The e-mail continues to pour in, many thanks to everyone for their contributions and keep sending that news to AMPpro@aol.com or do it the old fashioned way and write to us at PO BOX 753 - Downers Grove, Il 60515.

    On Aug 22nd and 23rd over 20 bands got together and held a benefit for Julie Lounges of the BEAT MAGAZINE at J.J.Kelley's in Lansing. The whole affair was put together by the great guys from SoPro Productions, Gary and Buddy. For a show of support several of the members of the Backstage Pass staff ventured down to what is truly one of the hottest rockin' spots on the south side. It was time well spent as we got to see some great bands pull together to raise money for the hospital bills for the wife of Tommy Lounges who is the publisher of the Beat. He has always been a very enthusiastic supporter of the Indiana and southern Chicago scene, and you could see how much his efforts over the years have been appreciated by the huge turnout to the show. The place was packed, and band after band expressed their best wishes and thanks for all the Lounges family had done for them. Highlights of the night included strong short sets by ENUFF Z’NUFF, GRAVEL-BONE, KORPORAL PUNISHMENT, and NEARLY HUMAN among others. Special recognition goes out to the band VIVID who really helped to put the whole thing together and played a superb quick set. This is one new band who is getting stronger with each performance. It was truly a cool thing to see something that resembled an actual scene happening. J.J. Kelley's has definitely developed their own and I'm sure no one would dispute that Tom Lounges and the BEAT magazine are a big part of driving it. Kudos to all involved. You all proved that the rock community can be a very strong force when it comes together as one. We were happy to be included. Good luck Julie and Tom Lounges!

    Congratulations goes out to David Rosen on recently acquiring the former J.P. Duggans nightclub in Schaumburg. The familiar live rock club has been host to dozens of great bands over the years and will continue to do so under it's new name CHAMPIONS. Chris Grier takes the helm as the general manager. Bookings are handled in house. Talk with Chris. The new management team is currently putting together a killer first month. Call 847-891-3550 for further information.

    Reports are circulating that Chicago's favorite Alice In Chains tribute SLUDGE FACTORY are gearing up for some serious touring action in November. It seems they've hooked up with a national agent who has slated them to start off the adventure in Florida. Is a name change imminent? What do you think of changing the moniker to DIRT? It would be instantly identifiable as an Alice tribute that way. Just a thought...

    Backstage Pass would like to congratulate Bob Celosky, our new editor.Thank you Bob for all your strong efforts, may your success continue!

    Forgotten Toys will be performing at the benefit for Paw’s Critter Crossing, a facility where sick and injured animals are cared for until they can be returned to their habitat. The show is Friday, September 12 at J.J. Kelley’s with Winterkill, Iron Vein, and Shoemaker. For more information on Paw’s Critter Crossing call 708-758-2761 or J.J. Kelley’s at 708-474-9977. The Toys will also perform at the Backstage Pass show Wednesday, September 24 at the Double Door with The Swirlees, Extravery, Other, and Mother Sun.

    Suffer Urtha has just finished recording a fresh batch of material with Doug McBride and Chad Adams at Gravity. The band will be giving out a free sampling at their next show at the Double Door. Watch local listings for the date or log on to www.sufferurtha.com. or e-mail them at sufurtha@interaccess.com.

    News of one of Chicago's newest old reforming bands hit the streets last month. A new band called DUPRATT, formerly known as Stikky Suite has evolved. After a break up of nearly three years, they have reformed and added a second guitarist. The lineup consists of Kayze Dupratt on Vocals, Dusty Raven on bass, Jeff Trixx on drums, Koko Stevens on guitar, and also on guitar - Harley of Society's Child. They are a straight forward hard rock band. Their first show is September 19th at Smiler Coogans.

    If you're a fan of the blues and like the "High Energy" style of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, you'll appreciate the music of The Jeff Zak Band. The Jeff Zak Band is a high energy blues band from Chicago. They have a new album out entitled "Things We Need". The band performs around the Chicago metro area, as well as Northwest Indiana and Southern Wisconsin. The Jeff Zak Band has a new web page: http://members.aol.com/jzkog where you can obtain band information, show dates, pictures and song samples from their debut album. You can also order tapes, cd's, and tour shirts (coming soon).

    Helping bring back the likes of Parliament, Funkadelic, Kool and The Gang, and The Doors, is a new funk/rock band from the South Side, The Elderly Apes. This band has a style ranging from funk chords to rap beats. If you're interested in bringing back the funk, e-mail The Elderly Apes at WwTEAwW@aol. com and let them know. The band could also use a few horn players, age doesn't matter.

    It has been a couple of busy and exciting months for Morton Grove's very own songwriter, Stuart Jacobson. He's receiving airplay from his newly released CD, "Romance Theatre" and The Chicago Bulls played two cuts from his CD over their PA system the night they won their fifth NBA Championship. Stuart Jacobson has also received a special invitation to perform at the famous Bluebird Care in Nashville, Tennessee for a songwriters showcase.

    For those lucky enough to attend the Fates Warning show in August, at the House of Blues, you were treated to Chicago's very own Captain Crush. This non-stop power house trio has been entertaining fans around Chicago and is now expanding their tour to include the rest of America to promote their debut release, Grounded. The album is an aggressive mix of great songwriting, powerful vocals, and slamming music. If you want your own copy, Grounded is available at Tower Records in Schaumburg, Hip Cat in Wheeling, Bogarts in Addison, and Impulse Music in Roselle and Sam Goody, Woodfield in Schaumburg. You may also contact Captain Crush at 630-838-1082. If you missed them in August, you can get to know Captain Crush up-close and personal at Barrington Rock House on September 5, and Riley's Rock House on October 4.

    Thanatopsis, a heavy-rock group, out of Braidwood, IL has released their first CD entitled “Braking Their Chains”. The CD can be found at Discount Records in Frankfort for $12.99. Visit Thanatopsis at their web page at www.nd.edu/~kdechant

    Lungbrush is currently working on their album which will be called “Old School/New School”. Look for it by the end of the year.

    Ballistic has just gotten out of the studio and are releasing a 7 song CD entitled “Stuck”. Their sound is influenced by Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Downset, Powerman 5000, Korn, Helmet, and Coal Chamber; but the Ballistic’s sound is their own and completely original.

    For the fans of pop jazz, Tyrone Blair and TailorMade are performing at the Fairmont Hotel's Metropole 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Tuesday thru Thursday, and 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM Friday and Saturday. The cover charge for Friday and Saturday shows is $5.00. To contact the band e-mail them at TBWE@aol.com

    NINE 24 will be hosting an album release party Friday, October 3rd at Penny Road Pub in South Barrington, in support of their debut full length CD entitled “Five Bucks A Cup...” The band promises the show of a lifetime so don’t miss this one. For a sample of NINE 24 music (as well as other surprises) call toll free 1-888-SEX-W924.

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