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Metalicious Lands Endorsement Deal

Metalicious, NW Indiana'a "heirs of hair-metal", has recently announced the "metal merging" of their talents and BLOW ENERGY DRINK, the controversial energy supplement flying off the shelves on the east and west coast. The California based product, which comes in vial (loaded with caffeine and vitamins once added
to your favorite drink) and conveniently packaged along with a credit card and mirror, has been featured in numerous newscasts and articles for its over the top and risqué marketing strategies. According to Rok Bottomz, frontman for Metalicious, "this is a bigger collaboration than Suzanne Somers and the Thighmaster, Valerie Bertinelli and Nutrisystem, Bob Dole and Viagra.. We feel honored to be spokespersons for such a quality product and they know there ain't anyone who "knows their BLOW like we know". Negotiations are still pending, but expect Metalicious to begin promoting the product at their shows along with 30 second ads to be streamed online at www.myspace.com/1metalicious. For information on BLOW visit ILoveBlow.com.

Disturbed Debuts at Number 1 for the Third Time

The Pulse of Radio reports that DISTURBED's debut at the top of the Billboard album chart on Wednesday (June 11) with the band's fourth release, "Indestructible", has also notched the Chicago group a spot on a very elite list. According to Billboard.com, only six other rock acts have had three No. 1 albums in a row: VAN HALEN, U2, METALLICA, DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, STAIND and SYSTEM OF A DOWN. "Indestructible" sold 253,000 copies in its first week to join 2002's "Believe" and 2005's "Ten Thousand Fists" as DISTURBED's third straight chart-topper. The former moved 284,000 copies in its first week, while the latter sold 239,000.

The hard-working heavy rock quartet have been at it for a decade now, and singer David Draiman told The Pulse of Radio that it doesn't feel to him like 10 years has passed. "It's very surreal and very weird to know that we are now these like elder statesmen of this genre, and knowing that there are other baby bands coming up now that are, you know, maybe looking towards what we've done," he said. "It's still very surreal and kind of nice in a way to know that we're still around to do it."

Umprey’s McGee To Release Double-Live Album

In June, prog-rock powerhouse Umphrey's McGee will release Jimmy Stewart 2007 - an ambitious double-live album comprised of some of the band's most inspired improvisations, sequenced into two seamless 70-minute "mixtapes." Several times each performance Umphrey's McGee delves into the "Jimmy Stewart" creation process. They aim to generate melody-rich, spontaneous compositions, utilizing a Zappa-inspired language of body gestures and hand-signals which allow the band to create structure on-the-fly.
As Umphrey's McGee's sound continues to evolve, each live performance is increasingly a showcase for their "Jimmy Stewart" approach to progressive improvisation, which they utilize as a breeding ground for new material. Fan favorites "In the Kitchen", "Intentions Clear", "Bridgeless", and many more have come from such sessions. In fact, the newest original to the Umphrey's McGee live repertoire is "Waist Down", a song with firm roots in the Jimmy Stewart 2007 track "Eat - 2.17.07 - San Francisco".
Umphrey's is a band always on the cusp of fresh technology and music distribution, and the trendsetting Umphrey's McGee Podcast serves up two 75-minute sets of live UM each month to its 20,000 subscribers. On June 10th, the Podcast offered it's 66th broadcast, a Jimmy Stewart 2007 companion piece of an extra CD's worth of material from the cutting room.
That past weekend, a limited pressing of 2,000 Jimmy Stewart 2007 CDs were available at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, with remaining copies to be distributed at shows and though the band's online store . Beginning June 17, the record is available digitally via iTunes and UMLive.net.

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE, Rock Star Club, Breckenridge, Thorn Fetish, Mindsight

Rock Star Club will release their forthcoming disc “The City Killed My Friend” on Friday June 27^th, at the Cubby Bear Chicago. They will be playing with The Rosedales and Shotgun Elvis. Myspace.com/rockstarclubchicago
Breckenridge will release their new disc “The Web of Remembrance” on July 12^th. They will have a CD release show on that date at Wise Fools Pub in Chicago. Visit them at myspace.com/breckenridgetheband
Thorn Fetish has finished recording “The House Band for the Devils Strip Club” CD. They recorded at Eight Legged Studios with Ryan Heath and Shawn Benge, and are extremely happy with the working experience. ” I was skeptical when I entered a very small recording studio. But it didn’t take long to see what a huge sound could be produced by these guys. I went in with certain expectations in what I wanted to accomplish, and Ryan and Shawn met everyone, and even exceeded them”, said Thorn Fetish Vocalist Dorian Grey. The album should be out as we go to print. Visit them at Thornfetish.com.
Mindsight will be releasing “5 Minutes Later” on July 19^th with a big CD release show at Chicago’s Metro. Along with Mindsight will be some of Chicago’s top bands, Janus, Heavy The Fall, On The Front, and Sudden Dark. The 6 p.m. show will be all ages, doors open at 5:30. mindsightmusic.com

E-MAIL ALL MUSIC NEWS TO ILLIANAMUSIC@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Enuff Z’nuff to Release “Album of The Year’” at Rocklahoma

The new Enuff Z’nuff record, “Album of the Year”, will be released at Rocklahoma in July. “It’s our first album in 7 or 8 years. And it’s big and bad...it took us 2 1/2 years to make, because I have gone through a lot of changes in that time and wasn’t satisfied till now. I mean I’m really satisfied that this is the best one yet”. And not just the songs, the performances, the vocals, the production everything it rocks. It features Jake E. Lee, and Vinnie Castaldo, (drums, production and mix).

Disturbed’s Crew Bus Crashes In South Carolina

A bus which was transporting members of DISTURBED's crew ran off the side of Interstate 95 in Florence County, South Carolina after blowing a tire last Thursday (July 31). The vehicle coasted off the shoulder and slid down an embankment before coming to a stop.
Photos of the damage the bus sustained in the crash can be found on the blog of Maddie Leiren, the daughter of DISTURBED's guitar tech, who was traveling with the crew at the time of the accident.
At least eight people were on the bus at the time. One person was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and no band members were on board, bus driver Fred Huffman said.
From Dan Donegan:
“They were lucky to be alive as they were thrown off the road when a front tire blew out. It shot them down a 9 ft drop and through the trees like a train. Our drum tech (Nate) was sitting in the passenger seat and received the worst injuries with a broken leg beneath the knee. He went in for surgery to have rods and pins put in and still remain in the hospital. The driver received stitches in his head! Everyone else was in their bunks and were tossed around and banged up! Our crew is amazing returning to work limping around, some with slings, bandages, and on painkillers! They all returned to make sure that the show goes on”!

2^nd Dimension Re-Opens this week with History’s End

2^nd Dimension returns this week with the re-opening Saturday the 16^th. And who else to be gracing the stage then the band that help the club be a success, none other then History’s End. It has been a long year for people that used to like going to the biggest live entertainment room in NW Indiana. We here at illiana Music asked area Rock-n-Rollers what they thought of Brian Gallas re-opening the club as the 2^nd Dimension brand name.

Mike Green: (The Mike Green Band) Thank God!!!!! No more dirty bathrooms, price negotiations, and unreturned phone calls about booking. Maybe they will even put the band names on the sign a week before they play instead of the day before? One can only hope. We've missed you Brian!!!!!

Shawn Farrell: (Rockzilla, Monkey Cocktail) The change should be a positive one for local music. Brian Gallas had been responsible for one of the better live local music venues in the area and I expect that room will become that again. I never hesitated to recommend 2nd Dimension as a club to see Monkey Cocktail; the club was always clean, safe and friendly. I am looking forward to playing there again.

Rock Bottomz: (Metalicious) Out of all the thousands of venues we have played across the globe, Second Dimensions will always have a special place in my heart as our first ever appearance. Sure we had offers for our opening gig from anywhere ranging from the Vegas Hard Rock, the Whiskey, as well as the Bonaroo Fest, but we decided the perfect place to debut would be in the remotely obscure town of Schereville and SD was the place that most fit our particular needs to warm up before our international tour. The venue has top a top of the line stage and sound, the staff has always professionally accommodated our extensive backstage "riders", and the ladies (oh the ladies) have always welcomed us with open arms and mouths. Besides, it is always fun and convenient to "sandwich" Schererville in our hectic schedule between our frequent stops in New York and LA. That is, when we are in the states. The grand "reopening" should be a blast, and the grand "reopening" of some of old flings should be even more enjoyable. We look forward to resuming our professional relationship with the new / old regime and just hope they promise not to close our nights with any ethic music. It's hard to "get busy" backstage after a show with Serbian polkas in the background...."

Robby Celestin: (Final Say, Timepiece) Brian always brought a fun energy to the room. I have many fond memories of playing there with TimePeace. Welcome back to the circus Brian!

Chris Curtis: (History’s End) I'm excited that Brian and crew are back. It just goes to show that it takes more than just a great location and space to have a successful nightclub.
It takes someone who cares about people; whether it's the bar's patrons, the musicians, or the staff.
You'd think its common sense, but it seems it's the exception and not the rule!
I know a thing or two about retiring, and then coming back... it's not about the money...it's about caring too much to just walk away (from the money...ha-ha).

Don Baron: (Bravo Johnny) "I look forward to playing at SD Mach 2 once again and reuniting with the original class act owners, staff, and patrons. They always treated us with utmost respect and bring in excellent music for local entertainment. Bravo Johnny wishes them luck on their triumphant return and cannot wait to grace their stage. Personally I think this is bigger news than Bret Favre resuming his career in New York."

LVH: (ILLIANAMUSIC) The talent should never make less then the babe slinging Heinekins, The guy taking 5 bucks at the door, or the guy working the mop at the end of the night. No offense to them we need you as well (especially the babe slinging the Heinekins), But there is no talent there. It’s nice to see a club owner recognize that and take care of the bands. I get so many reports from bands, how poorly they are treated at certain clubs. Not getting paid the agreed amount (that p*ss*s me off), being talked to in a demeaning way, as you are sub-human, I could go on and on. By having a House P.A., Lights, a Stage, and an area the bands can get ready, means the world to the artists. And Brian Gallas has always provided that for Bands. Much like the old Club Dimension, there was always an emphasis, and top priority for live entertainment. Also I hear there will be no expense spared on providing scented urinal cakes for the men’s washroom. So we will no longer need level C air protection, to drain the main vain!!

Jack Adams: (Monkey Cocktail) how bout.......The "2nd" Coming...

Steve ‘Beaver Lopez checks in on his fight with Cancer, His Return to the Stage, and Living Life
By Lars Van Heineken

Since learning Beaver was sick we here at Illiana Music have been pulling for this guy. Although are paths haven’t crossed in a decade or so, he has always delivered on stage and entertained. We are happy to report things are getting better.
I go to the doctor every 2 months for the next year to get checked. They do blood tests, chest x-rays and ct of the abdomen. Then I go every 4 months for 2 years then every 6 months for 3 years. I just recently went and I am clear and free of the cancer!! Things are getting better for me I got my hair back I still have pain in my hands and my lungs are sore from the chemo. But that will clear up within the next year they said. So now it's kick back and enjoy life again :):):) I will be playing every Tuesday night at buddy and pals in Winfield from 9-1. It's an acoustic jam night open to the public. No cover charge, $1 drafts, Jack Adams and Aaron Harris also play with me”.

Man Killed Working Security At McTaverns

Bouncer/Security, Eric ‘Herc’ Lowe was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Sunday September 21^st as he worked security for McTaverns, 74^th and Indianapolis Blvd, Hammond. The Lake County coroner's office was called to The Community
Hospital in Munster at 3:40 a.m. where Eric Lowe, 40, of Gary, was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The coroner's office ruled Lowe's death a homicide. Several
men were asked to leave McTavern's, in the 7400 block of Indianapolis Boulevard. after a dispute occurred shortly before 3 a.m., Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said.
Lowe, a civilian working security for the establishment, was escorting the men to their cars outside when witnesses heard several gunshots, Miller said. Co-workers found Lowe lying in the alley just north of the business, Miller said.Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Lt. Zeke Hinojosa at (219) 852-2971
Thoughts, Wellwishes, and Prayers to Mr. Lowe's family and friends.

ILLIANA NEWSWIRE
The Steepwater Band, Eric Lambert, Billy Ozzello, She Picked Me

Join The Steepwater Band at there album release party for the forthcoming disc Grace and Melody. The bash will take place at the Double Door (1572 N Milwaukee, Chicago) on Wednesday November 26^th. One of the biggest party nights of the year, Thanksgiving eve. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Eric Lambert just reworked a very cool tune titled “Doin’ Alright”. “I've reworked the tune Doin' Alright and uploaded it to my profile. It's a killer version featuring Bobby Davis on bass, Brandon Bostic on banjo, and dobro, and yours truly on guitar, mandolin and voice. The banjo driven, up tempo song can be heard by going to myspace.com/ericlambertmusic.
Survivor Bass Player Billy Ozzello recently posted past recordings from some former bands. “Hey everyone! I have posted 4 new songs on my site. 3 of them were written with my old band Blind For A Day and Nasty Weather was written with Digital Hair including Chad Clifford, Mike Moore, Randy Peterson and myself. I rerecorded Nasty Weather with Blind for a Day and sang lead on it".
Hope you enjoy them and let me know what you think”! myspace.com/billyozzello
She Picked Me will debut at 2^nd Dimension in November. The band consists of Shawn Farrell, Bass, (Rockzilla, Monkey Cocktail), Jack Adams, Vocals, (Monkey Cocktail, Sgt Roxx), Phil Carmen, Drums, (History’s End), Aaron Harris, History’s End.

Pamela Moore Band to Debut In November
By Lars Van Heineken

Pamela Moore best known as Mary, from the Queensryche Masterpiece, ‘Operation Mindcrime’, will debut her solo band to Chicagoland, in November. The Two shows will be at JJ Kelley’s, on the 21^st and Idol’s in Palatine, on the 22^nd. The Pamela Moore Band consists of Music Veterans from the Windy City, Drums: Gabriel Anthony, Bass,
Jim Peck, Guitar: Michael Posch, Rhythm guitar: G. Constantine. And Pamela on Vocals. Pamela has always been kind to illianamusic.com, and the current Chicagoland resident checked in, on the two big shows.
“We will be doing mostly solo stuff from “Stories from a Blue Room”, but will be including a few nicely redone covers and a couple of Queensryche songs too”!
Pamela recently did some Geoff Tate Solo shows to promote Tate’s new wine line. “Geoff's solo thing was fun... we only did a few shows and they were geared at promoting his new wine coming soon! Really good wine too”!
Anyone that is a Queensryche fan, or just like watching a cool chick fronting a kick ass band, shouldn’t miss these shows. When asking the extended Queensryche member, was she geared for the shows? “I’m fucking excited as hell to finally be performing live with my solo band! IT ROCKS”!!

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE

Condolences to the friends, and family of Jack Pender. Jack Pender was the lead singer for the Creed tribute band My Sacrifice. He was an amazing singer and a great talent. Word has it the service was very touching. And for you fans, a memorial show will be held at Papa T’s in Midlothian on February 8^th.
Notch House, The Bad Ass Red Headed Stepchild of the Blues enters the studio this month. Carlos Gonzales will be handling the controls. Gonzales formerly played bass in the band, now is playing in the Copperhead Road Band.
The Steepwater Band will be doing a few more shows in the Midwest this month, before heading to Spain in February, in support of their new disc that dropped in November, Grace and Melody.
Disturbed will make their 2^nd appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this month. Look for the Chicago platinum metalers on January 28^th. Is Metalers a word or did I just make it up?
DSG (David Shankle Group) have a new drummer, Gabriel Anthony. The Chicago veteran double bass slammer joins the former Guitarist of Manowar. Not sure when we will hear from them, but it should be worth the wait.
Congrats are in order for Chicago’s ‘The Last Vegas’. Out of 8,000 bands entering The Guitar Center/Motley Crue On-Stage competition. The band was hand picked by The Crue in the finals at The Whiskey-A-Go-Go on the Sunset strip. I heard them on Octane the other night, they sound like a modern day Crue, and I can see the appeal. They will open the tour February 2^nd in San Diego, along with Motley, Theory of a Deadman, and Hinder.
88 Key Salute will make its debut at the Northwoods Saloon at the end of the month. The band consists of Chicagoland vets, to bring you a tribute of piano driven rock. The band is as follows, Johnnie Horvath (drums and vocals), Charlie Comanse (bass guitar and vocals), J.D King (guitar, percussion and vocals), Danielle Lotton (keyboards and vocals), and Gordie Laurencell (piano and vocals).
Nerve Damage sent a shout out to its friends on myspace recently, on thoughts of the band reforming. I say do it, there has been a slight shortage in the metal genre of late.
If you have band news e-mail illianamusic@sbcglobal.net

John Henry-Notch House Studio Update from the Shack
By Lars Van Heineken

If you haven’t heard these guys live, I urge you to be present at Duffy’s in Valpo or Porter’s in Hessville in the month of February. When you refer to a band as Blues, you think traditional, slower big soulful notes. Or if it’s Rockin Blues maybe a taste of the late SRV. But when I say Hard Ass Blues, or the fraise I coined, Red-Headed Stepchild of the Blues, I convey that it is way different. It’ Heavy, It’s Loud; It’s in your face fast at times. The kind of music we truly embrace here. And despite what you may have read in a local paper on January 16^th, the man behind the booming Sonor Drum kit, John Horvath, hasn’t been on an extended absence. He has played maybe 50 to 60 shows with Notch House, and The Gruesomes, the past 2 years. He’s at the top of his game as a skin basher. Folks of Illianaland, we give it to you straight and accurate, as well as faster then most outlets. We are the F’N electronic media. My Bother John Henry Checks in.
Go to Featured Band to Read Exclusive Article

Kenny Aronoff Performs For Obama Inaugural Celebration Concert
By Lars Van Heineken

Everyone’s favorite Hoosier Heavy Hitter, Kenny
Aronoff was behind the Tama drum kit for this
past Sunday’s live concert, broadcast on HBO.
Well technically he grew up in Massachusetts,but
spent a lot of time in the Hoosier state,his days with
Mellencamp. Most people who follow Kenny’s
career know it’s him playing by the crack of his
signature snaredrum. He played with John
Mellencamp for the first time in several years,
Stevie Wonder, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow,
the list goes on and on.
When I caught up with Kenny I asked him, how was it playing with John again and who was his favorite performer to jam with? “It was great playing Pink Houses again. I always loved that song......I had a good 45 minute talk with Mellencamp right before the show....I enjoyed everyone.....they were all different..... I wanted to play with Bruce Springsteen and U2... : )”
I asked Kenny what was on the near agenda for 2009. “Lars I got all kinds of things coming up.. Buddy Holly 50th anniversary celebration in Iowa on Feb. 2nd. I am in one of the house bands... Then Bon Jovi on Feb. 24^th, for a show in a club to be filmed, and then a Joe Cocker show in Zurich in April. .Fogerty touring at some point.... this summer... Things change daily for me also”...
The 50 Winters Concert on February 2^nd commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Winter Dance Party, where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson, played their last show before the plane crash that took all there lives. The show is in Clear Lake, Iowa. More info @ www.50winterslater.com. Also visit Kenny @ www.kennyaronoff.com or myspace.com/kennyaronoffofficial.

--Congratulations to Chicago’s Gloom & Doomsters, Novembers Doom. As they have signed on to play Powerfest in May at The Pearl Room in Mokena. This band is huge in parts of Europe. Also playing the fest will be Chicago’s Mindwarp Chamber.
--Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, Hanson's Taylor Hanson and Fountains Of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger have formed a new band, Tinted Windows. The group has recorded its debut album at Stratosphere Sound Studios in New York, which Schlesinger and Iha co-own with Ivy's Andy Chase. The set is expected this spring on a label to be announced.Tinted Windows will play its first major show at Billboard's South by Southwest showcase, to be held March 20 at Pangaea in Austin, Texas.
--Crawpuppies will be starting a regular Monday night gig at The Registry in Crown Point on March 2. The night will be from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Any of our friends and fellow musicians are welcome to hang and jam if they get the urge.
--Retro Rock-N-Rollers Bravo Johnny will return for a rare show March 21^st at The Sunset Lounge. .
--Lil’ Betty Ford a new band playing anything from Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Lita Ford, and Journey, will make their stage debut April 17^th at Buddy & Pals Schererville. The Band consists of area music vets, Taylor Garrison Lead Vocals, Scott Brakebill Lead Guitar & Vox, Steve Lopez Rhythm Guitar & Vox, Rik Menconi Bass Guitar & Vox, Vern Cranor Drums & Precussion.
--Valpo based Shotgun Elvis will playing a big show March 21^st at The House Of Blues Chicago. They will be sharing the stage Badfish, a Sublime tribute.
-Eonian Records will be re-releasing full length Disc’s from The Hair Band era. Most of the bands were regular acts at Chicago's legendary music club The Thirsty Whale such as Dear Diary, Gynger Lynn, Pistol Dawn, Sgt. Roxx, Sweet Sybil, and UZI. Can you imagine the lines on Tuesday when these blockbusters are re-released? The pre-orders might crash CD Now. Let’s just hope these bands don’t dawn wigs, as well as the spandex, with the stuffed tube sock. Were just kidding, some of those bands were quite talented.
--Please let ILLIANA MUSIC know if you spot the music news we break first in Local Publications. We as well as our audience get a kick out of the Johnny-Come Lately’s that reference out site for their news. I guess we should be flattered, haha!!
Send all Band news to illianamusic@sbcglobal.net

ILLIANA MUSIC NEWSWIRE-PEACH,SACRED DAWN,THE STEEPWATER BAND,STEPHEN PEARCY,ADLER’S APPETITE,JACK ADAMS, LARRY ROBERTS

>Eat a Peach is now named simply Peach. The Southern Rock-N-Rollers are now a 4-piece and have a cool new song called ‘Hogtown’ @ myspace.com/peachrock
>Sacred Dawn and Midwarp Chamber have signed on to play Nightmare Metal Fest 2 in San Antonio, Texas.
>The Steepwater Band Return from Spain. “We all have returned safely from our two week tour overseas. The 2009 Spanish tour was our most successful yet; every night had packed rooms filled with singing-along fans. Although we paid our dues: Jeff and I both caught the stomach flu mid-tour, after the show in Alicante, but regained enough energy to play to a crammed El Sol in Madrid the following night. Gijon and Leon were both amazing nights as well, but the Barcelona gig was an absolute blast, with a near sell-out audience. We really need to thank Edu and Vincent at Funhouse Productions for setting up the whole thing and putting up with us for 2 weeks. Also like to thank all the promoters in the towns who helped bring the people. And last but not least we need to thank our friends who helped, hung-out, and kept us sane: John, Tim & Sherry (who suffered a broken ankle during the tour but kept on trucking with us!) and of course Turtle Sims. Can’t wait to go back”!
>Ratt Frontman Stephen Pearcy will bring his solo Band ‘Ratt Bastards’ to Vision Night Club in Chicago on June 6^th.
>‘Adler’s Appetite’, Steven Adler’s Band will make a stop at Tailgaiters in Bolingbrook on March 8^th. The band features Steven Adler - Drums. Chip Z'nuff - Bass. Michael Thomas - Guitar. Alex Grossi - Guitar. Sheldon Tarsha - Vocals. Steven stars on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab and Sober House.
>Jack Adams (Monkey Cocktail. Sgt Roxx) is currently seeking guitar player. “I am currently looking for a guitar player to play in my new project”. Position: Lead/rhythm must have backing vocals (harmonies) pro gear, pro look and attitude. We will only be rehearsing 1 night a week so you need to be a quick study". All covers Dance/party rock 70's, - current. Foo Fighters, Nickelback, Butch walker, James, Tom Petty, Prince, Steve Miller, The Cars, Gold finger, Peter Gabriel, The Frey, OAR, Violent Femmes, Sublime, Counting Crows, Etc. You get the picture. Contact info: myspace.comjackadams1
>Novembers Doom Guitarist Larry Roberts To Play South By Southwest Fest With These Are They. “I am also helping out my friends in the band THESE ARE THEY by filling in on second guitar for them when they appear at the SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST festival in AUSTIN, TX. on March 19, 2009. If you haven't heard them, it's straight-forward old school death metal with doom touches and lots of hook. Reminds me a bit of my days in Dead Serenade, albeit with a bit more of the speedy drum stuff than we had. Anyhow, I think any ND fans should check it out, and by all means if you're near Austin, come check out the show”. If you have Direct TV they televise performances eventually on channel 101. Visit These Are They @ myspace.com/thesearetheychicago

Illiana Music Newswire- Illiana Music Channel, Illiana Video Imaging, S&J Stereo,
Jimi Jameson, Gynger Lynn, Jimmy Chamberlain

-Illiana Music has launched the Illiana Music Channel on You Tube, a lot of present & past bands. Check it out @ youtube.com/user/illianamusic
-IVI (Illiana Video Imaging) also took off this week. Specializing in Digital Video Recording of live music, as well as all type of events. Vist them @ myspace.com/illianavideoimaging
-Highland based S&J Stereo has a new home in Highland, Indiana. You can visit this cool store @ 8720 Kennedy Avenue. I have been dealing with S&J for 15 years; no store can beat what they do. The new store is outstanding; I look forward to going back.
-Frontiers Records, Europe’s premier label for melodic, progressive, and hard rock, has secured an exclusive North American distribution deal with Super D Independent Distribution (SDID).
The first four releases - Jeff Scott Soto (JSS), Jimi Jamison, Wetton/Downes Icon, and White Lion - will arrive on April 7, followed by several additional titles each month.
-Gynger Lynn will see it’s first released this month re-released via Eonian Records, visit Eonianrecords.com
-Jimmy Chamberlain has called it quits as drummer for The Smashing Pumpkins.

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE

-CRAWPUPPIES NEWS-“Our CD is on the way out to be mass produced folks. Recording and artwork for the CD is totally done. Finally. We're looking at having our CD release party at our show at Hobart Jaycees Festival in Hobart on Thursday, July 2 which will be an all age’s show. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT 100% YET. Will let everyone know when it is totally confirmed”.
-LOVEHAMMERS NEWS-“We are releasing our new CD - Heavy Crown - on July 21, and will be having a CD release party at Gramercy Theatre on July 24. It would be great if you could help spread the word and come out to the show!!!!
For those of you that live near Chicago, we will do a sneak peak show at HOB on June 19. Tickets are almost sold out, so get them ASAP! ROCK”! Lovehammers Dino, Marty, Bobby, Billy
-JOHN MELLENCAMP NEWS-(On Target) On June 23rd Concord Music Group / Hear Music will release Life Death Live And Freedom, a special low priced 8-song live companion collection featuring many of the key songs from John Mellencamp's 2008 much-lauded Life Death Love And Freedom. The special low priced offering from Concord / Hear Music will be available at all retail and digital outlets for $7.98 (CD) & just $5.99 (digital). In recognition of Mellencamp's upcoming tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, a special "Deluxe Tour Pack" edition that includes both original studio album Life Death Love And Freedom bundled with the new Life Death LIVE And Freedom will also be available on June 23rd.
-SMASHING PUMPKINS NEWS-.According to (MusicRadar) Billy Corgan has tapped 19-year-old drummer Mike Byrne as the replacement for Jimmy Chamberlin in The Smashing Pumpkins. Byrne, drummer for Oregon-based band Moses, Smell the Roses apparently landed the gig after working for a week with Corgan last month, and blogged on his MySpace page that he was "off for another couple of weeks at pumpkin camp." Additionally, Billy Corgan blogged last Friday that he has found the band's "drummer of the future," explaining that he's eyeing October as the month to release. "I've worked with him so far for one week, and all indications are really good that he's the man for the job," Corgan wrote of the unnamed drummer. "Going to work with him some more before it becomes official. Whoever takes the job has quite big shoes to fill, no doubt about it."

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE-Ideamen,Ronnie Baker Brooks,Steepwater Band,Team Hoss,Doublewide,The Bradley Report & More

-The new release by Ideamen ‘May You Live In
Interesting Times’ happens this month. Go to:
The Beat Kitchen in Chicago on Oct 30th to get it
1st hand@ thier big CD release show / Halloween
Extravaganza ~ w/ Super 8 Bit Brothers,
Screaming Mechanical Brain & Downtown
Brown. 17+ show
-RONNIE BAKER BROOKS heads West for LRBC
with lots of stops there and back…Ronnie Baker
Brooks joins his brother Wayne and legendary
bluesman father Lonnie Brooks on the West Coast
Legendary Blues Cruise this year!!! He returns to
the area on November 14^th at The Clearwater Theatre in west Dundee, Illinois.
-National touring and recording band The Steepwater Band will be playing every Thursday in October at Moonshine 1824 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois.
-National Pearl Jam tribute ‘Evenflow’ will be returning to big new area room, The Jim Beam Warehouse on Friday October 30^th.
-A kickin in your face show Saturday October 10^th @ The Flat Rock Tap in Hammond featuring Team Hoss, Doublewide Supersport, and The Bradley Report.
-Johnny Vomit and Anger Rising to play a free show October 17^th at All Star Bar in Frankfort.

ILLIANA MUSIC Newswire 2-23 Tommy Lee, Mellencougar, Cubby Bear,
New Jam Night, Ideamen, The Steepwater Band, Two Ton Anvil, Kevin Lee

Two Ton Anvil will release their self titles album “Two Ton Anvil” via Dark Star
Records March 9^th. Visit Chicago’s premier hard rock label at Darkstarrecords.com
Kevin Lee & the Kings release “Dusk to Dawn” on Sigus Records this month.
The Steepwater Band are off on their annual Tour of Europe. First show on the 25^th and will take them through Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and will in end in
London on 3-29. Joining The Steepwater Band will be former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford.
Ideamen kick off their 2010 tour in Indianapolis at The Melody Inn, in support of their
current release, “May You Live in Interesting Times”. You can catch the band on March 13^th at 9 p.m. at Reggies Rock Club in Chicago.
Kenny D checked in about a new jam night starting on the 22^nd at Pheasant Valley Golf Club, in Crown Point, Indiana. The event will be hosted by local band The Mob.
Want to rock out at Cubby Bear? Local Music Showcase every Tuesday night at Cubby Bear Chicago. Contact cubbyinfo@gmail.com for details.
Mellencougar have been getting around as of late, as well has having former
Mellencamp band members Toby Myers and Moe-Z on stage for area shows. If you
close your eyes and listen to vocalist Don Wilson, you will think John Mellencamp is on stage.
Tommy Lee was at 115 Boubon Street spinning records for the big fat Tuesday crowd
Last week. Hopefully Tommy didn’t do to much damage as we all know he likes the
Blondes with implants.

ILLIANA MUSIC NEWSWIRE March 24^th 2010-Dick Diamond & The Dusters, Crawpuppies, Trash Martini, The Dave Wallace Band, The Rosedales, ILLIANA MUSIC

- ILLIANAMUSIC has signed on to annoy and irritate the site’s hater’s for a fourth year. On a serious note, we appreciate every time you click that mouse and get yourselves to this site, and supporting the local music scene. New in March, the article and review of Ideamen. The Dave Wallace Band, ILLIANA MUSIC artist of the month of March. Check out the new links page, if you are an original band or cover, if your business is related to music add our link, will add yours, e-mail illianamusic@sbcglobal.net with your URL and image. Also by popular demand the show calendar page will return, so send your show info to illianamusic@sbcglobal.net
-Dick Diamond checked in on the addition of the band's new keyboard player. His name "is Jeff Gajewski (stage name Walter Mellon). Joins the "rotating door" of keyboardists with DDD. Currently with the band "The Current". Will be making debut April 17th at Bourbon Street and the 23rd of April at Vegas Baby at Blue Chip.
-The Crawpuppies will be playing a show April 24th, consisting of all Beatles tunes, show billed as "Beatles at The Barn". Also sharing the bill, The Don Holmes Band and Blackbird. Proceeds to help The Indiana Food Bank. Crawpuppies.com for more info.
-The Dave Wallace Band released ‘Can You Hear Me Now’ last week. I just got the disc it sounds great and will be reviewed soon. They are also the Illiana Music artist of the month of March. The bands debut live performance will be April 10^th @ The Charley Horse in Munster, Indiana.
-The Rosedales “We're back!!! That's right people! After a long creative break, The Rosedales are back and stronger than ever! We are headlining a killer show at The Bottom Lounge on Saturday March, 27th! This show is our official CD release party for our long awaited new album called, "Once upon a Season." We are very excited to be sharing the stage that night with some of our favorite bands, The Elvi, Audio Violence, and Magnafux! This incredible night starts at 8:00 PM and it is a 17+ show. This will be a night to remember so mark your calendars and get out to the show”!
-Trash Martini and former Enuff Z’ nuff guitarist Johnny Monaco have parted ways after a very successful couple of years. The Trash guys have developed a big following as one of the top party rock bands. They haven’t announced a new player yet, “While TRASH is searching for their next Rockstar Lead Guitarist, we're going to be having some very special guests playing with us in the upcoming weeks and we're VERY excited about it”.

How are you? Greetings from Switzerland & a night off. Just played 2 gigs in France - our first shows ever in France actually. Small clubs but decent crowds. We're selling a ton of vinyl copies of Grace & Melody over here which is great. Spain was huge as always - lots of shows were sold out. We would open the show with 45 min on our own, then take a 15 min break & come back with Marc Ford for 2 hours. Playing with him every night was an experience for sure. Some nights were great, others... We'll just leave it at that. He was only on the Spain dates, so he flew back home on Monday, and it's all Steepwater from this point out...
Now that I am endorsed by Sonor Drums, the artist rep in Germany hooked me up with a sweet drum kit for the tour that is super bad ass! This week is a little slow with a few days off, but it picks up with gigs in Germany, Czech Republic, Holland, Belgium, France (again) and we finish in London at the end of the month. We're getting airplay on the biggest rock station in Belgium right now, so our gig there should be great!
Hope all is good back home, thanks for the coverage Lars! I will keep you posted!
Cheers! Joe

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE April 7th-2010-Smash Corps & Eric Wagner, Cheap Trick, Dramatic Visions, Local H, Nomad Planets

-Nomad Planets release "You're Never Lost Until You Panic" April 3rd with a show at The Towle Theatre in Hammond, Indiana. Opening the show, Lynxwail.
-Smash Corps “We are pleased to announce Eric Wagner ex-frontman from the legendary metal bands Trouble, Lid, Probot & currently Blackfinger is producing the new Smash Corps album "Rotten To The Corps" . We're half way through right now. The album should be ready for release summer 2010!!!!
Smash Corps are: Ed Brongiel, Lead Guitar & Vocals Tim Smith & Vocals, Travis Williams Bass, Kevin Nelson Lead Guitar, Toby Nickels Drums.
-Cheap Trick had this bit of news for fans on Friday: "Bun E. Carlos is not currently the touring drummer for Cheap Trick. Bun E. remains a band member. Everyone is healthy and Cheap Trick will continue to tour as planned."
-Dramatic Visions will release ‘The Untraveled Streets Of Gallows Hill’ at Their CD release show Friday May 7^th at DC’s Country Junction in Lowell, Indiana. Also Ideamen, Athel, and Fighter Planes on the bill.
-Local H will be live at Shark City in Glendale Heights April 9^th.
-SEND ALL BAND NEWS, SHOW DATES, BAND LINKS WITH IMAGE TO: illianamusic@sbcglobal.net

ILLIANAMUSIC NEWSWIRE-May 1st 2010-Steepwater Band,Q101,Shuddup & Drive,Open for Bon Jovi,Midnight Express.

- The Steepwater Band news: Following tours with Marc Ford, Gov't Mule and a successful European Tour, on Saturday, May 22 your TSB rolls into Chicago's Double Door for a one night only event. On that evening The Steepwater Band will perform all the songs from their critically acclaimed a bums "REVELATION SUNDAY" and "GRACE AND MELODY," from front to back. This will truly be a special night not to miss. Tickets for this show are on sale, so get them now, as they will definitely sell fast. Two other great bands are also on the bill: Detroit's The Sights and, Miles Nielsen son of Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.
-Bon Jovi, the hunt to open for Bon Jovi at Soldier Field is getting hot for a few Chicagoland bands. 7^th Heaven, Lovehammers, and The Crawpuppies, all in the top 10 as of April 23^rd.
-Q101 is looking for three (3) local bands to play Jamboree this year. If you want to give it a shot, submit an mp3, band photo, and webpage address at the Local 101 link at Q101.com. The top twelve (12) bands will be selected to play at three (3) different Cubby Bear locations. Four different bands, on three different nights. The winner at each three events will play at Jamboree 2010. Each will win cool stuff and/or food from Taco Bell and recording time at Uptown Recording. You have until April 28, 2010 to submit. Good Luck! - Chris Payne
-Midnight Express is parting ways. Othel Lee had this to say, “Myself and Eddie Long will be joining forces with my brother Darrell and Joe to form a new band named Bad Cadillac. We will be hosting jam night every Thursday at Pioneer Tap as well as weekends. I am very excited to be reuniting with my brother. I wish Hope and J.R. all the luck for the future”.
-Shuddup & Drive’s Ray & Marty Edmaiston, along with Jerry Clemons will continue to host Northwest Indiana’s longest running jam night, at the Taphouse Pub in Lake Station, Indiana. Starting on April 18^th .

7th Heaven & the Worsties To Open For Bon Jovi @ Soldier Field In July
5-25-10

The Worsties: It’s been a busy year for the Nashville based rock band, The Worsties. With two EPs under their belt they spent a majority of 2009 recording their third entitled “Dude. Dude. Dude. Totally!” and they are currently in the studio working on a full length album. Alongside a busy recording schedule, The Worsties have generated quite a stir in the local and regional touring circuit sharing the stage with such acts as Big Boi from OutKast, Saving Abel, Candlebox, Cage the Elephant, American Bang, Marcy Playground, Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil, Luna Halo, Ligion, Autovaughn and a slew of others. Along the way the band has attracted a faithful following in Atlanta, Louisville, Lexington, Auburn, Columbus GA, Michigan, Indianapolis, Austin, and of course, in most of the major markets in their home state of Tennessee. In late 2009 and early 2010 they’ve had numerous placements on MTV including “Kitty Litter” which was a featured song on “The Real World D.C.” “What’s Her Face” was featured on “Bad Girls Club.” The Worsties are one of the top 10 requested bands on Nashville’s 102.9 The Buzz and were also nominated for four 102.9 The Local Buzz Awards in 2008 including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Best Alternative/Pop-Rock, and Best Female Vocalist.The band melds the sounds of 70’s era punk, 80’s pop and glam, The Pixies and even Motorhead to create a feisty, straight ahead rock n’ rollin’ good time. “Dude. Dude. Dude. Totally!” follows in the post-punk, riff based footsteps of their previous effort “Put Your Babe On” but with more focus and execution.The Worsties formed in 2005 with vocalist Anna Worstell, guitarist Jesse Worstell, and bassist Jairo Ruiz. Nathan Shelton joined the band on drums in March of 2008.
7^th Heaven: 25 YEARS PLAYING THE LOCAL SCENE? 250 BOOKINGS A YEAR? Life long friends committed to leaving it all out on the stage, NTD Records recording artists 7th heaven boasts these and other incredible accomplishments. The lead singer, winner of the British TV version of American Idol known as Pop Stars, was brought in straight from Northern Ireland. He owns a gold disc on Jive records.
The band has set attendance records at major night clubs across the tri-state region. Record sales nearing 50,000 units sold and digital offerings are available on iTUNES, Amazon, and such. This is the premier Chicago festival act according to prominent talent buyers in Illinois. The critically acclaimed website “Barstar” refers to 7th Heaven as one of the 3 best bands in Chicago. (They couldn’t or wouldn’t pick just one.)
Musicianship, theatrics, and that unmistakable Irish brogue fuel original songs that came straight from the radio play-list. Are you a Cubs fan? Listen for 7th Heaven all summer long during telecasts and you will hear their current smash hit “This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever”. How about you Bulls fans? 7th Heaven performed the National Anthem at the United Center before the Bulls/Lakers game which was televised worldwide. This is the band your neighbors will be buzzing about for the rest of the summer. While the festivals only last a short time, for 7th Heaven’s fans, old and new a like, they will remember the experience of seeing and hearing them now because, as their song says - THIS SUMMER’S GONNA LAST FOREVER!
Other regional bands that made noise in the Our Stage contest, The Lovehammers,The Crawpuppies, and The Daymakers.

Nashville's The Worsties Checks In With Illiana Music On Opening For Bon Jovi
Lars Van Heineken 5-26-10

While I was judging the roughly 100 bands for the Our Stage contest to open for Bon Jovi @ Soldier Field, I was instantly digging the Nashville band “The Worsties’. The song “Kitty Litter” just stood out for me. They deserve to win, Jairo & Jesse checked in with Illiana Music from Music City.
"This is a truly amazing! We are going to share the stage with one of rock's true legends in Bon Jovi. We are very thankful to have been selected! This is going to be a tremendous show!" - Jairo Ruiz (Bass player)
"We're honored to have been selected to open for Bon Jovi in Chicago in the "WANTED: A SUPERBAND TONIGHT! CONTEST" There were so many great bands in the mix and we can't help but give recognition to all the finalists. For a hard working band like Bon Jovi to select another hard working band means the world to us. Many thanks to the Bon Jovi team and to OurStage.com for a great opportunity."- Jesse Worstell (Guitar) SEE THE VIDEO FOR KITTY LITTER BELOW ON HOME PAGE