THE MUSIC ISSUE FEATURING: STARVED HUSTLE & FUE 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS-FALL 2014
MUSIC MUSTS Grammy Camp 52
IN EVERY ISSUE
Top 10 Concerts 59
Editors Letter
Top 10 Albums for Fall
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Meet the Team
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LOCAL OPTIONS
Lollapalooza 2014 28
Hebru Brantley 47
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Western Automatic Interview 62
THE SPOTLIGHT Meet Hello Industry 66
GROOMING The Beauty Standard 74
Fall Beauty Roundups
FASHION & LIFESTYLE
76
Men’s Grooming Roundup
Macy’s Glamorama
78
Halfstack Beauty Highlights
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The JIN App
THOUGHTS & OPINIONS
96
WTF
The Great Restaurant
134
178
A Look at Chicago
The Blooming of Sara Rose 138
The Galleria Girl Boutique 148
Where Music Meets Fashion 154
Urban Work in Progress
162
Where’s Jimmy!? 174
FEATURES Meet Zap Props 34
Elizabeth Lyons 90
Feed Photo Gallery 100
North Coast Music Festival 106
184
N’Spired Thoughts 196
EDITORS LAST LOOK Music Must Haves 198
Etsy Shops We Love 202
The Side Show Feature 114
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Fall has arrived readers and with it comes some of my most fondest memories. This is by far my most favorite season. Chicago is a beautiful city in the fall and it’s robust with color, people and sounds. I am so excited to share this time of the year and this issue with all of you. The fall marks, not only my favorite season, but one of my favorite annual issues: Halfstack’s Annual Music Issue. This issue we dedicate to all the starving artists, mid-
letter from the editor
night hustlers and creatives trying to make an impact with their craft, music and soul. This issue is filled to the brim with wonderful features and interviews of local artists, musicians and bands. Our team of writers and photographers were incredibly fortunate to attend some of the hottest musical festivals, intimate shows and high energy venues. Throughout this issue you will get an insiders view of concerts such as Lolla, AVFest/Hideout Block Party, North Coast Festival and so many more. You will also get a front-row seat at Macy’s Glamorama shot by our talented staff photographer: Perry Fish. We also had the opportunity to interview some great up and coming stars such as: Elizabeth Lyons from the country music scene, Western Automatic from the alternative scene and Hello Industry from the indie scene. The main fashion editorial for this issue was shot by the team at Pickapose Photography and features the band:
JENNIFER M. LEZAN-VEGUILLA EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER
Fue and is outfitted by: Starved. a homemade hustle. This was by far one of our most creative shoots aside from our Alice themed shoot 2 springs ago. It’s amazing to me that we are going into year 3 of Halfstack and with each year, we push ourselves to the creative limit. The shoot was inspired by the days of vaudeville and
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sideshows and the band did a great job channeling their
characters. We also had so much fun incorporating themed props from the incredibly vast Zapprops warehouse. You will also find some great fall themed beauty and grooming product round ups from Beauty Editor: Danielle Hazekamp, to help you transition to the cooler weather that is bound to find us here in Chicago. This issue introduces some new writers to all of you. Feature Editors -Thom Olson and Rob Samu-
Zap Props Feature - pg. 34
elson have been writing on Halfstackmag.com, but are making their debut in the issue this fall. You can check out Rob’s genuine and in-depth feature on the Roger’s Park neighborhood. Thom introduces us to some local entrepreneurs: Sara Rose of Sara Rose on Oak and the team behind Jimmy Bars. He also offers some humorous insight on the newly updated Great Street Restaurant. The Side Show Feature - pg. 114
Dana Rettig gives us her insight on new music app from Jin and Fashion Editor: Teresa Espinoza highlights local suburban boutique: Galleria Girl. You can also check out her interview with the owner on Halfstack’s Youtube Channel HERE. Also, be sure to check out Culture & Entertainment Editor: Cora Vasseur’s highlights on Chicago’s own artist Hebru Brantley and her thoughts on Grammy Camp. You can check out my feature of Chicago’s own famous prop house: Zap Props.
Hebru Brantley Feature - pg. 47
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, thank you for your support! Don’t forget to keep up with us between issues at: www.halfstackmag.com! Happy Fall Halfstack readers!
JENNIFER M. LEZAN - EDITOR IN CHIEF
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mariana quaranta
jennifer veguilla
eic & creative dir.
co-founder
kate roth
co-founder
@ halfstackmag
@ missmarc40
DIGITAL TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY
dwight bejec
director of comm.
& social media strategy
cheyenne hendricks
blogger & writer
P erry F ish lead photographer
alluringchicago.com/
HALFSTACK DIGITAL
meet the
teresa espinoza
fashion editor & blogger
cora vasseur
bloggr & online digital editor
team rob samuelson
bloggr & online digital editor
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thom olson
bloggr & online digital editor
KALI KOLLER Graphic Designer & Creative business owner
SAMMY SITHIPONG Creative visionary and Graphic Designer
JAMIE L. BREEDEN Momma, talented photographer & graphic designer
REGULO ALVARAD
Style enthusiast & talented fashion designer
DANIELLE HAZEKAMP Beauty know it all, fashion diva to the max.
RAVEN FISHER Staff Blogger
ANDRE THOMPSON Staff Blogger
STELLA QUIMBY Beauty queen, mommy, fashionista & blogger.
DANA RETTIG Staff Blogger
REYNISHA LINDSAY Inspirational Fashionista
STAFF WRITERS
& DESIGNERS
SHAYLEE EMERT Art Department Intern
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For the First Time, JBO Covers Lollapalooza Lollapalooza was introduced back in 1991, by Jane’s Addiction front man, Perry Farrell. It is affectionately referred as just, “Lolla.” There were eight stages, including one for youth called, Kidzapalooza. Perry has hopes of making the festival global once again. Many of the bands at Lolla formed in California or the United Kingdom. The $250 three day pass was available for purchase six months in advance, selling out in less than two hours. Hit refresh, refresh, refresh! There were roughly 300,000 people who attended even President Obama’s daughter, Malia. All-star Bulls center, Joakim Noah was spotted dancing. Sophia Bush of the TV show, Chicago P.D. was seen about the festival as well.
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It was a comfortable event, there was hardly any shoulder to shoulder bumping in Chicago’s huge Grant Park until you finally exited the park at 10pm. This year the promoters made it simpler to spend hard earned money by giving you an option to link your wristband directly to your credit card for drinks and popular Chicago eats at a row of vendors called, Chow Town. While the lineup has varied over the years, two things have remained the same: great audio, and acts that will show up on time. Even though not the biggest music festival in world by square feet, it definitely provided a plethora of talent, with over 130 musicians. We had nice weather for the first two
WRITTEN BY: JASON SHIMBERG OF SUMLUCIDEBEATS LAYOUT BY: KALI KOLLER
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days of events where you could sit on the grass. Sunday it rained and the park looked like a soggy baseball field reminiscent of a scene from Woodstock. The mud-slinging continued long after the rain stopped. Grant Park is situated against Lake Michigan so the passing boats got to listen for free to a great 3-day Fest. Plenty of people flying in from other States and Countries to see this festival. There was no one harmed too severe in the writing of this article, security had 2014 edition under control. Until the final day when one security guard didn’t check my person and suggested, “Go get drunk!”
CHVRCHES 5:30 – 6:30 A Scottish trio from Glasgow, last year released full length album titled, ‘The Bones of What You Believe.’ The ‘V’ in the band’s name helps in internet searches, they seem to think. Ben Rudolph stated about Chvrches, “They are like watching a heavy hitting synthesized dance. They load up on vocal samples and collapsed drum machines,” Ben went on to say, “Considering the intricacies of their music they must have to play with a backing track or laptop.”
THE F*CK UP.” There was a famous special guest for two songs who was not on original lineup, and was never leaked by sources close to me. She goes by one name, Rihanna. She may have caught a flight back to Barbados right after that unexpected pop-in because she was gone before, “Love the Way You Lie,” was finished. She knocked it out of the park. SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
LORDE 6:45 – 7:45 Lorde played her two most popular radio hits back to back, “Royals & Team in that order.” She did not disappoint.
FITZ & THE TANTRUMS 4:15 – 5:15 They praised the promoters several times, exclaiming it was their first time at Lolla. They were very grateful to be invited, they deserve their large following.
EMINEM 8:30 – 10:00 Marshall Mathers posse is smaller. Eminem is sober now, but it does not mean he lost the ability to use expletives, screaming “CHICAGO-WAKE THE
FOSTER THE PEOPLE 6:15 – 7:15 #FTP has received two Grammy nominations, and had a #1 hit in 2011 called, “Pumped Up Kicks.” Always fostering in good material, they were
HIGHLIGHTS ON FRIDAY INCLUDE: IGGY AZALEA 4:30 – 5:30 Iggy was a nice way to get the ball rolling, with her ferocious stage presence and rhythmic sound.
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a big hit with the Midwest crowd. They took a survey of hands, who was actually from Chicago. A lot of hands went up in the air. If you weren’t from Chicago originally, three days at Lolla can make you feel like you are a native. THE HEAD AND THE HEART 7:15 – 8:15 Seattle band, which met at an open mic, and built a following from there. Their first album got panned by pitchfork magazine, calling it inauthentic by making references to hard working, blue-collar life. They are a cross between early Wilco and The Shins. A very Indie laidback vibe. They shined as the sun set on the evening. I split time between Cut/Copy and Outkast as the final headliners of the night made it on stage. OUTKAST 8:15 – 10:00 The fireworks over the Chicago skyline began as Andre 3000 adorning a blonde
wig was asking for requests. Of course the vote was “Ms. Jackson.” After the bands near decade long hiatus, they came back stronger than ever. Big Boi posted from his Facebook page, “Stank you Lollapalooza!!” CUT/COPY 9:00 – 10:00 They can be summed up like this, an Australian male band, dance pop, programming, lots of synthesizers. Tons of fluorescent colors emanating from the stage, very representative of their music. Really explodes, dynamic, fun to watch. They were on one of the smaller stages, ‘The Grove,’ but there sound is very big indeed. HIGHLIGHTS OF SUNDAY: LONDON GRAMMAR 3:00 – 4:00 Coincidentally, the stagehand organizers put most of the British accents on the same ‘Lake Shore’ stage. Hannah Reid has very strong and soulful
voice. Even emotional at times. CAGE THE ELEPHANT 4:00 – 5:00 They got very friendly with the audience, combining guitar and crowd surfing simultaneously. They also performed at a Lolla after show before taking the main stage on Sunday. Billy Arkush was there and he had this to say, “I was at the Vic Theatre and lead guitarist, Nick Bockrath walked on stage with a #23 Michael Jordan Bulls jersey, the crowd got amped.” Billy continued, “The energy was unbelievable from start to finish, everything was on point. The chemistry blended so nicely that it sounded like a chorus.” In true, #CTE fashion, at least twenty people got to come on stage and sing with the band.” A Lolla fan’s dream. REBELUTION 5:45 – 6:45 Rebelution is a band that is on the rise, I was able to procure VIP for myself and
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and cameraman at an after show party at the Bottom Lounge. Rebelution is a reggae band who opened for Matisyahu during a tour stretch last year. They started with same song as the after show, but the rest of the set was mildly different. Although bass player, Marley D. Williams did wear the same exact cut off jersey two days in a row. Perhaps he has a closet full of them. If you really like California surf bands such as Slightly Stoopid and Sublime you will mostly likely dig Rebelution’s sound. Generally reggae influenced bands lyrics are extremely difficult to understand. The listener can understand every word sung by Eric Rachmany’s crystal clear voice. YOUNG THE GIANT 7:15 – 8:15 Releasing ‘Mind over Matter’ in January of this year, it has moved to the top ten of the music charts. Like most of the sets, it only lasted an hour, the crowd wanted more from this hot band. SKRILLEX 8:30 – 10:00 I was not able to see Skrillex live, but found someone who knew his fair share. Jordan Rall said, “Skrillex has an interesting story growing up in Los Angeles and writing a collaboration with then “The Doors” remaining members in 2012 called, Breakn’ a Sweat. They also produced a documentary together called Re:Generation Music Project.” If you want to know more about Skrillex, watch that documentary on Hulu. KINGS OF LEON 8:15 – 10:00 I choose to listen to KOL, not based on fast growth and popularity. I liked them when they first started out early in the century. Because I think they are a band that is uniquely expressing a true rock n’ roll family message. I will continue to follow
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them no matter how big they get. All the songs really hit the mark, and have remained great through time. One of the top ten bands of the 21st Century in my opinion. In conclusion, the rain may have deterred some folks on the last night but ponchos work well. It was a somewhat rowdy crowd at times, but mostly it was a peaceful display in my hometown. It was an all you can listen to buffet of music. The audience was given kudos several times by the performers for sticking it out in the rain. It was worse weather last year, most folks said. Now that the cleanup has begun, a big thanks goes out to all the volunteers who picked up crushed beer cans seconds after they were flattened. I even saw a five year old girl putting in some community service with her Dad. Also a spectacle was a clearly pregnant Mother to be, showing off her ninemonth baby bump with a sharpie pen, “My 1st Lolla baby.” The main exit reminded one of cattle moving inch by inch back to the packed city streets on the ‘Magnificent Mile,’ to catch an Uber car service. Which was running pretty slow, probably because they gave everyone who attended Lolla a free $30 ride
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zap props A Family Affair of The Magically Ordinary WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER LEZAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DWIGHT BEJEC
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Bill got his start in the amusement and coin operated machine business over 30 years ago. In an unassuming, yet creepy drive off of Loomis Place on the Southside of Chicago, a place where history meets progress, rises multiple post modern manufacturing buildings that have long since been abandoned or repurposed. One building in particular boasts a collection of trinkets, oddities and vintage Americana unlike anything that you will find in the area. Behind this hauntingly beautiful façade of crumbling brick and stone you will find workers packing and unpacking, historians, business people, creatives, designers and the curators of the past. These interesting and inquisitive people are the lifeline behind what Chicagoans know as Zap Props. Zap Props is a prop and antique warehouse located in Bridgeport run by Bill Rawksi, Chicago’s own curator of vintage and the key holder of the beautifully mundane. Zap Props is 36,000 square foot warehouse hidden within the confines of walls that are likely as old as the props being stored within them. In order to understand the enormity of it, one must visit to truly understand it. It’s an eerie wonderland where creatives of all industries can get lost in time exploring the vast, never ending shelves filled with treasures of times past. Bill got his start in the amusement and coin operated machine business over 30 years ago. He was helping his father at the time that ran a route throughout the area and even back then, Bill had an innate business sense and intuition. He saw an opportunity to grow and decided to buy a gumball machine route. As time
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progressed, he became fascinated with the older machines and started collecting them. He was astounded to find that, as he continued to visit flea markets to search for machines, people were actually collecting restored machines. It was at this point that he stumbled upon the fact that people were becoming ever more intrigued with the “Americana” aesthetic. Over time, his collection grew and he saw an opportunity to take his business in a different direction as the amusement and coin operated industry was starting to die off. He continued to grow his collection and focus on working the antique and prop market. There was a chance opportunity that started with a little film called “A League of their Own” that helped Zap Props become a well-known player in the industry. Bill found his niche, as there were not, and still are not many prop houses of the stature of Zap Props in the city of Chicago. His innate business sense also helped him create a name for himself. Today, some of his biggest business clients come from the restaurant industry throughout the US and abroad. He has even been showcased on shows such as American Pickers. If there is one thing that Bill understands, it is that networking is an extremely important part of his business. But, no you’re not going to find this blue-collar and down to earth dude rubbing elbows and hobnobbing in some fancy setting. Rather, this gruff guy has his own special way of connecting with Film Directors, Stylists, Designers and
locals. He is a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy and that’s what truly seems to have helped him succeed. He is nimble on his feet and can adjust with the ebb and flow of the ever-changing business he is in. Yet, he remains humble and grateful about the opportunities he has found. Having worked with the likes of companies such as Rossati’s, Aurelios and The Tilted Kilt, Bill still maintains a humble attitude that speaks volumes about his character. Despite all his success, he has seen his fair share of hardships and obstacles. When asked about obstacles he has faced in the past, Bill shared that, “while many people enter this business with the idea of a storefront success, many of those shops don’t make it. Overhead can kill a business quick.” Understanding this and experiencing this, he went from having a storefront to focusing on prop rentals and going where the business took him. Bill notes that, “people who work in the antique business are transient and need to be able to follow the trends and historical value to see success”. Bill maintained a mindset throughout his professional life of not being greedy and knowing what his standing was at every point in his career and making solid decisions based on that. When asked why he chose to grow his business in Chicago, Bill explains that there are many advantages to having an antique and prop business in the Midwest. You can find so many things in the area due to the fact that places like Chicago were manufacturing hotspots. Big businesses like Zenith were based in the
Bill Rawski stands amidst
a wall of vintage steam trunks.
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area and today you can source items in the Midwest easily. In 1960 there were almost 3 million people just in Chicago. This gives antique dealers and vintage aficionados a huge opportunity to pick. When asked how technology has helped or hindered his business, Bill has an interesting viewpoint. “Although the Internet and Ebay essentially have killed off some business, how many dealers do really depends on how they adjust to the changing times�. Technology seems to have helped Bill when it comes to building his network of pickers. He is able
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to stay in constant contact with different dealers and pickers who email and text message him daily images of potential finds. It makes his job a bit easier when one thinks about it. He can tell just from an image whether or not an item is worth a second look. Rather than having to visit with someone or have someone come in and possibly waste his time, he can instantaneously make a decision. He also notes that when it comes to success and growth in this business, patience is key. Holding on to an item as a dealer and learning that over time, items will eventually grow
in worth. Making sure you are responsible and pay your taxes is another bit of advice he offers. He also explains that taking pride in ones work is so important. He has educated himself in restoration and bringing the life back into antique items that have seen better days. He is most inspired by neon and signage They are some of the hardest items to take care of. He has made it a point to educate and train his staff to see the value in his stock. Items that a normal person might just consider junk often have the greatest value. When asked what his proudest moment has been,
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Warehouse pup, sheeba,
stands guard over her domain.
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simone rawski
john rawski
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Bill explains, with a glimmer in his eye, that being able to work with the American Sign Museum in Ohio has been invigorating for him. Signage is a specialty of his. Not only has he curated items for them, but he has also donated out of his personal collection because it is an art form that he feels is dying out due to prohibitive action. A business that he grew with his own two hands is now a business he shares with his children. His daughter Simone and his son John work side by side with their father manning the ship that is Zap. They bring a youthful vitality to this business and have just as much passion about their work as their father has. Simone has this innate ability to locate any given item and
find her way through the labyrinth of aisles. She has a keen sense of historical aesthetics and great eye for design. She is also the one working deals, ensuring they remain tech savvy and running their website. Jack on the other hand is skilled at restoration. Bill proudly proclaims that Jack is often the one to help him restore items in stock along with many items such as his old neon signs in his personal collection. In a business and industry that likely has to face many ups and downs, Bill Rawski has truly established himself as one of the pros. He can pick out treasures from a pile of junk and pitch a genuinely beautiful concept to a client. Yet, despite all of his professional
success he maintains a down to earth persona and that is evident in the fact that he highlights it’s the local schools and students that keep him in business. They are the repeat customers that keep coming back and Zap Props is always willing to work within their budgets and give them an opportunity to bring their creative dreams to life; just as he continues to live his dream, going with the flow and experiencing the adventures that the antique world takes him on.
His daughter Simone
and his son John work side by side with
their father manning the ship that is Zap.
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In a business and industry that likely has to face many ups and downs, Bill Rawski has truly established himself as one of the pros. 46
Underdog Superhero:
Chicago Artist Hebru Brantley Brings Art to the People written by: Cora Vasseur layout by: jennifer lezan
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