- Music, Music Feature Sep 6, 2017
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The brightest lights at the 2017 World Music Festival
This free fest is a constellation of international stars—including Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti, rambunctious Cape Verdean accordionist Bitori, and Afro-Venezuelan flame keeper Betsayda Machado.
- Music, Music Feature May 9, 2017
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International Anthem brings punk idealism to progressive jazz
This Chicago label puts in the sweat to get its artists the audiences they deserve.
- Music, Music Feature Dec 22, 2016
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The ten best jazz records of 2016
The cream of this year’s crop includes a large-ensemble concept album about conspiracy theories, a tug-of-war between loops and live-band grooves, and an amazing hybrid of jazz and hip-hop.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 17, 2016
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Drummer Jeremy Cunningham steps out as a leader
Jeremy Cunningham celebrates his strong debut album with a concert Sunday at the Hungry Brain.
- Arts & Culture, Performing Arts Feature Feb 5, 2016
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Mothers and Sons, The Last Defender, and eight more theatrical shows
A moving drama about the AIDS epidemic and an immersive puzzle/play inspired by retro video games are among this week's best bets.
- Music, Music Feature Sep 16, 2015
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Jazz grows under Ernest Dawkins's feet
By staying put in his hometown, this Chicago saxophonist has nurtured generations of musicians—and a south-side festival that's now in its 16th year.
- Blogs, Bleader Oct 22, 2014
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Track premiere: Local drummer Makaya McCraven's 'Three Fifths a Man'
A sneak preview of the drummer's forthcoming album on the new International Anthem imprint
- Music, Music Feature May 28, 2014
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Jason Moran builds a bigger bandwagon
Artist Theaster Gates and reedist Ken Vandermark join the jazz pianist in an oral history of their evolving Chicago collaboration Looks of a Lot.
- Music, Gossip Wolf Apr 1, 2014
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Gossip Wolf: Riot Fest lineup predictions
Plus: For Practically Everyone Records revs up for spring, and Secret Colours drop the second half of a new album.
- Blogs, Bleader Dec 19, 2013
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Best shows to see: Negative Scanner, Rustie, Hamid Drake & Michael Zerang, 88 Fingers Louie, Waffle Fest 3, and more
Best shows to see on Thu 12/19 through Sun 12/22
- Music, Music Feature Aug 27, 2013
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Sunday: 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival according to Reader writers
The Robert Glasper Quartet is one of the acts closing out the final day of Jazz Fest.
- Music, Pitchfork Jul 17, 2013
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The Reader's guide to Pitchfork afterparties
There's no Bitchpork this year, but there is Rotted Tooth, plus plenty more.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 26, 2013
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12 O'Clock Track: "Promises Kept," masterful modern jazz from Sonny Sharrock
The opening track from one of the greatest jazz records of all time, by guitarist Sonny Sharrock
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 21, 2013
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New York reedist Oscar Noriega makes a rare visit to Chicago
The language of jazz affords instant collaborations—New York reedist Oscar Noriega performs Sunday with a first-time combo of Chicagoans.
- Blogs, Bleader Apr 2, 2013
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City announces 2013 lineups for Downtown Sound, Loops & Variations, and Made in Chicago
What's scheduled for some of this summer's best free concert series.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 21, 2013
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Best shows to see: Freakwater, Michael Vallera
Shows to see over the next few days include Freakwater, Michael Vallera, Femi Kuti, Castle, and the NRG Ensemble
- Music, Gossip Wolf Nov 7, 2012
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Gossip Wolf: Jeff Parker vs. Hurricane Sandy
Plus: A Propeller Fund grant for the Comfort Station and a new EP from singer-songwriter Angela James
- Music, Gossip Wolf Oct 17, 2012
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Gossip Wolf: White/Light has something to show you
The drone duo's Face the Strange concerts return to the MCA. Plus: Gossip Wolf illustrator Keith Herzik gets engaged, and half of Rabid Rabbit gets Cramps for Halloween
- Blogs, Bleader Sep 13, 2012
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Fall Arts, Riot Fest, a Tortoise picker's picks, and more on the B Side
A season's worth of music to look out for—and more
- Music, In Rotation Sep 12, 2012
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In Rotation: Tortoise's Jeff Parker digs on Billy Eckstine
Plus: Reader writer Peter Margasak on the English Beat, and engineer Ken Brown on MarioBataliVoice.blogspot.com
