November 2, 2009 | Video | by Dave Mata |

This band is one of the most promising acts to appear in Chicago in the past few years. Their live shows have set them apart from their stoner-spazz rock counterparts, with an elaborate light set up that they bring to each show. Yes, you see correctly, lead vocalist joe is ‘playing’ the lights. I can’t imagine these guys ever quit working being that they build their own amps, and drummer, Mizzola plays in like ten other great Chicago bands. Look out for Lasers and Fast and Shit’s new 7″, Introduction, out now.

New Photography / Miriam Fanger

October 13, 2009 | New Photography | by Dave Mata |

Philippine born, Chicago resident, Miriam Fanger is addicted to coffee, and capturing moments that don’t exist with the reality of passing time. The subtle intensity she has, along with a tenacity for shooting, makes her work powerful and moving. Her photos seem to catch all people at a passing instant of vulnerability, and the posture and eyes of her subjects radiate with a chemistry that I rarely see in portraiture. Read more

New Music / Carlos Icaza, aka DJ Tropicaza

October 12, 2009 | New Music | by Dave Mata |

Anybody could roll down the list of bands that Mexico City’s Carlos Icaza is in, or credit him for his incredible work with the Vampi Soul people, but until you have met this brilliant, record collecting, drum-battering-anomaly in person, you have only read into a small semblance of what Icaza is all about. When I first met him, I had no idea who he was. He commented on a record I was playing at a bar and then a week later, my friends and I hadn’t missed a single gig he played in Chicago, including the loft party we all spun together the following Saturday. I have been addicted to this mix that he posted and it doesn’t even compare to his live sets. Who knew so many soul standards sounded twice as funky recorded in Mexico in the 60s.

New Events / Charlie Megna’s artwork at People Lounge, Chicago

October 8, 2009 | New Events | by Dave Mata |

Chicago artist Charlie Megna leads a simple life of skateboarding, painting, and drinking with friends. I envy him. Perhaps it’s this casual mid-west approach to urban life that provides him the tongue-in-cheek platform with which he pokes at modern life from. With content ranging from oil consumption to technological advances, state pride to abstract kitty cats, he can also draw a very pretty tree. A good number of Megna’s paintings are currently hanging at People Lounge in Wicker Park, and will be up for the remainder of the month. Read more

New & Cool Architecture / David Fisher’s Twirling Tower

August 29, 2009 | New & Cool Architecture | by Casper Johansson |

Generating power from the wind, this amazing rotating building was originally designed for the rather appropriate city of Chicago by architect David Fisher in a way that packs enough power to fuel another ten similarly sized buildings.

New Events / Lollapalooza 2009

August 27, 2009 | New Events | by Andres Colmenares |

The dynamic and interesting metropolis of Chicago was the epicenter of a huge phenomena early this month. Heavy storms of rock and roll mixed with indie winds and intense electro sun rays smashed Grant Park. More than 250,000 people were reported wearing wristbands, fashionista hats, sunglasses and shorts. They danced for three days, non-stop. After an overdose of musical heat and good vibes, the only word they would say was Lollapalooza! [Photo via Frumpyali] Read more

New Art / Matthew Woodward

August 26, 2009 | New Art | by Ilana Kohn |

I don’t even know where to begin describing the work of Chicago artist Matthew Woodward. Maybe it’s my deep-seated love for all things historical and sturdy, useful antiques. Maybe Woodward created these drawings especially for me (maybe?). Using graphite to create ghost-like, mysterious images of elements like finials, gates and augers (go look up old fashioned tools), there is something utterly mysterious and compelling about his work. They remind me of old photographs with their far away magic. Read more

Cool Travel / Kuma’s Corner burgers named after metal bands

August 12, 2009 | Cool Travel | by Gerry Mak |

I had heard tell of Kuma’s Corner in Chicago, a restaurant that serves burgers named after metal bands, for a long time now, and I finally made it there a few days ago. The place was packed as expected for a Saturday afternoon, but we managed to sit at the bar. I found myself wanting to choose burgers based on whether or not I liked the band they were named after rather than what was actually on the burgers, but I had to tell myself that was a bad idea. Read more

New & Cool Architecture / Chicago’s Avec wine bar

July 31, 2009 | New & Cool Architecture | by Caitlin Zaino |

Officially, Avec is first and foremost a wine bar. Yet, a few minutes in this vibrant, energetic Chicago-based space and it’s quickly evident that it’s so much more. Set in a long, narrow honey-colored room wrapped in cedar and hickory, with five communal tables and red oak seating, the atmosphere is loud and boisterous, filled with lively conversation and music to match. Within this James Beard Award Winning designed room, rustic cuisine, charcuterie, and cheese from the Mediterranean regions of Southern France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain are served as small and large plates. Read more

New Trends / Take a spin with The Ferrari Guy

July 27, 2009 | New Trends | by The Uncool Hunter |

The residents of Chicago have another option for all those special events. The famous Tony Taglia, aka The Ferrari Guy, offers a unique service: a one hour trip in his Ferrari decorated with 24k golden parts. The chauffeur? Tony himself. He says he’s the most photographed person after the American President. Perfect for birthdays celebrations, weddings, bachelor’s parties, banquets and special gifts, and all for only $300 an hour. Read more

New Illustration / Lauren Nassef

June 30, 2009 | New Illustration | by Gerry Mak |

Chicago-based RISD graduate Lauren Nassef has some unimpeachable skills as a draftsman, but I appreciate her work for its restraint and elegant minimalism. Check out her A Drawing A Day blog to keep up with what she’s working on. Read more

New Photography / Dave Jordano

October 13, 2008 | New Photography | by Alison Zavos |

The vibrant and intricate work of photographer Dave Jordano is full of subtle meaning and deft use of colour. His series on African-American churches is particularly illuminating. We spoke to him about it: How long have you been documenting small African-American churches in Chicago and what made you decide to embark on this project? ‘The project of documenting African American storefront churches came about quite by accident. I was working on another project just over the Illinois/Indiana border and my route took me over the Chicago Skyway Bridge. I would often look down onto a small plain industrial building that had a large hand painted sign above it’s door that read, “Cathedral of Divine Love Church.” I was impressed that this pastor felt that his little nondescript building was worthy of being called a cathedral. This notion stuck with me for quite some time and I just couldn’t shake it off. Finally, after several weeks of driving by the building, I decided to stop and introduce myself and ask if I could photograph the church. The pastor’s obvious remark was, “Services start in about an hour, you can come by after everyone has arrived.” My response was, “No, what I really had in mind was to photograph the church empty and that I was mainly interested in how he had decorated and set it up.” This threw up a cloud of suspicion as he thought my request was rather odd. I persisted, and after much discussion about my intentions, God, and religion, he granted me permission. I felt as if I had been the center of an inquisition, but rightly so. It was important that I had the trust of every pastor, that they knew my intentions were sincere, and that I had a great deal of respect for their church. I went back several times over the next month and made more photographs’. Read more

New Music / Cheer Accident

September 23, 2008 | New Music | by Gerry Mak |

Chicago’s Cheer Accident started as a post-no-wave weirdo band typical of the Skin Graft roster, but of late, they’ve been doing some unrestrained pop and rock. They even have harmonized vocals and an occasional horn. This isn’t to say they’re commercializing – their songs are just as complex as ever, and there’s still a hint of discordance beneath the shimmering new sound.

New Events / Plushform release and custom show

June 26, 2008 | New Events | by Derrick Stembridge |

The first-ever do-it-yourself designer plush toy based on the popular Wee Ninja character shape is set for release as over 60 artists show off custom Plushform art works in one mega-event called Plushform to be held tomorrow night (June 27) at Rotofugi Designer Toy Store and Gallery in Chicago. Read more

New Illustration / Courtney Reagor

June 21, 2008 | New Illustration | by Kate Barnett |

Just like myself, Courtney Reagor counts becoming a professional cupcake maker as one of her interests. She had me at ‘cupcake’, but easily held my interest with the predominantly hand-drawn illustrations on her site. She uses pen ink and humour to create illustrations for Time Out Chicago and CMYK, among other publications.