Any future history of Chicago hip-hop would be incomplete without a chapter about rapper Lucki. Starting with his startling 2013 debut, Alternative Trap, he’s been shaping and tightening a distinctive style built on forlorn storytelling and a languorous flow. His zonked-out affectations can make his songs seem tossed off, but when you listen deeper, the vulnerability, anxiety, and tension he carries in his gritty groan strike you with full force. Lucki has been on a remarkable streak the past couple years, and his third full-length in 15 months, May’s Almost There (Lucki/Empire), lands like a three-pointer in the final seconds of a blowout second quarter in game seven of the NBA finals. Lucki fits vivid tales strewn with drugs, fast cars, and heartbreak into songs that barely break two minutes, and his subtle inflections lend each track a noirish gravitas. As dark as he can get, he steers away from the morose; on “Pure Love-Hate,” Lucki’s voice threads through a brittle bell melody and a melting vocal sample with a subtle uplift that gives his story of a past dalliance a sense of spiritual fulfillment. v
Like so many other musicians based in New York, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and pianist Kris Davis migrated there. Davis moved from Canada in 2001; Laubrock was born and raised in Germany, then spent nearly a decade in England before moving to the U.S. in 2009. For as long as they’ve lived in the same neck of the woods, they’ve appeared on each other’s records, and for a time they played together in the trio Paradoxical Frog with drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Blood Moon, their first recording as a duo, exploits their exacting attunement to each other’s idiosyncratic moves. On the hushed Davis original “Flying Embers,” their adjacent pitches shimmer like the haze of an open flame, in sustained tones and short, pianissimo phrases that make you forget what instruments you’re hearing. The pianist’s restrained touch on the title track, a Laubrock composition, seems to place her notes inside the tenor saxophone’s sound. And on the improvisation “Gunweep,” soprano saxophone and piano exchange roles from second to second, each threading quicksilver phrases through the other’s staccato rhythms. Every one of the album’s nine pieces is a distinct, absorbing world unto itself. v
In the months since Rogers Park native Stevon Odueze graduated from Northern Illinois University in December, he’s been singularly focused on transforming his music from an undergraduate extracurricular activity into a career. And judging from the pop-forward hip-hop he’s released in the past six months, he’s well on his way. As OG Stevo, Odueze encodes melody into the DNA of his mike technique to supercharge his instrumentals–even when he’s not outright singing, he often ends his rapped lines with a honeyed lilt. The sweet, ebullient hook on February’s “Neighborhood Hero,” a song about departed friends, gives it an irrepressible joy that’s strong enough to make sure their memory lasts for generations. Odueze carries that energy into his latest EP, April’s The Last OG (OG Music Group), which packs euphoria into even its most sorrowful songs; atop the melancholy acoustic guitar and doleful keys of “Voices in My Head,” he unloads a tight string of bars with such power that it’s clear he can meet whatever challenges lie ahead. v
A vacation sounds pretty good right about now, doesn’t it? Or it would in a world without COVID-19, large-scale lockdowns, and an overabundance of existential dread. Seoul-based Korean/Japanese duo Tengger can’t do anything about the pandemic, but their music can provide a bit of a mental escape, or at least uplift the spirit. Inspired by their own experiences traveling, the group create meditative, light-as-silk sound sculptures by interweaving drone, psychedelia, Krautrock, and new age music with occasional field recordings and wordless vocals. On their latest album, Nomad, Tengger embrace the natural universe; chirping birds and sung melodies from vocalist and harmonium player Itta lend a bright spirit to opening track “Achime,” before the birds seem to swoop down over a cliff to reveal softly crashing waves on the following track, “Bliss.” Though Tengger’s 2019 album, Spiritual, dealt more in pulsating textures and gritty noise, Nomad is serene. Krautrock rhythms still appear on tracks such as “Eurasia,” but the album’s overall sense of movement feels more like the airy flow of shapeshifting clouds than the mechanical throb of earthbound machines. Nomad wouldn’t sound out of place played in the background at a spa, but by the end of its long-form closer, “Flow,” you’ll be convinced that’s a good thing. v
Jason Wilber is known to audiences around the world for his impeccable guitar tones and tasteful playing in support of the late John Prine over the past 25 years. As Prine’s musical director, Wilber helped steer him back to the minimal sound of his records from the early 70s and, in the process, showcased that material’s lyrical and emotional weight. Throughout, Wilber also released his own impressive body of work. His latest album, Time Traveler, is his finest hour; its transfixing songs are as quiet and sparsely arranged as Prine audiences have come to expect from Wilber onstage, but the style is unmistakably his own. “I was there at the dawn of the here and the now when I opened my eyes and cried,” he sings in the first lines of the title track, which opens the record. “And throughout the years, all of my fears have come true a thousand times.” These meditative folk songs circle a central theme: the negligence of humans toward the environment and themselves. But Wilber is too good a songwriter to write mere polemics. These songs are their own excursions into reflective dreamscapes (“The Old Ones”), folk blues (“Spider”), acoustic pop (“Dust to Dust”), and other prime singer-songwriter fare. His protagonists are often outcasts: In “The Disappearance of Bigfoot,” Sasquatch is a wild beast attuned to her world until the scent of man wafts by and gets her running. In “Living Space,” an astronaut tumbles through the stratosphere and figures out that space “wasn’t what it was supposed to be . . . I miss my dog / I miss my family.” Wilber has a unique perspective about the planet too: “We took it all for granted like a spoiled kid / Now we live to regret it.” Wilber’s relaxed vocals, like Paul Simon’s, make those kinds of lines hang an extra beat until their gravity brings up a lump in your throat. Time Traveler isn’t a drum record: Wilber’s finely laced guitar and mandolin arrangements are accented by Susan Anderson’s violin and Shannon Hayden’s cello. Producer Paul Mahern (a studio veteran from Bloomington, Indiana, who’s worked with the likes of Blake Babies and John Mellencamp) makes every moment glow. Despite its somber themes, nothing on Time Traveler is meant to dull the pain; instead, these songs will likely make you feel at peace living with it. v
As more and more victories are achieved across the nation from the protests following the killing of George Floyd, momentum for the Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow. If you’re looking to join the cause, here are a few Chicago marches happening this summer you can participate in to enact change (thank you to Angelíca Grace for compiling these on Instagram!).
Photo Credit: Muros Facebook
Chicago Artists Raising COVID-19 Relief Funds
Trying to help Black lives and those affected by COVID-19? We’ve got you. Check out these Chicago artists raising funds for COVID-19 Relief.
This march begins at Horner Park, heads to Roosevelt High School, and finds its terminus at the Police Station at Pulaski and Lawrence. Come one, come all, and don’t forget your mask.
Photo Credit: Portage and Jefferson Parks Unite for Black Lives Facebook Event Page
This march begins with a short rally at 45th Ward Alderman Jim Gardiner’s Office and then heads to the 16th Precinct CPD headquarters at 5151 N. Milwaukee. Masks are extremely encouraged, but for those taking extra precautions, a car caravan will follow marchers when the rally moves towards the 16th precinct headquarters. The organizers make clear that this is a peaceful protest. Anyone demonstrating “any signs of hate speech, inciting violence, harassment of attendees, or destruction” will be asked to leave the protest.
Photo Credit: End Northside Racism: Demand Tunney & Alderpeople Support CPAC Facebook Event Page
Beginning at Lakeview Lutheran Church, which is across from the District 19 Police Department, and running its course by 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney’s Office, this march’s main objective is to get 44th and 43rd Aldermans Tom Tunney and Michele Smith, respectively, to support the Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC), which currently is 7 Aldermen short. As with all protests on this list, the organizers make clear that this is a peaceful protest.
Photo Credit: Stop the Murder, Stop the Torture: Free Them All – CPAC Now! Facebook Event Page
“In 2014, Ronald ‘RonnieMan’ Johnson was shot and killed at 53rd and King Drive. He was 25 years old.”
Ronald’s mother, Dorothy Holmes, will speak at the site where her son was killed. This march demands the release for those arrested for protesting for justice for George Floyd and for those in prisons, jails, and detention centers, amid COVID-19 concerns. It also asks for support of CPAC by the remaining Alderpeople.
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Photo Credit: Drag March For Change Facebook Event Page
Starting in the Boystown community in Lakeview Chicago, the march begins at Belmont and Halsted and ends at Halsted and Grace where drag community leaders (such as RuPaul participants like Shea Couleé, The Vixen, and Dida Ritz) will “speak on the issues of today, the mission at hand, and ways to create and promote lasting impactful change for a better future for all.” Allies are welcome and aren’t required to be in drag, but masks are very much encouraged. With similar demands of justice and CPAC support like other the protests, this march also calls for the reclassification of violence against trans individuals as a hate crime, as it should be.
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Photo Credit: March For US 2020 – Million Man March, Chicago Facebook Event Page
This march falls on Juneteenth (June 19th), the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. In light of that, the organizers want to make clear that even now, “injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.”
Photo Credit: Chicago Peace And Equality Juneteenth Rally & Celebration 2020 Facebook Event Page
Also on Juneteenth, this rally is offering shirts and masks as a show of uniformity until supplies run out. This march calls for the creation of CPAC, redistribution of Chicago Police Department funding, education and job resources for the Black community, just for Black lives lost to police brutality, and the celebration of Black Independence from slavery.
Photo Credit: Shift Chicago March/Gathering Facebook Event Page
Organized by The Shifting, the objectives of this march is to voice community concerns, demand reconstruction in the justice system, spread education, contact legislators, propose legislation, and engage in community love and compassion.
Photo Event: Chicago Musician March For Equality & Change Event Page
This march comes with music, and participants are encouraged to bring acoustic and percussive instruments to amplify and harmonize with the collective sound of the march. It begins in Lincoln Park at Julia Porter Park at the intersection of Fullerton, Lincoln, and Halsted, and ends in Wicker Park at the intersection of North, Milwaukee, and Damen.
Chicago is in Phase 3 of reopening, which means that many “nonessential” businesses are once again opening their doors to customers. For some folks, this means finally getting a haircut, or getting their nails done — for some, it means finally getting that tattoo they’ve dreamed up during quarantine. If you’re itching for some new ink, check out these 10 Chicago tattoo shops that have recently reopened.
Photo Credit: Chicago Ink
Chicago Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
3200 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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Located in Avondale near Milwaukee and Belmont, Chicago Ink first opened in early 2009 and has made its triumphant return as part of the city’s Phase 3 of reopening.
Photo Credit: Tattoo Factory Facebook
Tattoo Factory
4441 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
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Since opening on June 4, this Uptown tattoo shop has continued to do brisk business in new ink. It originally opened in 1976 and has held the title of Chicago’s oldest running tattoo studio. Since by now you might hold the title for longest-worn work-from-home-outfit, it might be time to fresh things up and get some new ink.
Photo Credit: Great Lakes Facebook
Great Lakes Tattoo
1148 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
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Established in 2013 in the West Loop, Great Lakes is ready to accommodate a wide variety of design ideas you’ve been concocting while stuck at home for the past 37 years (has it really only been 3 months?) — the artists here are well-versed in a number of different styles.
Photo Credit: Tatu Tattoo
Tatu Tattoo
1754 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
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Trendy Wicker Park has recently seen the return of this North Avenue tattoo studio. Open since 1993, Tatu and its artists welcome walk-ins and all manner of design ideas from clients. Maybe just don’t get the name of your quarantine bae inked on your arm yet.
Photo Credit: Taylor Street Tattoo
Taylor Street Tattoo
1150 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
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Taylor Street has been a part of Little Village since 2004 and known partly for its connection to famed Hawaii-based tattoo artist Norman Keith Collins (also known as Sailor Jerry), who mentored one of the Taylor Street’s original co-founders. The shop specializes in more traditional, “bright, bold” tattooing.
Photo Credit: Dream City
Dream City Tattoos
7172 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60707
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You can once again get the ink of your dreams at this shop located on Grand Avenue in the Montclare neighborhood. Dream City was founded in 2011 to cater to all sorts of ideas for both tattoo design and piercings.
Photo Credit: Jade Dragon
Jade Dragon Tattoo
5331 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
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This Cragin neighborhood tattoo spot has opened its doors once again to northwest-side clientele. It was founded in 1980 by tattoo artist Fat Joe and continues to operate on Belmont Avenue, selling itself as “Chicago’s Biggest, Best and Cleanest Tattoo Shop.” Even if your living space has gone to hell in a handbasket during quarantine, you can at least visit a clean tattoo shop that’s kept its standards up.
Photo Credit: Ageless Arts
Ageless Arts Tattoo
2407 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Another Little Village shop, Ageless Arts was established in 2002 and offers options for both tattooing and body piercing. We’ve all been aged a few years by this pandemic, so maybe a visit to Ageless Arts will slow the cascade.
Photo Credit: Tat Cave Facebook
The Tat Cave
3629 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
This tattoo and body piercing studio in the northwest corner of Chicago first opened almost 10 years ago and is run by tattoo artist Kidd Joe. Swap out the cave of your own home for a cave where you can at least get some ink or a piercing.
Photo Credit: Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
Speakeasy Custom Tattoo
1935 1/2 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Speakeasy is situated in a well-decorated, pleasantly-lit studio of the Flatiron Arts Building in Wicker Park, and recently opened its doors again to start work on custom creations for its clients. Stop by on North Avenue to get some ink depicting the new cocktail you invented during lockdown, or the spider you befriended (his name is Steven).
Great news: Chicago is starting to get back to normal! Restaurants and bars have welcomed back patrons to their outdoor patios. And with Father’s Day on the horizon, folks will be itching to treat their dads to a nice dinner. So we’ve rounded up the latest and greatest spots with Father’s Day deals for both dine-in and takeout.
Does your old man have a big appetite? Then spoil him with a three-course meal featuring a PrimeBone-in Ribeye and Lobster, available June 19 through 22 for $100 per person. Or if you’d rather stay home, Flemings will prepare the same meal to-go for curbside pickup or delivery. To book a seat on their patio, call ahead and reserve or you can place an order online.
Dad has always been your number fan. So show him some love with a sizzling Ribeye served with a cold water Lobster Tail, along with a salad and side. Prices range from $59 to $75. This special is available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery from June 19 through June 21. Get your reservations in now!
Let the chefs at Capital Grille handle the cooking this year. Indulge in a three-course dinner with a Prime Roasted Rack of Ribeye, Iceberg Wedge Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, and Homemade Cheesecake. And all Dads get a special gift: a jar of signature steak sauce. Serves 4 for $245 or 2 for $135. Place your order by phone for curbside pickup starting June 19.
Does Dad love to grill? Get him to put down the tongs and take him to Weber Grill on his special day. The restaurant will be offering finger-lickin’ barbeque featuring Memphis Style Ribs, Wild Mushroom New York Strip, and Pork Porterhouse as well as the full menu all day long. There’s limited seating on the outdoor patio so reserve your spot today. Or if you’d rather have Father’s Day at home, you can order online for pickup or delivery.
If your Dad’s a bourbon or wine guy, check out these fun, at-home grilling experiences. A bourbon kit includes samples of Basil Hayden’s, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek as well as a virtual tasting with a National Whiskey Ambassador on June 21st. A wine kit includes two bottles of wine. Both come with a customizable menu of a starter salad, entree, and dessert. $189 for each experience. Get your tickets here.
Dad deserves to be treated like a king. So if you’re ready to fire up the grill, get him a Father’s Day Grill Kit. Choose from 4 options: The Mini Manion a.k.a. Daddy’s Little Helper featuring Maximo Ribs from Timeout for $80, Backyard Hero featuring a Pork Shoulder, BBQ sauce, buns, and prepared sides for $140, The Papi Chulo featuring a 48 oz. Creekstone dry-aged Tomahawk Ribeye and an “El Che” apron for $200, or The Ultimate Steak Box featuring a Bone-in Ribeye, NY Strip, Ribeye, Beef Short Rib, Hangar Steak, and Filet for $220. Order your kit on Tock.
For pops who prefer crustaceans, Joe’s is serving up their classic Shellfish Meal for Four. The hearty offering includes 1 lb. of Alaskan King Crab Legs, 8 pieces of Select Florida Stone Crab Claws, a Chopped Salad, Grilled Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes, and Key Lime Pie for $199.95 (plus tax and gratuity). You can also add on select menu items, cocktails, or wine for an additional cost. Place your order online today.
Looking for something different for Dad? Celebrate Father’s Day at this popular Polish Restaurant in Wood Dale. U Gazdy will be dishing up their Sizzling Pork Shank Special all day long. Bonus: Dads and Grandpas will receive a special gift, while supplies last! Book your table today by calling (630) 694-5840.
Vegan and Vegetarian Dads need love too! Check out Handlebar for family-style meals of their plant-based favorites. Smoked Gouda Mac, Veggie Chili, and Fried Avocado Tacos each serve about 4-5 people with prices ranging from $9 to $35 per item. Order online for delivery or pickup.
If Dad loves meat, he’ll love Frontier for Father’s Day. Get your reservation in now for their #PapaBear patio party. Indulge in Baby Back Ribs, Boar Shoulder, Lamb Leg, or a Whole Pig by Chef Brian Jupiter, a 2019 and 2020 James Beard semi-finalist for Great Lakes. All Dads get a cigar and Uncle Nearest Cocktail to celebrate Father’s Day!
Father’s Day is right around the corner (June 21, in case you didn’t know!). If you are tired of giving your dad or father-figure yet another tie for every holiday, use this list as an inspiration for Chicago-themed Father’s Day gifts.
Even though the NFL season might be in jeopardy, fans will continue to support the Chicago Bears no matter what. This personalized decanter set is the perfect way for your dad to show off his support for his hometown team.
With the new series, “The Last Dance,” Michael Jordan is back in mainstream media again. Remind your father of the good-ole-days with this MJ-themed t-shirt.
This scrapbook gives an inside view into the coaches, owners, and players as they discuss momentum games and changes in the game. This limited edition memorabilia is officially licensed and shows you what influenced the Chicago Bears to be the team they are today.
Shop local and buy your dad some coffee beans from Dark Matter Coffee. You can also sign him up from a coffee subscription, for the gift that keeps on giving.
Refill your father’s liquor cabinet with a bottle (or two) of whiskey from Koval Distillery. If your dad isn’t a whiskey fan, they also sell gin and liqueurs like coffee or ginger liqueur.
Reckless Records is one of the most iconic record stores in Chicago. The Wicker Park store is filled with old and new treasures alike, ensuring you’ll find something that your father-figure will love.
The wall hanging is decorated with roughly 20 Chicago Bears authentic cards that have been placed behind the Bear’s logo. The cards vary, but ten to range from the 80’s to the present day. You can even request specific players if your dad has a favorite!
These coasters are for serious Blackhawks fans only and are filled with the greatest Blackhawks plays ever, including the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals Game 6 goal in overtime.
Add a little flavor to your dad’s life with fresh spices from this Lincoln Square boutique shop. You can choose between dips and dressings, bbq and grilling spices, world flavors, and chiles.
The Book Cellar has tons of options available for you to peruse. If you can’t decide what book to get your dad, you can sign him up for their subscription program, and the Book Cellar staff will do the hard work for you and send your dad a book a month.
Major summer festivals and events were already canceled, altered, or postponed earlier this week, and the list keeps on growing every day. With larger gatherings unable to occur because of Illinois’s Phase 3 guidelines, the feeling that summer is dead on arrival is hard to shake. But keep your head high: there are plenty of joints to still enjoy and Chicago Electric Boating Company has thrown their hat into the ring for the Chicago summer rescue efforts.
Relatively new, in that they were established in 2012, Chicago Electric Boating Company is a small, locally owned and operated company founded by Ron Silvia and the Late Greg Krueger. Like many locally owned businesses, Chicago Electric Boating Company has been hit hard by the onset of COVID-19 and the stay-at-home orders, but with Illinois’s move into Phase 3, Chicago Electric Boating Company is excited to welcome back Chicagoans looking for a safe, simple, and affordable way to get out of their homes and truly enjoy summer.
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Despite the financial hardships of COVID-19’s constraints on companies like Chicago Electric Boating Company, the company has dedicated a portion of the proceeds from bookings made within the first two weeks of their opening to benefit Chicago-based nonprofit, Hope For The Day.
Photo Credit: Hope For The Day
Founded in 2011 by Jonathan Boucher, after his boss and mentor committed suicide, Hope For The Day (HFTD) is a nonprofit dedicated to raising mental health awareness, acting proactively in suicide prevention, and having open communication to erase the stigma around having these kinds of conversations. One hundred percent of HFTD’s proceeds go towards suicide prevention and mental health education programming; they are best known for their slogan “It’s OK not to be OK.”
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Photo Credit: Chicago Electric Boating Company
Chicago Electric Boating Company understands the significance of being able to once again experience the outdoors and breathe fresh air and hopes that their services can aid in relieving some of the tensions and pressures of having been cooped up at home for so long.
Along with a conscious effort towards mental health, Chicago Electric Boating Company is conscious of the environment as well. Every boat in their fleet is 100-percent electric, meaning they’re easy to drive and are certified as zero-emissions watercraft. So instead of having to worry about if you’re hurting the planet, you can think about what’s the best drink to pair with your river excursion because, that’s right, every boat is BYOB. Alcohol consumption is restricted for those operating the boat, so if everyone wants to drink, be sure to add-on a captain to commandeer your vessel!
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Photo Credit: Chicago Electric Boating Company
The company is committed to providing their guests a safe experience amid the coronavirus pandemic, and have implemented stringent cleaning and sanitation guidelines for employees and guests. Guests are required to wear masks and occupancy is limited to six people; four adults and two children, which means a trip on the river is a perfect way to entertain the whole family. Just be sure to use the bathroom at the dock because there are no bathrooms on the boat (and don’t you dare think about doing what we think you’re thinking about doing in the river)!
Boats are equipped with a user-friendly sound system so you can bump your favorite summer tunes as you comfortably coast along the Chicago River. For a full list of dock locations, boating information, and booking reservations, visit their website.
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At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
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Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Chicago Electric Boating Company
