CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 08: Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the St. Louis Blues clears the puck between Dominik Kubalik #8 and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks on a Blackhawks power play at the United Center on March 08, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The ChicagoBlackhawks didn’t put their best effort out against the St. Louis Blues in what could have been a must-win game.
The St. Louis Blues have never swept the Chicago Blackhawks in the long history of their franchise. Well, after 53 years, it finally happened. The Blues 2-0 defeat of the Blackhawks last night gave the Blues the season sweep of the Hawks. As the defending Stanley Cup Champions, it is fair to assume that they are the better team but to be swept by your top rival is a bit embarrassing. It also really put a dent in their chances, especially after losing to the Detroit Red Wings a few days prior.
The power play has been horrible for Chicago this season. They are now on a streak of 14 straight power plays without a goal. Their power play, on the season, has clicked at 14.5 percent. That ranks 30th out of 31 as only the Anaheim Ducks are worse. They were given four chances on the man-advantage in this game against the Blues and they failed all four times.
It is very hard to swing momentum when you are that bad on the power play. That is something that needs to be fixed over the offseason. You can’t be a playoff team if your special teams are not good. It is one thing if they are average, but this Chicago power play is straight-up bad. On those four power-play chances, a total of eight minutes, they had one single shot on goal. That is simply not going to get it done.
Not scoring a single goal on the Blues is not very good. It is worse when you remember that they only scored once on the Detroit Red Wings two nights prior. The two opponents are very different but the Hawks rely on their scoring to win so when they don’t score, they are toast. Jake Allen was in the net which makes it worse. No disrespect to Allen, but Jordan Binnington is their number one but somehow the Hawks let Allen shut them out twice. Both of those shutouts came at the United Center and are his only two shutouts of the season.
The one positive that came out of this game was the broadcast. It was the first time that a United States broadcast of the NHL had an all-female crew. Kate Scott did the play by play while AJ Mleczko was the color commentator. Kendal Coyne Schofield was at ice level “inside the glass” which made it even better. It was a great day to celebrate International Women’s Day. The women’s game is incredible and it is good to see everyone putting their best foot forward as far as growing this great game. Hockey is for everyone.
The Blackhawks are now in a six-point rut. Their next attempt to start to climb out of it comes on Wednesday night. The San Jose Sharks are coming to town to try and play spoiler. They are not going to the playoffs either so it is a matchup of two former Western Conference powers having off years.
Two firefighters were injured while rescuing a resident and a cat from a house fire Sunday in north suburban Evanston.
Crews were called at 9:09 p.m. for the fire at the single-family home in the 2200 block of Sherman Avenue, according to a statement from the Evanston Fire Department.
Firefighters arrived to find the south side of the house engulfed in flame with heavy smoke throughout, officials said. They removed a “confused resident” from the front doorway and rescued the family cat from inside the home.
The fire was extinguished within an hour of the initial call, the fire department said. The resident, whose age and gender were not released, was taken to a hospital in good condition.
Two firefighters were also taken to hospitals with “minor soft tissue injuries,” according to fire officials.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
As a lawyer and journalist, I was troubled and disturbed when I read about the Hachette book publisher cancelling the publication of Woody Allen’s memoir. Hachette had been on the receiving end of a hailstorm of criticism from Mia Farrow’s son, reporter Ronan Farrow, and some of its own staff, who reportedly staged a walkout in protest. The backlash centered on allegations going back several decades that Allen sexually abused his step-daughter, Dylan Farrow.
I don’t hold an opinion one way or the other on whether there is truth to the allegations, so I take no position on the matter. It’s important to note that Allen has never been charged with a crime and he has vehemently maintained his innocence. I probably wouldn’t have read the memoir, although I enjoy many of Woody Allen’s films. I just rewatched Blue Jasmine starring Cate Blanchett, and I consistently marvel at his ability to showcase the talents of such disparate groups of actors.
But it bothers me that now no one else will be allowed to read it. Maybe there were some fans, and non-fans, who would have liked to hear what Allen had to say. He certainly would not have been the first controversial, or even infamous, person who published a memoir. Director Roman Polanski published an autobiography back in the 1980s, and he had actually admitted his guilt in a similar crime. It’s unlikely it would ever see the light of day now.
Charles Manson published a memoir. Think about that for a minute.
Other convicted criminals have written books, and as long as they’re not allowed to profit from their crimes, no one seems to object.
Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have both put out books and both been accused of sexual misbehavior. Does that mean they can’t put out any more books? Does it mean their existing books should be pulled from circulation?
This smacks of censorship. A powerful and vocal few deciding what the masses get to read, as well as see and hear. This is not the first recent incidence of a company’s employees forcing executive action through various histrionics, and it makes one wonder if the tail is wagging the dog.
It also makes you wonder, where were all these objections when the book was in the planning and negotiating stage? I feel that a publisher should stand behind its authors, no matter how personally unpopular. Let the employees quit if they don’t like it. I’m thinking that Hachette is still probably on the hook for paying Allen a sizable author’s fee.
Has the #MeToo movement gone too far? There is no question it has forced a lot of changes that are for the better, but when it begins to chill speech and free expression and decide for the rest of us what we can and can’t read, I’ve got a problem.
And here’s another thing to mull over: If the litmus test becomes that only wholesome, noncontroversial, squeaky-clean figures will be allowed to publish books, think about how profoundly dull that’s going to be for the reading public.
It brings to mind an old Roger Ebert interview I was watching the other day. He was talking about a mass-market film that he had found remarkably offensive, tasteless and lacking in any redeeming qualities. When asked if he felt that such movies should not be released at all, he replied: “No, it ought to be released in theaters and no one should go to see it.”
I’m an Illinois-licensed attorney hoping to break down timely legal stories for a general audience in terms they can understand. My goal is to report some of those overlooked legal cases and issues that fly under the radar of most of the general news media, but that still might be of interest and consequence to average people. Thanks for reading!
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Visitors in town: Amy Miller, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeff Ross and Dave Attell, Jimmie JJ Walker, the comedians of Entre Nos (Aida Rodriguez, Erik Rivera, Jerry Garcia). Andrew Santino returns to his hometown.
At Zanies: Dobie Maxwell (Chicago), Mike Vecchione (Chicago), Butch Bradley (Chicago, Rosemont), Tuesday Ten Showcase (Rosemont).
At Riddles: Baldhead Phillips’ 50th Birthday Show.
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, MARCH 9
Just Us Gals at The Hideout, 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Clare Austen-Smith and Naomi Spungen. With Caleb Hearon, Meg Indurti, Adrienne Stout, Elsie Howe.
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Cigarette Sandwich at The Hideout, 9:00 p.m. The Chicago Tribune called them “the best sketch comedians working in Chicago.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Jackpot Comedy at Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Correy Boyd-Bell, Amy Miller, Kristen Toomey, Jonah Jurkens and more TBA.
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Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 9:00 p.m. Deanna Ortiz hosts Sarah Perry, Jon Torres, Caleb Heron, Chrissi Rose, Jackie Cooper and LA sketch group BUTT.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
TJ & Dave at iO, 8:00 p.m. An opportunity to see the legendary duo. Tonight and tomorrow night.
Wednesday Night Doubleheader at Uncommon Ground, 7:30 p.m. A brand new series by Dan Marganski. Tonight: Tom Ryan and Rodescu Hopkins, featuring Gena Gephart and Chris Higgins.
March 11 Psycho Puppet Dwarf at North Bar
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
TJ & Dave at iO, 8:00 p.m. An opportunity to see the legendary duo.
Excited State at The Revival, 8:00 p.m. Improv with University of Chicago scientists. Tonight: Dr. Monica Peek. Interview with Revival founder John Stoops here.
Amy Miller at North Bar, 8:00 p.m. This award-winning comedian was a favorite on Last Comic Standing and many other stages.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Funny HaHa at The Hideout, 6:30 p.m. Dance Dance Party Party den mother Jennon Bell Hoffmann, “80 Minutes Around the World” immigration series producer Nestor Gomez, Frunchroom host Scott Smith, Edu-tainer and whiskey lover Carmenita Peoples, Chicago Magazine columnist Adrienne Gunn, Windy City Rollers founder Elizabeth Gomez, filmmaker Steve Delahoyde. Hosted by Claire Zulkey. Proceeds benefit Sit Stay Read.
The Kates at the Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-women stand-up. Always memorable and outstanding. Created and produced by Kelsie Huff (Windy City Live, The Jam). Tonight Denise Medina hosts Kyna Lenhof, Sonal Aggarwal, Angelica Julia Davila, Liz Stockwell, Stephanie Lee Bourgeois, Colleen Brennan, Shannon Ennis. Interview with Denise Medina here.
Andrew Santino at Thalia Hall, 7:30 p.m. The Red Rocket Tour. Andrew Santino hosts the Whiskey Ginget podcast and is known for his film and television roles including Sin City Saints and I’m Dying Up Here. He is originally from Chicago.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Gabriel Iglesias at The Chicago Theatre, 8:00 p.m. The Beyond the Fluffy World Tour.
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Jeff Ross and Dave Attell at Genesee Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Tonight the Genesee Theatre is roast central.
Jimmie JJ Walker at CD & ME Special Events & Banquets, Frankfort, 8:00 p.m. The TV star and author.
Southern Playalistic Comedy at The Lincoln Lodge, 10:00 p.m. Starring Chicago comedians transplanted from around the country, especially from the South.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Entre Nos at Park West, 7:30 p.m. “Based on the successfully proven HBO programming of “Entre Nos,” the live comedy tour is a natural progression in this groundbreaking experience where top LatinX comedians have a platform to appeal to mainstream audiences,” says Victor Elizalde, “Entre Nos” Co-Producer. The tour will also feature one local Latinx comedian from each market to help continue the search of up and coming talent.”
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I’ve been a comedy fan since age four when Moe Howard asked me, “What’s your name, lil’ goil?” Fortuitously somehow by way of Washington, D.C., Poughkeepsie and Jerusalem, I ended up in Chicago, the comedy Mecca of the world where comedians are kind enough to give me their time and where I was lucky enough to meet the great Dobie Maxwell who introduced me to the scene. You can reach me at: [email protected]. (Please remember the “w” there in the middle.)
I am often very reasonably asked, “How DO you pronounce that?” The spelling is Teme, but it’s pronounced Temmy.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Premise: All-star high school basketball player Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) is now a washed-up alcoholic, drinking beer in the shower and on the way home from his construction gig. But, when his alma mater offers him the head basketball coach position, he must face his personal demons in order to win on and off the court.
Behind-the-Scenes: Originally titled The Has-Been, you can understand why the studio (and Affleck himself) probably asked for a title change – the reviews almost write themselves. Affleck must personally relate to the material – he’s had several rehab stints for alcoholism over the years. His press tour for The Way Back has been largely confessional. Affleck previously teamed up with director Gavin O’Connor on 2014’s actioner The Accountant.
The Good: Ben Affleck. I don’t know if this is the greatest performance he’s ever given, but one could certainly make the case for it. Affleck is an underrated actor, and nobody hurts his career progression more than he does himself, but between this and Gone Girl, it’s hard to deny his talent in the right role. Jack Cunningham is almost too right a role. Affleck makes Cunningham a lived-in, wholly believable character in every scene, and carries the film on his broad shoulders. The script doesn’t play by the usual sports drama cliches, and seems much more interested in the alcoholism subplot.
The Bad: It’s low-key to a fault, with a repetitive, minimal score that just begs for you to feel something. Things get rough for Cunningham, but the movie never goes as dark as it probably could. By avoiding some of the sports cliches, it never really clicks when focusing on the sports element. And by spending so much time on basketball, it never fully does justice to its Leaving Las Vegas-type character study. Sort of occupies this movie purgatory, albeit a still respectable one, for most of its running time, and then it abruptly ends – leaving the audience wanting for more.
Should You See It?: Yes, but unless you’re a big Affleck fan, you can wait. I take no joy in saying that – I want studios like Warner Bros. to keep making old-school, mid-budget adult dramas like this, but nobody goes to see them in theaters. If viewing habits don’t change, before we know it, movies like The Way Back really could be a Has-Been.
Star Rating: *** out of 5 stars
Better Than: Glory Road, Coach Carter
Worse Than:Leaving Las Vegas, Flight
* * *
For more movie/TV commentary and other mischief, follow me on Twitter: @Hammervision and on Letterboxd: @Hammervision
Hammervision is movies. Hammervision is TV. Hammervision is the creative byproduct of a marriage built on a mutual love of all things popular culture. John and Julie Hammerle have been watching movies together since Face/Off was in the theaters. John is an attorney at a Chicago law firm. Julie is not. They have two kids and a dog named Indiana.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
Two teenage boys are in custody after allegedly firing shots at Chicago police Sunday in Austin on the West Side.
Officers responded to a call of a person with a gun about 7:15 p.m. in the 800 block of North Waller Avenue and found two teenage boys who ran into an alley, firing shots as they ran, according to Chicago police.
No one was struck, and the officers didn’t fire back, police said. Two weapons were recovered at the scene.
Anyone who has ever driven a vehicle with tall passengers or a cargo-laden trunk knows the frustration of not being able to see out your rearview mirror. It can be scary backing out of parking space — even with the back-up camera — and trying to see what’s behind you so you can change lanes is near impossible.
That’s why the rear camera mirror is one of those brilliant features I’d love to see on more vehicles. Quite simply, this feature allows you to flip a switch and turn your rearview mirror into a camera display that shows a clear view out the rear of the vehicle via a well-placed camera.
We first encountered prototypes of this feature way back in 2014, but we didn’t start seeing production versions of this feature until the last couple years. First in GM products and now scattering throughout other manufacturers.
The rear camera mirror is also helpful when a rear window might be narrow — such as in the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque — or if there is another visibility issue — such as the split rear window in the Toyota Prius.
We’ve seen this pop up a few times now in test vehicles, and while I don’t have a comprehensive list of vehicles with this feature, I have seen them on Cadillac, Chevrolet, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles. So, if this feature is important to you, start there.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
CANDYMAN [35mm] – (March 9th at 7pm) One of the few films that brilliantly nails down the notion of beauty in horror. Director Bernard Rose created a perfect execution of marrying horror with romance in Candyman. Based on Clive Barker’s short story, “The Forbidden,” the 1992 film follows a grad student (Virginia Madsen) working on her thesis studying urban legends. She finds herself investigating stories about “Candyman” (played by Tony Todd, whose performance quickly cemented himself into legendary horror icon status) appearing in the notoriously dangerous (now demolished) Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago. Screening as part of their “Lost Chicago” series, which previously screened Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Blues Brothers, Thief, and more. Doc Films, Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637.
2001: A Space Odyssey [70mm] – (March 6th-8th; 10th, & 12th) The annual 70mm Film Festival returns to the Music Box, running March 5th-19th. Be sure to catch space horror LIFEFORCE March 12th, 14th, & 16th! The March 14th screening event will be presented by Metal Movie Nights. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.
DARK RED – (March 6th & 7th at Midnight) Psychological horror thriller about a young woman (admitted to a psychiatric hospital) who insists her baby was kidnapped by a secret society called The Dark Red. She believes this ancient cult wants to harvest the infant’s blood for the special powers it contains. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.
Chicago European Union Film Festival – (March 6th-April 2nd) It’s time for the 23rd Annual Chicago European Union Film Festival, a month-long celebration of Chicago premieres of films from 28 EU member nations. Read all about the films HERE! Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago 60601.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) An unstable scientist uses his invention to become invisible against his ex, stalking her to the point of madness. Without much help from others, she fights back on her own. Parasite also continues running through March 11th. ArcLight Cinema, 1500 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL 60610.
PARASITE – (through March 12th) Director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer) is a master at his craft and it’s worth seeking out his entire body of work. Don’t miss this film that won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture! Times vary. Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60657.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 12th) A woman’s disturbed ex (a scientist) experiments with his invisibility potions by stalking her after staging his death. Without much help from the disbelieving police, she takes matters into her own hands to try and stop him. Also, PARASITE continues through March 11th. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
KNIVES OUT – (through March 12th) Smartly written whodunit. Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) Leigh Whannell’s 2020 reimagining starring Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) as a woman fighting back against an ex, whose scientific discovery of invisibility has brought stalking one’s ex to a whole new level of terror. Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – (Saturdays at 11:55pm) Full cast performance each Saturday at midnight. Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517.
Movie Trivia Night – (Tuesdays at 8pm) Every Tuesday in their swanky lounge! Team limit 5 people. Winning team members receive a Logan Theatre gift card! Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
THE THING – (March 12th at 7pm) Ghoulish Mortals hosts free movie nights each Thursday at 7pm. 228 W. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.
Sinema Obscura TV Party – (Feb. 19th-July 15th) Sinema Obscura and Trust This Ghost present monthly independent entertainment in the lounge each Wednesday. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.
KING KONG – (March 15th) TCM Big Screen Classics presents limited theatrical screenings via Fathom Events, with exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Check your local listings!
REEFER MADNESS – (March 19th at 8pm) Live organ accompaniment by Jay Warren! Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.
SCI-FI SPECTACULAR Film Festival – (Mar. 21st – 14 hours!) The annual sci-fi/horror fest is back, with special guest, director Douglas Trumbull (Brainstorm, Silent Running), who is also known for his FX work in films such as Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The festival includes screenings of: SILENT RUNNING, TREMORS, THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, THE ’BURBS, and more! All ages. Films begin at noon. Special perks: FREE refills on ANY size of popcorn and soda. Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.
STAGE:
BUG -(Jan. 23rd-March 15th) The intense tale of a mismatched pair in Oklahoma whose relationship goes terribly, terribly wrong. When paranoia, bugs, and government conspiracies destroy any semblance of sanity! Written by Tracy Letts (The Sinner, Homeland, Lady Bird) and directed by David Cromer (The Newsroom). Starring Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, The Sinner, Fargo TV series), Namir Smallwood (Chicago Fire), Gary Cole (Office Space), and Randall Arney (Chain Reaction). Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL.
THE PILLOWMAN – (through March 29th) A writer who loves composing gruesome stories lives with his brother during the time of an authoritarian regime. One day, he finds himself under intense investigation after a series of ghastly child murders closely resembles those in his written tales. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60630.
POISON – (Feb. 20th – March 14th) The plight of poison-makers among rich society in 17th century Paris. Presented by The Plagiarists (Previews Feb. 14th, 15th, 19th) Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL.
Comic Book Launch Party – (March 7th from 4pm-7pm) Launch party for two comics, NUNS IN SPACE FIGHTING CRIME and JESUS AND THOR. Meet the artists, Corinne Halbert and Shane Swinnea, and writer Mark Peters. Play some pinball! (21+) Logan Arcade, 2410 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60647.
Troll Hunt! – (through June 2020) Search across 1700 acres of The Morton Arboretum for troll sculptures ranging from 15ft. to 30ft. tall! Tips: Check the site for info, maps, and locations so you do not get lost and please do not go without wearing some form of strong bug spray. Extra tips HERE. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. Troll Cheat Sheet!
Space Golf – (Daily) Alien-themed outer space fun with blacklight mini golf, 3D golfing, holograms, a Sci-Fi Cafe, and more. 15611 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462.
Bad Axe Throwing – (Days/times vary) Group rates apply or do a walk-in for $20 for one hour. Bad Axe Chicago, 2828 N. Clark (Atrium Level), Chicago, IL. (888) 435-0001.
Fox in a Box Escape Room– Visit their newest room, Zodiac, which is themed on the successor to the Zodiac Killer. The room was scenically designed by a designer from the Field Museum. 47 W. Polk, Suite L5, Chicago, IL 60605. (Recently ranked #1 escape room in the USA and #2 in the world for the month of March 2019.)
Chicago Rage Room – Got rage? Get rid of it pronto with the sweetest release (without hurting anyone!). Pay for items to break or bring your own! Room prices begin at $15. (Reservations required.) 153 W. Ohio, Chicago, IL 60654.
Chicago Ghost Tours App – A free app for enjoying audio and photo tours of Chicago’s Haunted Archer Avenue is available, courtesy of Edward Shanahan, a fellow ChicagoNOW blogger (check out his blog, Chicago Paranormal & Spiritual). He is also a psychic and paranormal host who has worked on making his app a great addition to fans of Haunted Archer. The app includes 16 locations and 6 cemeteries. Free download! Shanahan also has a free online magazine.
Mind Trap Escape Rooms – Solve the clues to get out within 60 minutes! 299 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, IL 60538. (630) 216-9609.
Chicago Hauntings Bus Tours – One of the longest-running ghost tours in Chicago, each 2.5 hour tour is led by founder, paranormal investigator, and author Ursula Bielski and her partner, author David Cowan. Routine stops include locations of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Death Alley, gangland sites, murder sites, and more. Departs at the Congress Hotel. For schedules, all tours, and background information, please see ChicagoHauntings.com.
Please check websites for updates, cancellations, and ticket pricing information before attending.
Please join The Chicago Creepout for current updates on Facebook HERE!
Horror movie fanatic. Sculptor of oddities. Owner of Chicago Creepster Yahoo!, festival volunteer, writer, artist, social media freelance. Officially a biomechanical Frankenlady. Doing what I can to support our spooky community.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
When Excelle McFly and King Art appear on City of Wind, it usually happens when they are working together. These two have a degree of musical synchronicity that few can match and they constantly bring out the best in each other. On their new single, “Ice Cold,” that trend continues.
King Art’s production is ferocious and teeming with urgency. The piano loop creates an uneasy vibe and the trap instrumentation kicks the pace into overdrive. This is definitely one of King Art’s meaner instrumentals.
If the production wasn’t frenetic enough, Excelle McFly brings a whole new level of tenacity. With a staccato flow that strikes like lightning, McFly addresses gun violence and the harsh realities he faced growing up in the inner-city with stunning focus. The passion exuded in his voice is every bit as urgent as the issues he covers. His wordplay has gotten sharper as well.
Excelle McFly and King Art have dropped their fair share of gems in the past. However, with “Ice Cold,” they have reached a whole new level. With King Art sounding harder than ever behind the boards and and Excelle McFly stepping up his pen game in a major way, “Ice Cold” sees these dudes not only continuing to bring out the best in each other, but bring out the best of themselves as well.
Show Me Chicago previews, reviews and expresses opinions on what’s happening in Chicago from Blockbuster Theater, to what’s new in dining, arts, and the neighborhoods.
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