NPR's First Listen: Blitzen Trapper - 'Destroyer Of The Void'

Stone Temple Pilots Announce Summer Tour

The first show that I saw was Stone Temple Pilots at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago on the Purple tour. I still have vivid memories of Dean DeLeo getting feedback on his guitar as the band opened with "Vasoline". I will never forget it! I have always enjoyed STP, and they were my favorite band as a teenager. Purple and Tiny Music are their best records by far and the aforementioned Purple was one of the best rock records of the 90's. The band recently released their first new album in nearly ten years and it's a gem. They will hit the road this August with more dates to be announced.

Stone Temple Pilots Summer Tour Dates
Aug. 7 @ Rock on the Range - Winnipeg, MB
Aug. 10 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO
Aug. 11 @ Rock n Rev @ Glenco Campground - Sturgis, SD
Aug. 13 @ Wilkens Auditorium - St. Paul, MN
Aug. 17 @ LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH
Aug. 19 @ Deltaplex - Grand Rapids, MI
Aug. 20 @ Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL
Aug. 22 @ Tower City Amphitheatre - Cleveland, OH
Aug. 25 @ PNC Pavilion - Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 26 @ Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
Aug. 28 @ First Niagra Amphitheatre - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 29 @ TBD - Toronto, ON
Aug. 31 @ Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT
Sept. 1 @ Bank of America Pavilion - Boston, MA
Sept. 3 @ Borgata - Atlantic City, NJ
Sept. 4 @ Jones Beach Musical Theatre
Sept. 5 @ PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ

Monday Evening Beer Break

A very late, but special holiday posting of MEBB! I hope everyone had a great weekend! On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to have scored two tickets to game one of the Stanley Cup Final! The energy was great and we saw one hell of a game. Last night, I caught the Chicago Fire vs. AC Milan at Toyota Park. The game wasn't very exciting, but I was surprised to see that Lagunitas has some beer stands at Toyota Park! Crack a beer and enjoy some light reading and a video.

• M.I.A.'s feud with Lynn Hirschberg has produced a new song
• Check out these wacky custom guitars
• Live Music Blog has a partially unconfirmed Outside Lands lineup
• Paste presents the best late-night TV performances in May
• The Chicago Tribune has your summer covered
• R.I.P. Dennis Hopper

Butthole Surfers - Pepper

Mastodon Cancels European Tour

Mastodon has been forced to cancel their summer European tour due to a illness in the band. The band will return to the stage on September 16 in Chicago for the opening night of BLACKDIAMONDSKYE, which features Alice in Chains, Deftones & Mastodon. The band issued the following statement regarding the cancellation of their European tour.

MASTODON regret to inform their fans that their upcoming Summer tour of Europe originally set to begin June 5, in Germany and ending July 3, in Finland has been cancelled. Guitarist Bill Kelliher who has been diagnosed with Pancreatitis has been advised by doctors to continue further medical treatment. Bill’s medical team are optimistic and expect a full recovery in the weeks ahead as the band looks forward to being part of BlackDiamondSkye also featuring Alice In Chains, Deftones, slated to begin Sep. 16, in Chicago.

Hump Day Happenings

I am posting this much later than I normally do, but it was one hell of a day. I am definitely getting ready for the holiday weekend. I don't have much more to stay. I can't say that I am a Slipknot fan, but there is something about the song "Before I Forget" that I like. Check out a live version below.

• Gorillaz replace U2 at Glastonbury, special guests expected
• Can you guess which rapper this is?
• Listen to not one, but two new Arcade Fire songs
• R.I.P. Slipknot bassist Paul Gray
• Artists to pay tribute to Paul McCartney at White House
• Check out the schedule for iClips' Summer Camp webcast
  

Slipknot - Before I Forget

Happy Birthday Levon Helm

To this day, my trip to Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble a few years back remains as the most unique concert experience I have ever witnessed. If you can make your way out to Woodstock, NY and catch a ramble, I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed! Happy Birthday Levon. I hope you have many many many more!

Levon Helm - Poor Old Dirt Farmer

Beer Hoptacular!

The first ever Beer Hoptacular! will take place from June 4-5 at the historic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Breweries from around the world will converge on Chicago for what is sure to be a hoptacular event! Tickets are still available for all sessions, and you can get them here. In the meantime, check out the list of breweries that will be represented.

Chicago
Goose Island
Half Acre
Argus Brewery

Suburbs
Roundhouse Brewery - Aurora
Two Brothers - Warrenville
Limestone Brewing - Plainfield
Flatlanders – Lincolnshire
Mickey Finn's - Libertyville
Lucky Monk – Barrington
Wild Onion - Lake Barrington
Lake Bluff Brewing

Out of State / Country
Dundee
Bell's
Summit
New Belgium
Destihl
Dogfish Head
Great Lakes Brewing
Magic Hat
Pyramid
Stevens Point
New Holland
Crispin Cider
Sierra Nevada
Affligem
Boston Beer Co./Sam Adams
Negro Modelo/Modelo especial
Strongbow Cider
Woodchuck Cider
Magner’s Cider
Brooklyn
Imperial Cerveza

Led Zeppelin to Replace U2 at Glastonbury?

Just hours after U2 canceled their appearance at Glastonbury, Michael Eavis might and I stress might have a really big replacement. Jimmy Page has stirred the pot by saying that he wouldn't rule out Led Zeppelin replacing U2 at next months festival. Stay tuned for more on this. I would say this is highly unlikely, but you never know.

[via Gigwise]

U2 Cancels North America Tour, Glastonbury Appearance

If you bought a ticket to see U2 and their flying saucer this summer, you are going to have to wait until 2011. Today, the Irish rockers announced that they are canceling their upcoming North American tour and Glastonbury appearance as Bono recovers from emergency back surgery. You can check out U2's official website for more details.

[via Consequence of Sound]

Mumford & Sons Tonight @ Lincoln Hall

I am really excited for the Mumford & Sons show at Lincoln Hall tonight. I bought my tickets over two months ago, which seems like an eternity, but the show is finally here. Sigh No More is one of my favorite releases this year, and if you don't have it, I recommend picking it up. I will be tweeting from the show and you can follow me here. I am also on Facebook.

Mumford & Sons - Sister

2010 Montreux Jazz Festival Lineup

If you just so happen to be in Switzerland at any time between July 2 -17, I recommend taking a detour and heading to Montreux for the annual Montreux Jazz Festival. Below are just a few of the artists playing this years festival

Air
Ben Harper and Relentless7
Broken Bells
Buddy Guy
Herbie Hancock
Mark Knopfler
Julian Casablancas
Miss Elliott
Mumford & Sons
Norah Jones
Phil Collins
Erykah Badu
Gil Scott-Heron
Massive Attack
Paco de Lucia

Check out the full lineup here.

In Honor of the Chicago Blackhawks......

The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I had a really good weekend and am looking forward to the Memorial Day holiday. I had the floors refinished in my new place on Saturday. It's only the first round of work, but I hope to be moved in by the second week of June. Yesterday, I attended my first ever Goose Island MBA reunion. Great beer & great food! In case you missed it, the Blackhawks are headed to the Stanley Cup Finals! Here is some news and a video to get your Monday moving!

• Is Charlie Watts leaving The Rolling Stones?
• Listen to The Roots new track "Dear God 2.0" feat. Jim James
• Hidden Track Interviews Marco Benevento
• Jimi Hendrix's London flat will be open to the public
• NPR blogger Carrie Brownstein wants to hear your best bass solo
• U2's Bono undergoes emergency back surgery, cancels first show of US tour

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Thank Boosh It's Friday!

I have a pretty chill weekend planned, which is nice for a change. On Sunday, I am going to an MBA reunion at Goose Island, which should be a fun time. I might check out Midlake on Sunday at Lincoln Hall, but I haven't made up my mind. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

• Bono hurts back, U2 tour dates now in question
• Mick Jagger hints at new Stones material
• Listen to the new Stone Temple Pilots album
• Mr. Miner presents 10 Phish songs for your Friday
• Pictures: Them Crooked Vultures & Alberta Cross at the Aragon
• Jemaine Clement to appear in Men in Black III

Flight of the Conchords - Bowie

Bonnaroo Releases Schedule

It's hard to believe, but Bonnaroo is less than one month away. Today, the organizers released the daily schedule. Bonnaroo will take place from June 10 - 13 in Manchester, TN. Let the schedule conflicts begin!

You can check out the schedule here.

Video: The Black Keys - Tighten Up

The Black Keys "Tighten Up"

Them Crooked Vultures Chicago Print

I didn't get to the show early enough to get the print, but Jermaine Rogers is one talented artist.

Video: Mumford & Sons - The Cave

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

My Morning Jacket Announces Additional Summer Shows

My Morning Jacket have beefed up their summer tour schedule. In addition to their previously announced shows with Tom Petty, MMJ will play mostly East Coast shows, with a handful of West Coast dates. The band is also heavily rumored to be appearing at this years Outside Lands Music Festival. That lineup won't be announced until June 1.

Once again the band will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to a local charity. See below for the full list of organizations along with links to their websites for more information. Tickets for the shows will go on sale beginning this coming Friday, May 21st.

My Morning Jacket Tour Dates
Aug. 11 @ SDSU Outdoor Theater - San Diego, CA#
Charity: San Diego Coast Keeper
Aug. 12 @ The Greek Theater - Los Angeles, CA#
Charity: School On Wheels
Aug. 15 @ Mile High Festival - Denver, CO
Aug. 17 @ Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL
Charity: Mercy Home
Aug. 19 @ Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA*
Aug. 20 @ Champlain Valley Lawn - Burlington, VT
Charity: Combat Paper Project
Aug. 21 @ Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA*
Aug. 24 @ IZOD Center - East Rutherford, NJ*
Aug. 25 @ Mountain Park - Holyoke, MA
Charity: Womanshelter
Aug. 27 @ Station Square Amphitheater - Pittsburgh, PA
Charity: Just Harvest
Aug. 28 @ CMAC - Canandaigua, NY
Charity: Finger Lakes Land Trust
Aug. 29 @ Great Plaza - Philadelphia, PA
Charity: Greensgrow Philadelphia Project

# - With Avi Buffalo
* - With Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Hump Day Happenings

Last night, I checked out Them Crooked Vultures at the Aragon Ballroom. Aside from Josh Homme getting drunk throughout the show, I really enjoyed the performance. There were times during the two hour set that the energy lacked, but the band brought it most of the night. It's very clear that Dave Grohl is enjoying being out of the limelight and playing drums. It was also a pleasure to watch him own his kit! Here is some news and a video to get you over the hump day known as Wednesday.

• Bobby Womack has some very high praise for Damon Albarn
• Trey Anastasio has a new songwriting partner
• Holy Shit! Pitchfork gave the remastered Exile a perfect 10
• Elvis Costello has canceled to upcoming gigs in Israel
• Bonnaroo's Lunar Stage will host DJ's, show World Cup games
• Pearl Jam paid tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio
  
  
  
  Dawes - When My Time Comes

Watch the Making of MGMT's "Flash Delirium" Music Video

Phish to Headline First Night of ACL

I have only been to Austin City Limits Music Festival once, but I had a great time! Phish, Muse & The Eagles will serve as this years headliners. While I would love to travel to Austin to see Phish, the rest of the lineup isn't strong enough to get me there. If you do decide to go, don't forget to order a chicken cone.

You can check out the rest of the lineup here.

Monday Morning Coffee Break

Now that I have closed on my place, I hope to get back to more regular posts on my blog. All in all it was a pretty chill weekend for me. Yesterday, I grabbed some afternoon drinks with friends at Map Room. Last nights Trey webcast was really really awesome and was the perfect way to cap my weekend off. I thought their cover of The Band's "It Makes No Difference" was spot on! I also thought Trey's guitar playing was great. Summer tour is right around the corner! Here is some news and a video to get your Monday moving! Don't forget that S&SS is on Facebook & Twitter.

• R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio
• Check out this great drum solo by Galactic's Stanton Moore
• Dave Matthews Band will take it easy during 2011
• South Bend will host the last Midwest Wilco show of the year
• I can't wait to get my copy of the remastered Exile on Main Street
• Check out the new Black Keys video

Phish - Loving Cup

"Urban Floral" by Jim Pollock

Check out this great new piece by Phish poster artist Jim Pollock. You can purchase the print here.

Video: The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio (Live on Jools Holland)

Listen to Band of Horses 'Infinite Arms'

Enjoy!

Hump Day Happenings

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog recently, but I have been insanely busy. After this weekend, I hope to resume more frequent posts. I have been listening to High Violet nonstop since I picked it up yesterday. Here is some news and video of MGMT rocking "Brian Eno" on Letterman last night.

• The Rolling Stones may play whole studio albums live
• Hidden Track offers Phish 101 for your kids
• Lollapalooza to expand daily attendance to 95,000?
• 9th annual Forecastle Festival expands lineup
• Damon Albarn says Blur will record more new material
• Chemical Brothers add more US tour dates

MGMT - Brian Eno

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I had a really good weekend and I close on my new place this Friday! On Saturday, I had another terrific meal at Jibek Jolu, which is the only Kyrgyzstani restaurant in Chicago. If you live in Chicago, I definitely recommend checking it out.Yesterday, I watched Chelsea dispose of Wigam and win the EPL title. Here is some news and a video to get your Monday moving!

• Next up for Apple is "iTunes Live"
• Watch the Local Natives on "Craig Ferguson"
• Ranger Dave is back for this years Outside Lands Music Festival
• Jeff Mangum made a very rare public appearance
• The Beatles Let It Be is 40 years old
• Watch Jay-Z perform on "Saturday Night Live"

Daft Punk - Robot Rock & Around the World (Live)

Thank Boosh It's Friday

It's been a pretty hectic week for me, but the weekend is upon us. I don't have much going on this weekend, so I am going to take it easy. I might head up to Fountainhead tomorrow night for some food and drinks. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

• Red Hot Chili Peppers to start recording new album in July
• Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks hit the studio with Beck
• Ween unveils Ween TV
• Betty White & Jay-Z to appear together in Saturday Night Live
• Check out this interview with Jonsi of Sigur Ros
• The National played London's Royal Albert Hall for the first time

Jerry Garcia Band - That's What Love Will Make You Do

Video: Phish - Scents & Subtle Sounds - Alpine Valley 7-19-03

Phish - Scents & Subtle Sounds (Part 1)

Phish - Scents & Subtle Sounds (Part 2)

Hump Day Happenings

It's been a pretty quick week, but I am ready for it to be Friday. Tomorrow, I am going to see Phish 3D and I am pumped. I have heard mostly positive things and think it will be interesting to see the boys in 3D.

• Pavement kicked off their UK & Ireland tour in Dublin
• Phoenix remixes Grizzly Bear with a little help from Brian Eno
• Moby forms a metal band...... Should be interesting
• Pearl Jam launches online radio station, 2010 bootlegs for sale
• Under The Radar interviews L.A.'s Local Natives
• Roger Waters should rethink where he promotes for his upcoming tour

The Mars Volta - Cotopaxi

Video: Tool - Vicarious

Tool - Vicarious

Alice in Chains, Deftones, Mastodon Announce "BLACKDIAMONDSKYE" Tour Dates

I can't say I am a big fan of Alice in Chains with their newsinger, but they have announced a really BIG fall tour. AIC along with Deftones & Mastodon will hit the road this fall for the "BLACKDIAMONDSKYE" tour. If you plan on catching one of these shows, I would suggest getting a pair of earplugs. Check the official website for more information.

BLACKDIAMONDSKYE 2010 Fall Tour Dates
Sept. 16 @ Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL
Sept. 17 @ DTE Energy Center - Detroit, MI
Sept. 18 @ Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON
Sept. 20 @ Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, CT
Sept. 22 @ Agannis Arena - Boston, MA
Sept. 24 @ Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Sept. 28 @ Lakewood Amphitheater - Atlanta, GA
Oct. 1 @ Scottrade Arena - St. Louis, MO
Oct. 4 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO
Oct. 7 @ GM Place - Vancouver, BC
Oct. 8 @ Key Arena - Seattle, WA
Oct. 9 @ Memorial Coliseum - Portland, OR
Oct. 16 @ The Joint - Las Vegas, NV
More dates tba

Craft Beer Week in Chicago May 17-23

Less than a month after the Craft Brewers Conference was held in Chicago, beer enthusiasts will once again descend upon Chicago this May. The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild will host the 1st annual Craft Beer Week, which takes place from May 17-23 at various venues across the city. This event will coincide with the nationwide celebration of America Craft Beer Week. For a full list of events, check the official website.

It seems that beer is all the rage in Chicago lately. With breweries like Goose Island, Piece, Revolution Brewing, Half Acre, Metropolitan Brewing and the soon to be open Haymarket Pub & Brewery, there is no shortage of good beer in Chicago.

Let's not forget the Chicago Beer Hoptacular, which take place from June 4-5 at the Aragon Ballroom. You can get your tickets here.

It's definitely good to be a beer lover in Chicago!

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I finally made it back home from my extended weekend trip to Las Vegas. Vegas isn't my favorite place in the world, but we had a great time! Jazzfest finished up this weekend and you can check out a complete roundup here. It also appears that we will be getting more dates for Tool's highly anticipated summer tour. Here is some news and video of my favorite MMJ song to get your Monday moving.

• Eminem rips Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in new song
• John Lennon's "A Day In The Life" lyrics to hit the auction block
• Members of Keane, Mumford & Sons & The Killers climb Mt. Desolation
• Ozzfest returns with Motley Crue, Black Label Society, Rob Halford & more
• Max Weinberg & Conan O'Brien are parting ways
• Watch The National perform "Terrible Love" in a castle

My Morning Jacket - One Big Holiday