Chicken Happen

02.15.24

Last fall, Chicago’s Chicken Happen released their fourth full-length, the aptly-titled Chicken Happen IV. We recently spoke with singer/keyboardist Lilly Choi and talked about the album’s writing process, which led to a significant stylistic shift for the band. For the first time ever, they opted to write on piano, as opposed to guitar, resulting in a record that blends a variety of genres into an especially cohesive effort. The band’s lineup is rounded out by bassist Zack Hjelmstad and drummer Mark Gianforte, and the album also features guest vocal and guitar contributions from longtime friend Chris Sutter, (Meat Wave, Truman & His Trophy). Additionally, we conversed with Choi about what enabled her to embrace this change in style, the lyrical journey of the record, their plans for 2024 and more.

Ian’s Party 2016

12.14.15

Poster art by Frank Okay

The ninth annual Ian’s Party is scheduled to take place this January 1^st through the 3^rd, at Double Door, Subterranean and the Chop Shop. The event began in Elgin and moved to Logan Square in 2011, but this year has shifted to Wicker Park in hopes of creating more of a festival feel with the venues located so closely together. This year’s lineup is nothing if not eclectic, with genres ranging from pop punk to folk to electronic. A majority of the scheduled bands are also Chicago-based. The shows are 17+ and three-day passes can be purchased here for the only $25, but the price will increase to $30. Single-day passes are available on all venue sites for $12 or they’ll cost $15 at the door. Friday will feature sets from The Brokedowns, Prizzy Prizzy Please, Drilling for Blasting, Truman and His Trophy, Rad Payoff and approximately 15 other bands. Saturday will host Absolutely Not, Vacation Bible School, Sass Dragons, Dethwarrant, Al Scorch, Canadian Rifle, Elephant Gun and over a dozen more. Sunday concludes with Panda Riot, The Howl, Sweet Cobra, Brickfight, The Mons, Mean Sean and many additional acts, including local favorites Meat Wave. Half Acre Beer Company is sponsoring the entire event, which promises to maintain its party-like atmosphere while simultaneously showcasing some of the most exciting bands in Chicago’s underground. Check out some of the tracks below for a sample of what to expect this year.