Strobe Recording is located at 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL.  Doors open at 7:30pm, The Judy Green: 8:15pm
This is a BYOB event with a $10 suggested donation.  Sets will be recorded live in front of a studio audience. Please plan to arrive on time.

THERE IS LIMITED SEATING FOR THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

The Judy Green is poesy-rock from Illinois.  Its open door band policy has seen members from the likes of Califone, Wilco and Iron & Wine come, go and then come back again.

The Judy Green’s sophomore long-player, SWINE ON FRIDAY, produced with Jim Becker & Gillian Lisee & mixed by Brian Deck, is in the final stages of production, slated for a mid-2012 release.

For this Strobe Session, the Judy Green has assembled another all-star cast featuring Seth Vanek (drums), Kent Lambert (piano), Jason Labrosse (bass), Reid Coker (vox/gtr), Amalea Tshilds (vox/gtr), Beth Yates (harmonium), and Joe Adamik (gtr/organ/bass clarinet).

Strobe Recording is located at 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors open at 7:30, Cains and Abels: 8:15pm
This is a BYOB event with a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of a studio audience. Please plan to arrive on time.

THERE IS LIMITED SEATING FOR THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Cains and Abels

Strobe Recording is proud to host Cains and Abels, the featured artist for Strobe Sessions #44, January 26, 2012. The band has been mixing their record at Strobe Recording, look for their full length release on Whistler Records in 2012.

Cains and Abels began rehearsing in Grand Rapids, Michigan when the space shuttle Columbia exploded in 2003. Two years later, the EP, Clean Air, Cloud Science, was released on New Blood. Moving to Chicago, the band began working on its recent 2009 States Rights release, Call Me Up, engineered by NOMO member, Erik Hall.

Please RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com to guarantee your seat, see below for more information on the artists and our next session.

Strobe Recording is located at  2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors open at 7:30,  Electric Hawk: 8:15 pm,  Brokeback : 9:30 pm.

This is a  BYOB event with a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of a studio audience.  Please plan to arrive on time.

*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Brokeback

BROKEBACK (Thrill Jockey Records) originally began as a one-person affair by Douglas McCombs to create music in a more open and less structured environment than his other bands, Tortoise, Pullman, and Eleventh Dream Day. Brokeback’s most recent reincarnation includes Chris Hansen (Head of Skulls!) Pete Croke (Tight Phantomz) and Jim Elkington (The Zinks, The Horse’s Ha). Over the course of 5 records, Brokeback has been almost entirely Douglas’ vision. He handpicked for each record a number of guest musicians and collaborators such as Rob Mazurek, Tim Folijahn, Alan Licht, John McEntire and James McNew. While Field Recordings was full of simple melodies accented by a unique combination of twang and low tones, Morse Code was more of collaborative process including various members of Yo La Tengo, Calexico, Two Dollar Guitar, Stereolab, the Chicago Underground and Tortoise.

Electric Hawk: Official Record Release Show

ELECTRIC HAWK is an instrumental power trio from Chicago. Guitarist Michael Burns, bassist Graham Mclachlan and drummer Noah Leger all met while working as the live band at Blue Man Group and discovered they had a mutual appreciation for all things rock. If you’ve been in Chicago for at least a little while then you already know that Leger is easily one of the best rock drummers in the city and along with Mclachlan, they combine for a impressive rhythm section. Michael Burns has an arsenal of guitar tones with a style both rhythmic and atmospheric. The songs are complex and technical hard rockin’ instrumentals with a metallic edge. They’ve recently opened for Helmet and Fu Manchu.

Strobe Sessions is excited to have Matt Campbell and the Jeb Bishop Trio at our next Strobe Session #42 on October 20th! Please RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com to guarantee your seat and see below for more information on the artists and our next session!

Strobe Recording Studio 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors open at 7:30, with Matt Campbell at 8:15 pm, and the Jeb Bishop Trio up second at 9:30 pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience. Our shows are on YouTube, please look up “Strobe Sessions” for a list of videos. Please plan to arrive on time.

*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Matt Campbell

Matt Campbell is a songwriter steeped in the tradition of the American Troubadour. Originally from Colorado, Campbell’s restless spirit has led him from the concrete canyons of New York City to the seaside cliffs of California, with a few stops in between. Now in Chicago, he continues to write and record original music.

Matt Campbell’s newest album release was mixed and recorded in two sessions at Strobe Recording in Chicago; Miles Apart is a five song suite about the challenge of new beginnings and the faith to forge ahead. Matt Campbell’s affinity for rich imagery and melody are on full display, as the stripped down sound highlights his distinct voice and lyrics. Miles Apart represents Campbell’s first effort solely produced in Chicago, and the second release from The Chicago Talking Machine Co. label.

Matt Campbell has opened for Del McCoury, The Subdudes, Martin Sexton, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, Corb Lund, Split Lip Rayfield and many more…

Jeb Bishop Trio

Since becoming active in Chicago in 1993, trombonist Jeb Bishop has performed, toured and recorded with groups including the Vandermark Five, the Peter Brötzmann Chicago Tentet, Ted Sirota’s Rebel Souls, Terminal Four, School Days, Ken Vandermark’s Territory Band, Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra, Globe Unity Orchestra, The Engines, and his own Jeb Bishop Trio with Frank Rosaly (drums) and Jason Roebke (Bass).

Upcoming releases include Ibsen’s Ghosts, with Joe McPhee, Michael Zerang, and Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, The Big Lift, with San Francisco trumpeter Darren Johnston, and duo recordings with drummer Paal Nilssen-Love and saxophonist Jorrit Dijkstra.

Strobe Sessions is excited to have Matthew Shelton and My Damn Butterfly at our next Strobe Session #41 on September 15^th! Please RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com to guarantee your seat and see below for more information on the artists and our next session!

Strobe Recording Studio 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors will open at  7:30 pm, with My Damn Butterfly going on at 8:00 pm and Matthew Shelton at 9:00 pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience for future DVD release. Please plan to arrive on time.
*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Matthew Shelton

Matthew Shelton is an artist and musician who moved to Chicago last summer.  In his previous home in Cincinnati, he performed solo and with his bands The Cat Lovers and M.Shelton’s Picnic.  He also sang and played mbira for Me or the Moon, and was a founding member of the Image Afrobeat Band with Baoku Moses.  Since moving to Chicago, Shelton has been performing mbira on the streets, and showing his trippy lightbox art for everyone that he can.  For his performance at Strobe Sessions, he has assembled a Chicago chapter of the Picnic, a chamber group with cello, violin, flute and bass.  Shelton’s art and music comes in many forms and media, all with the intent of making you FLEX YOUR LOVE MUSCLES!

My Damn Butterfly

My Damn Butterfly is one of Chicago’s most eclectic a cappella choirs. We have been performing in Chicago at many of the city’s top music venues, including The HotHouse, The Hungry Brain, The Hideout, and The Beat Kitchen since 2000.  Additionally, we have also appeared at such feature events as The Bucktown Arts Festival, The 2nd Annual Holy Family Parish Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Cultural Center. Our distinctly original interpretations and our diverse repertoire is what makes us unique.

Strobe Sessions is excited to have Portland’s “Radiation City” at our next Strobe Session #40.   We will also be featuring Chicago singer/songwriter David Yontz on Thursday, August 18th!   Please RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com to guarantee your seat and see below for more information on the artists and our next session!

Strobe Recording Studio 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors will open at  8:00 pm, with David Yontz going on at 8:30 pm and Radiation City at 9:30 pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience for future DVD release. Please plan to arrive on time.
*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Radiation City

Radiation City which is quickly becoming  one of Portland’s most exciting new local bands will be rolling into Chicago during their summer 2011 tour to perform at Strobe. Radiation City has been described to have the dreamy combination of bossa nova, soul and pop from the ’60s while joining with modern electronics.  The band consists of  Cameron Spies (guitar/vocals), Lizzy Ellison (vocals/keyboards) and Matt Rafferty (bass).  Radiation is currently on their summer tour.

David Yontz

David is a Chicago based singer/songwriter whose musical takes on social issues is abundant in his music!  David will be performing his unique styles and we could not be happier to have him on our next Session!

http://www.myspace.com/davidyontz#!/davidyontz

Lets keep this summer hopping with this month’s installment of the Strobe Sessions.  We will be featuring “Tim Menard and The Flying Nowakowski Brothers” with “The Knock Down String Band”.  This will be a great night of music on Thursday, July 21st!  RSVP to strobesessions@gmail.com to guarantee your seat.

Tim Menard and The Flying Nowakowski Brothers

Tim Menard and the Flying Nowakowski Brothers have been rocking the Chicagoland area since 2003. Yes, they’re really brothers, and some say they’ve seen them fly. From local bars to nationally known clubs, college campuses to festivals, the Chicago Marathon to Wrigley Field, these guys have energized audiences with their unique sound and acrobatic musicianship. 

Stylistically, their music has been compared to U2, Steve Earle, and REM. 

The band members have performed in groups such as Ballads and Balderdash, CopperMinds, Crybaby, Brementown, Dogs Undecided, John Kimler, Fallen Angels, Lou Ryder Band, The Owls, Dreaming of Hands, and Thomas Pace. 

Tim, Devin, Shawn, and Aaron have also logged many hours of studio time, recording for a vast array of artists. Most recently, they were involved in the creation of a John Prine tribute album, produced at Strobe Recording in Chicago

The Knock Down String Band

The Knock Down String Band is a Chicago based Bluegrass group which features Casey Stockdon on Banjo, Jon Williams on Mandolin/Guitar, Andy Pennington on Fiddle/Guitar and Jamie Wagner on Bass.   The KDSB will be performing their arrangements on Bluegrass selections featuring Bill Monroe, Flatts and Scruggs and many other classic Bluegrass artists!

Strobe Recording Studio 2631 W. Division Chicago, IL Doors open at  7:30, with the first act going on at 8pm, the second at 9pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience for future DVD release. Please plan to arrive on time.
*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

GO, Airtran’s in-flight magazine included a brief write-up on the Strobe Sessions in their current issue, featuring photography by Jacob Hand.

Check it out here.

Get a jump on your Summer (Summer starts on June 20th) at this month’s Strobe Session. We’ve got two hot acts we can’t wait to share.

Michael Salter’s Freakjar

Freakjar, conceived in the winter of 2009, is an instrumental ensemble that has quickly caught the attention of the Chicago music scene. Comprised of Jon Deitemyer (drums), Dave Miller (guitar and effects), Rob Clearfield (keyboards), Jeff Greene (bass) and Michael Salter (tenor saxophone and compositions), this group draws on elements of acoustic jazz, rock and electronic music. Combining these elements while leaving space for structured and free improvisation allows these musicians to create a diverse yet seamless voice uniquely their own. Through the medium of minimalist frameworks and through-composed compositions, the members of the ensemble are able to artistically express themselves both individually and as a collective. Complex yet visceral, Freakjar creates music that transcends genre while being intellectually stimulating and yet still connecting with the soul of the listener.

Health & Beauty

Health&Beauty has fingers in the pies of Chicago’s Free Improvisation, Noise, Jazz, Folk, and Pop scenes. It has been said about Health&Beauty’s music that “it understands all music.” Accordingly, people from all walks of life find themselves at Health&Beauty concerts, and Health&Beauty enjoys all of them. Health&Beauty has a record it is ready to release that is currently going by the title Winter Magic. Health&Beauty has toured consistently since 2008. Health&Beauty looks forward to doing a lot more touring in the coming years. Health&Beauty has a minivan.

Strobe Recording Studio
2631 W. Division
Chicago, IL
Doors open around 7:30, with the first act going on at 8pm, the second at 9pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation which goes to the artists. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience for future DVD release. Please plan to arrive on time.
*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com

Spring is in the air, and we’re getting ready to open our doors and windows for our May Strobe Session featuring two great Chicago groups!

Cannonball

Cannonball is a group of musicians based in Chicago who connect with the same rock sensibilities and merriment to create an explosive sound rooted in the American folk tradition of blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll and all their offspring; hillbilly; rock-a-billy; folk rock; psychedelic; punk. They play a mixture of original songs and interpretations of personal favorites that veer from swinging rock ‘n’ roll to swaying country blues with detours down musical guitar exchanges between the dual lead guitarists that ride on a freight train rhythm bed.

photo by Lesile Stentz

The Regulators

The Regulators is a new band that explores the barriers of free music inside funky grooves. This group was started as an extension of Brian O’Hern’s Model Citizens Big Band. The rhythm section of the Model Citizens, Mike Allemana on guitar, Matt Ferguson on bass, and Gerald Dowd on drums have come together to explore new sounds, groove you to death, and regulate corporate finance.

Strobe Recording Studio
2631 W. Division
Chicago, IL
Doors open around 7:30, with the first act going on at 8pm, the second at 9pm. The event is BYOB. There is a $10 suggested donation which goes to the artists. Both sets will be recorded live in front of an audience for future DVD release. Please plan to arrive on time.
*THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AT THIS EVENT. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, YOU MUST RSVP TO: strobesessions@gmail.com