House of Blues Chicago – Chicago, Illinois, United States – February 18, 2007

by Anita Maree
photos by Dan Locke

The smell and feel of power-rock was back for a few hours at the Chicago, House of Blues when Winger took stage to pump up the full house of fans that went all the way into the balconies. The Winger crowd was thrilled to see the founding members back on stage to perform their classic hits and new songs from their latest CD entitled IV.

When the band took stage, the crowd gave a huge roar to see drummer Rod Morgenstein, guitarist John Roth, and of course the two guys who formed the band back in 1987, guitarist Reb Beach, and bassist/ vocalist Kip Winger.

They opened the night with Blind Revolution Mad, which powered into their song Loosen Up. They also pushed through other favorites like Rainbow in the Rose, Down Incognito, Junkyard Dog, and Can’t Get Enuff.

Winger also introduced a few new songs off IV. Your Great Escape seemed to go over well with the fans. They also performed Generica. Kip was at the keyboards and explained that this song was about how generic the U.S. was becoming with big corporations like Starbucks and Walmart buying out the small companies.

There were some exciting times during the night. Reb Beach did a rip-roaring guitar solo and Rod Morgenstein did a heart-pounding drum solo.

But the highlight of the night came when original member Paul Taylor came on stage and sat at the keyboards to jam with Winger on the song Headed For A Heartbreak. During the chorus, I would bet the crowd of fans was singing louder than Kip and the band.

Winger also performed their smash hits like Easy Come Easy Go, Seventeen, and they ended the night with Madalaine.

As their lyrics say, Sometimes High,Sometimes Low/Easy Come Easy Go! So go see Winger now and support these talented musicians with top-notch songs and you will have a fun and rocking time!

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June 6, 2009

Review and Photos by:   Anita Maree

Diamond Rexx – 20 Year Reunion Show Explosion!

One of the most fascinating, energy exploding, and fist pumping bands that has ever been unleashed from Chicago are the bad boys of metal Diamond Rexx.  If Chicago had a hall-of-fame board of memorable hard rock/metal bands, this band would be somewhere near the top.  Breaking into the club circuit in the mid- 80’s they had a tremendous fan base throughout Chicago and their exposure shot up when they were signed with Island Records and then Red Light Records.  Diamond Rexx had a treat for their fans by reuniting for a 20^th anniversary show with all four original members appearing together for a night of contagious metal fun;  the insanely strong vocals of Nasti Habits, the tasty power guitarist SS Priest, bass bad guy Dave Andre, and heat smokin’ drummer Johnny Cottone.   The show opened with hard rocking Land of the Damned and Nasti had the crowd in his hands all night with his strong vocals and insane stage presence.  They rolled into I Wish I Was Rich and then had the crowd chanting to their song B.A.T.S!  They sleazed into Ace of Spades and into the heavy  Life and Death.  They ended the show with the Beastie Boys classic sung in heavy Rexx style Fight for your Right.

Diamond Rexx is all about getting you a good kick in your face and after 20 years, they still had the drive to do just that.  This is power metal music as it should be!  Check out them out:  www.myspace.com/diamondrexx1

Photo Gallery of the show

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Interview Conducted November 2006

by Anita Maree

Sometimes all it takes are some major love issues to kick-start the writing of a new CD, and Sean Lennon has definitively applied his experiences in his new release called Friendly Fire.

It has been nearly eight years since his debut CD Into the Sun, and the new CD is packed with nine original songs Sean wrote and a remake of the Marc Bolan song called Would I Be TheOne.

With an exclusive interview, Sean was proud to speak of Friendly Fire as he noted, “that the songs deal with betrayal, broken promises, forgiveness, and an integration of love.” Dead Meat, the lead-off song, demonstrates Sean’s ability to really feel the hurt of betrayal with lyrics like “In the end you’re gonna learn/All you get is what you deserve.” With his airy vocals, you almost want to run and give the guy a hug and tell him all will be ok. Sean says, “The song expresses anger when you are betrayed, and you will reap what you sow.” Sean had a big break-up with former girlfriend Bijou Phillips after his best friend for thirty-some years went behind his back to start dating her. Then before Sean and his friend could make amends, his friend ends up being killed in an accident. Sean called this tragic mishap not a love triangle but a polygon. His song Friendly Fire takes a look at this stunning yet sad chain of events with clever lyrics and surprisingly calm voice. Two songs that are major standouts include the upbeat vocals in Spectacle and the hand-clapping Headlights. Sean sings, “Before you go to bed tonight, you must turn off all your headlights.” Sean describes this song as turning off all your thoughts and emotions. Parachute has a Beatlesque sound and feel as Sean drains out “If I have to die tonight/I’d rather be with you/ Cut the parachute before we die.”

Once you have listened to the CD, then take out the DVD that is included, and you will see “art films” that Sean helped create about each song. This is a nice twist and Sean described the filming has “physical and intense.”

Sean said his mom –Yoko Ono- gave him advice on the music industry “Be careful and don’t get ripped-off like The Beatles did.” Sean also said he has been influenced by many bands and artists like The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Michael Jackson, and of course The Beatles. With only seven rehearsals, Sean and his band have hit the road and are now on their fall tour promoting Friendly Fire.

The CD Friendly Fire is pop-driven, but in a style that is unique, free-spirited, and exciting to sink your ears and mind into. Sean has taken one large step up both lyrically and musically and Friendly Fire has hit the bullseye!

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Reviewby Anita Maree

Martyrs – Chicago , IL – October 3, 2006

The five member, New York based, all female band Antigone Rising have come a long way over the past few years. Powerhouse lead vocalist Cassidy explained that when coffee giants Starbucks last year, chose her band to distribute their CD, From the Ground Up , it helped her band gain wide exposure from coast to coast. “It was an honor being chosen as Starbucks first band to be promoted and signed for distribution,” Cassidy said smiling ear to ear. This then started a trickle into other exciting territories like appearing on The Tonight Show, a VHI special, a live performance on The Today Show, and probably the bands proudest moment so far was opening for legends The Rolling Stones at a few cities last year.

Antigone Rising is currently on a fall tour testing out some new songs that will appear on their next CD scheduled for early 2007 release. Martyrs was packed full of fans waiting, watching, and wishing for the girls to take stage. Finally sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson started up the night with their fancy guitar work. Then drummer Dena Tauriello and bassist Jen Zielenbach took their place while Cassidy started off the night with their opening number Hello. With temperatures soaring in the club the girls took off to perform a few new songs. Serial Killer , a hard-driving rock song, is described by Cassidy as a “song about killing a relationship.” The Way I Am, was insanely a catchy rocker, about somebody not accepting a person as they are; but trying to change a person to fit their mold. Other new songs included Crawl and Wings . Cassidy then described the song Hollow about a girl the band met who was starving herself to death.

The band played some of their older hit songs like What?, She Lived Here , and a song about a one night-stand, beautifully performed, called Longshot.

Antigone Rising is one of those bands that you just have to see live to understand their larger than life stage presence; Cathy’s wicked guitar solos, and Cassidy’s wild yet angelic vocal abilities. In fact Cassidy said, “If you have not seen the band, give it one shot.” “If you don’t like it, I will give you your money back!”

Well, looks like Cassidy will be able to keep the money. It is hard to find a solid rock act with this many catchy and energizing songs. I can guarantee that one show will not be enough. In fact, you might even start throwing dollar bills at her!

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Ravinia, Highland Park, IL, USA, June 15, 2019

Review/Photos: Anita Maree

Rick Springfield & Richard Marx co-headlining at Ravinia!

On a chilly and rainy evening at beautiful Ravinia in Highland Park, IL fans of both Richard Marx and Rick Springfield went to their seats in the pavilion and some even had lawn seats in the light drizzle that persisted during the concert.

Richard Marx led off the night with his band and really got the audience on their feet and singing to his hits.

The adult contemporary and pop/rock singer, songwriter, musician and record producer who has sold over 30 million records was back in his home town and grinning ear to ear. He had fun with the crowd telling stories and jokes about his career. He soared through his hits including “Endless Summer Nights,” “Angelia,” “Hazard,” “and “Should’ve Known Better.” Marx even performed a few songs he wrote for other artists like Keith Urban’s “Long Hot Summer”, and boy band NSYNC’s “This I Promise You.” While the air was cool Marx help heat it up some.

Rick Springfield then took the stage with his rock band. The Australian-American musician and actor lit up the night. He performed his classics to newer songs and had fun with the audience by letting them sing and joking with them. He led off the night with “Light This Party Up,” and some of the other songs he performed included “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Affair of the Heart,” “Human Touch,” “Don’t Talk To Strangers,” (with audience participation), and “Jessie’s Girl.” For the encore, Richard Marx came back on stage and he and Rick Springfield performed together “Don’t Mean Nothing” and “Love Somebody.”

Rick Springfield just released his 17th studio album “Orchestrating My Life.” He reworked many of his classic hit songs with new powerful vocals, plus he used a full symphony orchestra to enhance the musical arrangements.

Seeing two “Dicks” on stage was a win-win on a chilly and rainy night.

Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL, US, February 2, 2019

Review and Photos by Anita Maree

L.A. based band Dorothy rocked by Chicago’s Bottom Lounge on their Freedom Tour to perform songs off their newest album, 28 Days in the Valley as well , performing songs previously recorded over the years. Working with record producer Linda Perry, their new song Flawless recently hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Main Stream Rock Charts.

The band started the night with Naked Eye followed by Raise Hell and then Ain’t Our Time. The powerhouse vocals of lead singer Dorothy shook the night steamrolling into songs like Pretty When You’re High, Who Do You Love, Philadelphia, and their hit Flawless.

Starting back in 2014, the band Dorothy has now opened new doors to new fans across the globe. The new album’s songs have a vibe of ‘70s rock-n-roll. Check out the band as they are now on tour. As she writes “I’m coming out of all of the darkness, Now that I am flawless.” So true! Check out the band Dorothy @ www.dorothytheband.com

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Schubas Tavern, IL, USA, October 19, 2018

Concert Review and Photos Anita Maree

Exclusive Q&A: Dan Locke

Singer, songwriter Noah Kahan just embarked on his first-ever North American headlining tour and he should be excited. Most of his shows have sold-out from New York City to Los Angeles and now Chicago joined that list. Schubas Tavern was packed with his fans waiting to hear his songs including his debut single “Young Blood”, his global smash hit “Hurt Somebody” and his latest release “False Confidence”.

Noah and his band took the stage and opened with his toe-tapping song “Fine” followed by “Passenger” and “Hallelujah”. Before starting his next song, Noah told the crowd it was great being back in Chicago and he seemed somewhat shocked yet proud when the sold-out crowd was singing his songs along with him. His songwriting is quite impressive, somewhat deep, yet he keeps it real. Very refreshing for someone so young – only 21. Other songs performed included “Please”, “Hold it Down” and “Catastrophize”.

Many of his fans were waiting to hear him perform “False Confidence” and that song soared. On his Facebook page, he wrote: I wrote “False Confidence” when I felt

Noah Kahan (credit: Anita Maree)

like I was trying too hard to be what I thought an artist should be instead of being who I was. I was reaching for some unattainable picture of a successful person: confident, polished, secure. Hope sharing this reminds you to not take yourself so seriously, so excited for you to hear it!

When the band finished his fans slowly left Schubas Tavern and you could hear a few of them chanting “I’ll be just fine”. This is songwriting at its best!

Noah took time out of his schedule for an exclusive Q&A with Unrated Magazine.

Dan Locke: Hi Noah, thanks so much for your time today and for answering a few questions. You are from n Strafford, Vermont. How is the music scene there?

Noah: The music scene in Strafford was minimal, as it is a very small town. There were a few open mics in town and several friends who produced EDM, but that was mostly it.

You started uploading your songs to SoundCloud (which is a streaming platform). How long did it take you to get noticed?

I started uploading to SoundCloud when I was 16. A few songs I put up there got streamed a lot, but eventually, I came across the radar of my current manager.

Who inspired you growing up?

I was inspired by Paul Simon and the Counting Crows.

You caught the attention of Dan Wilson. How did this happen? Did you know his song “Closing Time” before you started to work together?

I did know “Closing Time.” My record label connected us after some successful songwriting sessions.

Can you tell us about the time you were on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert? You performed “Hurt Somebody”. Can you tell your fans

Noah Kahan (credit: Anita Maree)

about that day?

It was a crazy experience. Meeting Stephen Colbert was so cool, I was star-struck. My family got to be there to celebrate with me, so it was a day I’ll never forget.

Can you talk about your time working with singer/songwriter Julia Michaels on “Hurt Somebody”?

She sent us an email with her vocal, so we never actually worked on the track together, but I am grateful for her having sung on it with me.

“Hurt Somebody” has charted very well worldwide. What do you feel is the appeal of the song to your fans?

I think that people can relate to the concept and the meaning behind the song. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that something needs to end and the fear of hurting someone can be paralyzing.

You have toured with the likes of Ben Folds and Anderson East. Now you are headlining your own tour. What makes you excited about this tour?

I’m excited to play for fans who want to come to see me play and aren’t there to watch somebody else play. It is awesome to have people singing the words.

Noah, thanks for your time and much success on your tour and new song release!

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Boy George reunites with Culture Club for an 80’s music extravaganza at Ravinia

Ravinia, Highland Park, IL, USA, September 1, 2018

by Anita Maree

Even though the fall season was approaching, the outdoor music venue Ravinia located in Highland Park, IL was heating up as fans came in droves to hear a night filled with classic pop songs from the 80’s. Up first was Tom Bailey from the British pop band, Thompson Twins. They performed their hits such as “Lay Your Hands On Me,” “Doctor! Doctor!” and “Hold Me Now.” During their song “You Take Me Up”, Tom tossed out to the crowd a huge red balloon for the audience to keep pushing around, but within a few seconds the balloon exploded unexpectedly…just like their set. The band seemed off and even the pre-recorded music they used could not save this performance.

Up next were the B-52’s, an American new wave, dance rock band from Athens, Georgia. The lively and colorful band performed many of their hits like “Roam”, “Love Shack”, and “Rock “Lobster’. Vocalists Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson showcased flawlessly their “call and response” style of singing.

The main event was next – the reunion of Boy George with Culture Club. This band did not disappoint. The band launched with Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”, and then flew into the band’s hits including “Time (Clock of the Heart),” “Miss Me Blind,” “Church of the Poison Mind,” “It’s a Miracle” and the new “Let Somebody Love You. They also performed “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “Karma Chameleon,” Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love”, and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

It was great to hear so many classic pop songs from the 80’s – and it was get to see Culture Club back in super form. We sure did “Miss You Blind”.

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Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL, USA, August 28, 2018

by Anita Maree

Concert-goers at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL were in for a treat as Lyle Lovett and his Large Band performed for their 21st time at the outdoor music venue. Proudly Lyle told the crowd how he loves coming back to Ravinia year after year. I will bet he might be the only musician with this many performance at this venue! His unique music and the beautiful concert venue go hand in hand. With threatening skies, all night, Lyle and his band took the stage at 7:45pm and lit up the night performing many of his hit songs. Texas-born singer, songwriter, and actor has recorded thirteen albums and has released 25 singles to date. He has also won four Grammy Awards including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. His style of music is best defined as a mix of country, bluegrass, pop, and drops of blues.

Lyle and his Large Band performed for nearly two and 1/2 hours showcasing his hits and fan favorites such as ‘The Truck Song’, ‘Choke My Chicken’, ‘My Baby Don’t Tolerate’, ‘That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)’, ‘Cute as a Bug’, ‘Walk Through the Bottomland’, and ‘If I had a Boat’. As the concert ended the storms approached the area but fans were heard singing in the parking lot: ‘Kiss my ass I bought a boat I’m going out to sea’. Another stellar performance and looking forward to #2

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Northerly Island, Chicago, IL, July 7, 2018

Photos and Review by Anita Maree

The Windy City reached gust levels when Styx with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and special guest band TESLA rocked the night!

Seeing a rock-n-roll show in Chicago is always special. You get to view the beautiful buildings in the city and you can look out and see the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on a picture-perfect summer night. Hundreds of fans for three iconic rock bands entered the outdoor venue of Northerly Island to rock the night away.

First off was the Sacramento hard rocking band TESLA. Lead singer Jeff Keith was on fire. His raspy but powerful vocals had the fans on their feet and pumping

Tesla (credit: Anita Maree)

their fist in the air. Jeff roamed the stage from left to right and was having a fun time as he got the audience fired up. TESLA band members also include Co-Founder & Bass Guitarist – Brian Wheat, Co-Founder & Guitarist – Frank Hannon, Drums -Troy Luccketta, and Guitarist – Dave Rude. They performed heavy hitters including “I Wanna Live”, “Hang Tough”, “Signs”, and “Love Song”. For over 30 years Tesla has been tearing it up and they proved to be a perfect guest band and opener on this tour.

After 15 minutes the stage was set up for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. As soon as the song “Bad Reputation” started the crowd was on their feet for the bands entire set. You can’t blow the roof off an outdoor venue – but they definitively tried! Just an explosive set. The Blackhearts are Drummer – Michael McDermott, Bass Guitar – Hal B. Selzer, Guitar – Dougie Needles, and Songwriter, Manager, Keyboards, and more – Kenny Laguna. Joan ignited showcasing a powerhouse performance. The energy of the New York City punk rockers was in the warm Chicago air as they performed for hundreds of their diehard fans. The band did a great job of mixing the set list up with Joan’s early hits with her former band The Runaways including “You Drive Me Wild” and “ Cherry Bomb”, then diving into “Fake Friends”, “Love is Pain”, “Victim of Circumstance” and “Light of Day”. Newer songs performed included “TMI” and “Soulmates to Strangers”. The band also performed a brand new song which was catchily called “Fresh Start” written by Joan and Dougie which will be in the upcoming movie about Joan called Bad Reputation

Joan Jett (credit: Anita Maree)

coming to theatres this fall. Joan and the band also performed her classics including “I Love Rock and Roll”, “Crimson and Clover”, “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)”, and “I Hate Myself For Loving You”. The summer sky was dark by the time The Blackhearts left the stage but they rocked every note. Laguna mentioned during the set how no one (back in the day) would sign the band so they decided to form their own label ‘Blackheart Records’. Groundbreaking back then for sure..and…it all circles around as now Joan is a groundbreaker and visionary for generations of girls with guitars who want to play rock-n-roll. The band ended the night performing Sly and the Family Stones, “Everyday People” and they drove it home with the slamming “Real Wild Child”. The perfect song to end their set with.

After a 30 minute break the rock band Styx was ready to perform. A proud feeling came knowing that this rock band was formed in Chicago years back. While a few members have come and gone this band’s line-up is a strong one. Last year the band released their first studio album in nearly 14 years called The Mission. It is a

Styx (credit: Anita Maree)

unique concept album and the band made each track part of a story about a mission to Mars in the year 2033. The songs on the CD are in order of the story so if you want to hear the entire story make sure you download in sequence. (Unrated Magazine did a review on this album). The band took the stage – James Young (vocals/guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals/guitars), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals/keyboards), and Ricky Phillips (guitar/vocals). Styx led off with their new song “Gone Gone Gone” then went right into “Blue Collar Man”. Give credit to Gowan- an amazing performer – taking lead vocals on many songs then playing his keyboard with his back to it and his hands playing every note perfectly and might I add his keyboard is on a rotating stand? Still shaking my head on the talent of this guy. He handles songs like “Grand Illusion” and “Lady” with true perfection. Original member and crowd favorite Tommy Shaw rocked the crowd with “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and the popular “Too Much Time on My Hands”. The band kept their fans on their toes when they performed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. They also gave the fans what they have wanted for years – adding in the set “Mr. Roboto” and closing out the set with their classic hits “Come Sail Away”, and “Renegade”. Styx kicked it up a notch and kept the crowd pumped till the last note.

Boom! Rock – n – Roll lives on!