How does one begin to describe a band that sounds like Blondie having sex with Frank Zappa backstage at a Jurassic 5 show? This is a band that lives to challenge their listeners. Whether it's Jay giving the middle finger to the man on Good Morning America from the roof of a gas station or being so obsessed with Modern Warfare that he turns down some serious ass. Sexy & Funny, but smart as hell!

Flying Lotus returns to Metro this May for a special 30th Anniversary show! Riding high off the release of his latest album, “Until The Quiet Comes,” Flying Lotus has traveled the globe over the last year, bringing his experimental sounds far and wide. Now comes the news that the 'Until The Quiet Comes Short Film' featuring music from the Flying Lotus album of the same name and directed by Kahlil Joseph, has won the prestigious Short Film Special Jury Award at this year's Sundance Festival. Come celebrate this extraordinary artist at Metro!

They said it could never happen, but Turbonegro's men of denim are back. The Norwegian-five piece recently released Sexual Harassment, their ninth studio album, in July, and are touring in support of it this Spring! Write about what you know, they say – and who knows more about Sexual Harassment – both giving and receiving – than Oslo's kings of death-punk.

Preceded by the infectious new single You Give Me Worms, released on 5 May, Sexual Harassment is the sound of five men locked in a room for a fortnight, and nature taking its sweaty, sultry course. The sense of good times is dripping from every song, and the result is a truly great Turbonegro record that marks the start of a new era. It's the old band, it's a new band - sounding bigger, mightier and hairier than ever!

It's a business school throwdown when Kellogg and Chicago Booth battle it out in their Battle of The Bands!

Antiserum headlines the Watts Up Tour, stopping at Metro this May! As a vanguard of forward thinking bass music, Antiserum continuously defines the sound of today. Spawned in a laboratory of collaborations with heavy hitters such as LA dubplate warrior 12th Planet, he has found himself continuously at the forefront of bass music’s list key players. His releases on Smog Records and Caspa’s Dub Police label have established him as a mainstay of sub-heavy music. His production “Brick Squad Anthem,” a collaboration with Atlanta-based music producer Mayhem, has received huge support from the bass community including Skrillex, Diplo, Datsik, and Flux Pavillion. His collaboration with 12th Planet on the Smog City Compilation, “Bass Salt” was featured on Rolling Stone and UKF and his remix of Helicopter Showdown’s “Can You Feel Me” reached #2 on the beatport dubstep charts. Antiserums BBC Radio 1xtra mix is a brief glance into the dynamic nature of his performance, during which he defies expectations of the listener and delivers an injection of what can only be described as the “Antiserum.” Upcoming collaborations with 12th Planet, Mayhem, Brillz, and a release on Datsik’s Firepower label will likely dub him the patron saint of bass in 2013.

Clicks & Whistles has been carving out a unique sound blending Southern Rap, Juke, and elements of Drum & Bass since their first official release in August 2010. The Charlotte based duo is comprised of professional programmer Jorge Hernandez (Hey Whore Hey) and classically trained Petey Evans (PeteyClicks). The two have a slew of notable releases including the heavily remixed “Neva Get Caught” on T&A Records, “Cranberry Goose EP” on Distal’s Atlanta based Embassy Imprint, and “Can’t Believe EP” on AC Slater’s Label - Party Like Us. Great taste and selection combined with honed production skills gives this group prowess in both quality and efficiency in the studio and has lead to some huge Dirty South and Club Anthem remixes. With a heavy touring schedule and a stack of upcoming releases, the sound of Clicks & Whistles is sure to be in your ears and coming to a city near you.

Ant TC1 along with Hidden Agenda founded Dispatch Recordings back in 2001 and currently is solely responsible for running the label. His DJ work has seen him play all over the globe from Adelaide to Los Angeles, from Hong Kong to Budapest, Tel-Aviv to Bangkok and last but by no means least regularly UK wide. Having released a mix CD compilation, the hugely successful “Transit One” album as well as a fine list of consistently quality single and EP releases from the likes of Survival, Break, Octane & DLR , Marcus Intalex, Commix, AI, Chris SU, Zero T, Cern, Dabs, Skeptical, Dub Phizix, Spinline, himself (and many more), Ant has recently remixed material for the likes of Lomax (Loadstar), Sunchase, Cern & Dabs as well as having his own solo work remixed by rising star Xtrah and working on collabs with Survival. Ant also continues to run his own monthly night at ‘Momentum’ in Leeds (which is now in its 9th year) as well as dj’ing continuously across the globe on an ever-frequent basis.

ALSO, downstairs in Smart Bar this evening, Mala will headline. Those of you buying the all-building ticket will get to see this event as well! Whether operating solo or as one half of legendary outfit Digital Mystikz, the man helped put dubstep on the musical map in the mid-'00s, not only as a producer and DJ, but also as the co-founder of the genre-defining DMZ label and club night with Coki and Loefah. Along the way, he also found the time to start up his own Deep Medi imprint. His work has undeniably influenced an entire generation of bass-loving artists. These days, when he's not travelling the globe and reminding people of the power of sub-bass, he's still turning out new music.

The year 2006 was owned by Three 6 Mafia, when the Memphis, TN group reinvented the rap wheel by winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Hard Out Here For a Pimp” from Hustle & Flow). The trio already had a healthy collection of hits under their belts, as tracks like “Sippin On Some Syrup,” “Stay Fly,” “Poppin’ My Collar,” and “Slob On My Nob” were carefully crafted proverbial club bangers. 2000’s When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 and 2005’s Most Known Unknown were Certified Platinum, adding yet another notch in Three 6 Mafia’s successful belt. But what happens after that? Sure, the mainstream radar is piqued, but how do you keep the world’s attention? For front man producer/rapper Juicy J, it was taking things back to square one. J spent the years that followed creating a street team, shooting videos, and releasing mixtapes (along with the album Last 2 Walk) all in the name of the collective Three 6 buzz. What he found though was a burgeoning solo career that transformed him from one part of a colossal whole to a standalone superstar. As Juicy J readies his second solo album [Stay Trippy], he takes his knowledge of the game and of music to next level trippiness. “I'm a producer, I never considered myself a rapper,” admits Juicy J née Jordan Lonski Houston. “So I always kept my ear to the street and always tried to find out what was the next big thing, what was hot.” When the North Memphis native released his debut solo project, 2009’s Chronicles Of the Juice Man, he kept the talent localized, with features including former Three 6 Mafia member Crunchy Black and J’s older brother Project Pat. The album was Certified Gold, but that wasn’t enough for the Juice Man. He continued to release mixtapes year after year, dropping a whopping three mixtapes in 2011 (including the critically acclaimed Blue Dream & Lean). Consistently checking for new talent, J would meet newer Rap acts on Twitter and forge relationships. It was there that Juicy J met Wiz Khalifa and the result of that friendship was a coveted spot in Wiz’s Taylor Gang. While Wiz built a solid foundation out of his Taylor Gang army, Juicy J is building one of his own. Welcome to the “Trippy Movement.” The Trippy Movement originated out of Juicy J’s decision to keep his music real to himself. “Everything changed once we got the Academy Award. A lot of money kicked in,” J recalls. “[Three 6 Mafia] went through a transition where the label was trying to tell us how to make the music, and they wanted the music to go in this kind of a way, in a Pop way and all this extra stuff. You go through those transitions when you've been in the game a long time. You just grow.” For Juicy J, though, the choice was to swim the mainstream to the tune of the music he wanted to make. As for the origin of the word trippy? “A lot of people connect the Trippy Movement with drugs, but it can be however you feel,” he says. “I mean, I always say being trippy, you do what you want when you want. So it's whatever you feel, what makes you happy. Kind of like being rebellious. It's being like, ‘Fuck everything else, I'm going to just do me!’” His self-funded movement proved to be fruitful in more ways than one. From selling “We Trippy Mane” t-shirts on his website (thejuicyj.com) to cups and other merchandise, Juicy J found an extra entrepreneurial income he never planned on making.

With expectations running rampant around his latest release, "Acid Rap," Chance the Rapper has risen to prominence in Chicago's hip-hop scene. For a Metro 30th Anniversary Event, Chance is back at Metro to celebrate the release of his sophomore release.

A 19-year-old Rap Master from Chicago, Chance The Rapper first made some noise on the Chicago hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive with his video for Nostalgia in early 2011. Since then Chance has building a steady buzz, with packed out listening parties at Leaders1354 & JUGRNAUT in CHI, the full release of his premiere mixtape #10Day, and the SOLD OUT first ever #10DayLive show at Lincoln Hall.

Blowoff featuring the DJ sounds of Richard Morel and Bob Mould returns to Metro! We're thrilled to welcome back Blowoff, a musical journey hosted and DJed by rockers Bob Mould and Richard Morel. Bob Mould, formerly of Husker Du and Sugar, has also had a successful solo career with albums and his biography released in the last few years. Richard Morel, an electronic artist and released the latest Morel album, Death of the Paper Boy, in 2010. Featuring their signature mix of indie rock, electro and house, Blowoff parties and their great music, visuals, signature flyer artwork and a devoted fanbase have spread beyond their original DC stomping grounds to around the country!

With expectations running rampant around his latest release, "Acid Rap," Chance the Rapper has risen to prominence in Chicago's hip-hop scene. For a Metro 30th Anniversary Event, Chance is back at Metro to celebrate the release of his sophomore release.

A 19-year-old Rap Master from Chicago, Chance The Rapper first made some noise on the Chicago hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive with his video for Nostalgia in early 2011. Since then Chance has building a steady buzz, with packed out listening parties at Leaders1354 & JUGRNAUT in CHI, the full release of his premiere mixtape #10Day, and the SOLD OUT first ever #10DayLive show at Lincoln Hall.

Cult punk rock heroes and veterans of Metro’s stage, Alkaline Trio return the Metro stage for two special 30th Anniversary concerts on May 30th and 31st in celebration of the Spring release of their new album My Shame Is True, their most dynamic album to date. Alkaline Trio first emerged from Chicago in 1996 and has since released eight full length studio albums Goddamnit, Maybe I'll Catch Fire, From Here To Infirmary, Good Mourning, Crimson, Agony & Irony, 2010’s This Addiction which reached #11 on Billboard 200 and Damnesia, which features a selection of beloved fan favorites selected from the group’s extensive catalogue and presented in an intimate-semi unplugged format.

Our second show with Alkaline Trio!

George Lewis Jr. aka Twin Shadow, will head out on the road for yet another lengthy tour in support of his most recent album, Confess this summer, stopping at Metro. Twin Shadow is the nom de plume of Dominican-born George Lewis Jr. The troubled son of a hairdresser and a “teacher who lived many lives” (semi-professional football, massage therapy, film maker), his formative years were spent in suburban Florida. It was there that George made he first forays into music, experimenting with sound from the age of 14. He’s not looked back since.

Escaping the palm trees and still heat of the Sunshine State, George travelled north to New York where he began writing debut album Forget over a series of months in his Brooklyn apartment. Inevitably, his nomadic impulses meant that the sound of Twin Shadow wasn’t to remain tied to the Big Apple. Drawing inspiration from extended trips abroad to Copenhagen and Berlin, and a distinctly European sensibility that takes in Can, Bowie and a classic pop melodicism, Twin Shadow has proven broad in scope and enterprise.

In keeping with a precedent set by the 'Hair Cut' and 'Ton Up' tours, this next stretch of dates will adhere to a theme, and it is with this in mind that we present you with the list of upcoming 'True Story' tour dates, and some words about them from George himself:

"You know when someone tells a story and says “crazier things have happened!” well, you always wish they would just tell you that crazier thing. Like, why would you want to hear a story that’s not as good? My father told me great stories my whole life, I often wonder if his stories influenced the way I write music. When talk came up of Twin Shadow hitting the road this year I thought again about how we could make each show special, how each city could have a unique piece of Twin Shadow. I thought about my father’s stories, I thought about the stories I tell my friends and I thought this tour would be a good place to share them, so for every city we play my father or myself will tell you one True Story. 24 Cities. 24 Stories. A story for New York, A story for Toronto, A Story for every show on the tour. A gem from the depths of my fathers life and a stone from the recent corners of mine, tales retold from lovers and friends. Welcome to the Twin Shadow True Story Tour."

The Hush Sound’s journey began in 2005 in the way most young bands do: as a group of friends playing together in their parent’s basement after high school. Songwriters Bob Morris and Greta Morgan would write their quirky piano and guitar driven pop songs in between Greta’s homework sessions and Bob’s duty as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool. After writing a batch of songs, the two were joined by drummer Darren Wilson and bass player Chris Faller, other locals in the Chicago music scene.

The group began playing shows in suburban basements, VFW Halls, and community theaters soon after. They were only in high school but their lyrics told shrewd truths and their baroque pop melodies spoke to an audience looking for something more; something different than the standard fare of midwestern angst.

The band never dreamt that by the end of that year, they’d be invited to open arena tours across the US, the UK, and Japan and go on to share the stage with artists like OK GO, Phantom Planet, One Republic, The Dresden Dolls and beyond.

Thanks to a devoted fanbase and word of mouth appeal, it wasn’t long before The Hush Sound solidified their place in the contemporary college radio canon. Their diverse influences and musical stylings resulted in a unique pop sound that bridges the gaps between power pop, folk, classic rock and pop music. A sound which grew and evolved with each record - So Sudden (2005), Like Vines (2006), and finally Goodbye Blues (2008); collectively selling over 200,000 copies. After a full year of adrenaline rushing and back-breaking touring to promote Goodbye Blues, the band subsequently took time off to explore other creative opportunities.

It’s been eight years since The Hush Sound started playing together at those DIY spaces across Chicagoland. But the energy and soul of the band — the honesty and character that made them your favorite band to begin with — remain unchanged. And since the band connected to start touring again in 2013, The Hush Sound will continue playing live shows and is slated to release new music in 2013.

Stay tuned, people. The Hush Sound is back.


Hockey started as a duo (Ben Keys, Jerm Bass) at The Johnston College in Redlands, California in 2002. After stints in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Spokane, the band eventually landed in Portland, OR. In the summer of 2008 they embarked on a quixotic tour of the West in a converted van running on vegetable oil. Despite serious car trouble, the tour was a success. On the road, the band caught the attention of influential BBC radio host, Zane Lowe. After a few spins and a spot as "Reaction Record of the Week" for song ‘Song Away’, the band signed to Capitol/Virgin/EMI and things began to soar. Over the next two years, the group toured worldwide, focusing heavily on their large influence in the UK. After appearances on ‘Later with Jools Holland’, ‘Live from Abbey Road Studios’, and ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’, Hockey booked gigs with Friendly Fires, Passion Pit and Phoenix, as well as headline tours in the US, UK, Europe and Japan. Festival spots for 2009 and 2010 included: Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Islie of White, Peace and Love, Hove, Eurocannes, Laneway, Bonaroo, Coachella and Lollapalooza. In Aug 2010, following the many tours and the subsequent breakup of their live band, Ben and Jerm decided to head east and start work on their next record. The result was twenty two months of creating and recording what eventually became the band’s sophomore effort, "Wyeth IS". Using vintage keyboards and drum machines made famous by 80's hip hop, as well as a "half time" technique which resulted in a deeper, more lush sound, the band began to re-imagine themselves, to evolve, and mature.

Boston hardcore punks American Nightmare (aka Give Up the Ghost) first reunited in 2011 for a pair of shows after an eight-year absence. The shows were in celebration of the Deathwish Inc. reissues of 2001's Background Music and 2003's We're Down Til We're Underground - their only full-length albums. The band, which features vocalist Wesley Eisold (of Cold Cave), played additional reunion shows throughout 2012 and announced that they'd be releasing a reunion documentary. In preparation, they will play two shows this June in Toronto and at Metro in Chicago!

American musician Baths has recently made a splash in the chillwave movement of music that has only begun to sweep the nation. In keeping with contemporaries like Toro y Moi, Bath’s music is very ambient, and musically driven. Bath’s first album Cerulean managed to make two end-of-year lists of 2010. Pitchfork gave it an honorable mention on their list of best albums of 2010. Bath’s has managed to find some mainstream success with his songs being featured on the MTV series “Skins.” With Bath’s newest release the musician has made music with the mindset of translating the material to a live setting featuring a full band. On the cusp of his second album Obsidian, Bath’s has released the song “Miasma Sky.” The result is a stripped down minimalistic take on his attempt to make pop music “…shrouded in weirdness.” Obsidian comes out on May 28, 2013.

Since its birth in the late 70s, B-Boying has been announced dead several times, but it's still alive and kicking—very much so! Today a vibrant and well connected B-Boy scene exists worldwide.

One of the most important B-Boy competitions is the Red Bull BC One, where 16 of the world's best B-Boys meet to compete and to determine in a 1-on-1 knock-out-battle who is “The One.”

Extraordinary artistic skills, an outstanding character, and a good reputation in the community are the success formula to get selected as a dancer for the Red Bull BC One. The challenge lies in finding influential dancers from all continents ready to set new standards and show state of the art breaking.

B-Boy battles have their roots in 1-on-1 competitions. During the past 15 years these 1-on-1 battles have been pushed to the background as crew competitions became more popular at the big events. Red Bull's objective was to go back to the roots and show B-Boying in the most spectacular and powerful way.

The first Red Bull BC One was hosted in 2004 in Switzerland. Since then, the annual competition has moved from Germany to Brazil, South Africa, France, USA, Japan, Russia, with last year’s event being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In 2013, the world final will move to Korea. Around 60 national Cyphers, leading up to 6 regional finals will help to determine the 16 B-Boys to compete for the legendary belt this year.

The Red Bull BC One title remains the most coveted prize in B-Boying, and celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

Let the battle begin!

Glen Hansard fans have seen him on the Metro stage many times over the years, primarily as part of The Frames, but on June 9 he will return for his solo debut. Hansard is celebrated as the principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist for the Irish group The Frames, who have established themselves as one of the most influential bands in Ireland. He is also one half of the acclaimed duo The Swell Season, and in 2007, he and Czech songstress Markéta Irglov took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" off the Once soundtrack. His debut solo album, Rhythm and Repose, was released in 2012.

Following the success of their most recent album, Celebration Rock, Japandroids will tour the U.S. this summer. The Vancouver, BC duo, consisting of Brian King and David Prowse, are one guitar, one set of drums, and two vocalizers. Japandroids are maximal - a two piece band trying to sound like its a five piece band. Their 'songs' run the gauntlet of rock & roll sub-genres, with the boys ripping off too many different bands to sound like any other duo making music right now.

After self-releasing two EPs, 2007's All Lies and 2008's Lullaby Death Jams, Japandroids released their critically acclaimed debut album Post-Nothing via Polyvinyl Record Co. in 2009. The boys toured extensively throughout 2009–2010, playing over 200 shows in more than 20 countries, and quickly gained notoriety for their extremely energetic live performances. Finding it difficult to write and record a second album in the midst of such a heavy touring schedule, Japandroids released a series of 7'' singles throughout 2010, each one recorded during a brief interval between tours. The same year, Japandroids re-released their first two EPs as a compilation titled No Singles, which included a booklet detailing their early history. Their most recent album, Celebration Rock, was released in May to critical acclaim and appeared on a number of top ten lists for 2012.

For a decade, alt-rock phenom The Boxer Rebellion have been turning heads globally as a band known and admired for not sticking to the rule book. “This band can alter your life,” said the UK’s NME Magazine, referring to the incredibly epic and ambitious, yet intimate and melodic nature of the band’s musical output. Following a tumultuous time being signed to Universal Records, the band set out on their own following the release of their debut album ‘Exits’ and made history in 2009, on the release of their sophomore album ‘Union’ by becoming the first unsigned band to ever break the Billboard Top 100 albums chart on a digital-only release. That same album was crowned iTunes’ Alternative Album of the Year, and was followed by a feature film appearance alongside Drew Barrymore, and SNL’s Justin Long, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis in the film ‘Going the Distance’ – widely regarded as the most prominent featured performance of a band in motion picture history. The band finally received their network TV debut courtesy of David Letterman, upon the release of 2011’s highly acclaimed ‘The Cold Still’ produced by award-winning record producer Ethan Johns.

May 2013 sees the release of the band’s much-anticipated 4th studio album. Moving away from the more analog and darker soundscapes that enveloped the band’s previous, Promises is a significant step in a different direction for the London four-piece – a more hi-fi, and soaring work that truly delivers on the band’s widescreen, signature sound.

Tricky is back. Back with a new studio album, False Idols, and his own label (also bearing the False Idols name), due to be released this May. In celebration he’ll tour this summer, stopping at Metro June 17. There is no doubt that False Idols stands as his most accomplished album since his earliest works. The lead single "Parenthesis," which features vocals from Peter Silberman of The Antlers, has more rhythmic grunt, which gives a different dimension to the dark gothic atmosphere that pervades the record. No-one does this kind of thing better.
The spirit of Tricky's '90s output looms large over False Idols. The resemblance to Maxinquaye is undeniable, though the material on False Idols is gentler; more mature. Let's just say it's a stunning return to form and leave it at that. Many of the songs on False Idols feature artists signed to Tricky's new label, including 24-year Londoner Francesca Belmonte and Fifi Rong. The album also includes collaborations with Nigeria's new global star Nneka, the afore-mentioned Peter Silberman.

Brimming with imagination, energy, and genre-smashing scope, Fitz & The Tantrums defied the odds to become an indisputable phenomenon, a chart-topping, show-stopping modern pop combo unlike any other. With their spectacular Elektra Records debut, More Than Just A Dream, the Los Angeles-based sextet have ramped up the timeless songcraft and soul sonic force that made them a worldwide sensation to fashion a kaleidoscopic milestone that delivers on the promise of their 2010 breakthrough, Pickin’ Up The Pieces. Songs like the impossibly catchy first single, “Out Of My League” are positively brazen with verve and vivacity, demonstrating all the drama and passion of the band’s famed live shows. From the charged back-and-forth between co-lead vocalists Fitz and Noelle Scaggs to the incontrovertible power of The Tantrums in full flight, More Than Just A Dream is the sound of a great band taking it right to the edge.

Our second show with Fitz & the Tantrums!

Music and baseball are set to collide at Wrigleyville’s Metro on June 21, when Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper join an all-star lineup of musicians and personalities for the 2nd Annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert, presented by KTR Capital Partners.

Benefiting Chicago Cubs Charities and Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later, the fundraiser will feature ensemble performances by headliner Poi Dog Pondering along with the Parkington Sisters, Brede Baldwin and Kay Hanley, former vocalist for Letters to Cleo. Gammons, Epstein and Kasper will perform alongside The Hot Stove All-Stars, featuring Jesse Dee, Local H’s Scott Lucas, Will Dailey, Jimmy Chamberlin and special guests. Chicago favorite Joel Murray will serve as the evening’s emcee.

“I am grateful to the musicians, sponsors and Chicago fans that help make it possible to continue to raise money for disadvantaged youth through Hot Stove Cool Music,” Gammons said. “Particularly in this day and age with budget cuts to charitable and community-focused programs, we focus on making sure underprivileged kids have the resources they need to experience fulfilling lives, and this event helps significantly with that effort.”

In addition to the all-star music lineup, the evening will feature a number of special guests and a live and silent auction featuring signed sports memorabilia and priceless entertainment experiences.

Hot Stove Cool Music was founded in 2000 by Gammons and former Boston Herald sports writer Jeff Horrigan. The biannual event has raised more than $5.5 million for Theo and Paul Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later and the Jimmy Fund. Foundation To Be Named Later was founded in 2005 by Epstein and his brother Paul as a means to create positive opportunities for disadvantaged children and families.

Hot Stove Cool Music is presented by KTR Capital Partners and sponsored by Victory Park Capital, Giordano Pizza, KPMG LLG, Walmart, The Metro, the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Trading Company, Focus HR Support, Sidley Austin, South Street Films, Athletes on the Move, Tito’s Vodka, Atlantis Cars & Limos and the Alter Group.

Nonprofit partner beneficiaries include the One Fund Boston 2013, The Chicago Children’s Choir, City Year Chicago, Girls in the Game, Family Reach Foundation, Chicago Wapiti RFC, Late Night Peace Basketball League and Garfield Park Little League.

About Poi Dog Pondering
Poi dog pondering, "The little big band with the strong back stubborn heart", has been following it's intuition for 20 years now. From bohemian street buskers to impossible to market major label sacrificial lambs... Poi dog pondering has ripened into staunchly independent musical voyagers. They have let every sound that excited them flow through their music and flood it with ever changing colors; Rock and soul. Orchestral, acoustic and electronic textures. Americana, rock band disco and international music. All threaded along the way with lyrics that embrace the beauty and pain that life can bring.

About Parkington Sisters
From Wellfleet, Massachusetts, the Parkington Sisters recently completed their second full-length album, which will released later this year. Their 2011 debut album “Till Voices Wake Us” was produced by Joel Hamilton (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello) and recorded at Avatar Studios, and Studio G in New York City. The album was selected by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as one of the top essential albums of 2011.

ABOUT HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC
Hot Stove Cool Music is a biannual charity concert and musical variety show held in Boston in the winter and summer months, making its debut in Chicago in summer 2012. The event was created in December of 2000 by Hall of Fame Baseball journalist Peter Gammons and former Boston Herald sports writer Jeff Horrigan. Over the past 12 years, Hot Stove Cool Music has become a staple on Boston’s entertainment calendar and has raised more than $5 million for the Jimmy Fund and Theo and Paul Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later.

ABOUT FOUNDATION TO BE NAMED LATER (FTBNL)
Foundation To Be Named Later (FTBNL) was launched in Spring of 2005 by Paul Epstein, a social worker in the Brookline public school system, and his twin brother, former Boston Red Sox EVP and GM and current Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein. Named after the MLB trade term, player to be named later, the mission of FTBNL is to raise funds and awareness for non-profit agencies, working on the front lines, serving disadvantaged youth and families. FTBNL invests in programs that teach leadership, education and healthy development of families.

FTBNL has given over $5 million in grants and in-kind donations to over 200 non-profit organizations and has sent approximately 3,500 children, who would not otherwise get the chance to go to a game, to Red Sox and Celtics home games. The Peter Gammons/FTBNL College Scholarship (named in honor of Hall of Famer and FTBNL Champion, Peter Gammons) is the signature program of FTBNL and has sent more than 20 young people with high financial needs and high educational potential to the college of their choice. Each Gammons Scholar gets an adult mentor and a laptop computer to ensure college success.

ABOUT CHICAGO CUBS CHARITIES
Chicago Cubs Charities strives to make Chicago a great place to live, work and play by harnessing the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across the city and beyond. Chicago Cubs Charities’ goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality non-profit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Chicago Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field.

Limited Tickets Still Available For Saturday 6/29 All Ages Show

Naked Raygun was one of the first U.S. post-punk bands of the early '80s that merged melodic influences with punk/hardcore. Formed during 1981 in Chicago, and largely influenced by such art-punkers as Wire and Gang of Four, Naked Raygun made it clear early on that they were unafraid to speak their minds, especially on their 1983 debut album Basement Screams. Although they split in 1990, a decade later indie label Touch And Go/Quarterstick reissued all of Naked Raygun's albums with bonus tracks, and in 2006 the band reformed and released a series of 7”s and headed back into the studio to record new material.

Revered producer, bass virtuoso, composer and sound artist, Squarepusher constantly strives to push the boundaries and limits of electronic music. He began his sonic experiments in 1994 releasing the debut album ‘Feed Me Weird Things’ on Rephlex before eventually signing to Warp in1995. In 2013 his influence within today’s global music electronic scene is as vital as ever.

Last year Squarepusher unleashed his latest musical venture ‘Ufabulum’, an album of music generated purely from digital programming, harking back to acid techno roots and pushing into uncharted territories.
Never one to slouch when it comes to live performances, the ‘Ufabulum’ project sees Squarepusher working simultaneously on the sonic and visual aspects resulting in the most spectacular audio – visual live show of his career. Not for the faint-hearted, it is a stunning assault on the senses that will challenge and inspire the audience in equal measure. This is surely one of the must-see shows in the electronic music calendar this year.

Once compared to Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, Psychic TV, and Animal Collective in the same review (for 2009’s Childish Prodigy), Kurt Vile can bring to mind anything from Suicide to Leo Kottke to My Bloody Valentine, Bob Seger, Nick Drake, and Eastern ragas. Still, he pieces together these disparate elements so seamlessly and unpretentiously that such reference points are rendered pointless by the singularity of his sound. Kurt Vile might belong to a long lineage of classic American songwriters, but he’s the only one who’s alive and in his prime today. He recently released his new album Smoke Ring For My Halo and will tour the U.S. this spring and summer.

All Tickets Purchased For 7/9 Will Be Honored

OMD is releasing their new album, English Electric, this April, and bringing their music to America all Spring long in celebration! Together since 1978, this Liverpool band has been innovating for over three decades.

Founder members Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys had originally been inspired by the experimental electronic music of German bands such as Kraftwerk and Neu! Naming themselves after one of their own early songs, Humphreys and McCluskey launched their own unique style of catchy electronic melodies that helped form OMD’s reputation for intelligent pop. After a brief period of touring, notably as support for Gary Numan, OMD quickly established themselves with a number of classic singles. Messages, with its simple but engaging melody, managed to get OMD into the public eye in 1980 by reaching No. 13 in the UK charts. Later the same year they made the UK top ten and scored their first international hit (5 million sales) with the dance pop of Enola Gay - an up tempo number inspired by the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The success in 1980 helped OMD to rapidly become one of the UK’s premier pop acts. OMD’s 1981 album, the ethereal Architecture & Morality proved to be one of their finest moment, as all three singles secured a top 5 chart position and by 1982 had turned OMD into household names. This period also saw the band touring extensively in North America. If You Leave, specifically written for the John Hughes movie Pretty In Pink, was a huge success.

Finally, deciding the time was right for an OMD revival, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys reunited alongside former band members Mal Holmes and Martin Cooper. In 2007 they embarked on an extensive UK and European tour showcasing their classic Architecture & Morality album. Now, they will release English Electric this Spring!

In an age where taking risks and being fearless can make or break you, RX have emerged as a tidal wave, a force that shatters all the boundaries set against them. Throughout their decade long career, the group has reinvented and revolutionized their identity while retaining their socially conscious lyrics and eruptive instrumentation. This concept has been the catalyst for the band’s ever-growing fanbase, which revels in their uniqueness and continue to storm their celebrated, incendiary live shows. RX Bandits' performance on the main stage at Bonnaroo in 2007 proved the band's majesty to a new audience, while myriad tours with the likes of Portugal The Man, Tera Melos, Fall of Troy, et al, have built the quartet's considerable fan base over the years.

This summer, they tour in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the release of their breakthrough album The Resignation.

Born in Washington, DC and raised in 8 cities across 2 continents, Ryan was a senior at Harvard by the age of 19. He has spent the last seven years producing records for a myriad of artists and releasing 2 award-winning albums of his own.

US Air Guitar is currently assembling an unprecedented array of talent. Over the course of the year, Qualifiers are being held in over twenty cities across America, with more being added every week. The best air guitarists from each Qualifier advance to the Semifinals, which are being held in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Three winners from each Semifinal will advance to the US Finals, which is happening this year in Los Angeles on August 17. The winner of the US Finals will become The 2013 US Air Guitar Champion, and will advance to the Air Guitar World Championships, held in Finland. He or she will represent the United States of America against National Champions from 25 other countries all around the world.

The competition at the Semifinals consists of two rounds. In Round 1, each competitor performs to a song of their own choosing. In Round 2, the top competitors from Round 1 perform to a surprise compulsory song. In each round, contestants perform for one minute of a song and are judged on a combination of technical merit, stage presence, and “airness." All guitars must be invisible. The jury is a panel of independent judges that are hand picked by US Air Guitar. The results of the jury cannot be protested.

Bjorn Turoque, star of the movie Air Guitar Nation, will return in 2013 to host the event. 2008 US & World Air Guitar Champion, Hot Lixx Hulahan, will return as a Judge, and will also do a special air guitar perform with the current World Air Guitar Champion, Nordic Thunder. And there will also be special half time performance by other legends of the sport.

Singer-songwriter Tim Barry plays songs with themes of resilience and hope, which flow through Barry's new record, "40 Miler," released by New Jersey indie label Chunksaah last year. This time around Barry opts for more raucous, rocking approach on several tracks, adding more electric guitar, organ, piano, harmonica, as well as the gorgeous voice of Richmond songstress Julie Karr to the mix. Reviewers are likely to make comparisons to everyone from Steve Earle to Lucero to (early) Wilco. Barry will be bringing his new songs to audiences in throughout 2013. Continuing the momentum from 2012 that took him through Canada, Australia, America, and supporting the likes of Frank Turner in the UK. Tim Barry will jump the pond this summer to return on a slew of headlining dates.

Three years since their last album, Deerhunter is back, and they're not pulling any punches. Monomania, lauded as some of the "Best New Music" by Pitchfork, is scattered with lead singer Bradford Cox's lyrical land mines and all-American melodies. The Atlanta five-piece isn't without stunning visuals, either. Watch the music video for "Monomania" here.

Jake Bugg started his musical adventure young. Aged 12 he started playing and singing, aged 14 he started writing songs, aged 17 he gets invited to play at Glastonbury. This young singer/songwriter from Nottingham is only 17, but is already producing music way beyond his years. Influenced by the likes of Donovan, Don Mclean, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, you might think Jake was born in the wrong era. His self titled debut album was released in October,and he tours the States this summer.

In September 2012, a collection of musicians, peers, co-workers, friends and family gathered together for a memorial concert to celebrate the life of Jamie Duffy, a beloved Chicago musician and soundman who had passed away earlier that year. The memorial show was referred to as Cold Waves, in no small part due to the high number of “Cold Wave” artists who participated in it.

This year the festival has been expanded to two nights and will be held at Chicago’s iconic Metro. “Industrial” bands that span across multiple genres including Rock, Metal, EBM, Breakbeat and Punk will once again descend upon Chicago for two emotionally charged shows. 14 Bands over two nights, celebrating a style of music Chicago helped put on the map, will feature rare appearances, reunions and special guests. A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Hope for the Day, a non-profit movement committed to educating youth by using music and the arts as a defense mechanism against suicide.

In September 2012, a collection of musicians, peers, co-workers, friends and family gathered together for a memorial concert to celebrate the life of Jamie Duffy, a beloved Chicago musician and soundman who had passed away earlier that year. The memorial show was referred to as Cold Waves, in no small part due to the high number of “Cold Wave” artists who participated in it.

This year the festival has been expanded to two nights and will be held at Chicago’s iconic Metro. “Industrial” bands that span across multiple genres including Rock, Metal, EBM, Breakbeat and Punk will once again descend upon Chicago for two emotionally charged shows. 14 Bands over two nights, celebrating a style of music Chicago helped put on the map, will feature rare appearances, reunions and special guests. A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Hope for the Day, a non-profit movement committed to educating youth by using music and the arts as a defense mechanism against suicide.

Andrew W.K. will be joining Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg as the lead singer for their 2013 world tour. The punk drumming icon and his band will be fronted by the king of partying for a high-octane performance of more than THIRTY of Marky’s classic fan-favorite songs! These will include songs that took him from the halcyon stage of CBGB’s to touring around the world. From the celluloid halls of Rock ‘n Roll High School to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Ramone’s career has taken him far and wide, earning him a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award, and immortalizing his handprints on the Hollywood Rock Walk.

Speaking on how he chose Andrew W.K. as his singer, Ramone said, “I first met Andrew through a mutual friend and he told me about his party philosophy, which has also always been my exact take on life. We went into the rehearsal studio and it just clicked. We had so much fun that we wanted to invite everyone to the party. I’ve said before and I will say it again, these songs are too good not to be played live!!!”

W.K. echoed Ramone’s sentiment, saying, “When Marky Ramone asks you to be his singer, you don’t even think about it. It’s an automatic, YES. I was intimidated by the magnitude of the opportunity – freaked out and overwhelmed – but I was also completely determined and focused – it’s something I had to do. Even just the first rehearsal felt like an odyssey, but that’s how you can tell the experience is changing your life. I’ve never had a more rewarding, humbling, orchallenging invitation than this, and I’m serving the gods via this incredible sound Marky and his band created. There’s never been better rock ‘n’ roll music made than this, and I will give everything I have to do it justice.”

Currently, Marky Ramone hosts his own weekly satellite radio show “Punk Rock Blitzkrieg,” which is broadcast nationally via Sirius/XM Faction. He has also entered the culinary realm with the release of his highly successful Marinara Pasta Sauce, based on his Great Grandfather’s recipe.

Andrew W.K. has been a constant figure in national media ever since his 2000 debut, and in recent years he’s been spreading his message of positive partying and high-energy entertainment with even greater intensity. His singular ability to straddle both mainstream media and fringe culture has made him an instantly recognizable modern pop icon. An example of his lasting influence is the recent 10th Anniversary Deluxe release of his landmark debut album, I Get Wet, the world tour of which sold out dates across the U.S., Europe, Australia and Japan. Andrew continues to surprise, confound, and engage his audience with an expanding array of energetic and enthusiastic entertainment.

Desaparecidos, the Nebraska-based 5-piece fronted by Conor Oberst, have reunited! The band, who haven’t toured together since 2002, recently played a surprise show in their hometown of Omaha where they unveiled two brand new songs. Desaparecidos return as the original line up of Conor Oberst (vocals, guitar) Landon Hedges (bass guitar, vocals), Matt Baum (drums), Denver Dalley - (guitar) and Ian McElroy (keyboards). The band formed in 2001, released one album (2002's critically lauded Read Music/Speak Spanish), and ceased playing together shortly thereafter.