Evento

NYE - JC BROOKS AND THE UPTOWN SOUND / SIDEWALK CHALK

/// NEW YEARS EVE /// Champagne Toast at Midnight ///

21+ / $25 early-bird tix

JC BROOKS AND THE UPTOWN SOUND
http://www.jcbrooksandtheuptownsound.com/

What does post-punk soul look like? Six and a half feet of raw emotion and sweat, with one leather boot planted in gutsy R&B, the other in taut minimalist grind. Snarling at the crowd beneath an afro pompadour, while indulging in a sly wink, singing to you directly, and here to make you dance. What does post-punk soul look like? It looks like JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound.
JC Brooks was born the son of a Jersey funk diva, his voice erupts with heart and heartache over the ferocious rhythm and star-time charisma of guitarist Billy Bungeroth, drummer Kevin Marks, keyboardist Andy Rosenstein, and bassist Ben Taylor. With a take-no-prisoners live attack and lyrics speaking of the torment and triumph of these tumultuous times, it's no wonder that the Chicago Tribune called JC Brooks "the real deal". This is a soul band rallying against our disaffected and disengaged era, connecting with people the old-fashioned way, by whipping them into a frenzy with honest appeal and unbridled enthusiasm.
The Uptown Sound has attracted a true-blue grassroots following, with MOJO Magazine identifying them as "one of the hottest US soul acts". Since unleashing their Bloodshot Records debut in 2011 Want More ("A lively set of gritty old-school soul and funk injected with raw garage-rock aggression" - KEXP), and 2013's follow up Howl ("At once a confessional break-up album and a critique of the whole concept of telegraphed heartache, Howl is soul with its jacket off". NPR Music), they've barnstormed North America and Europe relentlessly, while burning up NPR and AAA radio with their stomping cover of Wilco's "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" (which they performed with the song's composer, Jeff Tweedy, at Wilco's Solid Sound Festival) and the soulful motivator "Rouse Yourself" from Howl.
JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound have toured, warred, scored, and they're not to be ignored. Bear witness, for these young men are on the move and they know what post-punk soul looks like. It looks like the future.

SIDEWALK CHALK
http://www.sidewalk-chalk.com/

With the release of its sophomore album, Leaves, Sidewalk Chalk continues to lead the contemporary evolution of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. The band's roots are firmly planted in Chicago where all eight members bring their respective talents together to update a sound first heralded in the Native Tongues era but never so musically diverse. The group's unique arrangement allows them to incorporate numerous styles seamlessly: an MC and female vocalist; a trio of keys, bass, and drums; a horn section with trombone and trumpet; and a tap-dancer.
In contrast to the 2012 debut release, Corner Store, this new album finds the group venturing into a grittier space and capitalizing on a subtle approach that is at times hauntingly beautiful. Leaves represents change, both the loss of something dear and the excitement of exploring something new. "The album is about growth, growing pains, and letting go of the past if need be," states MC Rico Sisney. Vocalist Maggie Vagle adds, "It's also about unfolding into a new color. Shedding to shine brighter."
Sidewalk Chalk has created a live show that captivates a variety of audiences. The group has already shared stages with ?uestlove, De La Soul, Action Bronson, Jean Grae, Hiatus Kaiyote and other notables. Individually, band members have acted as musical director(s) for Brother Ali, toured with Jazzanova and played behind Buddy Guy and Talib Kweli. Sidewalk Chalk was named "Most Outstanding Group" at the 2012 Chicago Music Awards, and its MC represented Chicago at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.

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