The Redneck Fishing Tournament in Bath, Illinois, is a one-of-a-kind event, founded in 2005, by Bath’s own, Betty DeFord. It brings together conservation, community, and a great cause. Held annually along the Illinois River, this tournament is dedicated to combating the invasive Asian carp population in a truly unique way—using nets instead of traditional fishing rods to catch these leaping, pesky fish, creating a chaotic yet entertaining spectacle…not to mention the team costumes that are also adorned.

This blend of environmental conservation and community service creates an atmosphere of purpose and camaraderie, drawing participants from all over to take part in something bigger than just fishing. The tournament itself is a wild, high-energy affair, with participants often donning hilarious costumes and jumping into boats armed with nets to catch as many airborne carp as possible. The spectacle is as entertaining as it is effective, with thousands of fish caught each year, helping to restore balance to the river’s ecosystem. This year, despite high water levels and a heavy downpour, nearly 2,000 invasive carp splashed out of the water and into the nets of tournament-goers, leaving the Illinois River in better shape than it was before the first air-horn of the tournament sounded.

Beyond the fishing, the tournament offers live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities, making it a family-friendly outing with a significant impact. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, eager to support veterans, or just looking for some unconventional fun, this tournament offers something truly special and is highly recommended.

Again, the Redneck Fishing Tournament is a must-attend event that not only showcases the power of local action, while having a blast on the water, it is a win-win for the Illinois River ecosystem, as well as local veterans homes/facilities in the area. Please visit the official website of the Redneck Fishing Tournament —> HERE.

The Untold Story of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco   See and Feel the Magic at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

Writer and Photos by:  Daniel Locke 

The Walt Disney Family Museum (WDFM), nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a hidden gem that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of the Disney empire. Contrary to popular belief, this museum is not primarily a tribute to Walt Disney himself, but rather a testament to the enduring legacy of his daughter, Diane Disney Miller, and her vision to preserve her father’s story and legacy. 

Diane Disney Miller, along with her husband, Ron Miller, made their way to the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1980s, where they founded the Silverado Winery on land that had been purchased by Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian.  It was here, in this idyllic setting, that the idea for the Walt Disney Family Museum began to take shape. The Walt Disney Family Foundation, established in 1995, became the driving force behind the museum project. With Walter Elias Disney Miller, Walt’s grandson, serving as the Foundation’s president, and Diane at the helm, the initial plan was to create a small ‘office museum’ space where Disney’s awards, memorabilia, and personal story could be preserved. 

In Walter’s mind, the Foundation would conduct its business in an atmosphere that celebrated Disney—both his family and his career.  The co-founders’ ideas grew, and they soon realized the “office museum” was impractical. After all, they wanted to invite the world in, and how could groups of schoolchildren or droves of visitors all comfortably visit a ‘small museum’ office?  The Foundation now envisioned a need to build a large museum to accommodate more visitors, in addition they wanted to dispel common misconceptions and misunderstandings that had cropped up around Disney’s life and work. Though Walter felt that most people remembered his grandfather with “a big warm smile,” there were still those inevitable questions: Is he really frozen? Did he draw all those characters himself? And so on. 

In addition to dispelling the rumors surrounding Disney’s life, the family wanted the public to know him as a person, not just as the face of a brand. In 1998, the family produced a biographical CD-ROM, followed by a virtual version of The Walt Disney Family Museum on the site waltdisney.org, which was published in 1999, thanks, in part, to The Walt Disney Company. The family also tried to reach more people with the release of a documentary film, “Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (2001)”. Despite all these wonderful projects, the family still felt they could do more. In 2001, the Foundation rented a warehouse on Gorgas Avenue in the Presidio of San Francisco to store personal artifacts relating to Disney’s  life, and set it up much like a small, by-appointment-only gallery. But as the Foundation’s collection of art and artifacts grew, so did the scope of the museum project.  Diane said of the collection. “The art is beautiful, but the truth of Dad’s life is so much more important to me.” The family needed a larger site for construction of the museum, so the idea came up from Diane to use the closed Army Base at the Presidio. This would be an ideal location as it is set in natural beauty and easily accessible for public transportation.  

The Walt Disney Family Museum opened its doors to the public on October 1, 2009. In 2013, the museum applied to become its own nonprofit institution, separate from the Foundation, and acquired 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2014. When you visit the museum, you will find the history of Walt’s life from his birth to his death. Visitors will also notice there is really nothing about Walt Disney (Corp.) after his death as they would like to keep it separated. The 40,000 square foot space in the main museum building features the newest technology and historic materials and artifacts to bring Disney’s achievements to life, with interactive galleries that include early drawings and animation, movies, music, listening stations, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland.

    The lobby displays hundreds of awards that Disney won during his career, including the honorary Academy Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which consists of one full-sized Oscar alongside seven miniature ones    (representing the Seven Dwarfs). There is also a Fantasia-inspired state-of-the-art digital theater on the lower level of the museum which screens Disney films daily. You will find interactive displays of his work through the years which visitors can either discover themselves by playing or you can have Walt Disney be your personal guide.

Next time you are in San Francisco, stop in and visit the Walt Disney Family Museum and check out the incredible life of Walt Disney, a pioneer and trailblazer of animated cartoon films plus so much more.  The life of Walt Disney seems to circle back to the song Jiminy Cricket made famous “When You Wish Upon A Star”, as it surely seems all his dreams certainly did come true.

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In a world where electronic music reigns supreme, Slander emerged at Byline Bank (“Aragon”) Ballroom as maestros of the bass, orchestrating a sonic spectacle that transcended the boundaries of traditional EDM. The duo, consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land, delivered a performance on November 25th that was nothing short of a pulsating journey through the realms of euphoria and energy.

From the moment Slander took the stage, a wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. As the first bassline dropped, it was clear that this was not going to be an ordinary EDM experience. Slander’s command of the electronic landscape, combined with their penchant for genre-blurring experimentation, created an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and unpredictable.

The stage production was nothing short of mesmerizing, with a synchronized light show and visuals that heightened the sensory experience. The duo’s dynamic stage presence, coupled with the visual spectacle, created a synergy that elevated the performance to a multi-sensory extravaganza. It was not just a concert; it was a full-blown audio-visual journey.

What set this group apart is Slander’s ability to cater to a diverse audience. The duo seamlessly blended mainstream hits with underground gems, creating an inclusive atmosphere that resonated with both seasoned electronic music enthusiasts and casual concertgoers. This versatility showcased Slander’s understanding of their audience and their commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for all.

In conclusion, Slander’s latest live performance in Chicago was a sonic odyssey—a journey through the vast and dynamic landscape of electronic music. Derek Andersen and Scott Land’s mastery of production, coupled with an unwavering connection to their audience, solidified Slander as architects of sonic euphoria.

Official Website: Slander

From the moment of the first note at Chicago’s House of Blues, Skinny Puppy seized control of the atmosphere, plunging the crowd into a world where industrial beats collided with haunting synthscapes. The stage, adorned with dystopian visuals and flickering lights, set the tone for an immersive experience that transcended the typical concert setting.

Cevin Key’s masterful manipulation of synthesizers and samples was nothing short of alchemy, transforming the venue into an industrial cathedral of sound. The layers of electronic textures were meticulously woven together, creating a sonic tapestry that engulfed the audience in a relentless barrage of auditory stimulation.

The visual component of the show was equally integral to the experience. A multimedia onslaught of disturbing and thought-provoking imagery played across screens, complementing the music’s intensity. The synchronization of visuals with the sonic onslaught created a synesthetic experience that was as mentally challenging as it was sonically captivating.

Special guest and opener, Paul Barker’s Lead Into Gold’s live performance was a sonic alchemy—a transformative experience that fused the raw energy of industrial music’s roots with the sophistication of modern electronic production. And, as we say farewell to Skinny Puppy, we can be assured that Paul Barker’s (and Josh Holley) Lead Into Gold will remain a potent force, capable of captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration for years to come.

In conclusion, Skinny Puppy’s Final Tour live performance at Chicago’s House of Blues was a testament to industrial music as a whole and an enduring influence and ability to push the boundaries of sonic experimentation. For fans of industrial music, it was an unforgettable and sonic end of an era —one that left an indelible mark on the auditory senses and reinforced Skinny Puppy’s status as pioneers in the realm of electronic mayhem.

Setlist:

1. VX Gas Attack
2. I’mmorta
3. Rodent
4. wornin’
5. Tormentor
6. Deep Down Trauma Hounds
7. Human Disease (S.K.U.M.M.)
8. Hardset Head
9. Pedafly
10. Morpheus Laughing
11. The Choke
12. Worlock
13. Inquisition
14. Dig It

Official Websites:

Skinny Puppy
Lead Into Gold

Legendary local and all-around good-time rock band, The Pimps (formerly known as, “The Goodyear Pimps”) have officially announced that after decades of making kick-ass ‘three chord rock ‘n roll,’ out of Rockford, Illinois, they will be calling it quits following their very last live performance on November 10, 2023, in Madison, Wisconsin. It will indeed be the end of an era for the Illinois local music scene that can only be described as, “amazeballs.” But, before you reach for the tissues, please take comfort in the fact that, just because The Pimps will soon be history, there’s still a possibility that its members might venture into new musical endeavors, creating fresh sounds and continuing to contribute to the musical landscape.

I sat down with The Pimps, vocalist, Stuart (“Stu”) Johnson on October 28th, just prior to the band’s very last hometown performance in Rockford, Illinois. We discussed the reasoning behind the official end of The Pimps, an ongoing community music project, as well as the potential for a whole new band to be taking the stage in the near or distant future (yes, that was meant to be vague).

While talking with Stu, he spoke a lot about a successful and ongoing community project that he started in his hometown, Rockford, back in 2013. His face literally lit up as he talked about the beloved, the Rock and Roll Institute. Similar to the School of Rock franchise, the Rock and Roll Institute is a dynamic and innovative kids’ music program that transforms aspiring young musicians into confident, stage-ready performers. But, there is one exception: The Rock and Roll Institute crams an entire educational and hands-on music journey into only five days…not several weeks like its predecessor. Just imagine it: You arrive at the program on a Monday, where you’ll meet some kids your age, likely for the first time. Then, you and said “other kids” break into a group to: form your band, name your band, learn how to play an instrument, learn how to play a song with that instrument with a group of others, then perform that song live with your band on that very next Friday. It is an admirable feat and Stu’s excitement and pride about the program is well deserved. The program is in collaboration with Rockford’s own, Keith Country Day School, a private school in the area that has 99% college success among its diverse student body. More information about the Rock and Roll Institute and the Keith Country Day School are linked below.

Next up, and most importantly, when asked about whether the band was calling it quits (for real this time), Johnson confirmed that it is indeed the final chapter for The Pimps. With a collective nod to the passage of time, the decision stemmed from a desire to gracefully embrace the next chapter of their lives. “There’s no hard feelings everybody’s super cool about it,” Stu added.

Johnson did mention however, yet another new project he has been working on, a new album that he and Pimps bassist (and Stu’s husband, btw), Tony, entitled, No Chalance. Currently, there are a bit more than a dozen tracks set for the album, narrowed down from 384 songs, says Stu with stone-faced seriousness. However, there was a hint of vulnerability in his voice when he confided that the prospect of releasing their latest creations which was accompanied by a wave of uncertainty, leaving the decision to share their intimate creations hanging in the balance. However, if and when it is decided to release the new stuff, you can expect a country’ish/punk’ish/chunky’ish style of music with songs such as, It’s All my Fault Your a Narcissist; I Fell in Love with a Rodeo Clown; and, Bloodshed at the Pizza Ranch, just to name a few. The name of the (potentially) new band, Precious Johnson & The Criddles. Thankfully, the sense of humor and similar music style of this duo is still intact and may carry on into the future. Keep an eye/ear out!

Later in the evening, as The Pimps, known for its entertaining/interactive stage presence and genre-defying sound, took to the stage for their hometown fans one last time, it was definitely bittersweet. The set was full of energy and enthusiasm however, the pauses between songs to give away a few key pieces of band memorabilia to their fans, i.e. their Mission Impossible 2 Platinum Award Plaque, original rehearsal space white board, and a giant piece of fan art, made it all the more apparent that this was indeed the end, forcing a collective sigh to echo through the crowd.

If you would like to catch the very last performance of The Pimps, they will be at the High Noon in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, November 10th. As far as any last sentiments, the band states on their social media, “It’s time to Swedish Death Clean. We have said all we have to say.”

RIP The Pimps – Three Chord Rock ‘n Roll from Rockford, Illinois. Here’s to wishing all of them (Stu Johnson, Tony Crisman, Dave Deraosso, Michael “Hilly” Hilenburg and Todd Cooper) the very best with their future endeavors, no matter what they may be!

HIT THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFO:

The Pimps – Facebook
Rock and Roll Institute
Keith Country Day School
Rockford Area Arts Council

“Arts in the Dark” is an annual Halloween parade held in Chicago, Illinois, and this year it was held on Saturday, October 21st. The parade is a unique and vibrant event that celebrates art and culture, featuring a diverse range of participants, including artists, cultural organizations, performers, and more. Participants often create elaborate and creative costumes and displays, making it a visually stunning event.

Arts in the Dark typically features a variety of art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. The parade route runs through downtown Chicago’s iconic State Street, from Lake Street south to Van Buren Street. S pectators gather to watch the colorful procession of artistic displays and performances, making it a festive and entertaining event for all ages.

Please note that specific details and locations of events like Arts in the Dark may change from year to year, so I recommend checking the official website (https://artsinthedark.com/) or local sources for the most up-to-date information on this parade and any related events in Chicago.

If you have not yet heard of Chicago’s infamous Riot Fest, you (clearly) must be living under a rock. However, under-rock-living or not, you’re in luck because with the information below, you will have all you need to know about this enormous and iconic Chicago music festival, so you’ll be prepared to rock…next year. Also below is our own photo gallery with what we considered to be our favorite headliners and up and comers to watch for in the very near future.

Riot Fest is an annual music festival that features a diverse lineup of punk rock, alternative rock, and various other music genres. The festival is known for its focus on punk and punk-related genres, as well as its commitment to showcasing both well-established and emerging artists. Here are some key points about Riot Fest:

1. History: Riot Fest was founded by Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough in Chicago, Illinois, in 2005. It originally started as a multi-venue festival with a primary focus on punk and punk-rock acts.
2. Expanding to Other Cities: While Riot Fest’s roots are in Chicago, it has expanded to other cities, including Denver and Toronto. Each city’s edition of the festival typically takes place over a weekend, featuring a mix of local and international artists.
3. Lineup Diversity: Riot Fest is known for its diverse lineup, which includes punk rock, alternative rock, metal, hip-hop, and other genres. The festival often features both iconic bands from the past and contemporary acts.
4. Notable Performers: Over the years, Riot Fest has hosted performances by a wide range of artists, including The Misfits, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Blink-182, Weezer, Public Enemy, and many others.
5. Carnival Atmosphere: Riot Fest often incorporates a carnival-like atmosphere into its festival experience, with attractions like carnival rides, games, food vendors, and sideshow acts. This adds to the festival’s unique character and appeal.
6. Community and DIY Spirit: The festival maintains a strong connection to the punk and DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos, celebrating independent and underground music scenes. It often includes local and independent artists, and small labels in its lineup and activities.
7. Focus on Chicago: The Chicago edition of Riot Fest has a special place in the festival’s history. It has taken place in various venues around the city, including Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Riot Fest has also contributed to the local community by supporting local charities and causes.
8. Genre Inclusivity: While Riot Fest has its roots in punk rock, it has expanded to include a wide variety of genres, making it appealing to a broader audience.
9. Special Events: Riot Fest sometimes hosts special events or reunions of legendary bands that have been disbanded for many years, creating excitement among fans.
10. Art and Visuals: The festival often incorporates visual art installations and street art, adding an artistic element to the overall experience.

Riot Fest has become a significant event for music enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of musical styles and a sense of community. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing music landscape while staying true to its punk and DIY roots.

With that being said, check out our photo gallery of Riot Fest 2023 below:

Out of more than 90 artists playing the Riot Fest stages and local Chicago venues alike, here are a few of our favorites from Riot Fest 2023:

The Cure –  (Crawley, West Sussex. England)

The Breeders – (Dayton, Ohio)

The Dresden Dolls – (Boston, Massachusetts) 

AFI – (abbreviation for A Fire Inside) – (Ukiah, California)

Corey Feldman – (Los Angeles, California)

Head Automatica – (Brooklyn, New York)

L.S. Dunes – (Chicago, Illinois)

Flogging Molly – (Los Angeles, California)

Nothing Nowhere – (Burlington, Vermont)

Snapcase – (Buffalo, New York)

Viagra Boys – (Stockholm, Sweden)

T.S.O.L. – (Long Beach, California)

Enola Gay – (Belfast, United Kingdom)

The Used – (Orem, Utah)

Pool Kids – (Tallahassee, Florida)

Total Chaos – (Pomona, California)

Lastly, it should also be noted that another Riot Fest favorite is that of, “Riot Pop,” a (beyond) delicious infusion of low-carbonation seltzers that come in several flavors, containing electrolytes, CBD, and alcohol. It should also be noted that there are non-alcohol varieties as well. Visit https://drinkriotpop.com/ for more information on this delectable beverage! YUM!

See you next year, Riot Fest!

The band draws inspiration from classic rock and blues, incorporating elements of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and other iconic rock acts into their music. They have a distinctive sound that combines retro influences with a modern edge, resulting in a unique and captivating sonic experience.

Rival Sons released their debut album, “Before the Fire,” in 2009, which garnered critical acclaim and helped establish their reputation as a rising rock band. Since then, they have released several successful albums, including “Pressure & Time” (2011), “Great Western Valkyrie” (2014), and “Feral Roots” (2019). Their albums have been well-received by both fans and critics, earning them a loyal following and multiple award nominations.

Known for their energetic and charismatic live performances, Rival Sons has toured extensively, captivating audiences around the world with their powerful stage presence and tight musicianship. They have shared stages with renowned artists such as AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, further solidifying their reputation as a formidable rock band.

Rival Sons’ music often combines bluesy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and memorable hooks, resulting in a sound that appeals to rock enthusiasts across different generations. Their songs tackle a range of themes, including love, life’s struggles, and social issues, often delivered with introspective and thought-provoking lyrics.

Overall, Rival Sons is a band that continues to push the boundaries of rock music, combining classic influences with their own unique style. Their passionate performances and soulful sound have garnered them a dedicated fan base and established them as one of the prominent rock acts of their generation. So…if you have not heard of this band, it is highly suggested that you become acquainted with them…the sooner the better. You’ll thank me for it, I assure you.

For tour dates and all things Rival Sons, click HERE.

#RivalSons #Chicago #ConcordMusicHall #UnRatedMagazine #2023

When Barenaked Ladies perform in Chicago, you can expect a mix of their well-known hits such as “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I Had $1,000,000,” along with songs from their more recent albums. They often incorporate humor and banter into their performances, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for the audience. This chilly June 6th evening was no exception.

To get the most up-to-date information about Barenaked Ladies’ upcoming performances and latest music releases, such as their latest single (and video), “Lovin’ Life,” released just this morning, click HERE.

#BarenakedLadies #Semisonic #DelAmitri #LiveMusic #Chicago #NortherlyIsland #LastSummerOnEarth

MEGADETH

LAMB OF GOD

TRIVIUM