The promotion heads behind Lava and its monthly house party, Grizzled, are hoping to keep the momentum going from last month’s largely successful West Fest event on Chicago Avenue. The headlining house antics Derrick Carter and The Sound Republic were enough to remind everyone that house music is alive and well in Chicago, even as the summer winds down its joyful, sunny ride. This month, its Belgium’s Massimo DaCosta bringing back the funky, feel-good bass that has shied from the spotlight in recent months. As one half of production duo Vernon & DaCosta, the DJ/producer has bumped his way onto esteemed labels including Aroma, Amenti and OM, to name a few. With his slow smile and composed demeanor on the decks, DaCosta is the kind of performer they never see coming. Before they know what drops, house heads and partygoers alike realize that he’s the kind of DJ who can work a room into a frenzy without ever playing hard. DaCosta’s return appearance to Chicago marks the last Grizzled party at Lava before the night changes its formatting to showcase resident DJs The Sound Republic and Karl Almaria on the first Saturdays of each month. It also marks the last show charging a $5 cover charge. (Jenn Danko)
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
Do It Again: A Preview of Brian Wilson at Horseshoe Hammond While today former bandmate Mike Love leads a group calling itself the Beach Boys, that band features no Brian Wilson. Wilson’s group, on the other hand, includes original Beach Boys member Al Jardine as well as late-prime-era Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin, and is jaw-droppingly facile at recreating the Beach Boys sound.
