When I saw the title The March my mind envisioned Chippendale-Dancer looking studs marching while wearing Drummer Boy pants that had been ironed with starch. Shortly thereafter, someone corrected me and said The March is an adaptation of a novel bearing the same name, written by the great author, E.L. Doctorow. In fact, E.L. Doctorow'sThe March was so adored that it was a freakin' Pulitzer Prize Finalist!
 
E.L. Doctorow is noted for creating historical narratives that tell the truth, but not the whole truth. For instance, Doctorow is known to put characters of his imagination into his works, as he also does in The March. The tactic seems to serve as a means to be the intimate voice of many people affected similarly and differently by a historical event(s), making his stories that much more universal, moving, interesting and thought-provoking.
 
The March is a depiction of General William Tecumseh Sherman and his 60,000 Union Solders' march, killing machine and subsequent massacre and conquer of the Confederate Army, as well as how they and other northerners' and southerners' were hit by it.
 
The March was adapted for the stage, not by some Schmuck or loser, but by majorly talented Frank Galati. Galati is a member of the prominent Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in Chicago, and has been the winner of Tony Awards. Galati also directed the big ticket-seller, Ragtime, which is another reason why his talent is nothing to sneeze at.
 
Regardless, I still questioned how a Debbie Downer's dream subject matter was going to go down onstage without the sights of audience members bolting for the exit doors, or sounds of ballistic bawling or roaring snores.
 

I saw The March at the Steppenwolf Theatre in chi-town, and I learned only 2 percent of the play's dialogue had been changed from that in the novel. I additionally found the dialogue included sentiments and information E.L. Doctorow had gotten from General Sherman's multiple self-documentations, and actual letters solders had written for their families back home.
 
The heart-strings pulling, yet witty and delightful as all heck dialogue, was the most enjoyable part of the play. To elaborate, although members of the audience body surfing during the production probably would have been heavily frowned upon, The March was uplifting enough on its' own that it did not need it.
 
Further, due to the plays good plot, themes, dialogue, acting, music and set design, it was a completely enthralling work of art done keenly by Galati. A portion of the cast is made up of: Ian Barford, Carrie Coon, Shannon Matesky, Harry Groener, Alana Arenas, James Vincent Meredith, Philip Brannon and Stephen Lois Grush. Some of the thespians have been in other plays, films and television shows you have likely seen or heard of. There are 26 actors in The March, including pretty ladies and male hotties, that one of the phrases in the play goes, could "make your hooves fly!" Yes in my book, Frank Galati's adaptation of The March ranks high.
 
For ticket information please visit: www.steppenwolf.org

 

Some people may jokingly say Riverdance is just a batch of lads and lasses looking like they have ants in their pants. But, such lips should be zipped, considering it takes a lot of heart, soul and skill for individuals to be able to master the obviously complex forms of dance, showcased in The Broadway smash, Riverdance.

 

Yes, the extensive success of  the production, whose tour of the planet earth has taken the same amount of miles as it does to travel to the moon and back, have some Irish Dancers of their Troupe who had sprung into training at the age of 4. The specified youngsters were given unique tap shoes, in that they were very heavy. Therefore, dancing in these hefty “claude hoppers” required the children’s ankles to be exceptionally agile and legs outstandingly strong.

 

With that said, can you imagine competing with those highly talented legs and “footsies” in a game of Double Dutch Jump Rope? Or, having one of the Irish lasses, wearing her loaded tap shoes, kick you in the gonads?

 

Moving right along, weighty tap shoes are also worn by the Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe to this day on stage. When I saw them, at one of their last shows at the Oriental Theatre, flash fascinatingly fast and fancy footwork, and slam down their feet with extreme might, it was greatly admirable all right!

 

Also, although the Irish Dance Troupe dances ever-so-vigorously for a breathtaking spell, deep pride and strength are shown in their stance and written all over their face. Further, none of the Riverdance Dance Troupes get their wondrous abundance of energy because they are “Meth or Crack-heads”—the Riverdance performers in general are simply heavy drinkers—of water and Gatorade, that is!

 

In fact, from the spring of Riverdance in 1995 to the present, riveting Riverdance’s performers (musicians, singers and dancers) reportedly have “chugged” 200,000 gallons of water, 60,000 gallons of Gatorade and have pleasured themselves with 60,000 pounds of chocolate!

 

Sadly, every dance troupe of Riverdance will be hanging their soaked shoes to dry, as far as the production’s tour in the U.S. is concerned, on the 17^th of June this year. Riverdance has definitely made a jumbo splash during its 15 year run, with its’ final blast offs that’ll knock your socks off, in Chicago from the 13^th to 18^th of this month.

 

The powerful sights and sounds of Riverdance performers (musicians, singers and dancers) were supremely intense, at times heavenly humorous, and through and through addictive! Astronomically critically acclaimed Riverdance is not only a show of Irish music and dance, either—it unveils styles of additional cultures music and dance, as well. Plus, I think Riverdance’s themes, including Ireland’s History, religion and politics, are such that probably all cultures can relate to. Also, in my humble opinion, experiencing the Journey of Riverdance will have Irish Eyes a Smilin’ and those of others.

 

Composed by Bill Whelan

Produced by Mora Doherty

Directed by John McColgan

The Milk Carton Kids, consisting of Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, may only be similar to their name because their bios are virtually impossible to come across and know. I can tell you they are from LA, though, but probably would not buy one darn earring for a whopping $75,000 like LA area born and raised, Kim Kardashian, even if they did have that much dough.

During shows at Shubbas in Chicago with some old farts, I have been accustomed to rubbing elbows, boobies, booties, as well as, the likelihood of all other imaginable body parts. But, it was not a claustrophobe's nightmare a few nights ago, the venue had chairs and tables nicely set up for an evening of laid-back performing arts.
I found The Milk Carton Kids on stage right on time, and Joey Ryan had the audience cracking up at a drop of a dime.

 

While they were playing, I could not detect any flaws or wrongs. It was mainly intriguing how Ryan and Pattengale's singing voices sounded so delicate and in perfect harmony, like one singer actually, in many of their songs. I swear to you I had not taken any hits off of any bongs!

The Milk Carton Kids can also sing and play very loudly and infectiously rowdy. And, Ryan and Pattengale merely use their voices and acoustic guitars, that are not electronically tampered with or made cloudy.

The two attractive young guys exhibit seductive fingering of their instruments, during their performance of Americana, back-porch, flannel-folk arrangements. The Milk Carton Kid's heavily relatable lyrics about love can, additionally, make people's entireties transcend deeply into their tunes and onstage movements.

Plus, in breaks of playing, Ryan and Pattengale's shockingly blunt, non-politically correct and dry humor delivery, with natural comedic timing, proved they could also do well at Professional Comedy. Even if they did not have at least 98 percent of the audience laughing, and from their bellies, their music alone still would have made for a positively highly entertaining evening.

After having already just seen what to me, was the art of performing at its' best, during The Milk Carton Kid's second encore, Ryan asked the the crowd "Any requests?"

 

Members of the audience shouted out many, and the probably exhausted from traveling Ryan and Pattengale, played every single one and still whole-heartedly.

 

The Milk Carton Kids are clearly people pleasers and work hardy, for they also invited the audience to speak with them after the show and to party.

 

I approached two girls in the crowd, and Jean said "The show was phenomenal--great chemistry and stage presence," and Suzanne conveyed "The music made my toes tap, my heart swoon, and the banter made me laugh out loud."

So, I suggest people be on the lookout for The Milk Carton Kid's whereabouts, because you do not want to miss your chance to catch them! Also, it is recommended people buy The Milk Carton Kid's live album "Prologue," which is a fusion of each Ryan and Pattengale's solo material, and it is a rare gem.

Please visit: themilkcartonkids.com for info on their tour dates and albums. Oh, and The Milk Carton Kid's have so generously made some of their songs free to download from there!

Kely McClung just has to be famous one day, since he is far too talented and fascinating to end up any other way. McClung is a "Jack of all trades," but also a master of many, I can honestly say.

Mr. Kely McClung is an actor, composer, award-winning director, editor, producer, champion stick-fighter, stuntman, writer, and also has credits in television and films for doing special/visual effects and stunt choreography!

But, McClung does not go walking around with his nose in the air and a stuck out derriere.

For instance, he is not afraid to take risks, otherwise, he surely would not have been so kind to give little ol' me a role in his movie "ALTERED," in which I am a woman who "turns tricks."

Furthermore, McClung put up the following bold, Facebook posting about something that really happened to him one evening: " Two [gang-bangers] told me I had to give them my shirt. I said 'no.' Then, they said 'I had to pay them.' I said 'no.' They just looked confused and wandered off, yelling I had to respect them, or they would have to come back and stab me. I said 'ok'.. It really wasn't as dramatic as it sounds...it was me just eating a hotdog...and I LIKE this shirt."

After having read that, I thought this guy has such balls I bet his entire movie "ALTERED" is amazingly gutsy, and will spark lots of controversy!

Also, with everything that has been said, I was psyched to the extreme to be able to interview Kely McClung, and to share the thoughts in his head.

1. What is your latest movie "ALTERED" about?

The premise is "Good and Evil and the way we look at it. The tag line pretty well says it all...'Change your Perception and You Change Your World... But Good Never Fades and Evil Never Dies.'"

Also, "I would have to say the whole movie is like that: Change your perception and you could easily change the labels." ALTERED" is "A hunt for a serial killer, an action film, and a thought provoking European style horror film. Even, a poignant love story. Of course, wrapped in a lot of blood and hopefully some genuine scares!"

2. What kind of reaction(s) do you hope to get from people after they have seen "ALTERED?"

"Hopefully, the movie works on several levels: a violent, scary horror film, a thought provoking treatise on human nature, an acting showcase for everyone in it, and to push the limits of what people think of as 'no budget' filmmaking. I hope people watch it, and walk out thinking about it.

And, then try to understand, and relate it to their own lives. Maybe, it will stimulate some interesting conversations! The goal of almost any art is to capture moments and emotions in time. In this case, we hope to capture the moments, but let you see they have multiple meanings, depending on what we bring to the table, both intellectually and emotionally."

3. Many kudos to you for winning Best Screenplay for "ALTERED!" How did it feel to win another award?

"Thanks so much! It's pretty cool!"

"I've been extremely lucky to win awards at quite a few film festivals, here and overseas. It's really exciting to win for a movie that is not even done, yet! Mostly, the wins and kudos we've received act as the fuel to keep you going. Even though I have been very lucky, it's also very humbling. [When] going to these festivals, you are constantly reminded how hard other people work, and the wealth of talent out there."

4. Has anyone treated you as though you are a "Royal Whack Job" for having the ability to create such an ingenious screenplay?

"Ingenious" is not the word I've heard very often! [Laughs]. My friends, and other filmmakers I've shared it with, think I'm more than a bit disturbed. Zeke Flatten, the distributor of my first movie 'Blood Ties,' asked to read it. I think he basically said, 'Wow. You have some really serious issues.'"

5. "ALTERED" has some shockingly, realistic hardcore-drug-usage scenes. How was it possible for you to have written about the everyday life of a junkie so accurately?

"Ha ha... not from experience! I watch a lot of movies, read a lot, and talk to a lot of people. As one of my characters in the movie says, 'People are a lot worse than anything they can make up.' That seems to be a theme in a lot of my writing, but we really take it up a few notches in 'ALTERED'"

6. Assistant Director and Producer of "ALTERED," Jessica Imoto Harney, also has smack-dab-in-your-face Einstein ways. What did you like the most about working with her? Do you have any plans to collaborate with each other after "ALTERED" is complete?

"Yeah, you hate to overuse the word 'amazing.' But, Imoto is just that in SO many ways! Very talented, very creative, very accomplished and driven to excellence. Imoto inspires me: so, being around her makes me push myself even harder. I have so many stories and images I'd like to work with her on, and to explore her ideas. I'm not sure how long she can put up with me, but we're pushing for many grand adventures in the future."

7. How has it been directing the stars of "ALTERED" so far?

"Humbling. I try to write showcase scenes, and parts that push actors to their limits, sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally, and many times both. One of the great joys in making movies, is sharing and exploring all the talent from everyone on the set, cast and crew. I've worked with Rob Pralgo and Stan Harrington before, in 'Blood Ties' and 'Kerberos'. You always try to go with your strongest talent, and these guys can play anything. Our lead actress, Amanda Dreschler, stunning, funny, and talented as hell, is destined for a truly great career. Why all three are not already huge stars is almost shocking. I'm really blessed to have their trust, their skills, and talents to tell my stories."

8. Did you thoroughly enjoy shooting for "ALTERED" in Chicago and Gary Indiana? Did you experience any eery happenings, given the nature of "ALTERED," and some of the locations you shot in?

"I came to Chicago last year for the first time, and fell in love with it! One of the great thrills I've had was to see these wonderful locations on those first visits, to dream about making a movie and filming in some of them, and then to work with Imoto on making it happen. Locations are a huge part of it all, becoming characters on their own, but the people of Chicago and Gary have embraced us and made it possible. Not just the actors and stuntmen, but also the film office of both cities welcomed us, even though we obviously weren't bringing any money to the table. It took a while, and a little effort for our neighbors in Gary to accept us, but now they wave and greet us by name. Hell, even the car thieves we've had meetings with, in both cities, have been nice. Scary, but nice!"

"I think we mostly scare ourselves, and many of the locations, and the scenes we create creep us out. Imoto and I have roamed and scouted a lot of abandoned buildings: churches and schools and hotels. Even an abandoned 5 story hospital. Since many of those excursions come up as we find them, some are done with just the light of our cell phones in the middle of the night. That can be pretty unsettling."

"We're all still trying to figure out why the broken, abandoned church where we filmed some of the more disturbing shots and scenes, has a basement that even when it's in the 90's outside, you can see your breath on the wide open staircase as you go down [it!] Not all the time, but sometimes... and the basement is sometimes hot, and sometimes freezing."

"And yeah, we may be crazy! Imoto and I camped out in a tent in the middle of the same church for four nights to guard our sets, and keep people away from what we were doing."

"We make films to share and explore our thoughts and ideas, and though we can't promise anyone is going to like them, that should give you some idea of the lengths we're going to make great movies!"

9. What is the #1 question you would like to be asked during an interview that you have not been asked, yet?

"How did it feel to win "Best Picture" at this year's Oscars?"

"Talking People and Doing People - I hope to do! Reality Changes in 2012"

Kely McClung

For more information about Kely McClung, "ALTERED," the other films he has written ("Blood Ties," "Kerberos" and "Stickfighter"), release dates and so on, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/thealteredmovie

http://www.facebook.com/kelymcclung

http://twitter.com/kelymcclung

http://www.twitter.com/thealteredmovie

Imoto Harney http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2630120/

TheAlteredMovie.com

 

*Photos by Imoto Harney (Top - Kely McClung, Bottom - Amanda Dreschler)

You very well may have first heard ZZ Top rock, while carrying your boom-box on your shoulder, and walking down your block. It was the lovely ‘80s when I was no longer a virgin to ZZ Top's tunes, and it was also when Aqua Net hairspray was rampantly used to create cockamamie up-do's.
 
(On a serious note, in the process of one getting his or her cigarette lit, hair fires were quite frequent).
 
However, ZZ Top ignited a blast of a time starting way back in 1969. Billy Gibbons (guitar, vocals, harmonica and bass) had started "Moving Sidewalks" and kicked the two other men in the band to the curb. Gibbons, then, stumbled upon Frank Beard (drums, percussion, vocals, saxophone, trumpet and tuba) as well as Dusty Hill (bass guitar, keyboards, vocals, saxophone and base clarinet ), forming ZZ Top, also known as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas." The three buds got the taste of success pretty quickly, becoming a band in demand.
 
The creation of the name "ZZ Top" may devastate Marijuana-joint-making enthusiasts, since it did not actually stem from the highly esteemed Zig Zag (ZZ) and Top's Rolling papers. Rather, it was Gibbon's cross-breeding of Z.Z. Hill's name, and B.B King's up on "top" status that resulted in the name of the band.
 
ZZ Top has broken records, received awards up the wazoo, and has worked on numerous television shows plus movies. The band, which once had their stage the shape of the state of Texas, was honored in a big way when "They were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. With that said, I was expecting to see star qualities while they perform. Besides, ZZ Top have opened for The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Santana and many other Music Industry heavy weights for Pete's sake!
 
A few nights ago, at Hammond Indiana's Horseshoe Casino, three sharp dressed men came out onstage, playing many of their greatest hits that sounded just like if you were listening to them on the radio. Only a handful or so of fans were dressed in clothes reminiscent of the ‘80s, and the stage design proved ZZ Top are no "cheapos", also keeping up to date with the latest technology. That is, they had three Paul Bunion-sized screens, one in back of them and on each side. Everyone in the crowd was able to see the ZZ Top guys up close and personal, and at one time during their performance, the monitor behind them played graphics of intricately-designed hub caps that appeared to be flying out into the audience.
 
ZZ Top filled the venue with their signature, sizzling Texas boogie rock and blues, and it was great to watch folks passionately adore them and want more. A "Yee-haw!" is also in store, because ZZ Top will have a new album, currently untitled, out this fall and you can catch them on tour!

Eye on India is a 10 day festival comprised of cinema, music, dance, theatre, literature and food, which was created "to promote the theme of universality in today's increasingly polarizing context” (Sanjoy Roy 2011.)

 

I attended Day One of the festival, and the pre-show shindig, at the Harris Theater in Chicago's Millennium Park. The duds worn by the party-goers were the first thing that caught my eye. The traditional Indian gowns that many of the ladies wore were fashion masterpieces for sure! Joan Rivers, the Barney Fife of The Fashion Police, better not shoot her mouth off, and tear traditional Indian gown designers a new asshole. Or, perhaps I will protest she give up her Fashion Police badge and Plastic Surgery addiction immediately.

 

The hors d'oeuvres served were amazing and the conversations I had with some men and women from India in regard to their culture were highly intellectually stimulating, titillating, and straight up, out-of-this-world in every meaning of the idiom.

 

Two glasses of Heinekens later, the Eye on India performances began in the wee-bit nippy Harris Theatre. The opening act began, which was The Chicago Children's Choir and The Natya Dance Theater. The Natya dancers were a joy to see. They were all beautiful, healthy-sized young ladies and were, refreshingly, not put in Hootchie-Mama costumes!

 

The Chicago Children's Choir and Natya Dance Theatre had such easy-to-see talent that was intriguing and invigorating to watch and listen to minute by minute. Plus, the lyrics of the song The Chicago Children's Choir opened with called for world peace, and the lead singer sang with infectious, gospel music-like passion.

 

India's Violin Icon, Dr. L. Subramaniam's performed with Ambi Subramaniam on violin and T.A.S. Mani on Mridangam the entire time. They performed one of Dr. L. Subramaniam's own compositions, which was in the kriti format, and allowed the musicians to improvise at certain times. With that said, the music was suspenseful, and there were exciting and fulfilling climaxes throughout the composition.

 

I periodically looked around during the show to see most of the audience's faces gave me the impression they were thoroughly enjoying the performance from its start to finish.

 

Dr. L. Subramaniam is a world renowned performer, producer, conductor and composer who has 150 recordings, some of which were for movies like "Little Buddha". He is clearly adored by many.

 

There will be different performers and acts, than the ones I critiqued, at Eye on India until the festival's last day on July 17th. For information please go to: www.EYEonINDIA.com. Each of the new upcoming Eye on India events I read about sound like they will be culturally eye-opening and fully satisfying.

 

I have had a "Peter" on my mind for some time. I had not been thinking of the word in one of its common meanings (a wiener) or it being short for a "Peter Pumper," either. Rather, I was obsessing about a band whose name I mistakenly had thought was "Peter Rabbit." The correct name of the self-proclaimed bossa nova/pop/psychedelic band is "Pepper Rabbit," which is more fitting since they are not silly rabbits, as far as their skills are concerned.
 
Plus, the duo, comprised of Xander Singh and Luc Laurent, present peppered, magical musical ingredients and chemistry that indeed have the potential to stretch a person's imagination, and make the cells in his head grow. And, that is putting it mildly because I can say with the utmost of confidence, no people will be asking for their money back after having seen one of Pepper Rabbit's shows.
 
However, LA based Pepper Rabbit did take me by surprise with their performance last weekend. People did not seem to want to touch them with a 10-foot pole, or even a 6-inch pole! To elaborate, patrons at Chicago's ultra cool Subterranean venue and lounge stood far way from the stage while Pepper Rabbit played.
 
Yet, during Pepper Rabbit's first song the room filled quickly, and the Subterranean is known for being a tough crowd to please. But, while I looked around I saw just about everyone's eyes fixated on, and in awe of Pepper Rabbit's performance.
 
I truly believe the physical distance between the customers and the stage was due to them being utterly taken back by Pepper Rabbit's, just about as unique as can be, showmanship and total musical components.
 
Xander Singh, eventually invited the audience to come closer to the stage, and it appeared as everybody did, although they were still pretty stiff, probably by all of Pepper Rabbit's songs zapping them like lightening rods. Pepper Rabbit's worldly and highly complex arrangements were shocking in a such a good way, I could easily conceive flocks of people risking going miles down to Mexico. (In a desperate attempt to get the same feeling in a pill form.)
 
A "Hallelujah" is in order that people can skip the possible Mexican Prison time, and who knows what else, by simply buying Pepper Rabbit's critically acclaimed albums and tickets for their shows instead (http://www.myspace.com/pepperrabbit.)
 
Pepper Rabbit's performance, all in all, also induced lots of foot thumping amongst the crowd, as well as, praise. For instance, a beautiful girl named, Maren, I spoke to during the show said she played all the same instruments as Pepper Rabbit in her band, The Photographers. And, in her professional opinion she stated "Pepper Rabbit are real tight!"
 
Pepper Rabbit's performance displayed marveling multi-tasking abilities, memorization skills and dedication needed to pull out, and use so many instruments so often while singing, too! They pulled out a slew of joyous-invoking instruments including a mandolin, banjo, ukulele, tambourine, drums, pianos, flat 7ths and so on!

Plus, Singh's voice had a charming boyish sound, that was also powerfully loud and from the gut at the same time, showing off lyrics stemming from their personal experiences. In addition, some of Peppered Rabbit's songs have lyrics that are delightfully playful. I kid you not, Pepper Rabbit will make you feel like a child, again, excitingly discovering music for the first time.
 
It would be a crying shame if the incredibly talented and passionate Pepper Rabbit do not receive a much larger fan base and more album sales. I believe they will, though, as long as they go after a significantly larger amount of exposure--you know how fast rabbits can multiply!

You can go to: http://www.myspace.com/pepperrabbit to get their new album, BEAUREGARD, and tour information. 

Living in what can seem like an ice box for months in a row blows! However, the way Tribute Bands are treated by crowds can be additionally brutal.

Take the instance when a man, John Ritchie, was up on stage in front of a New York audience in the 1800's. Massive amounts of rotten tomatoes were thrown at him by the audience, and it lead to one hitting him smack dab between the eyes. The poor man fell to the floor of the stage, and is the first performer on record for having had rotten tomatoes and eggs thrown at him (merely because some people in the audience did not like him (www.howstuffworks.com 2011.)

Well, a Led Zeppelin Tribute Band, Led Zeppelin 2, are known to be nothing to sneeze at. Led Zeppelin 2 are snowflakes in the globe of Led Zeppelin Tribute Bands since they not only play the legendary rock band's songs, but they re-enact their previous real-life performances, as well (www.ledzeppelin2.com 2011.)
 
Let's see if they receive any free tomatoes, or the cold shoulder, from any weathered chicago concert-goers tonight.
 
First, some higher-ups at the House of Blues actually gave the excited, good-looking 21-40ish aged crowd the "Bird!" I'm speaking of the Chicago's, "The Loop," radio personality, Bryd, of course. The "Bryd" got the audience going more after saying they'd be seeing all of Led Zeppelin 1 this evening.
 
While the audience waited for the curtains to open, some eager beavers lifted them on their own. Consequently, I was able to get a glimpse, too, of the happenings beyond the curtains, and saw a guy's behind--his buns were wrapped in blue, bell-bottom jeans.
 
At last, Led Zeppelin 2 came out on stage to emulate the worshiped Led Zeppelin band--what a tall order, but the lead singer looked to be about 6ft without heels. During their first set they fell a little short due to a few instrumental oopsies, and there was one breif brain freeze. It was just about which song to play next, but the crowd seemed to care less. Besides, such incidents happen to the best of the best.
 
Pot was out and about, and to use the word in a different way, lead vocalist, Bruce Lamont, was highly noticeably deemed as a Male Sex Pot! Pairs of Penny Lanes were plentiful and blatantly showing animalistic hunger for A "Zep," a big sandwich with a filling in the middle (www.websters-dictionary.org 2011.) A "Zep" is also another name for the band mates of the original Led Zeppelin. 

Getting back to sandwiches, I caught girls and full grown ladies looking up at the members of Led Zeppelin 2 with dazed, but not confused, glazes. I caught a girl unbuttoning the 3rd, 4th or fifth button of her busty friend's top. What a sight for Led Zeppelin 2 to have seen while up on stage! Yet, they sustained their concentration on their playing and overall performance.
 
Afterall, these guys are professionals with many accomplishments under their belts. For instance, Bass Guitarist, Chris Klein, and Lead Guitarist, Paul Kamp were part of the groundbreaking, 90's Chicago-based band, Busker Soundcheck together. Busker Soundcheck earned multiple mentions on prestigious critic's "Best of Lists." Bruce Lamont has also been a lead vocalist for the critically acclaimed band, Yakuza. Drummer, Ian Lee is no slouch either, for he has the great honor of being featured in "How to Be John Bohnam--A Drummer's Guide (www.ledzeppelin2.com 2011.) 
 
To zip it up, Led Zeppelin 2's second set was even better than their first one on all levels. And after their 4th encore, I lost track of how many more songs they played after that! I can say with the utmost of confidence, though, the crowd at the House of Blues on January 7th, gave them "A Whole Lot of Love," and they proved they deserved it!
 
For more information about Led Zeppelin 2 visit: www.Ledzeppelin2.com 
 
Sources:
 
www.howstuffworks.com

www.ledzeppelin2.com  
 
www.websters-dictionary.org

"Get your motor runnin'...Head out on the highway... Lookin' for adventure...And anything that comes our way!" That was exactly the mood I was in last Saturday. The weather was not too hot or too cold, and everybody and their mother seemed to be out in Chitown's streets, while on my way to see James Apollo play.
 
The Underground Lounge, non-ironically, is indeed not above ground. The lighting is nice and dark for people wanting to hide their pussy-pulsating zits, milk-chocolate-brown- stained fangs, stubborn-darn dandruff, and the list could easily go on and on!
 
However, I would rather tell you about a guy I sort of got to know there. After my shameless poking and prodding of James Apollo's drummer, Devon Wilkerson, I discovered he is a Sagittarius who has an ultra cool sky-diving, scuba-diving, goat-saving mom who had bought her sons musical instruments when they were quite young. Devon had taken over his brother's drum set and, now, not only tours with, James Apollo, but also, band's named "The Horde" and "The Harem." Wilkerson did not bitch or moan throughout the examination--he answered all my questions, and could not have been more gracious in the process.

The show was about to start, and James Apollo's roots rock 'n' roll and Americana sound, coupled with lyrics probably billions of souls could identify with, were expected to come straight from his heart.

The first song played was "Happiness," which was a smart choice, given no one at the bar seemed as if he or she raced from a wake, where the embalmed person in the casket, shockingly, did not wake up.
 
James Apollo's music definitely reminded me of the kind played in the background of Old Westerns Movies. Plus, the semi-cowboy-ish clothed, James Apollo, combined with his take-charge stage presence, efficacy in rounding up his band and getting his audience to get wild, very well may have lots of ladies and gents wanting to save a horse and ride a cowboy!
 
Also enticing to get a wee bit rowdy, were James Apollo's heartfelt, sexy sweet and tender vocals, as well as, his stomping and hopping onstage, while the tempos of many of his songs unforeseeably were to become climatic, along with Wilkerson's strong, passionate and precise drum-playing.
 
The band's chanting in the blast-off of a handful of James Apollo's tunes shot right through the bodies of the audience, too, with x's, xy's and what-have-you's eagerly jumping on the bandwagon, amazingly dancing in time to James Apollo's ever-so-quick beats. I thought, golly, am I dancing with Meth-Head Desert Rats here or what?
 
James Apollo and his band exited the stage after about an hour of intensely intoxicating performing, and I was itching, scratching and nearly drooling to score another such adrenaline fix.
 
A pretty lady I spoke to after the show, was still all giddy and elated, and said "James Apollo and his band are awesome--great--I love them! Cutie, Allie Powell, was really wowed by James Apollo, also, and stated she loved the saxophonist coming out into the audience because it showed their music has no barriers.
 
According to the several straight men I have talked to over the years, who are outside of the music industry, they should only be so lucky to get responses and praises regarding their love-making from the ladies, as those above, which were solely about James Apollo's music performed live!
 
Tying it up, James Apollo is not just a one-trick pony, as the Naked Cowboy appears to be, since the latter merely plays guitar in his undies in New York City's Time Square. James Apollo is a serious talent with growing artistical depth and success, while the Naked Cowboy is busy dodging pigeon droppings.
 
For information on James Apollo's CDs and Tour Dates, you can visit: www.JamesApollo.com

*Photo by Tracy Walsh

James Apollo's music is somewhat roots rock/Americana/folk with an, also, Old Wild Wild West sound that triggers individuals to partake in certifiable-maniac-looking dancing at his shows. The Art of James Apollo is additionally characterized as having more than several vastly relatable songs, regarding life's heavy blows and woes.
 
At The Underground Lounge in Chicago, I thought to myself "Oh, there's James Apollo appearing available to speak with before his show. But, I don't have any questions prepared for him in order to conduct the best interview possible! Plus, what if I ask him to do an interview and he says 'no?' Would I have to get on all fours and beg for him to do it?"
 
"What if he still turns me down? Then, I'd definitely have to make sure to keep my mouth shut and not blurt 'F*** you and the horse you rode in on!"
 
I took my chances, and when I introduced myself to James Apollo, he did not give off the vibe of being an arrogant, snout-in-the-air "a-hole." James Apollo kindly accepted to do an interview with me, and I found him to be an especially personable and intriguing personality.
 
The first thing my "peepers" fixated on when I sat down with James Apollo, besides his deep blue eyes, was a guitar case with squirts of white stuff all over it. Not being much of the shy type, I told him that's the most unique looking guitar case.
 
Buzz: What's on it and why?
 
Apollo: It's spray foam...I do that so the employees at the airport will remember me, and so I can have a better rapport with them. I used to work at an airport.
 
Buzz: For how long and how did the job end?
 
Apollo: I was there for 3-4 weeks, and I quit to go on tour. I tried to stay, but they wouldn't be flexible enough to enable me to go on the road.

 
Buzz: How do you like being on tour?
 
Apollo: Well, I took Chuck Berry's idea. He was very collaborative. I borrow instruments while I'm on tour from other musicians, and I often ask them to play with me while I'm in their city. I just met two musicians the other day when I was in Minneapolis, Minnesota and asked them to join Devon and I on tour.
 
He added, he doesn't really consider a tour a tour--it's more of a pilgrimage because shows aren't ever really gonna go the way you want them to. The sound is usually never going to be perfect and you can't play as long as you want. So, you have to look at the adventure in it, and the fun of meeting new people, playing with new people and reconnecting with old friends while on tour.
 
Buzz: I heard you only had one rehearsal with the Minnesotan musicians before you asked them to perform with you on tour.
 
Apollo: Yes.

Buzz: How long have you been performing?
 
Apollo: We would get into Canada [illegally] to play when we were fifteen.
 
Buzz: How did you and your friends maneuver that one?
 
Apollo: We learned of ways to get into Canada from guys in our area who had done it before. We used to use fake recording contracts to get in!
 
Buzz: Would you rather win a Grammy or a million dollars?
 
Apollo: I would want the million dollars, definitely.
 
Buzz: Why?
 
Apollo: Because the quality of music that Grammys are made of, now, is the kind I don't want to deal with. Plus, when you win a Grammy, your next record has to be just like it [the one you won the Golden???????Statue for]. And, a million dollars can make you a lot of music.
 
Buzz: Could you please tell us about your latest CD "Till Your Feet Bleed?"
 
Apollo: I got in a motorcycle accident--a really bad one when I was living in New York. And, I felt stuck there with all the people in the streets. And, I felt stuck in my relationships and other problems.
 
But, when I went to Utah, I loved all the open space and felt no more problems. The record is about liberation by wandering to be free of problems. It's the good side of walking away from your problems.
 
Oh, it looks like we're about to go onstage.
 
Buzz: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, and I'm excited to hear you play!
 
Apollo: Thank you.
 
For info on James Apollo's CDs and tour dates, you can visit: www.JamesApollo.com

 

*Photos by Tracy Walsh