Angels & Kings CHI presents another FREE “One Man(no) Show!” This Wednesday (6/23), we’re featuring 2 of Chicago’s finest.. Par Avion and Snowsera ::

Incredibly noteworthy, aside from the show, is that I will have a pair of exclusive, private and VIP passes to see Against Me! perform live on our JBTV HD Soundstage! We’ll have a plain ‘ol register to win box – fill out a form and hope like hell that you win the chance to be in the studio audience at the July 3rd episode taping! Someone at this week’s show will be leaving with a pair. Guaranteed.

me and against me!

Back to the show.. both of these bands have been great friends for a long time, and I’m stoked to finally showcase them on our world-renowned AK stage! Here’s a bit on both:

Since 2007, Par Avion has worked harder than just about any band in Chicago. Granted, a lot of bands work hard.. but don’t work smart. These guys work both! They’ve put out 4 great records, with a 5th on the way. And somehow, they’ve found time to develop a truly memorable live show.. they’ve been tapped to open for Angels & Airwaves and Hollywood Undead. Or Perhaps you caught their sets at Milwaukee’s SummerFest and SXSW in Austin, TX. They’re making all of the right moves. Great look, vibe, sound, style and people!

Listen: Par Avion – Plastic

snowsera

Aside from what it means to you, the name means nothing. The music.. means a lot to many.

From the official Snowsera bio: “When vocalist Bill Arteaga, bassist Nate Christenson, guitarist Ian Erard and drummer Jeff Wagner formed Snowsera in the spring of 2007, the four University of Illinois students deliberately chose a name devoid of any existing meaning. Instead, their moniker, like their music, is an open invitation to each listener – one which bids them to imbue it with personal experiences and emotions.” Nicely done!

Since 2007, Snowsera has brought its high-impact live show to over hundreds of venues across the US,  sharing the stage with …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, This Is Me Smiling, State & Madison, Company of Thieves and more!

The band has received loads of radio love with “So Subtle” and “Trends” – they were even honored with the titles of Best New Artist and Best Live Performance at the 2008 WPGU Local Music Awards, as well as being named the station’s inaugural “Local Band of the Week” in April.

I assume that if the band were typing this, they’d say something like “Come see us at Angels & Kings. And tell us what Snowsera means to you..”

Listen: Snowsera – Push and Pull

- Seven Ten North Clark Street (Clark / Huron)

- Doors at 9p / Music at 10:30p

- FREE meter parking after 9

- NO cover .. NO ticket needed .. NO drink minimum!

Take a nap on Wednesday,

.:: Ryan

This Wednesday, like every other for the past 60+ straight, Angels & Kings CHI presents a FREE “One Man(no) Show!” This week, it’s another 2-band bill for the price of none, feat. Manbirdbelly and Paperbear ::

Sometimes, it really is a wonder that we’ve been able to, not only consistently pull this off, but consistently grow the “One Man(no) Show” into such a loyal and unique brand. No other venue in the city (or country) gives away so much quality, free music. Most of them think we’re crazy. And, for that, I want to thank YOU for continuing to support the heart of Chicago music and my amazing partners at Angels & Kings! This is where it lives and breathes..

Okay.. so the elephant in the room?

manbearpig

At first glance of this week’s band names, I’ve been told that it appears that we’re dangerously close to having the dreaded Manbearpig show up and commandeer the mic. Let me assure you that we’ve beefed up security,  background checked the bands and alerted transportation officials in South Park. Manbearpig will not be allowed in.

I’m super serial.

Honestly, I’m always so pumped to invite new bands, new faces and new ideas into our established family. Not only is there room for the deserving, it’s a win for all of us who love to feel this thing push forward and reinvent. I’ve never worked with either of this week’s bands, so I can’t personally speak to their live sets. But, based on great words from people and sources I trust, it looks like we’re in for another good one:

paperbear

“The stage presence of Paperbear is incredible! The music is enough to shake the soul, but the connection the performers make with the audience is enough to tickle the heart. Love the sound. Love the look. Keep your eyes open for this local gem!”

- CHICAGO.com/music

manbirdbelly

“Who the hell is Manbirdbelly? After last week’s show at Quenchers, we should all be asking this. Despite it being a bar, Manbirdbelly rocked it like a proper venue!”

- Radio Free Chicago

Take an audio test drive. Download a free MP3 from each:

Manbirdbelly – Middle of the Earth

Paperbear – No Parking

- Seven Ten North Clark Street (Clark / Huron)

- Doors at 9p / Music at 10:30p

- FREE meter parking after 9

- NO cover .. NO ticket needed .. NO drink minimum!

Ohhh, and I’m out of town for this week’s show. Coincidentally, spending my Wednesday night at AK NYC (no escape!) Regrettably I won’t make it to this week’s Chicago showcase, so I expect each of you to provide me with a full report. I also expect you to do a shot of Jameson for me.

9 floors above neon bustle of Times’ Square,

.:: Ryan

Wednesday (6/9) :: Angels & Kings presents another FREE “One Man(no) Show!”

Really dynamic 2-band bill this week feat. Danny Chaimson and Orgone ::

First things first.. You’ve committed to the Indian. You’ve committed to the Cup. You’ve committed to celebrating the championship in the city. And, hopefully, you’ve already committed to taking a “sick day” on Thursday. No doubt, the loop will be the center of the universe on Wednesday night.. so we’re putting on a proper party at the corner of Clark & Huron!

You know ‘where’ and ‘why.’ Here’s a slapshot of the ‘who’ and ‘how.’ See what I did there? Slapshot? Right.

DANNY CHAIMSON >>

He was a piano prodigy by age 4.  At 10, he started writing his own music. By the time he turned 12, he formed a band and was already playing shows. Between then and now, Danny Chaimson has toured with and played as a sideman for O.A.R., Mike Doughty (Soul Coughing), Shwayze w/ Cisco Adler, The Southland, Jem and loads more. Basically, the dude’s got a killer bio and a cred sheet 10 miles long.

“Young Blood, Old Soul” (on newly launched L.A. indie Cold Classic), is the debut ’solo’ album from Chaimson and his backing band – the 11th Hour. It’s much an ass-shaker as it is an eye-opener. Listen to the first single..

Danny Chaimson – This is Life

And the people say:

“The disc is an uber-catchy blast of laid-back, pop-based soul-funk, as if Billy Joel’s been staying up late listening to Curtis Mayfield.” – RedEye Chicago

“Chaimson’s band is tight and play a blend of soul and funk that is seldom heard these days. Think Jack Johnson on amphetamines.” – SongsIllinois.net

“His presence demands attention as he masters dexterity, singing and pounding keys with seeming effortlessness.” – ChicagoMusicNow.com

“A loosely grooving set of tunes steeped in gritty blue eyed soul, west coast funk, and a wealth of classic soul & groove rock influences from coast-to-coast- Danny and his players have the chops and the melodic sensibilities to do them all justice…and his work on the Fender Rhodes is fantastic” – DustyGroove.com

I’m sold.

ORGONE >>

Before Bonnaroo gets Orgone.. we get ‘em! And we might need a bigger stage!? This Los Angeles based 9-piece is recognized worldwide for their raw studio recordings and exciting live sets of hard hitting afro-soul & funk.

Think of Orgone as a scenic musical journey from the sound of Los Angeles to horn and percussion driven Lagos to a New York club and to the bustling sounds of New Orleans.

The band’s reputation amongst the funk, soul, and hip hop fraternity is further backed-up by an impressive and ever growing resume that includes a spot in a new Adidas campaign, a tour with and backing band for Bun B (from UGK) plus shows with Pharcyde, De La Soul, Too Short, Macy Gray, Al Green and many others. To top it off, most of the group can be heard on recent recordings by Alicia Keys, Estelle, Anthony Hamilton and Jennifer Hudson.

Hear it:

Orgone – Who Knows Who

a lesson in AK 'hawks win' celebration

- 710 North Clark Street (Clark & Huron)

- Doors at 9p / Music at 10:30p

- FREE meter parking after 9

- NO cover .. NO ticket needed

761.4 miles from Angels & Kings to the Wachovia Center,

.:: Ryan

TONIGHT :: Angels & Kings Chicago presents another FREE “One Man(no) Show!”

The city’s longest-standing concert series rolls on w/ Kidd Russell + RoyAL

It’s been quite some time since the OMS has featured live hip-hop, and I’m anxious to shake the vibe up a bit. Don’t know Russell or Royal? Here’s some words, music and a video to fix that:

KIDD RUSSELL >>

KIDD RUSSELL

A college football player turned indie music maestro!  Over the past 7 years, he’s been handpicked to open for international acts like The Roots, NASA, Flobots.

In 2008, after 5 years of solo work, he teamed with producer Matt Jenkins and started Junkyard Productions.

Together, their music has been featured on MTV JAMS, MTV2, FoxSports, the CW and HDnet MMA. They also created the current theme song to Ring of Honor Wrestling on HDnet!

Sounds like: the Midwest, fall leaves and flannels, hoodies, football, friends, love and hard times sung and rapped over original reggae, rock, hip hop and occasional rockabilly beats!

Kidd Russell – Dear Shooter

Kidd Russell – E North Avenue

RoyAL >>

You’re tired of reading. Watch RoyAL’s new video for “Let Me Down!”

Make a night of it, or a pit-stop; support local music, have a beverage and hang out!

keep pouring, danielle..

- 710 North Clark Street (Clark & Huron)

- Doors at 9p / 21+

- NO COVER .. 100% FREE SHOW!

- Plenty of FREE meter parking after 9

I used to be a bank teller,

.:: Ryan

WED. March 17 :: Angels & Kings Chicago presents a very special St. Patrick’s Day “One Man(no) Show” feat.

Just Left + Coventry

If you ask real polite, I bet you can get Just Left to cover Flogging Molly. Perhaps Coventry can do Dropkick Murphy’s. Or maybe they’ll do a tear-jerking collab on “Danny Boy.” At the very least, let’s hope they wear green!?

As an Italian dude with the first name Ryan, I assure you that everyone is indeed Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. For this night only, let’s call our spot “McAngels and O’Kings..”

jameson at AK = irish (wait, is that de'mar from PWTs?)

For those unfamiliar with my pals in these bands, I’ll run it down real brief:

JUST LEFT >>

JUST LEFT live at METRO

On different accounts they have been personally invited to open for multiple national acts such as Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, The Audition, Hello Goodbye, and many more.. Their music, hard work, and dedication caught the attention of manager Drive-Thru Records who helped push the band towards their first record deal on Standby Records (a sister label of Victory Records).

Just Left’s 2009 debut “Think Fast” was produced by Ace Enders of The Early November and Chris Badami. The band backed the album by touring with Vagrant’s School Boy Humor on “The Winter Of 09′ Tour” and then joined Tooth & Nail’s The Fold, Doghouse’s The Status, and The Right Coast on “Fork In The Road, Knife In The Turkey Tour.”

The band continued their hard work and has appeared on two years of Vans Warped Tour, South By So What, and also a national Hot Topic sponsored in-store tour.

Just Left w/ Ace Enders – These are the Days

COVENTRY >>

COVENTRY

Energetic hooks, sing-alongable (is that a word?) melodies and earworm choruses bring a legit, fresh sound that we describe as “Chicago Fun Rock.” Who doesn’t like fun? Terrorists. That’s who..

Playing together since 2005 Coventry has shared the stage with bands like Hit The Lights, Powerspace, School Boy Humor, 2*Sweet, Ludo and Envy on the Coast.

The Coventry live show? Singer Kevin Farris, “We make it a top priority to have an airtight live performance. We all respect bands that can kill it live and we do the same. If you come to a show you can expect to somehow be involved with our performance as an audience member,” says singer Kevin Farris.

Coolest Coventry moment thus far? Farris, “Probably the collective feeling of playing Bamboozle Left .. a crowd that cheered so loud we could hardly hear ourselves playing, it was deafening. None of us expected that reaction but it is a memory that I can never forget.”

Coventry – Emerald City Blues

last wednesday at ANGELS and KINGS

St. Patrick’s Day checklist:

- Angels and Kings Chicago

- 710 North Clark Street (Clark & Huron)

- Just Left and Coventry

- Doors at 9p / 21+

- NO COVER .. 100% FREE SHOW!

- Jameson

Sláinte,

.:: Ryan

me and my bro w/ MADINA LAKE at AK

TONIGHT :: Angels & Kings Chicago presents my “One Man(no) Show” feat..

The Insecurities + Oceans Over Airplanes

The first big scale concert I ever had a hand in putting together was at Pfeiffer Hall on the campus of North Central College in the Fall of 1999. Lucky Boys Confusion was main support for Showoff; Plain White T’s and The Dog and Everything were our openers..

SHOWOFF at pfeiffer hall

Lucky Boys Confusion – Hey Driver

From that day on and for over a decade, I’ve worked with Stubhy (Lucky Boys Confusion, Shock Stars, The Insecurities) to put on and promote more shows for his bands than brown liquor will allow either of us to ever recall.

me, stubhy and a 40

In my opinion, he is one of the finest songwriters, singers and performers to which Chicago can proudly lay claim. The guy is made of melody.

Stubhy’s latest project The Insecurities has gathered some serious, much due and dead on critical acclaim..

SHOW YOUR TEETH album cover

From The Illinois Entertainer:

“Each track name on The Insecurities’ debut EP, Ban The Kiss Hello: A Social Commentary, contains a philosophical subtitle, a hint of the brainy lyrics contained within. Musically, the quintet gels effortlessly. The piano-infused pop underneath the honest vocals clearly calls to mind shades of Jack’s Mannequin, which is a great vein to settle in and should make the group feel a little more secure about its musical future.”

The Onion said:

“[People] won’t be able to argue with the group’s pop sensibilities…nor will they be able to hold still while listening.”

And Windy City Rock :

“With another batch of strong material, Show Your Teeth finds The Insecurities avoiding a simple retread of their debut – opting for a bigger, bolder approach – without discarding the elements that made Ban the Kiss Hello a success.”

me and stubhy at Q101's twisted 14 afterparty

This Wednesday’s openers, Oceans Over Airplanes, first got my attention thru persistence. They showed up every Wednesday, for months on end, with a copy of their self-titled EP and essentially refusing to take ‘no’ for answer.

Normally that fact alone wouldn’t (and doesn’t) land a band on the AK stage. But over time, our booking team became endeared to “a group that wears their music, lyrics, and emotions on their sleeves.” OOA is heavily influenced by bands like Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, Thrice, Incubus, The Early November, Mute Math and Spitalfield. They’re a fitting compliment to The Insecurities and I think you’ll like them.

FREE music from both bands (below) to save or stream before tonight’s show >>

the INSECURITIES

The Insecurities – Run Run Baby

oceans over AIRPLANES

Oceans Over Airplanes – Oddly the Same

- 710 North Clark Street (Clark & Huron)

- Doors at 9p / 21+

- NO COVER .. 100% FREE SHOW!

I’m insecure,

.:: Ryan

P.S. So is Tom Skilling!

WGN TV's tom skilling

P.P.S 2 more pix (and a song) I found tucked away in a scrap book re: Lucky Boys Confusion and Showoff

me and SHOWOFF at WONC 89.1 FM in 1999

Showoff – Tell Me

LUCKY BOYS CONFUSION production call sheet at METRO

The JBTV crew set up shop for a shoot backstage at House of Blues on Friday, March 5 with New Found Glory, Saves the Day, Hellogoodbye and Fireworks.

looking down from 3rd tier opera box

Segments of each interview will air in the coming weeks and months, as we roll out the redesigned JBTV on Chicago television and worldwide at JBTVonline.com. Until then, my dressing room iPhone pics and music will suffice..

Jenna Martinelli w/ Saves the Day >>

Saves the Day – At Your Funeral

jenna + saves THE day

eating indian food in the freight elevator with saves the day's ARUN

jenna + saves THE day

set change before saves THE day

Ryan Manno w/ New Found Glory >>

New Found Glory – It’s Not Your Fault

me and new found JORDAN

before rolling tape ..

.. jordan and i pre-interview

complaining about cell service inside HOB

New Found Glory – All Downhill from Here

talking about hookers in amsterdam

discussing blink-182's mark hoppus

sharing the best way to fart on an airplane

this is how we stand around

Jenna Martinelli w/ Fireworks >>

Fireworks – Detroit

jenna + FIREWORKS

FIREWORKS talking hockey

FIREWORKS quadcam

jenna + FIREWORKS

Great times with the great dudes in great bands. All of it coming to TV and the Web soon..

..: Ryan

“It’s up to you and me. And who’s to say? These could be the good old days..” – Eels

Remember when Metro used to host true, honest local shows every Sunday night for just a few bucks? Bands didn’t need a booking agent; dropping off a demo was considered an official submission.

Or when walking into the Fireside Bowl meant that you’d walk out with a new favorite band?

Those were the escoteric nights and places we first discovered Alkaline Trio, Dovetail Joint, Local H, Lawrence Arms, Urge Overkill, Slapstick, Liz Phair, 88 Fingers Louie, Kill Hannah, Rise Against and scads of other bands that would go on to shape our tastes and, in many cases, our life’s work.

Sure, there are a handful of Chicago venues that still kick a bone to the city’s scene; either out of obligation or because they have a hole in their calendar and owe a favor. But largely, that passionate, ‘all-for-one’ ethic has melted into ‘all-for-LiveNation’ dollar signs.

At the risk of sounding like a pubescent, angst-saddled jagoff, I’m well aware that times change and passion doesn’t pay the rent. But for me, the enriching tradeoff will always have a proper place.

Chalk it up to great luck, good fortune or nice timing .. but those of us at Angels & Kings responsible for this consistent tradition of free, weekly Chicago showcases hold it as a labor of love and a belief that can’t be bought.

So we keep on. And we invite you to join us..

THIS Wednesday, March 3, at Angels & Kings Chicago my “One Man(no) Show” feat..

Dear Noel + Camera

I grew up in Northwest Indiana with the dudes in Dear Noel, so having them return to our world-renowned city stage is a small, sentimental notch for the 219! Their energy is as infectious as their hooks. Their work ethic is fit to run marathons. In fact, I’m throwing an early $100 down on Dear Noel for Warped Tour 2011. And I gotta tip my cap to their undeniable skills as professional PBR drinkers. They’re good..

Camera is as skilled and focused on their craft as any band we’ll ever feature. They’re one of those “trust me” bands. You need to physically see this precision unfold to get it. Not to mention, the show is doubling as their manager’s 30th birthday party and we highly anticipate a suited celebration!

As for the band’s sonic savvy, don’t take my word for it. Acclaimed music critic, Jim DeRogatis of the Chicago Sun-Times writes,

“Camera deliver the post-punk art-rock goods: Not only is the trio’s version of the Feelies’ “Moscow Nights” one of the most impressive I’ve heard (nobody covers the Feelies because the Feelies are just too hard to cover), originals such as “Wicked Wicked Games” and “One Neo Eon” are nearly as strong, doing proud the traditions of an era where it didn’t seem unreasonable to pair ultra-danceable grooves with challenging musical ideas and often delightfully menacing sonic ambience.”

Hell, don’t even take Jim’s word for it .. listen for yourself!

FREE music from both bands (below) to save or stream before Wednesday’s show >>

DEAR NOEL

Dear Noel – Jets to Carolina

Dear Noel – Aren’t We All Just a Camera in the Bathroom

CAMERA

Camera – Idioteque (Radiohead Cover)

Camera – One Neo Eon

** PLUS .. I’m bringing 20 passes to attend our private JBTV soundstage shoot with EMPIRES on Tuesday, March 9. You CANNOT buy these exclusive TV taping tickets; the only way in is to win! We’ll keep it simple and go with a ‘register to win’ box at the bar.

Empires – Bang

ANGELS and KINGS

AK Chicago : 710 North Clark Street (Clark & Huron)

Doors : 9p / 21+

NO COVER .. 100% FREE SHOW!

Support what supports you,

.:: Ryan

We’re doing it differently this week. Safe to say, bigger than ever. And criticly unlike any party we’ve yet to throw. Extra staff and servers have been notified. We’re expecting to finally open up (and shut down) the guarded AK basement ..

THIS Wednesday, February 24th, at Angels & Kings Chicago my “One Man(no) Show” with Evolution of Rock presents :

Darkwave Disco (members of Kill Hannah) + Cobia

I’ve teamed with my dear friend and “dopest hairstylist. period.” Brandon Roc (Clandestine), to throw a ridiculously massive and debaucherous show packed with live bands, celeb DJ sets, fashion and hair ‘Creep Show’ + appearances by famed stylist Ben Mollin of Shear Genius AND members of Smashing Pumpkins, Filter, Kill Hannah, Makeshift Prodigy and Secret Saints!

We like to keep these shows FREE, but there will be a $5 donation at the door this week to benefit the Red Cross Haitian Relief efforts. Thanks in advance!

Having known Brandon Roc for years, I assure you that this man KNOWS how to properly throw a bash that’s worth every penny ..

As always .. here’s a free, downloadable and streamable sample of music from both performers >>

DARK WAVE DISCO

Darkwave Disco – Spring 2009 Mix

COBIA

Cobia – White Lies

710 N. Clark Street.

21+.

Doors at 9 PM.

let's make a mess ..

With apologies to Thursday,

.:: Manno, Ryan

“Ryan Manno : bringing back good music with an f’ing vengeance .. one Wednesday at a time.” – Nickolas Blazina, State and Madison

The man’s got a point. It’s a labor of love. And a love of the labor. YOU have helped build this. And our legendary shows grow on ..

THIS Wednesday, February 17th, my FREE “One Man(no) Show” at Angels & Kings Chicago presents:

Villain vs. Villain + Model Stranger

PLUS .. I’ll have 5 pair of exclusive VIP passes to give away for EMPIRES’ private JBTV Soundstage performance taping on Tuesday, March 9th, which is the worldwide RELEASE DATE for their highly-anticipated new album “Bang!”

** The Empires show was JUST announced this morning!

** You will NOT be able to purchase these tickets.

Sooo .. only by coming to my AK shows and thru an upcoming special contest from the band, we’ve got your ONLY chances to be a part of the intimate studio audience as Empires perform in our state-of-the-art TV studio!

I’ll keep it simple : the first 5 pair go to the first 5 people to ask nicely and mention this post! Promise.

Now .. back to tomorrow’s FREE show >>

I always like to provide a pre-show audio taste of what you’ll witness LIVE the Angels & Kings stage >>

Villain vs. Villain – New Way to Die

Model Stranger – At the Turn of the Century

710 N. Clark Street.

NEVER a cover!

21+.

Doors at 9 PM.

ALWAYS .. a memorable mid-week rock ‘n roll party escape!

ANGELS and KINGS

Don’t be lame,

.:: RJM