A Holiday Gift from Grape Juice Records!

The fine folks at Chicago's Grape Juice Records are in the holiday spirit, offering a FREE download of tracks from some hot Midwest acts!

The second annual “Friends and Family” compilation is a showcase of music from all of the artists that Grape Juice worked with over the past year, from hosting local shows to releasing albums and booking tours.

The download is here, and a complete track listing follows:

Grape Juice Records - Friends & Family II track listing:

 
1. Jon Drake & the Shakes - "Margie"
2. Julie Meckler - "Deportation Blues"
3. Will Phalen - "Candycane Mountain in My Mind"
4. Rachele Eve - "Pronouncing Logic"
5. Musikanto - "To See You One More Time"
6. Rambos - "USA"
7. Curtis Evans & Our Friend Electric - "Mark of the Beast"
8. Derek Nelson & the Musicians - "Come and Wait"
9. No Ordinary Oswald - "40 Watt Womb"
10. The Minneapolis Henrys - "Where My Mind's Been"
11. The Shams Band - "In the Sun"

Umbra and the Volcan Siege @ Darkroom this Tuesday, 12/14

Chicago psych/prog outfit Umbra and the Volcan Siege will be performing a set at Darkroom on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

This six-piece has been featured in UR Chicago, on Jim DeRogatis' Vocalo blog and right here on Hostage Radio. If you are a follower of the Chicago music scene, it is very likely that you have heard [band leader] Jim Licka's mellotron on a recording or at a live show.

In fall of 2008, Licka decided to bring his own songs to life by assembling a cast of his favorite Chicago musicians. Umbra and the Volcan Siege features members of Oucho Sparks, Belmondos and Curtis Evans. Their debut album, The Beginning of the End, was released in 2009 and the band is currently recording a follow-up for release in 2011.

Darkroom is located at 2210 W Chicago Ave. Woody Pines headlines, Byron Grossman opens; Umbra takes the stage at 9 PM. The show is 21+/$8 cover.

Brad Cole's Acoustic Circus @ Elbo Room this Saturday, 12/11!

This Saturday, Dec. 11, "Brad Cole's Acoustic Circus" brings a fine line-up of locals and out-of-towners to the upstairs stage at Elbo Room, 2871 N Lincoln Ave.

Headliners Shovels & Rope will be coming through town after a stop in Rock Island to cut a session for Daytrotter. The husband and wife duo (Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent) has opened for Deer Tick and Band of Horses and has a song featured on HBO's True Blood.

Also on the bill is Detroit singer-songwriter Robin Horlock, who last played Elbo Room to kick off Mob Fest in 2009. Horlock, a big draw in his native Michigan, is also a veteran of the CMJ Music Festival and has opened for popular 90's bands Blind Melon and Sponge.

Rounding things out is the always entertaining host and performer Brad Cole, whose new album, Exile, was reviewed right here on Hostage Radio. Cole will be joined by comedian Caryn Ruby and Roberta Frazier from the Irish band Cu Roi. 

Brad Cole's Acoustic Circus kicks off at 8 PM. There is a $5 cover and the showcase is ages 21+.

Las Guitarras de España @ SPACE in Evanston on Dec. 10

Photo by Victor Garza

According to their Website, Las Guitarras de España (The Guitars of Spain) is a "world music" ensemble with a "Spanish guitar twist." Based in Chicago, the group "performs a fusion of Cuban son, rumba, R&B, Latin-jazz, blues and African percussion with an underlying flamenco music and dance focus." 

They have released several albums on the (now defunct) Sweet Pickle Music, including Ida y Vuelta (2002), Un Respiro Por El Mundo (2004) and Cuatro Por Arriba (2007), and appeared on WGN TV and WTTW Chicago.  

Las Guitarras de España will be at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave in Evanston, on Friday, December 10th to debut some new work from the upcoming CD Tantas Cosas. Joining Las Guitarras regulars Patty Ortega (vocals), Carlo Basile (guitar) and Wendy Clinard (flamenco dancer) will be Kinan Abou-afach (cello), Steve Gibons (violin), Colin Bunn (guitar) and Satya (vocals). The Avanti Guitar Trio will begin the program at 8PM.