On May 6th, Alter Bridge took over Chicago’s Salt Shed with the kind of commanding performance that reminds you why the band has remained one of the most respected names in modern rock. From the opening moments, the energy inside the venue felt electric, with fans hanging onto every soaring chorus, crushing riff, and emotional lyric that echoed throughout the packed room.

Frontman Myles Kennedy once again proved why he is considered one of the best vocalists in rock music today. His voice carried incredible power and clarity all night, effortlessly shifting between haunting melodies and thunderous high notes that sent chills through the crowd. Even during the heaviest moments of the set, Kennedy’s vocals never lost control or emotion, creating a performance that felt just as personal as it did technically impressive.

At the same time, Mark Tremonti delivered a guitar performance that was nothing short of phenomenal. His riffs hit with force, his solos were sharp and unforgettable, and his stage presence anchored the entire show. Watching Tremonti play live is a reminder that great guitar work is not only about speed or complexity, but about feeling, timing, and knowing exactly how to elevate a song in the right moment. The chemistry between Tremonti and Kennedy remains the driving force behind Alter Bridge’s sound, and it was on full display throughout the night.

What made the show stand out most was how effortlessly the band balanced raw heaviness with genuine emotional depth. The Salt Shed felt massive during the biggest songs, yet intimate during quieter moments when the audience sang along word for word. It was the kind of performance that leaves longtime fans satisfied while also reminding newer listeners exactly why Alter Bridge continue to stand above so many of their peers in the rock world.

Alter Bridge – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The Salt Shed – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Seeing Electric Callboy live for the first time on May 3rd at Wintrust Arena was an experience I walked into with very little expectation beyond the enthusiastic recommendation of a music obsessed friend. What unfolded over the next couple of hours completely won me over. The band delivered a performance that was equal parts heavy concert, comedy show, rave, and full blown arena party, all without losing an ounce of musical precision.

Vocalists Kevin Ratajczak and Nico Sallach were magnetic from the start, feeding off each other’s energy while keeping the crowd constantly engaged. Crushing breakdowns collided with electronic hooks, synchronized dancing, outrageous visuals, and moments that had the entire arena laughing before immediately jumping back into the chaos. Despite the intensity of their music, Electric Callboy somehow make everything feel welcoming and genuinely fun, which is a rare balance in heavy music.

By the end of the night, it was obvious why the band has developed such a loyal following. The show felt less like a standard concert and more like an escape, a room full of people forgetting about real life for a while and fully embracing the madness together. For a first experience with Electric Callboy, I could not have asked for a better introduction. Highly recommend!

Electric Callboy – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Wintrust Arena – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

There is something undeniably electric about catching a band right as momentum turns into movement, and that is exactly where Bloodywood stands today. On May 2nd, their performance at House of Blues Chicago felt like more than just a tour stop, it felt like a clear signal that this Indian-metal group is stepping into a much bigger spotlight.

Hailing from New Delhi, Bloodywood has carved out a distinct identity by blending traditional Indian elements with modern metal. Vocalist Jayant Bhadula delivers powerful melodic lines that contrast sharply with the aggressive rap of Raoul Kerr, while guitarist Karan Katiyar drives the band’s sound with tight, heavy riffs. Live, that fusion is truly unreal and hits even harder, shifting between crushing intensity and rhythmic, folk inspired passages that feel both rooted and forward looking.

The energy in the sold-out House of Blues built quickly and never let up. The crowd responded to every shift in tempo and tone, from explosive mosh moments to more unified, chant like sections. With Katiyar anchoring the instrumentation and Bhadula and Kerr feeding off each other’s energy, the performance felt dynamic and intentional. Bloodywood’s stage presence carries both confidence and hunger, a combination that keeps their set engaging from start to finish.

As metal continues to evolve, Bloodywood stands out as part of its next wave. Their rise is not just about novelty, it is about delivering a sound that resonates across cultures while staying true to their roots. By the end of the night in Chicago, it was clear they are not just an up and coming act, they are a band with real staying power.

Bloodywood – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
House of Blues (Chicago) – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Night one of They Might Be Giants’ three-night stand at The Vic Theatre felt less like the start of a run and more like a fully realized event. It was tight, playful, and deeply in sync with a crowd that knew exactly what it came for.

Presented by Jam Productions and 93XRT, the show leaned into the band’s signature blend of sharp musicianship and offbeat charm. Over the course of a nearly three-hour set , the group moved effortlessly between eras, delivering a mix of fan favorites and newer material with the kind of precision that comes from decades of touring, yet never feeling routine.

Frontmen John Linnell and John Flansburgh balanced dry humor with genuine warmth, peppering the night with witty banter that felt spontaneous rather than scripted, a hallmark of the band’s live identity. Their ability to pivot from absurdist commentary to airtight arrangements remains one of their greatest strengths, reinforcing why their catalog, often described as both whimsical and musically inventive, continues to resonate across generations.

The audience, packed wall-to-wall, responded in kind, singing along, laughing at every sideways joke, and fully buying into the band’s delightfully strange universe. It’s a dynamic that has long defined a They Might Be Giants show: unpredictable setlists, engaging stage presence, and a sense that anything could happen next .

If night one is any indication, Chicago audiences are in for something special as the run continues. With two more shows ahead, both part of this rare multi-night residency, the band has already set a high bar, and seem more than capable of clearing it again tonight and tomorrow.

They Might Be Giants – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The Vic Theatre – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

There are nights in Chicago that feel larger than the room they happen in, and Saturday, January 20th at Thalia Hall was undeniably one of them. The Bears were facing the Packers in the first round of the playoffs, a rivalry already baked into the city’s identity, now raised to postseason intensity. Before a single note was played, the energy inside Thalia Hall was electric. Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers made it clear that the game mattered, insisting it be broadcast on the large screen behind the stage, transforming the venue into something between a historic concert hall and the ultimate Chicago watch party.

When the final seconds ran out and the Bears eliminated Green Bay, the room exploded. Cheers echoed, strangers embraced, and the release felt almost overwhelming. Without hesitation, the band took the stage, the timing so perfect it felt intentional. Bill Murray opened the set with the Chicago Bears Fight Song, and the crowd roared in approval. Murray, long a symbol of Chicago’s cultural DNA, did not feel like a celebrity dropping in, he felt like a fellow fan riding the same high as everyone else in the room.

What followed was a blues performance that more than lived up to the moment. The Blood Brothers, built around the powerful guitar pairing of Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, delivered a soulful, driving set steeped in grit and tradition. They were joined by an expanded lineup that included two drummers, and Jimmy Vivino, the veteran musician and longtime musical director for Conan O’Brien, whose presence added even more depth and fire to the sound. Murray, who has toured with the group for years, blended seamlessly into the band, singing the blues and adding percussion on bongos and maracas, fully engaged in the music rather than positioned as a novelty frontman.

The collaboration itself traces back to a moment of pure spontaneity. Zito and Castiglia’s band had been booked for the Murray Brothers’ Caddyshack Golf Tournament by Bill’s brother, John. During their set, Murray unexpectedly joined them onstage for a song by The Rascals, a moment that sparked an ongoing musical partnership that continues to evolve. That same sense of unplanned magic defined the night at Thalia Hall. It was not just that Bill Murray was performing, or that the Bears beat the Packers in the playoffs, but that both happened together, in Chicago, without pretense. Watching Murray front a soulful blues band in the immediate aftermath of such a massive rivalry win felt like a reward for the city, and a reminder that some nights simply belong to Chicago.

Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Thalia Hall – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Chicago Bears – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Seeing Avatar at The Riviera in Chicago on December 3rd was a first for me. Walking into the venue not quite knowing what to expect added a layer of excitement that hit the moment the lights fell and the crowd tightened together. Avatar, despite their drawn-out and dramatic entry, they did not bother with a slow build when the music hit. They ripped the night open from the very first surge of sound. The room vibrated with riffs that growled and bass lines that seemed to crawl up through the floor, and within seconds I realized I was in for something far more intense than I had imagined.

The band’s energy was relentless in the best possible way. Every guitar line cut through the room with sharp precision while the drums hit hard enough to echo off the balconies. Even from behind the camera I could feel the entire venue moving together, bodies leaning into the sound like we were all being pulled forward. It was the kind of show that made you forget the snow-filled streets and everything else outside the walls of The Riviera, allowing yourself to get swept up in the noise, the lights, and the sheer force of the performance. See for yourself in the video photo gallery below.

Johannes Eckerström was impossible to look away from. Seeing him live for the first time made me understand immediately why people talk about him the way they do. He prowled across the stage with a mix of mischief and menace, shifting from guttural screams to haunting clean vocals that felt almost theatrical. Blue lights, thick smoke, and sudden moments of near darkness made the set feel like chapters of a dark story unfolding in real time. Photographing him and the band in that atmosphere was exhilarating, the kind of challenge that reminds you why live music photography is so addictive.

By the end of the night I felt both exhausted and completely charged up. The cold Chicago air outside felt sharp after the heat and chaos inside The Riviera, and I carried the aftershocks of the show with me long after the doors opened. For a first time seeing and covering Avatar, it could not have been more memorable. Their performance was loud, emotional, theatrical, and entirely transporting, and I walked away understanding exactly why their fans show up the way they do. Highly recommend!

Avatar – OFFICIAL SITE
The Riv – OFFICIAL SITE

It was the night before Thanksgiving and all through the House (of Blues), not a soul expected anything less than a feast of sound…and Mammoth WVH delivered! The sold-out Chicago crowd already knew Wolfgang Van Halen had just been released from the hospital after a painful bout of kidney stones, but when he stepped on stage, he made it clear the night would not be defined by that. “You deserve one hell of a show,” he said, and the room erupted. From that moment on, it felt less like a holiday eve and more like a communal celebration of grit, heart, and pure rock resolve.

What made the performance remarkable wasn’t just the tight musicianship, though there was plenty of that. The shredding riffs, clean vocal power, and a rhythm section that didn’t leave a single moment to breathe. The band played like they were burning off the last of November just to make room for something bigger. Wolfgang’s voice occasionally hinted at the physical fight he’d just been through, but every song seemed strengthened by it, as if pain had been repurposed and plugged straight into the amps.

A full photo gallery (video) of the show is embedded below, capturing the sweat, the connection, and the electricity that pulsed through the House of Blues. It’s one thing to hear the music, it’s another to see the expressions, the crowd reactions, and those quick looks between mother and son that said everything.

High above the floor, tucked inside one of the opera boxes, sat a familiar face: Valerie Bertinelli, proudly cheering on her son. Throughout the night, Wolf kept looking up toward her every time he glanced upward, it was clear where some of his fire was coming from. She was cheering loud and proud, eyes fixed on him, and in those moments, Wolf seemed to draw strength not only from the roar of the audience, but from that familiar face among the backdrop. That extra nod of connection, to family, legacy, and love, added meaning to every chord and every lyric., subtle glances between songs or quick smiles after a solo. Those tiny moments felt like the beating heart of the show, the reminder that this project isn’t just a band, but a living legacy. Watching him acknowledge her again and again gave the performance a personal dimension that no lighting rig or sound mix could manufacture. As for Chicago rock fans, it was definitely a Thanksgiving Eve to remember.

MammothWVH – OFFICIAL SITE
House of Blues Chicago – OFFICIAL SITE

Live from the Wolstein Center

Cleveland, Ohio

August 6, 2025

Wednesday night in Cleveland brought a raucous crowd and a loaded card as AEW Dynamite returned to the Wolstein Center. With tournament matches, surprise appearances, and a main event dripping with animosity, the show packed in drama from bell to bell.

Opening Bout — Jon Moxley vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey

The night kicked off with hard-hitting intensity as Jon Moxley squared off against the lightning-fast Mike Bailey. Bailey’s striking combinations and aerial offense kept Moxley guessing, but ringside distractions from Marina Shafir and Wheeler Yuta shifted the tide. After withstanding Bailey’s flurries, Moxley landed the decisive Death Rider to claim the victory.

Mid-Show Chaos — Darby Allin Targets Wheeler Yuta

In one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, Darby Allin emerged from the crowd during a later segment and blindsided Wheeler Yuta. Stuffing Yuta into a heavy canvas bag, Allin dragged him out of the arena while a stunned audience looked on. Moxley and Shafir eventually found Yuta taped up with a note challenging Moxley for Forbidden Door. Allin, true to form, made his getaway in Moxley’s own vehicle.

TBS Championship Qualifier — Four-Way Showdown

Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata, Skye Blue, and Billie Starkz clashed in a frantic four-way bout with a shot at the TBS Title on the line. The action never slowed, with each competitor showing off signature offense and desperate pin attempts. Windsor seized the opening she needed, scoring the three-count and earning her place at Forbidden Door. The win drew extra attention with reigning champion Mercedes Moné watching from ringside.

Tag Team Eliminator Semifinal — The Young Bucks vs. Brodido

The Eliminator Tournament continued as The Young Bucks faced the unorthodox pairing of Bandido and Brody King — collectively dubbed “Brodido.” The Bucks brought their trademark speed and precision, but Brodido’s blend of raw power and lucha agility proved too much. A sudden momentum swing led to a decisive finish, sending Brodido to the finals and the Bucks packing.

Special Appearance — Mercedes Moné Returns

Moné’s ringside presence electrified the building and added extra stakes to the TBS title picture. While she didn’t step into the ring, her return served as a clear reminder that Forbidden Door looms large.

Main Event — MJF vs. Mark Briscoe

The grudge match between MJF and Mark Briscoe was personal from the opening bell. Briscoe’s resilience kept him in the fight despite MJF’s relentless targeting and cutting insults. In the end, MJF found his opening, delivering a Heatseeker piledriver and using the ropes for leverage to secure a tainted pinfall. The celebration didn’t last long — Hangman Adam Page charged to the ring to aid Briscoe, leaving tensions high as the broadcast faded out.

Final Thoughts

From start to finish, AEW Dynamite in Cleveland delivered a mix of high-caliber wrestling, unpredictable twists, and storyline developments that set the stage for Forbidden Door. Whether it was Darby Allin’s off-the-wall antics, Windsor’s breakout victory, or the raw animosity in the main event, the night gave fans in attendance plenty to cheer, boo, and remember.

Northlight Theater

,Skokie,Il

by Maja Rios

Northlight Theatre, Skokie, IL – July 17 – In the annals of rhythm and blues, few stories resonate with as much heartbreaking poignancy as that of Donny Hathaway. A voice that could melt glaciers, a songwriter of unparalleled depth, his flame burned fiercely but far too briefly. Now, at Northlight Theatre, Kelvin Roston Jr. steps into those impossibly large shoes for ‘Twisted Melodies,’ a one-man tour de force that’s less a play and more a channeling of a troubled genius.

From the moment Kelvin Roston Jr. takes the stage, he doesn’t just portray Hathaway; he becomes him. For nearly two hours, we’re locked inside Hathaway’s final, desperate hours in a New York hotel room, the twinkling city lights outside the window serving as both a beautiful distraction and a cruel reminder of a world spinning on without him. This isn’t just acting; it’s an exorcism, as Roston Jr. navigates the depths of Hathaway’s spiraling mental health with a raw, unflinching honesty that’s almost unbearable to witness. He sings, he speaks, he laughs, he weeps, he screams – every emotion laid bare, every fractured piece of Hathaway’s psyche exposed.

It’s an astonishing feat for any artist to carry a show solo, let alone embody a legend with such vocal prowess and emotional gravitas. Kelvin Roston Jr. not only performs, but he also wrote the monologue and masterfully accompanies himself on keyboards, a testament to his staggering talent. His voice, a sensitive instrument, captures Hathaway’s distinctive timbre and emotional range, moving effortlessly from the soaring heights of “A Song for You” to the gritty urgency of “The Ghetto.” We’re treated to soul-stirring renditions of classics like “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” and “You Are My Heaven,” each interwoven with dialogue that illuminates Hathaway’s struggles and moments of profound clarity. Even a few gospel numbers, harking back to Hathaway’s church roots, find their way in, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of his life.

Under the seasoned direction of Chicago theater veteran Ron O. J. Parson, the production never misses a beat. The pacing is relentless, the transitions seamless, pulling the audience deeper into Hathaway’s internal chaos. Roston Jr.’s facial expressions and nuanced vocal inflections are mesmerizing, painting a vivid picture of a mind succumbing to the darkness of schizophrenia.

This isn’t just a tribute; it’s an immersive experience that reclaims Donny Hathaway from the tragic footnotes of music history and places him back in the spotlight, where his genius can be truly appreciated. The two hours fly by, leaving you breathless and profoundly moved. ‘Twisted Melodies’ isn’t just the best monologue this reviewer has ever seen; it’s an essential journey into the soul of a musical titan. Go see it. Seriously.