The Chicago Traveler

It has been a long time since Nelly has come out with an album. Four years, to be exact. So imagine his fans’ delight when he released the single Wadsyaname. But that single won’t actually be on his fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles. Instead, the album features over a dozen guests, including Usher, Fergie, Jermaine Dupri, and Snoop Dogg. He’ll be at the House of Blues on Tuesday, October 7. Tickets went on sale earlier today.
To see the video of Nelly’s actual first single off the new album, check out fellow b5media blog, Hip Hop Roll.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) reeb0k2008, …read more

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If you can’t sleep, the contemporary-pop album Insomniac by Enrique Iglesias provides some great tracks to fill your night with. The dance rhythms and sultry ballads appealed to a younger audience and were played on radio stations the world over. He’ll be at the Allstate Arena on Saturday, September 27. Tickets went on sale earlier today.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Dunk Lee

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• 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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Janet Jackson’s tenth studio album, Discipline, is her first with Island/Def Jam Records and features an impressive array of collaborators: Missy Elliott, Stargate, Ne-Yo, and Rodney Jerkins, to name a few. Her first tour in seven years arrives in Chicago at the United Center on September 25. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (CDT).
To see the video of Janet’s first single off the new album, check out fellow b5media blog, popmusicscene. And keep up to date on gossip and news in the music industry with Rumors in Music.

Photo credit: bjclayborn (c/o Flickr), b5media

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Last Thursday, Chicago native Harvey Korman passed away. He was best known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show and was in several Mel Brooks films. Many of his comedy sketches, even when viewed today over 30 years later, are still hilarious.
On Sunday, Paul Sills, a pioneer in improv theatre, passed away at the age of 80. He was a student at University of Chicago and founded the school’s first student-led theatre group. In 1955, he co-founded the Compass Players, the first improvisational theatre company in the U.S. Sills then opened a new nightclub review (with partners Bernard Sahlins …read more

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago concerts via Ticketmaster:

Tina Turner

United Center
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00 p.m.
Allstate Arena
Mon, Oct 6, 7:30 p.m.

New Kids on the Block
Allstate Arena
Sat, Oct 4, 8:00 p.m.

Bow Wow
House of Blues
Thurs, Jul 24, 6:00 p.m.

Ryan Cabrera
House of Blues
Fri, Jun 20, 6:00 p.m.

Ashlee Simpson
House of Blues
Mon, Jun 9, 6:00 p.m.

3 Doors Down
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun, Jul 13, 6:30 p.m.

Photo credit: Wikipedia, weebsie, polomex, Austin Tolin, indoloony, alex-lawrence

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago events via Ticketmaster:

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
House of Blues
Mon, Jun 30, 7:30 p.m.

C U LaTour: Ministry’s Final World Tour
House of Blues
Sun, May 11, 5:00 p.m.

Edwin McCain
House of Blues
Thurs, Jun 19, 7:30 p.m.

Return to Forever
The Chicago Theatre
Fri, Jun 20, 8:00 p.m.

Stone Temple Pilots
Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
Thurs, May 22, 8:00 p.m.

Alicia Keys
Allstate Arena
Sat, Jun 7, 8:00 p.m.

Steely Dan
The Chicago Theatre
Tues, July 15, 7:30 p.m.

Moody Blues
Genesee Theatre
Sun, Jun 8, 7:30 p.m.

Photo credit (via Flickr): Czilango, hizonic, maryatuab, tm marcello, Saffanna, riveri35, oxmour, Monique Hofland

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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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Bon Jovi isn’t coming to Chicago until February, but tickets are already on sale for the concerts at the United Center (February 23 and 24, Daughtry opens).
Photo credit: Rock and Racehorses, matthewspiel

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, October 19, Y-ME Illinois will honor all those that have been affected by breast cancer and their supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Big Night Out at Union Station will raise funds that will allow Y-ME to continue their work in the community, supporting and educating women. Guests will be treated to the delicious treats of Ethel’s Chocolate, Geja’s Café, Garrett Popcorn, Argo Tea, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Starbucks Liqueur, Aveda Institute Chicago, Touch Salons, and Martini Park. A Mini Cooper will be raffled off at the event, and live music …read more

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