into autumn, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor music season is over just quite yet. The Hideout celebrated its 15^th Block Party this past weekend with a killer lineup, primarily featuring local artists and a myriad of genres. The rains splashed early, but promptly exited right on time as the Guitarkestra headed by Plastic Crimewave Sound (aka, psychmaestro Steve Krakow) filled the cement space between the Hideout and a garbage truck parking lot with a cacophonous drone from 25-30ish guitarists, bassists and at least one violinist (not to mention Dosh on the floor tom and crash). The set lasted about 20 minutes, the musicians underneath a few tents that allowed listeners to walk around. On the surface, the noisy jam may have been a turnoff to some, but conceptually, it broke the conventional barrier between not only audience and performer, but between audience members themselves: with amps facing all different directions, no two people were listening to the same thing, while simultaneously witnessing the same performance. Wrap/warp your mind around that one.

Guitarkestra

As soon as the experiment was over, White Mystery took the stage with the 1-2-3 punch of "White Mystery," "Power Glove," and "Blood & Venom." The crowd was still filling into the lot, but the siblings White were rocking out the same as if it were a packed basement. Closing with "Take a Walk" (a love letter to Chicago), Francis dropped one of his sticks, only to pick up two and effectively doubling his power, as if he was purposefully trying to destroy his already beaten and battered drumkit. I swear he’s going to play that thing until it falls apart (and maybe a show or two after that). Likewise, with the set finished, Alex ripped off all of her six strings, feedback let loose, before curtsying and exiting the stage.

Do Divsion Fest recap: Javelin, White Mystery and more

Posted by Andrew Hertzberg

A Place to Bury Strangers being deceptively stoic

And so continues my love / hate relationship with street festivals. It’s a great way to catch up with multiple friends in one public setting, hanging out of doors with great weather after being treated with phenomenally disagreeable Spring. The bands are always rock solid and the positive atmosphere can make even the harshest anti-hippie swoon with love for their city. For the next three months, Chicago is the capitol of the music world. New York, Paris, and London forget about it: we are it. Likewise, the crowds can be claustrophobic and two egg rolls for four dollars is the best deal you can really find. The sound is impossible to control for such a wide spanned audience and with all due respect to the sound guys, well, it really could be better. But, as an attendee of what I consider our Summer’s kickoff music festival, I must write about it. So, without further ado, a very half-assed, half-attentive, alcohol-hazed review: 

Saturday

Javelin

I had seen these guys play an afternoon set at Millennium Park last summer so I knew what to expect: Two guys and a lot of sounds. What they produce on record is amazing. Likewise, they perform with an unworldly energy, the setting sun spilling over the Damen stage not stopping the marathon-stamina jogging-in-place of the percussionist of the duo. The sound was overblowing the soundsystem, but I’ve always viewed Javelin best as background music. Thus, the sample heavy Northeasterners provided a welcoming tune for someone after a rough day at work (oh, if only music blogging could pay the rent). Only caught half the set, but catching 'Vibrationz' was enough to make it worthwhile.

Record review: White Mystery - 'Blood & Venom'

Posted by Andrew Hertzberg 

Anyone involved with Chicago’s independent music scene is already quite acquainted with White Mystery. They’ve answered thousands of questions in interviews, played almost every building in the city, they are involved in the local art scene beyond music and the duo Alex and Francis are children to photographer Diane Alexander White, famous for capturing the Disco Demolition in 1979. Their ubiquity in this city is beyond impressive. Needless to say, the DIY and pop-art aesthetics go beyond music for them and are an entire way of life. After an extensive tour already this year as well as seven performances at SXSW, the Mystery Team head to NYC next week to bring Chicago’s finest garage rock for a week long stretch of shows in various venues. It might be almost time to let the rambunctious redheads graze on greater pastures.

But for now, we’ve got Blood & Venom, the follow up to their eponymous debut from last year. The album picks up right where they left off, although they either made 10 louder or went up to 11. Alex’s vocals move even further up front in the mix, and the reverb is heavy, distorted even on the opening "Whoop!" The first track is an introduction, "White Mystery," and admittedly a bit anachronistic for a second album. But hey, if Meet the Beatles can pass for a second album, I guess we can let that slide. Besides, with the pummeling distorted drums and blood-gushing feedback, you can’t think too intellectually about this. It’s more carnal than rational. After all, it’s garage rock, and the sound is nailed.

New music from White Mystery

Posted by Frank

On April 20th everyone's favorite redheaded brother-sister garage rock duo, White Mystery, will follow-up their much lauded debut with sophomore record Blood & Venom. Thanks to Giant System, you can now get a sneak preview via a live performance of the title track. The tune is everything you would expect from White Mystery - noisy, raw and full of Alex White's howling vocals. See and hear for yourself below.

In other WM news, there is a very respectable movement going down on Facebook to get the duo a spot on "Conan" in 2011. I, for one, think it would be a perfect match. The Whites and Mr. O'Brien all have extra impressive firepower in the hair department, and are generally awesome. Join the group and champion the cause here.

030 White Mystery from Kyle Obriot on Vimeo.

Interview: White Mystery

Posted by Andrew

photo: Rob Karlic

I know what you’re thinking. You’ve heard enough about White Mystery over the past year and already know everything about them and don’t care to read another interview. Well tough shit, honey. We may be spoiled now because they’re playing Chicago every week, but one day they’re gonna be gone. They got big plans to show off to the whole world their fiery brand of balls-to-the-wall garage rock, which means you’ve got to enjoy ‘em while they last. You’re next chance to do so is for FREE at the Empty Bottle on Monday, February 14th for Less Than Three Day (Valentine’s Day for all of the non-nerds out there), with Dark Fog and the Pleats opening. As always, they got a couple other gigs planned sporadically throughout the city over the next couple months which they were kind enough to give the word on. Read on to find out where they are, as well as the duo’s gaming habits, artistic inspirations and plans for world domination.

A few shows to check out this week

Posted by Frank

Tom Schraeder

Tonight, December 28, catch two great Chicago acts, Tom Schraeder and His Ego and Derek Nelson and the Musicians at Schubas (3159 N. Southport). Tom released his latest, Once Lace, Now Cotton, back in June, and Derek and co. also put out some excellent tunes this year via Riders of the Tide (our review). More info and tickets are available here.

Hope's Wake (KHughes Photography)

On Thursday, December 30, head to Goose Island in Wrigleyville (3535 North Clark) to check out Nashville's Hope's Wake plus two locally-based acts - The Bergamot and Kory Quinn. Bobby of Hope's Wake wrote to tell us about the show and introduce us to his music, describing his sound as "a schizophrenic Bob Dylan combined with the groove of Radiohead." That description pretty much begged a listen, and what do you know, it really does sound like that. Which is really quite something. He just put out a very cool EP  and is traveling a long way to play Chicago, so if you like what you hear be sure to check out the show.

Pegboy

There's a lot of really good shows happening on New Year's Eve, but quite possibly the loudest will be taking place at Abbey Pub. Four certifiably noisy Chicago bands spanning punk and garage rock - Pegboy, Mannequin Men, Sweet Cobra and White Mystery - will be taking the stage to ensure you ring in the new year with ringing ears. Click here for more information and tickets.

Ten great Chicago music releases of 2010

Posted by Frank

Village, a band I dug in 2010 (photo: Amelia Moore)

At the end of every year I come to the same conclusion: I suck at making year-end lists. I hear so much music I like within the course of 365 days that it's incredibly hard to narrow it down. Plus, it's impossible to take in everything put out during the course of a year, so who can say what's really the best? But because I love spreading the word about music that makes me happy, I wanted to write a few words about some of the releases from Chicago artists that I've played and enjoyed the most this year. I won't declare that these are the "best of" anything, but below, in no particular order, are ten of my personal favorites from 2010. I'd love to hear your thoughts and your own picks in the comments.

Weekend show picks: White Mystery, As Tall as Lions and more

Posted by Frank
 

White Mystery

Friday, December 17

- MillionYoung at The Empty Bottle with Sunglasses and The Great Mundane - For something synthy, breezy and electro-fied, head to the Bottle tonight to catch Florida's MillionYoung. More info and tickets.

-REGO at Double Door with Canasta, Ryan Groff of Elsinore and Nathan Xander - A bill full of standout home-brewed acts equals guaranteed good times. More info and tickets.

Saturday, December 18

- White Mystery, Hollows, Rabble Rabble and Radar Eyes at Subterranean - If you've been reading this site over the last few weeks, by now you're probably aware of the "Beats and Blogs" show going down at SubT Saturday featuring four excellent bands from our fine city. There will be beats, there will be bloggers and there will be a whole lotta rock, so come on down. Check out this video to learn more and hear from the bloggers. More info and tickets.

- Carta Marina at Cal's Bar - Itching for a bit of dive bar action to go along with your live music? Head to Cal's (400 S. Wells) and check out the very cool ambient alt-rock of Chicago's own Carta Marina. To get better acquainted, you can listen to the band's album End of the Era in full on Bandcamp.

Sunday, December 19

- As Tall as Lions at Lincoln Hall with Yawn and Apres Vous - After nearly a decade, indie rockers As Tall as Lions are about to pack it in (amicably) and move on to other projects. Chicago fans can say goodbye Sunday night. More info and tickets.

Ticket giveaway! White Mystery, Hollows & more at SubT, 12/18

Have you heard about the “Beats and Blogs” show going down at Subterranean on Saturday, December 18? It's going to feature four of Chicago’s finest, most rockin’ bands – White Mystery, Hollows, Rabble Rabble and Radar Eyes. We’ve been working with Betta Promotions as well as Loud Loop Press and many other top-notch Chicago music sites to get the word out, so it’s bound to be a crazy fun musical party you won’t want to miss. To add to the excitement, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away!

To get in the running, just shoot us an e-mail with “Beats and Blogs” in the subject line and your first and last name in the body, and we’ll select a winner at random to score the tickets. We’ll be accepting entries until 10 a.m. on Friday, December 10, and we’ll announce a winner once the contest is closed.
Update 12/10 - The contest is now closed. Congratulations to Angela K.! Thanks to all who entered.

November show recap: Molehill, Magic Kids, White Mystery

Posted by Bobby

Molehill

Molehill - November 4th at Joe's on Weed St
November began with something that was a bit unexpected for me - a Bret Michaels concert. A sold out Bret Michaels concert. The VH1 star packed them into Joe's on Weed St. on November 4th, but it wasn't Bret I was there to see. I was there for Chicago indie rock outfit Molehill, who were opening up for him. I knew Molehill could thrill a venue, but was curious to see how a room full of folks who had come to see the old rocker would react. They loved it. Molehill had a crowd there as well, but what really grabbed my attention was the way the newcomers dove right in. Frontman Peter Manhart played solos and rhythm while darting back and forth around the stage like a sixth grader who had too much Mountain Dew. I was delighted at the reception the crowd had to new, original and edgy songs. Luckily, Peter's guitar packs them so full of hooks that their nearly burned in the brain by the time the songs are over. The rhythm section sounded fantastic, with bassist Trevor Jones locked in to the drums and bringing the proverbial funk. All in all, it was a big stage and it welcomed Molehill with open arms.

New 1900s LP on the way, plus show 8/27 at Lincoln Hall

Posted by Frank

Photo by Kirstie Shanley

It's been a while since we've heard new music from well-loved Chicago guitar-pop troupe The 1900s, but that won't be the case for long. The band is currently gearing up to release their sophomore LP, Return of the Century, November 2 on Parasol Records.

The album will follow-up their 2007 full-length Cold & Kind, which was lauded by yours truly and many others for its 60s-inspired folk-pop goodness, as well as an early-2009 mini-album of odds and ends called Medium High. I recall hearing the band say they were expanding their sound on the new material, so I can't wait to hear what they have in store on the new release.

To get a sneak preview, check out the band's opening set for White Mystery at Lincoln Hall on Friday, August 27, where they will debut some of the new songs. More information and tickets are available here. They will also be embarking on a U.S. tour this Fall to promote Return of the Century, and will head to England in December to play the Bowlie 2 festival at the request of none other than Belle & Sebastian.

Five bands not to miss at Taste of Chicago 2010

The Shams Band (photo: ishootrockstars.com)

There's a lot of flavor at the Taste of Chicago this year. Head to Grant Park starting this Friday, June 25 to Sunday, July 4 for music-filled days showcasing specific themes, such as garage rock and folk, and bands both local and international on a variety of stages. Here are a few local highlights, plus one very cool group visiting from London that I am diggin'.

The Shams Band - Friday, June 25, 4-5 p.m., Illinois Lottery Stage

The Shams Band is a can't miss Chicago Americana/folk band that slyly differentiates itself by walking the delicate line between honest and clever. The band's music is marked by the wisdom of an unassuming blue collar intellectual, and in songs like "Working Man," singer Paul Gulyas's mischief is clearly audible. When he admits he was "already up to no good," it makes you want in on whatever he was getting up to. Here's your chance.

Download mp3: "Working Man"

Jon Drake and the Shakes - Friday, June 25, 5:20-6:20 p.m., Illinois Lottery Stage

Jon Drake and the Shakes amble along Midwestern highways, approachable and disarming in there earnestness. The wavering voice of their music speaks directly to the trend of honesty and sincerity that has been compelling musicians everywhere to abandon bombast and pluck on some strings and sing together.

White Mystery - Saturday, June 26, 6:40-8 p.m., Illinois Lottery Stage

The brother and sister duo who sound like Grace Slick and Jimmy Page had kids betray their faux parentage with fiery red curls, but are true to the licks. They have been causing a fuss all Spring and with this being the first of many fest appearances here in Chicago, maybe you should check them out so you can hold it over your friends' heads when they try and tell you about White Mystery in July!

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound - Saturday, July 3, 12-3:40 p.m., Illinois Lottery Stage

It should come as no surprise that JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound are like a time machine that you can dance in, but what may surprise you is how quickly you will get in the time machine (generally about four bars in) and find yourself wondering, why isn't this on the radio?Why did people stop making music like this? Well, not everyone did. Just check it out.

The Heavy - Saturday, July 3 - 4-5 p.m. - Illinois Lottery Stage

The Heavy jam. But not in a way that makes you want to call them a jam band. They jam in the way that the originators of the word (whoever, wherever they may be) would have to be proud of. I listen to them and think Bob Marley to James Brown in four chords? No way. Yes, they did. These guys even got David Letterman so pumped up when the played the Late Show that he just straight up asked them to play the song again immediately, which they did. All the way from London, do not miss them.