Today, March 8, marks International Women's Day, which is dedicated to celebrating Women's achievements and calling for greater equality. Whenever I think about my experiences growing up in the 1990's and 2000's, I feel thankful that I not only had strong female role models in my own life, but also in popular culture. Around the time that I became attune to popular music, the airwaves were flooded with hit after hit addressing female liberation and empowerment. When you grow up singing along to tunes with such strong statements, the message sinks in before you fully realize it. Below are five of my favorite female empowerment jams from my adolescence.
I was looking through some of my older blog entries, when I came across a few great stories I wrote way back when. I will do this from time to time when I feel like a story bears repeating since the content is pertinent. In this case, I am a big advocate for the music scene in Chicago. Jam sessions have a particular role amongst musicians since they began doing them many years ago. Chicago has a robust jam session scene and the tradition continues. I wrote this story a while back. Many of the artists I mention in story, still continue to participate in those sessions. I wanted to bring this story back since Rose Colella who now has a new album called "Cocktail". I hope to review the CD and interview her soon. You can get your copy here at rosecolella.com or on iTunes. Enjoy!
The holidays are upon us and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or you simply enjoy buying gifts for your loved ones, Rhythm Section One has some ideas for the music lover in your life. While an iTunes or Amazon gift card is always nice, consider these fun suggestions instead.
The 48th Annual CMA Awards happened tonight in Nashville, TN. Below is our live play by play of the show.
Without a doubt the strongest pop album of 2014 is 1989 by Taylor Swift. This comes as no surprise to me- I'm a diehard Taylor Swift fan. Over the past six years, Taylor inspired many hairbrush karaoke sessions for me. Her songs boast thousands of plays on my iPod. And I've seen her four times in concert, including once on every one of her headlining US tours.
Lollapalooza celebrated their 10th year in Grant Park with a festival full of good music, green initiatives and tasty food last weekend.
I received Panic! At The Disco's first full length album, "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" as a sixteenth birthday present and then proceeded to bury some teenage angst between the lines of their witty lyrics with every listen. Now, nine years later, the make up and sound of the band has shifted throughout the years, but one thing's for sure- Panic! still turn every live performance into an infectious dance party.
Confetti and streamers burst into the air, fire shot up off the stage and two of the nation's biggest pop punk bands combined forces on Friday night to give fans a bigger show than they've ever seen from either artist- one deserving of the title Monumentour.
Last night, I had the pleasure of taking in a couple of sets at Blue Chicago at 536 N Clark Street. It’s an ode to a more simple time. Wooden chairs adorn the old creaky floors. The lighting is non-existent; all but the spotlight marks the room. It’s a tiny stage, large enough for only 3 musicians at time. (In fact, the keys players had to set up on dance floor below). The drinks were flowing, and feet were stomping! By 11:30 PM the cheers from the crowd was only matched by the intensity of the artists. The spirit of the blues breathes effortlessly in this small club dedicated to preserving a most important art form.
The music. The laughter. The hugs. The joy. For one night, Millennium Park became the epicenter of arguably Chicago’s greatest musical pioneer. The Frankie Knuckles Tribute Party was one of the best outdoor events of the year that transcended its purpose, bringing thousands of people together in memory of Frankie Knuckles.