Win Tickets to RISE Party by The Numbered Days

Apr 14, 2013 by Sami

You’re in for a treat when you’re going to an event thrown by the same folks that were crowned one of Chicago’s Best Parties of 2012 by HuffPost. 

I can’t tell you how great it feels to find an organization that accomplishes few of the things I love: Chicago music, giving back and throwing an amazing event that brings people together. 

The Numbered Days have generously provided me with a pair of tickets to give away to a lucky reader. With bands that include Gemini Club, Team Bayside High, and acts by Chicago Dance Crash, you know it’s going to be one of the best Saturdays of your year. Did I mention hosted drinks by Chicago favorite Revolution Brewery and Tito’s Vodka and free rides from UBER to new users? 

Want to score a pair? Enter your email below! It will only be used once, by yours truly, to send you an email whether you’ve won or not. Don’t forget to confirm your email once you sign-up! 

Also, contest ends on April 17, 2013 and when the time on my computer shows 12:01 a.m. CST.

 

 

 

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Check this Music Out: The xx

Mar 25, 2013 by Sami

What do I wish for when I hear The xx? That they’d play at Lollapalooza this year. After all, I’ve missed them when they were here in Chicago last year because I was on my way to Tokyo. Funny thing, they just left Tokyo before coming to the US. Some where over the ocean, we might have crossed paths.  

I then fantasize about meeting them in person to thank them for what they’ve accomplished. Their music is the type of stuff that gets you through a rough breakup or a 2 hour train ride. In my opinion, it gives your heartache an appropriate level of drama. Admittedly  I was introduced to them when they came out with their second album, Coexist. Maybe it was because the first one I heard but I prefer their sophomore album to the first one (or maybe it’s the missing band member). It’s one of the few albums that I can play on repeat for a while and I will never realize where it finishes or starts—some might think it’s because every song in the record sound like the one after but I disagree. I love this album because of its ability to teach the listener to let go and accept. It’s not about giving up on love or being happy after a loved one has left. To me, Coexist is about accepting reality and dealing with the awful feeling of being utterly lonely and coming out of it being able to breath better. 

Sunset might be the standout for me. Hearing “When I see you again// And I’m greeted as a friend// It is understood// That we did all we could” absolutely crushes me but then makes me happy—very much like a sunset does. Then again, I don’t think I can pick a favorite, the entire thing is absolutely amazing. Give is a listen on Spotify then go buy the album! If you’re lucky, check them out live, you’ll be blown away. 

 

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Check this Music Out: KOREAN POP STYLE, Kim Bo Kyung

Aug 25, 2011 by Sami

Justin is a great friend of mine. He’s one of the few who encouraged me to start a blog few years ago. He’s also a great writer and have proofread my posts before.  He’s much funnier than I am and the idea of him guest posting here was tossed between the two of us several times before we decided that it has to be done! I couldn’t be more excited to have him contribute and with his quirky style, loving him is not going to be hard at all!

Once a week for the next 4 weeks or so I’ll include a post from Justin of a Korean pop song (KPop is what it’ll be referred to from this point forward) he likes and a paragraph or two as a companion to the song.

Kim Bo Kyung – Suddenly

This song is from the soundtrack to “City Hunter,” a K-Drama that was originally a Japanese manga. I saw about 10 minutes of it and spent 9 minutes and 59 seconds ranting at the TV. Even for K-drama, it’s super childish and just…awful.

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Check this Music Out: FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS

Aug 15, 2011 by Sami

Fitz and the Tantrums are kind of like your sassy girl friend that will tell it like it is when it comes to love advice. Not to sound like a judge on Project Runway finale episode but it felt like their album was a cohesive collection of songs that could stand out on their own but together told a bigger picture. Songs like “News 4 U” fill me with the kind of empowerment I’m used to getting from goddesses like Nina Simone. That’s another reason I love Fitz, they give me songs that I would expect from a jazz diva. It’s not Fitz’s personality but his soulful voice that reminds me of these jazz legends. That aside, I don’t think I’ve seen a team that has so much chemistry between each other and so much fun on stage. That coupled with their genuine enthusiasm to be in front of the audience is a good reason enough to check them out. They’ll rile you up, teach you how to give the middle finger to your ex and start a dance party in the duration of five minutes or less!

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Check this Music Out: ELLIE GOULDING

Aug 7, 2011 by Sami

I never realized how much I loved live music until I went to Lollapalooza this year. It was absolutely my favorite weekend this summer!

I then realized something else, I realized how much I loved non-headliners. I enjoyed the big names like Eminem and even Coldplay but there’s something so contagious about the energy coming out of the newer acts in music. They’re always so happy and appreciative to be performing and are always giving it their all. Again, I’m not saying that the bigger names don’t but this is different.

I think the reason I am starting this section of my blog is because great music is a huge part of the many wonderful experiences that Chicago offers and I would love to share a little bit of what I encounter with everyone else. It won’t be long reviews- just a few sentences here and there along with a video to get you started.

I saw Ellie Goulding earlier this year and felt completely in love with her! More than have an amazing voice and beautiful videos, she is one of the best performers I have seen. There’s so much energy coming out of her and you can’t help but get infected by it and before you know it, you’re dancing around and singing along with her. Her biggest talent might just be doing acoustic. A truly magical.

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