First off, Hats off to our BULLS!!! After a long season they bring home the championship again!!! Thanks guys!!! Let’s just hope that this dynasty can last one more year!!!

    Matthew McBride, one of the coolest musicians around Chicago, is best described as a kind of jukebox. Yell out a song or band at him and he’ll play it....well!!!! (Tell him Richie from 7th heaven said to play Oasis) You can catch Matthew at Durty Nellies on Tuesday and Carlos Murphy’s on Sunday’s. You have to see Matt play, he brings back true ENTERTAINMENT. Chicago’s hottest new band, EXTRAVERY, is currently working on a new CD titled “American Invasion”. The CD as well as a new video will be available on July 31. Watch your local publications carefully for their upcoming shows. EXTRAVERY is hanging out in Chicago as long as they can before their UK tour. It’s only a matter of time before the record labels out there become impatient for their arrival. Also, watch for the new Wesley Willis song called (guess what?) “EXTRAVERY”. Contact Offbeat Productions (773)549-9111 or Offbeatpro@aol.com for further information and bookings. The Squares, who you might remember as The Answer or Bang, released their 12 Song CD called ‘The Squares’ which is located at Sam Goody (Spring Hill, Woodfield), Bogarts and through mail at P.O. Box 176, Marengo, IL 60152. Their music can be described as pop rock, which is a nice change of pace for the music scene. They played at summerjam and did a great performance.

    7th heaven has been busy working on a few new songs and a 4th 70’s and 80’s medley. They are booked thru October and would like you to join up on their mailing list by sending your name and address to: P.O. Box 66473, Chicago, IL 60666 or Email at: RICH777@aol.com. They have a bunch of cool shows in the month of July. July 3-4 they play at Four Lakes Pub in Lisle and July 5th at Taste of Palatine (All Ages) in the day and Durty Nellies at night. July 12 they play at the newly remodeled Pop’s in Roselle. July 18 at Penny Road Pub. July 24 at Durty Nellies. July 25 at the Backstage Pass party at Synergy. And July 26 at Honest Johns in Elk Grove.

    Liquid Soul just played a awesome set at Durty Nellies, this band has to be one of the best bands to see in Chicagoland. They can been seen playing all over Chicagoland in various line-ups for a little while longer. Catch them before they get too big. For all you people who need a good kick in the ass... I mean a really good time. The time is here for you to see ALTERNATE SOCIETY. Playing original music & all the popular covers. Saturday July 12 at Penny Road Pub/with “Big Hello” opening, Saturday July 19 at J.P. Duggan’s, or Saturday July 26 at Season Tickets.

    Pinch (sounds of low-tek) has a showcase for some indie-labels at Phyllis’ Musical Inn in Chicago on July 26 at 11pm. Check out there web site with song clips and video at: Afternight.com.

    Enuff Z’Nuff is playing at the Holiday Star Theatre in Indiana on July 3 with REO Speedwagon. They also will be hitting the road in July with Collective Soul and Jackyl.

    KRoM is a heavy “Power Groove Metal” band- almost thrashy groove. They have been together for a few years now but just started to do shows recently. They have a six song tape titled “Six Ways From Sunday” that will soon be available their gigs. KRoM will be playing at Smiler Coogans in Chicago on Saturday July 19th. You can always reach ‘em at 773-685-SLAM or email ‘em at RUDEDRUM@aol.com. Their web page is www.atmnet.com/~riddler/alchemy/krom Members of the Backstage Pass staff were invited to a M.O.B. Fest industry showcase held for one of the South side’s most talked about new bands - VIVID. The event was staged at 35th Street Studios located by Sox Park. A full room of friends and industry personnel watched enthusiastically as the band ripped through a strong set. Chicago rock enthusiasts will recognize guitarist Nick Sikich formerly of Red Light recording artist JOKER, and drummer John Horvath formerly of Columbia recording act THE HOUNDS. Bass player Chuck Comanse came from COUNTER ATTAK and singer Heather Peters fronted the Indiana unit known as TAXI. Their new band VIVID already has a nine song CD out and was well received by the music professionals in the room. Were there really some A & R reps in the room? If so they were treated to an unbelievable performance. Keep your eyes and ears open for this great new group!

    The new local buzz, the Big Daddy Roaches, are putting the final touches on their upcoming EP release “Anyway” with Bob Pucci at Metropolis Studios. Catch up with the Roaches on the main stage at Great America July 5 or closer to home at the U.S.Beer Co. on July 11.

    Grasshopper, known for improvising and just jamming (ala Grateful Dead), have a couple shows in July that you should check out. First, July 19 is at Magoos Underground Lounge in Wrigleyville at Clark and Sheffield. And July 25 is at Wrigleyside opening for the Wingnuts.

    Minus 350 is a FUN band that you have to see... they’re a punk/pop band that puts on a great live show. They will be in the studio working on a 15-song CD that should be out around late August.

    Truce is busy writing new songs and should be out in August. They have been popping up opening for 7th heaven at a few shows lately. You can see them July 18 at Penny Road Pub with 7th heaven.

    Tracer, a hard rock band, has just released a 6-song EP. You can get the CD through the bands hotline number 708.822.9902. Or at the next couple of shows; July 12 at Barrington Rock House and July 25 at Nightwaves.

    Speaking of Barrington Rock House, many people have confused the Barrington Rock House, which is located on Barrington Rd in Streamwood (formally Mikes Place) with The Rock House located on Algonquin Rd. in Rolling Meadows. Both clubs have bands. Hope that cleared up a few things.

    Want to ‘Shake your Booty’ while your at the ‘Car Wash’? I mean come on, “You Should Be Dancin” and after a Generations show, you think “I will survive” (for now that is, until next time). Chicago’s Retro band Generations is playing every Friday 10:30pm at the Waterloo in Lincoln Park, Chicago. They also can be seen at ‘The Taste of Chicago’ July 1, and July 12 at Synergy. Check ‘em out!!!

LOOKING TO JAM

    Nick Cox (formally of 7th heaven, Cuttlass, and Theatre) and Mike White (Cuttlass) are putting together a progressive hard rock band. Influences are Queen to Dream Theatre. They need a Drummer with a GREAT meter, a Rhythm Guitar player and a Vocalist. You can reach Nick at 773.866.9594 or page Mike at 312.901.9980.

    If your into Zeppelin, Ozzy, Metallica and Dream Theatre and you play Guitar or Sing then call Dan at 847.367.1747 to audition for their band. They are from the Vernon Hills area.

    “Resurrection Mary” is seeking a singer and lead guitar player. They sound like Soundgarden meets Saigon Kick. They have a practice space, contacts, and songs. From the Northwest Suburbs. Call Mike at 630.213.9644 or Email him at PWRMAC7600@aol.com.

    The progressive, creative rock band MUTT is seeking a bass player & singer. Great opportunity for goal oriented team players. Recording & Touring in the very near future. At this point the band consists of Randy Raatz on guitar & Paul Edelstein on drums. They can be reached at 630 603-3033 or 630 603-1328 or E-Mail them EDELDRUM@aol.com.

    Alex (formally of the band ‘Siin’) has a new band Teeze. They are looking for two Guitar Players and a Bass Player. With a sound like 80’s/90’s Original Rock. They have songs and a practice space. Call Alex at 773.745.4522

    Guitarist and drummer wanted to join keyboardist for improvising and composing. Influences: Genesis, Rush, Yes, Marillion, Dream Theater, Peter Gabriel, Kings X etc. Call Len at 630-628-7373

    KISS. Paul, Peter, and Ace searching for Gene! Forming tribute band in the northwest suburbs. Full makeup and stage show. Blood spitting a must. Fire Breathing a plus! For more info call Kevin at 847-885-7672 or Mike at 630-213-9644

    If you would like to submit any info for this column, you can E-Mail AMPpro@aol.com or write in to P.O. Box 753 Downers Grove, Il. 60515

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