The Chicago Traveler

• The Pitchfork Music Festival is a 3-day event featuring over 40 independent bands and artists on three stages at Union Park. (July 18-20)
• Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the Old St. Patrick’s World’s Largest Block Party. Tickets include five drinks (bottled water, soda, wine, beer). (July 18-19)
• The Chicago Short Comedy Video and Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre consists of nearly 35 locally-made films starring Chicagoan actors and comedians. (July 17-18)
• Kate the Great’s Book Emporium, a bookstore with a diverse selection in Edgewater, will be closing its doors next week after …read more

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Supposedly, Coldplay is bearing the weight of EMI’s future on their shoulders. I don’t know about all that, but fans everywhere have been looking forward to the release of their new album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. The band is also kicking off a new tour, which arrives in Chicago at the United Center on July 23. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 12 noon (CDT).
To see the official video of Coldplay’s first single off their new album, check out fellow b5media blog, Killed by the Video Star. And to keep up to date on Brit …read more

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When you go out for a cup of coffee, you want to be comfortable, right? But too many coffee places expect you to sit on an itty bitty chair at an itty bitty table with no space to relax. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Intelligentsia Coffee.
This Lakeview coffee shop (around the corner from Cupcakes) is full of big plush couches and chairs as well as big wooden tables that you and all your friends can gather around. Low-key music, soft-colored walls, and an exposed ceiling contribute to the soothing atmosphere. Grab a stool at the front windows or even …read more

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Today’s blog post is coming to you On Location! As I type, I am currently sitting in Edgewater’s newest coffee shop, The Coffee Studio, enjoying the “clean lines” furniture, exposed brick walls, and handsome natural wood.
This cozy café was scheduled to open months ago, but unfortunately, the owners kept running into obstacles getting their utilities up and running. But finally, the door has opened, much to the delight of many snow-traversing Chicagoans. What better way is there to warm up than with a hot cup o’ joe and a tasty pastry on the side?
Now, I know, there are hundreds …read more

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A huge 90-foot-tall (27-meter) “tree,” made up of more than 130 individual Balsam Firs, is the centerpiece for the 94th Annual City of Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Musical entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m., lighting at 5:00 p.m. (Nov 23)
The Sparrow, an award-winning musical, is back by popular demand at the Apollo Theater for an extended run. The story follows a small-town teenage girl with telekinetic powers. (Nov 14-Dec 31)
Matt Wertz, a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN, and Dave Barnes, a rock and r&b artist, will be together at the House of Blues. (Nov 23)
The most audience participative improv show in …read more

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• Following a 500-year-old German tradition, Oakbrook Center hosts Christkindlmarket, featuring artisans selling items like hand-carved nutcrackers, beer steins, toys, lace table linens, glass-blown ornaments, European chocolates, jewelry, and a wide variety of German novelties. Visitors can also experience traditional delicacies including bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, leberkase, and more. (Oct 26 – Nov 11)
• Kelly Clarkson performs tonight at The Chicago Theatre. (Nov 1)
• Chris Payne, an entertainment lawyer and host of Q101’s “Local 101,” discusses how musicians can get their songs played on the radio during Sound Advice at Chicago’s Music Garage. He’ll even be taking CD submissions from audience …read more

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The best place to see live local and indie bands in Chicago, the Empty Bottle is crowded, dirty, smoky, loud… everything you would expect a good rock club to be. And even though it sits right on the corner of its intersection, you may have a hard time finding it. That’s because the Empty Bottle’s sign isn’t easily recognizable from the street, so you’re better off just looking for the faded black awning that declares “Dancing” and “Friendly” over the door.
Once inside, the front room greets you with a few couches, a pinball machine, and a pool table. The venue …read more

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