Chicago Hot Spots Human First Gala
Joan W. Irving B. Harris Theater / May 12th The annual Human First Gala recognizes and celebrates individuals, businesses and corporations that have contributed to the local LGBT community. This year’s featured musical performances include k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven 7
Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center / May 17th and May 19th The 80-piece Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 under conductor Jaap van Zweden, as well as Vaughan Wiliams’ Tuba Concerto, featuring Gene Pokorny.
The Beach Boys
The Chicago Theatre / May 21st The Beach Boys are back together for a reunion tour! Consisting of brothers Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, and their cousin Mike Love, the four have been making music since high school and released many energetic and carefree pop hits such as “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Surfin’ USA.”
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Riviera Theatre / May 24th Best known for their hit song “Home,” indie/folk rock band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros consist of thirteen members playing a variety of instruments. Note: there isn’t actually anyone named Edward Sharpe in the band.
Vanilla Ice
Viper Alley / May 18th Vanilla Ice, of “Ice Ice Baby” fame, has created a new image since his attempted suicide in 1994. He will be bringing a harder, darker style of music he describes as metal molten hip hop.
Local Scene Hollows
Hollows is a primarily female band started by bassist Emma Hospelhorn and organist Maria Jenkins through a Craigslist ad. The band has since grown to a five-piece, consisting of four women, Hospelhorn, Jenkins, Hannah Harris and Megan Kasten, and one man, Jason Davlantes. While Hospelhorn and Jenkins remain the primary songwriters, much of the quintet’s charm comes from the fact that they are part of a dwindling number of primarily girl bands. They combine a vintage 1960s girl group feel with a taste of pop punk. Despite being different in a male powered genre, Hollows doesn’t feel the pressure to fit into a certain standard. They try to embrace the fun, carefree side of music, as much as punk. Hollows recently released a twelve track album titled Vulture and are hosting a release party for their local fans in May. -CP