May 2008

Thursday, May 1 – Steve Forbert, with special guest, Matthew Francis Andersen 8pm, $18 (TM/Club)
Nearly 28 years since breaking into pop consciousness with his second album Jackrabbit Slim and its infectious Top Ten single “Romeo’s Tune,” Steve Forbert remains a master of songs offering clear-eyed insight and plain-spoken, heartfelt eloquence. Critics at one time hailed him as "The new Bob Dylan" because of a similar vocal timbre and thoughtful songwriting. The well-traveled Nashville-based troubadour explores his ongoing fascination for Strange Names & New Sensations with a new CD titled as such. It’s got characteristic wit, a sense of social consciousness and the ever-present romantic optimism that has endeared him to two generations of folk/rock fans. In October of 2006, Forbert was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.
steveforbert.com

Matthew Francis Andersen is happy being a writer. “I never really wanted to make my guitar scream or become popular. I have songs and I simply like sharing them. Some songs rock harder than others and some are slow ballads. But the fact that I’ve gotten positive responses to my songs is just icing on the cake.”

As a boy Matthew enjoyed sitting in his bedroom listening to records and envisioning the stories of various characters. After growing up in Chicago’s Irish-Catholic west side and spending a time in northern Wisconsin as a musky and walleye guide, Matthew now has plenty of his own characters to write about. This will be a great set from a local favorite!
myspace.com/matthewfrancisandersen (instant audio...)

Friday, May 2 – Sones De México Ensemble, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, 9:30pm, $12 (TM/Club)
Join us as we gather for a special evening celebrating Cinco de Mayo – a day when 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. (vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm)

Chicago’s premier Mexican folk group returns to FitzGerald’s for a rare club appearance that is sure to get you dancing! The group specializes in Mexican “son” including regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho and more.

Their most recent CD, Esta Tierra Es Tuya (This Land is Your Land) garnered a Grammy™ Award nomination for “Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album” 2007 and a Latin Grammy™ Award Nomination – “Best Folk Album” of 2007
sonesdemexico.com

Saturday, May 3 – Heartsfield, with special guest, Yellowhammers, 9pm, $12 (TM/Club)
Heartsfield toured throughout the '70s and '80s, spreading its infectious brand of foot-stompin’, good-time country rock in nearly every state across the country. Along the way, Heartsfield recorded four studio albums for Mercury and Columbia Records (several of which hit the Billboard charts) and attained the respect of the entire music industry while being paired with such acts as Charlie Daniels, Eric Clapton, Loggins & Messina, Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat and more.

Heartsfield was one of the true forerunners of today’s popular Americana/Alt-Country/Jam Band movement, and have equally garnered tremendous respect from the younger players carrying on that tradition.
heartsfield.com

The YellowHammers began as a trio in 1996. Since then they have developed their own take on roots rock ‘n roll, accumulating influences from early country blues to wireless pop. Their songs reveal the musical influence of Neil Young, Led Zeppelin and the Stones; lyric influence of Hank Williams and Lou Reed.
yellowhammers.com

Sunday, May 4 (JAZZ) Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Big Band, 6pm, $10, 17 & under $5
A house band at FitzGerald's Night Club in Berwyn since 1991, The Chicago Skyliners Big Band following has grown to become one of the top Big Bands in Chicagoland. Besides original material, the Band features the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Glen Miller and Duke Ellington. The band also showcases the music of contemporary artists such as Al Jarreau, Blood Sweat & Tears, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Big Band is alive and well!
chicagoskylinersbigband.com

FitzGerald’s “WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party” is generously sponsored by 90.9FM WDCB – Public Radio from College of DuPage.

Monday, May 5 – Closed

Tuesday, May 6 – Election Night Watch Party benefiting Obama for America, 5:30 pm.
With Penny Pritzker, Obama for America National Finance Chair – Featuring Musical Guests The Waco Brothers with Jon Langford.

***Also on Tuesday, May 6 – Open Mike in the SideBar, 8pm signup, 9pm showtime, 21+, no cover

Wednesday, May 7 – Mark Grzelak (of Javelinas), 8:30pm in the SideBar, no cover.
Americana, Rock, and Roots music...
myspace.com/javelinas (instant audio...)

Thursday, May 8 (SINGER/SONGWRITER) Naomi Ashley, Mo-men-thy, Ron Lazzaretti; 8pm, $6.

Friday, May 9 – Mr. Blotto, 9:30pm, $10
Mr. Blotto came together in the early 1990s. The guys knew each other from other bands and decided to get together on their off nights to play whatever they felt like playing with no real plan for world domination. Now they are one of the largest unsigned bands in the nation. Join us as they serve up their unique blend of blues and folk rock.
www.mrblotto.com

Saturday, May 10 – Ifficial Reggae Movement, Los Borrachos, and Just Infinite, 8pm, $10
Ifficial Reggae Movement is a stand out musical group. With their explosive style and mesmerizing “riddims” it’s no wonder the band members always sport a smile on stage. Ifficial has been a much-welcomed addition to the Chicago Reggae scene with many taking notice.
ifficialreggae.com

Just Infinite is a groove band incorporating variables of Jazz, Rock, R&B and Hip-Hop. The band is often touted as a representation of the elements that keep our spirits alive and a fresh fusion of true genuine musicianship made for the live music lover.

Los Borrachos - 15 years ago, in a darkly lit bar in the remote barrio of Irving Park and Damen, the idea of Salsafunkadisco? was hatched by 8 gringo musicians from various well known Chicago collectives. They would trash the idea of becoming a Foreigner tribute band. They would take rock music staples from the 60's through the '80s and mangle them into maniacal magic. They would pour tequila over them and set them on fire (but not the whole 1/5th por favor)- craftily reinventing the songs with Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Tango, and Bossa Nova rhythms.

***Also on Saturday, May 10 (ROOTS ROCK) Kevin Gordon Trio, 9:30pm in the SideBar Music Room, $10.
A north Louisiana native, Gordon grew up hearing music that shares the same raw emotion and spontaneity that he now puts into his own. His new release, O Come Look at the Burning, is his first release in five years. ‘Burning’ represents what Kevin's fans have wanted for years – a recording that matches the searing unpredictable intensity of his live shows.
kevingordon.net

Sunday, May 11 – Closed for Mother’s Day

Monday, May 12 – Closed

Tuesday, May 13 - Open Mike in the Club, 8pm signup, 9pm showtime, 21+, no cover

Wednesday, May 14 – Chicago Singer Spotlight, 8pm, $8
Chicago Singer Spotlight is a showcase open to anyone, male or female, from the seasoned professional to the aspiring beginner. And the diversity doesn’t end there. A typical show encompasses music genres of all types including jazz, rock, country, musical theater and original material. Each show consists of four vocalists performing a four-song set with a professional house band.
Tonight’s featured performers include Ninfa Lear, Phil Snorde, Sharon Daw Dusek, Mario Connie and Host: Becca Kaufman.
singerspotlight.com

***Also on Wednesday, May 14 (COUNTRY) The Hoyle Brothers, in the SideBar, 8:30pm, no cover!
Since the start of weekly residencies at Chicago clubs in 2002, the Hoyle Brothers have earned respect and recognition from a growing number of fans and music critics, who find the boys' purity of purpose and first-rate musicianship irresistible. Some go a step further, predicting The Hoyle Brothers will eventually show Nashville that its current roster of pop-minded, new country stars needs a little of The Hoyle Brothers' battered boot leather and real country soul.
hoylebrothers.com

Thursday, May 15 (TRAD. BLUEGRASS) Henhouse Prowlers, 8:30pm, $5.
The Henhouse Prowlers is a 5-piece traditional bluegrass band based in Chicago, IL. Performing in nicely pressed suits around a single microphone, this group draws from influences both old and new. The Prowlers strive to express the sentiment of their own times while still maintaining the integrity of traditional bluegrass music. The group is currently touring in support of their debut CD.
henhouseprowlers.com

***Also on Thursday, May 15 (RAGTIME JAZZ) Red Rose Ragtime Band, 7:30pm in the SideBar Music Room, $10
The Red Rose Ragtime Band was formed in the early 1980s in the Chicago, Illinois area with the express purpose of playing a musical repertoire reflecting almost every aspect of early jazz music, including ragtime. Red Rose delves into early Dixieland with seldom-heard tunes by the pre-1920 Original Dixieland Jass Band – then continues into the "hot '20s " with the marvelous music generated by the legendary Bix Beiderbecke and others. The “West Coast Revival” period is represented by Lu Watters and Turk Murphy compositions. No matter what the tune, Red Rose plays each in the style in which it was originally played or recorded.
redrosejazz.com

Friday, May 16 (ROOTS) The Spares, with special guest Lou Carlozo, 9:30pm, $10
The Spares make twangy, bluesy, roots music – call it alt-country or Americana. The Chicago duo writes and sings about characters in hard places whose stories hint at love and truth in ways that the characters themselves don't always recognize. Their lyrics are thoughtful and honest, just as their acoustic music is raw, beautiful, and compelling. Lou Carlozo will open the show.
thespares.net (instant audio...) | myspace.com/loucarlozo (instant audio...)

Saturday, May 17 (BEATLES) Instant Karma, 9:30pm, $7
Chicago-based band dedicated to the music of John Lennon. Tonight they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of “The White Album.”
instantkarmaband.com

Sunday, May 18 (JAZZ) Chicago Grandstand Big Band, with The Glenbrook High School South Jazz Ensemble, 6pm, $10, 17 & under $5
The Chicago Grandstand Big Band has been an integral part of Chicago's entertainment community for over 25 years. This band has an extensive selection of arrangements that encompass everything from the Swing Era (Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, etc) to Big Band Jazz (Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman etc. The featured vocalist is Julie Creighton, whose unique vocal style, along with her warm and friendly rapport with the audience, is truly a show in itself.
chicagograndstandbigband.com

FitzGerald’s “WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party” is generously sponsored by 90.9FM WDCB – Public Radio from College of DuPage.

***Also on Sunday, May 18 (ROOTS) Steppin’ In It, 7pm in the SideBar, $10
Toting an ample supply of vintage instruments and a sound that brings listeners back to the days of old-time radio, Steppin’ In It is determined to make a dent in the roots community. Hailing from Lansing, Michigan — the heart of Factory Town, USA — these young men pound out their own brand of roots combining old-time country, swing and blues. Together, they achieve the seemingly impossible task of making the most traditional sounds contemporary playing what Performing Songwriter magazine calls "some of the liveliest and most rocking acoustic roots music around."
steppininit.com

Monday, May 19 – Closed

Tuesday, May 20 - Open Mike in the SideBar, 8pm signup, 9pm showtime, 21+, no cover

Wednesday, May 21 (JAZZ) Rob Parton’s JazzTech Big Band, with special guests, Libertyville Jazz Ensemble, 7:30pm, $10, 17 & under $5
The Chicago Tribune has called the JazzTech Big Band "one of the best big bands in the country." The Chicago Sun-Times characterizes the band with "hard hitting ensemble – brightly crafted harmonies and expansive solos." Rob’s goal for the JazzTech Big Band is to promote and commission new arrangements of great jazz standards as well as original compositions by Chicago composers . Throughout the year Parton hosts college and high school bands to serve as opening acts at their home club FitzGerald’s. This is an excellent opportunity for young aspiring jazz musicians to get a chance to hear a full blown professional big band comprised of some of the finest musicians in the country close up and in person.
Tonight’s special guest is the Libertyville Jazz Ensemble directed by Don Shupe.
rparton.com

***Also on Wednesday, May 21 (COUNTRY) Cory Atkinson Band, 8:30pm in the SideBar, no cover
“The Cory Atkinson Band is Chicago country, covering old school honky tonk to current alt-country outliers.”
myspace.com/coryatkinsonband (instant audio...)

Thursday, May 22 (ROCK) Spade Kitty Presents Ghost Pilot, Rotobeam, Tom Valenzano, Alex Mizicko; 8:30pm, $5
Tom Valenzano from Loomis will be opening up the night with a solo acoustic performance. Ghost Pilot will bring their unique combination of funk, rock and reggae rhythms. Following will be a performance by Alex Mizicko and we will end the night with Rotobeam – a high-energy blend of power pop and classic rock. Dancing is strongly encouraged!
spadekitty.com | ghostpilot.com (instant audio...)
myspace.com/loomismusic (instant audio...) | myspace.com/rotobeam (instant audio...)

Friday, May 23 (ROCK) Vertigo USA-The U2 Tribute Band, 9:30pm, $10
“Maybe you saw Vertigo when Oprah met and loved the band during her road trip across the US. Vertigo’s incredible live tribute to U2 recreates the magic that is a U2 concert. A typical Vertigo concert will have the audience singing along to hits such as "With Or Without You," "Where The Streets Have No Name," "One," "Beautiful Day," and many other anthems spanning the U2 catalog. In the Spring of 2005, Vertigo was asked by U2's official tour operator to perform at parties in support of the 2005/2006 U2 Vertigo World Tour, which included stops in Buffalo, Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Monterrey Mexico and Mexico City. Be aware- this is not a cover band, this is an experience of a lifetime!”
vertigou2band.com

Saturday, May 24 (BLUES) Ronnie Baker Brooks, 9:30pm, $12 (TM/Club)
Ronnie Baker Brooks grew up steeped in American music tradition, yet his focus remains resolutely on the future. As the son of blues great Lonnie Brooks, he came of age watching the fieriest guitar players and most soulful singers of a previous era express their deepest feelings through their music. “I grew up among the best of the best,” Brooks says. “Every time I play, I feel like I've got to do it with the authenticity and passion that I saw in guys like Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and my father. But I also have to put my twist on it. None of those guys repeated what came before them.” Brooks' twist involves enlivening blues-rock with deep soul and modern hip-hop vocals and funk rhythms. Brooks takes roots sounds and transforms them into something that spans the ages.
ronniebakerbrooks.com

Sunday, May 25 – Constructor Craft Fair, 12pm-8pm, no cover
Reconstruct your image of the craft fair. No longer are they filled with toilet paper cozies and raincoats for cement ducks. No sir. This new breed of craft fair is filled with things you didn't even know could be homemade, nor made this well. Constructor craft fair will have a huge variety of housewares, clothing, baby gifts, jewelry, artwork, Ipod covers, heck, even mouse pads. Come on down to FitzGerald’s. The craft fair will showcase special guest DJs to round out the afternoon’s event.

***Also on Sunday, May 25 (JAZZ) Mulligan Mosaics Big Band, 6pm in the SideBar Music Room, $10, 17 & under $5
Inspired by jazz icon Gerry Mulligan's nontraditional compositions, this band led by Ted Hogarth is comprised of jazz educators and composers from the Chicago area.
mulliganmosaics.com

FitzGerald’s “WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party” is generously sponsored by 90.9FM WDCB – Public Radio from College of DuPage.

Monday, May 26 – Closed

Tuesday, May 27 – Open Mike in the SideBar, 8pm signup; 9pm showtime; 21+; no cover

***Also on Tuesday, May 27 (R&B) Ladies Of The Canyon present a musical tribute to Chaka Khan, 8pm, $10
The Ladies return to FitzGerald’s for a power-diva evening in tribute to Chicago’s own Chaka Khan. Featured songs will include “Tell Me Something Good”, “Ain’t Nobody”. “You Got the Love” and more! Ladies of the Canyon are here to pass on some of their own magic to future fans of the music they perform by the musicians they admire.
myspace.com/lotcchicago (instant audio...)

Wednesday, May 28 – Shameless Hussies, 8pm, $10
Tricia Alexander, Patti Ecker, Diana Laffey, Jacquie Manning, Kate Moretti - and Emcee / Erotic Poet, Margaret Nelson. A Cabaret-style evening of bawdy and provocative acoustic music and spoken word (blues, jazz, and folk), featuring 6 of Chicago's most engaging women performers, beautiful voices and accomplished instrumentalists - all, coming together for a One-Night-Only event. Witty, silly, empowering, saucy - titters to guffaws. It’s adult women at their best (while behaving their worst!). Nothing gross or excessively vulgar, just good clean (dirty) fun with an edge of intellect and a dash of provocation.
TriciaAlexander.com

***Also on Wednesday, May 28 – JJ & The Retrobillies, 8:30pm in the SideBar, no cover
Local band to perform country, rockabilly, and roots music.
http://myspace.com/retrobillys (instant audio...)

Thursday, May 29 (COUNTRY) A Night In The Country, 8pm, $5
FitzGerald’s Night Club features an evening with some of Chicagoland’s favorite country music performers, featuring The Hoyle Brothers, Long Gone Lonesome Boys, and John Wesley's Band (opens).
hoylebrothers.com | longgonelonesomeboys.com | myspace.com/johnwesleysband (instant audio...)

Friday, May 30 – Ralph Covert, with special guests, 9pm, $12 (TM/Club) [on sale 5/16]
Ralph Covert presents a special evening of his adult songs – mostly acoustic. He'll be playing a lot of new tunes plus some Bad Examples favorites with a special group of musicians.
ralphcovert.com

Saturday, May 31 (BEATLES) American English, 9pm, $10 (TM/Club), $12 at door.
The fantasy lives on with these remarkable musicians who take the music to the highest level possible. American English is the closest you will ever get to re-living The Beatles. Whether you grew up with the Fab Four or not, this show will be your window to the past. Witness “The Complete Beatles Tribute” with American English!
americanenglishbeatles.com