In the mid 1990s, a Destroy All Music Festival held at the Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Wicker Park featured bands like Carnival de Carnitas, Scissor Girls, Blowhole and DragKing.
Santa Claus (Chris 31)
Batteries Not Included in Lincoln Park, had a brief life in the 1980s showcasing scrappy young bands ready to surprise. The 1980s club Gaspars in Lakeview, became Schubas and continues to host live music several days a week.
Not Ready For Marriage (Chris 30)
In the 1920s, JR Stewart was one of many companies that manufactured banjo ukuleles during the first uke boom. Ukes became popular again in recent decades in part thanks to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
You Know My Number is Changed (Grandma 8)
The life of a pastors wife in midcentury midwest involved missionary
work and potlucks but also social clubs to discuss books and hear
lectures about graphonalysis.
Piano Man (Chris 29)
Billy Joel’s Piano Man was inspired by playing at a bar in Los Angeles. Two classic piano bars from that era, Nye’s Polonaise Room in Minneapolis and The Red Fox Room in San Diego continue to thrive after more than fifty years in business.
Paul Mason Fotsch 