Here is this week’s dose from Chicago’s Tastemakers! Each week we check in with our 60+ Chicago movers and shakers to see what’s going on around town. Stay tuned each week to get each week’s wrap and next week’s view!
Our weekly Tastemaker Spotlight is going to help you lovely people get to know our Tastemakers a little bit better, so they’re more than just a name online bringing you the hottest events the city has to offer!
This week you get to meet Christian Picciolini from JBTV! Christian is General Manager, President and Emmy-nominated Executive Producer of JBTV, Chicago’s longest-running, most-respected rock & roll music television show. Founder and owner of Chicago-based artist management and development firm Goldmill Group (The Frantic, The Briggs, Flatfoot 56, Treaty Of Paris, State And Madison, Urbanites, Koo Koo Kanga Roo), and Founder and Owner of punk rock record label Sinister Muse. Rock committee member of National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys).
What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?
I still get a kick out of watching Friday or Blues Brothers. Classics.
What is your favorite sport?
I’m a huge fan of European soccer, especially Italian Serie A soccer. I grew up as an athlete that played soccer, football and baseball, so I’m a sports fan in general, but soccer is really my passion. I also love professional boxing.
What is your favorite type of art?
Concert poster art is something that I actually have been doing as a hobby for years. I’ve designed hundreds of tour posters for bands like Flatfoot 56, The Frantic, Dead Town Revival, Treaty of Paris and Street Dogs. I love collecting rock posters and art from people like Coop and Jim Evans (aka T.A.Z.). It’s a great mix of folk art and pop art and am fascinated by the mix of art and typography.
What do you want to be doing in five years?
My strategy when I came on to JBTV as General Manager and Executive Producer was to transform the already iconic weekly TV show into a 24-hour entertainment media company that showcased amazing new artists and allowed music fans to discover great new music anytime they wanted (24×7 and on-demand), anywhere that they wanted to consume it (TV, radio, new media, smart phone, tablet, web), on any platform they wanted to consume it (broadcast, satellite, cable, Internet, radio, cloud). In 2 years, the plan is right on track and we’ve just announced we’re going live on the NBC Nonstop channel in 14 US markets (Chicago, LA, NY, SF, DC, Philadelphia, Miami, Dallas and more). In 5 years, I hope to solidify the plan even further and find more ways to make artists partners in their content and offer them a new revenue stream that right now doesn’t really exist for them. I call it Motown 2.0 or Music Industry 2.0.
What upcoming event are you excited for?
I am very excited to be a part of a great charity event this Sunday, January 29th at Double Door (click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!) in Chicago. The event is called Fashion.Music.Hope and being presented by Seer Outfitters, The Kyle Korver Foundation (Chicago Bulls #26) and Black Label Booking. The event will feature performances by Barcelona and Gemini Club and all proceeds from the night will go to benefit 3 local Chicago charities, including a non-profit that I co-founded called Life After Hate. It’s all for a great cause.
CVU141 – King Louie by DYNASTY PODCASTS
CVU142 – Lawless Inc. by DYNASTY PODCASTS
DPLB001 – NOIZE R!OT 01/12/12 by DYNASTY PODCASTS
Dynasty Podcasts shares three new ‘casts this week featuring King Louie, Larro Wilson, and live recording from NOIZE R!OT!
Front 312 January 2012- Classics Edition Promo Mix by Mr. Automatic
EDDIE RIOT BODY MUSIC FRONT 312 NEO MIX by Eddie Riot
FRONT 312 has a new mixes out (one by Mr. Automatic, the other by Eddie Riot) this week.
Crystal Bishop will have Stratus and Lo Bounce in studio on YoDJ! Tune in Thursday night from 7-10pm at FearlessRadio.com.
Chicago Mixtape has a new mix out, titled Nancy Reagan’s War on Fun, featuring local bands Eight Bit Tiger, Tijuana Hercules, Pear Traps, The Laureates, Fly Over State, E+, and The Drum.
DIPLO – HORSEY (KNIFE VICE’S THE FUTURE OF MUSIC REMIX) by knifefight
KDM shares a new mix by Ephraim Cuellas and Lemi Vice.
Gapers Block recaps STS9 “Great Cycle Spectacles” at Congress Theater.
The Dead Hub recaps Gem Club at Littlefield.
The Dead Hub also recaps Sharon Van Etten at Mercury Lounge.
Lost in Concert recaps Steel Panther at House of Blues.
HEAVEmedia shares Michael Lux & the Bad Sons debut video for “Salt and Pepper”
HEAVEmedia also takes a serious look into the world of Pokemon.
Huffington Post Chicago talks about how the Lifetime movie, Drew Peterson: Untouchable, set the twittersphere ablaze this weekend.
Huffington Post Chicago shares Chicago’s AAA Five Diamond Restaurants Announced; City Ties New York For Most Awards
Huffington Post Chicago interviews Tastemaker Mike Raspatello, Todd Fink, and David Grisman about the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival.
The Windish Agency shares video of Cults playing Abducted live on Jimmy Fallon.
The Windish Agency shares a Pitchfork.com article about Jamie xx and Caribou’s collaboration on 100-Minute Boiler Room Mix.
The Windish Agency also shares the nominees for The BRIT Awards 2012, including Foster The People and Anna Calvi.
Now, Now: School Friends by Trans Records
Stic-of-the-Week shares Now, Now’s new song, School Friends.
Paddling Out by miikesnow
Stic-of-the-Week also shares Miike Snow’s new track, Paddling Out.
Stic-of-the-Week shares Jessie Baylin’s new music video, Hurry, Hurry, which is direceted by Scarlett Johansson.
JBTV has two featured in-studio artists – Terrible Things and Riverboat Gamblers – lead this week’s lineup with, quite possibly, the two highest energy performances we’ve hosted this year on our high-def soundstage. We’re on the scene with Jimmy Eat World and Chevelle and revisiting classic JBTV segments with Radiohead and Ministry.
Best Shit You Never Saw: Brother Ali from Ruby Hornet on Vimeo.
Ruby Hornet shares video of their new series, Best Shit You Never Saw. This week’s features Brother Ali.
Ruby Hornet recaps Digital Freshness with Mr. Mutahfuckin’ eXquire, Rockie Fresh, and ShowYouSuck in photos.
A/S/L_Media snagged photos of Polar Music Showcase at Berlin Nightclub.
A/S/L_Media also snagged photos of Stardust with DJs Zebo, Hiroki, and Phenom at Berlin Nightclub.
Mad laB Photography snagged photos of Rehab at Debonair Social Club.
Mad laB Photography snagged photos of Zombies vs Skeletons at Cobra Lounge.
Mad laB Photography snagged photos of The Booty Up at Evil Olive.
The Youth Chronicles snagged photos of Porn & Chicken’s Onesie Banger.
PartyLine Chicago snagged photos of Holy Ship Day 1 and Day 3.
PartyLine Chicago snagged photos of David Grisman Quartet at Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest.
PartyLine Chicago also snagged photos of Sound Tribe Sector Nine & RJD2 at Congress Theater.
Check out the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival ending on Saturday, January 28th!
Front 312 has CLASSICS! A retroactive dance party presented by Front 312 at Bonny’s on Tuesday, January 24th.
Abbey Pub has The Mantras, Murley Shertz, Jaik Willis at Abbey Pub on Tuesday, January 24th. RSVP for no cover before 10PM!
Schubas has Kevin Hearn & Thinbuckle, Todd Kessler at Schubas on Tuesday, January 24th.
The Shrine has RESPECT THE MIC 5.0 Feat/ J-LIVE at The Shrine on Wednesday, January 25th.
Lincoln Hall has Fujiya & Miyagi, Yawn at Lincoln Hall on Wednesday, January 25th.
Crimson Lounge has Commonwealth Wednesday feat. E-Six of Crossfader King at Crimson Lounge on Wendesday, January 25th. RSVP for no cover before midnight!
Debonair Social Club has No-Tell Motel at Debonair Social Club on Wednesday, January 25th. Click “I Like It” for no cover and Hosted Old Style Bar from 10PM-11PM!
teen witch and A/S/L_Media have CULT 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: PHYSICAL THERAPY, MYKKI BLANCO, SHOCK DIAMOND at Berlin Nightclub on Thursday, January 28th. RSVP for no cover ’til 11PM and free beer and chanpagne from 10PM-12AM (while it lasts)!
KDM has //Wasted Bass Feauturing Guest Dj Mister Bobby// at Evil Olive on Thursday, January 26th.
FRONT312 has Bella Notte – an evening of Soul, Garage, Psychedelic & Rare Groove at Three Aces on Thursday, January 26th. RSVP for Dewars 12 Scotch tasting from 9-11PM!
NoVo Arts has Jane & The Pretty Pleases, Machine Gun Mojo, Liza Day at The Hideout on Thursday, January 26th.
Reggie’s has Rockie Fresh at Reggie’s on Thursday, January 26th.
Cubby Bear has Los Hollywood on Thursday, January 26th.
UIC Pavilion has RISE AGAINST w/ special guests A Day To Remember and The Menzingers at UIC Pavilion on Friday, January 27th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Cobra Lounge has JANUARY’S HEROES: THE CLASH, THE CROMBIES, THE HAND ME DOWNS, AGGRO OR DIE! at Cobra Lounge on Friday, January 27th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Smart Bar has DJ Funk’s Birthday Bash at Smart Bar on Friday, January 27th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Front 312 has Classics Edition (3rd Anniversary Celebration) at Neo on Friday, January 27th. RSVP for no cover!
Enclave has Enclave & Insomniac Events Present – Roger Sanchez at Enclave on Friday, January 27th.
Pogo has PANIC! Dance Party w/ DJs POGO & ARTURO Plus Guest DJ SCARYLADY SARAH at Darkroom on Saturday, January 28th.
NoVo Arts has The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival: Drive-By Truckers at Congress Theater on Saturday, January 28th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Front 312 has Paradise New Wave Night w/ Trancid, Victor Lua, Jackin Andy, Out of Control Pete at Exit on Saturday, January 28th.
The Congress has The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival: Drive-By Truckers at Congress Theater on Saturday, January 28th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Reggie’s has Robert Gordon, Chris Spedding, The Honeybees, Reckless Ones at Reggie’s on Saturday, January 28th. RSVP for a chance to win tickets!
Double Door has Mucca Pazza, Lasers and Fast and Shit, DJ RomaSoul at Double Door on Saturday, January 28th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Berlin Nightclub has Ladytron DJ Set featuring Reuben Wu at Berlin Nightclub on Saturday, January 28th. RSVP for a chance to win tickets!
Smart Bar has Dotbleep Welcomes, TANNER ROSS, SLOW HANDS, NICK BASSETT at Smart Bar on Saturday, January 28th. RSVP for a chance to win tickets!
Cobra Lounge has RINGWORM, KEELHAUL, HATE, MAKING GHOSTS, THE INFECTED at Cobra Lounge on Saturday, January 28th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
JBTV has Barcelona, The Canes, March of Morn at Double Door on Sunday, January 29th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
Zebo has Nachos y Muchachos at Evil Olive on Sunday, January 29th.
GlitterGuts has GlitterGuts Dance Punk Circus: WHITE MYSTERY – ENVIRONMENTAL ENCROACHMENT – BLUE RIBBON GLEE CLUB – PERFECT KISS – CLIQUE TALK - at Metro on Saturday, February 4th. Click “I Like It” for a chance to win tickets!
The Windish Agency has Doldrums at Schubas on Wednesday, February 8th. Click “I Like It” to win tickets!
Stic-of-the-Week has Stic-of-the-Week Presents: Pre-Coachella Party at Beauty Bar on Thursday, January 9th. RSVP for no cover!
A Melodious Journey: Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno
By: John Matthew Simon
1st Ward Alderman, Proco “Joe” Moreno is an exuberant Chicagoan. Whether he’s jogging in Wicker Park, or out enjoying the festivities of his musically and artistically oriented ward; he is always approachable. Engrossed with getting to know his constituents, their small businesses, and the community as a whole, his open door policy towards community organization and his drive to better his community at large make him an admirable cog in a sometimes cloudy machine. From his first day on the job in March of 2010 he has strived to impact his neighborhood and it’s residents from the roots up. And he certainly has. The Alderman was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down with DO312 and discuss many wonderful developments in the 1st Ward. As well as let us in on his love of punk rock, his desire to keep Wicker Park as the cultural hub of Chicago, and to inform us of who will be headlining this years 2nd Annual Green Music Festival.
DO312 - We had a blast at Green Music Festival this past year and we are looking forward to 2012. Can you explain a little bit about the purpose of the festival and what you would like people to take from it?
Alderman Moreno - First and foremost, it’s for people to enjoy our neighborhood and spend money in our businesses. We have a lot of these (and I’d argue the best) festivals throughout the summer. Green Music Fest was a great way to emphasize a positive message to the attendees and showcase how we’re at the forefront of innovation.
DO312 - Are there any new programs or initiatives for this year’s festival?
Alderman Moreno - We’re still looking at ways to make it “more green” or more “effectively green.” These debates are continuing in the community and hopefully we’re bringing in some new expertise for 2012.
DO312 - After last years incredible line-up with big time indie-rock headliners that included the likes of Les Savy Fav, The Thermals, and Yo La Tengo… Who can we expect to play in 2012? Any clues?
Alderman Moreno – Dinosaur Jr. I hope… more to come.
DO312 - You have stated that Yo La Tengo is, “if not my favorite band… one of my top bands of all time.” What is your top Yo La Tengo song and why?
Alderman Moreno - This incredible band remains as relevant as always… They have the unique ability of being true artists, simplifying their art at times, and complicating it when necessary. It’s truly difficult to pick a “top song” from their expansive collection. I’ll say anything from the Elctr-o-Pura album. The reason being… beauty meets sonic assault.
DO312 - In doing our homework we have read that you are big fan of Minor Threat and that you have the album “Complete Discography” on your office wall, is this true and if so what is your favorite song?
Alderman Moreno – This is true. At 13, I was listening to Minor Threat and people thought we (my friends and I) were weird. Didn’t care… they spoke to us and still do. I was Straight Edge for a bit growing up so I’d pick that song… but the intro to “We’re just a Minor Threat” is hard to replace.
DO312 - What was your favorite show of 2011?
Alderman Moreno – It’s a tie between Wild Flag at Wicker Park Fest and Yo La Tengo at Green Music Fest.
DO312 - Which band/song has the most play(s) on your iTunes?
Alderman Moreno - “Icky Thump” by the White Stripes is tied with “Radio Daze” by the The Roots.
DO312 - In terms of music what are you most looking forward to in 2012?
Alderman Moreno – New releases from Jack White. As well as the ability to still be able walk to Empty Bottle, Double Door, and Subterranean to see some great shows.
DO312 - How about in regards to the 1st Ward, any new programs or initiatives that you are excited for your constituency to be involved in/with?
Alderman Moreno - I think Green Music Fest had a terrific first year on Damen Avenue and will have an even better 2012. Also, anyone that knows a young girl who is (or isn’t) interested in Punk Music— they should check out Girls Rock Chicago! My daughter did their camp last summer and it was phenomenal and the camp is in the 1st Ward (Josephinum High School).
White Stripes – Icky Thump
The Roots – Radio Daze