On Aug. 1-3, Chicago hosts the music festival Lollapalooza. The stages set up in Grant Park will see multiple acts, including buzz-worthy newcomers The Ting Tings and Duffy, and Chicago heavyweights Kanye West and Wilco as well as alternative staples Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails. Consisting of many genres, Lollapalooza also boasts openly gay acts. Some of the out artists and queer-fronted bands performing at this year's Lollapalooza are Ferras, Grizzly Bear and Bloc Party.
The Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Ferras steps forth with his debut, Aliens & Rainbows, via Capitol Music Group. With a piano-based rock sound reminiscent of Elton John's celebrated '70s era, Ferras' first single, 'Hollywood's Not America,' was heard by millions when it was used on American Idol as the exit song during Hollywood week. The handsome, young artist follows up with his next single, 'Liberation Day,' by singing, 'What a wonderful thing, to throw your illusions away/It's liberation day.' He has since dedicated this piece to the overturning of California's ban on same-sex marriage. On top of performing at Lollapalooza Sat., Aug. 2, Ferras will be returning to the Windy City to perform at Northalsted Market Days Sun., Aug. 10.
Before Madonna and Bjork, Grace Jones reigned as an avant-garde artist who combined music with imagery. The striking model, actress and singer marks her much overdue comeback with the video, 'Corporate Cannibal.' During the clip, the 61-year-old Jones is an electronic alien about to take all listeners prisoner. Her face is continually distorted while she sings, 'I'm a man-eating machine' over a Massive Attack-like beat. The unique icon's forthcoming full-length album, Hurricane, is due out Oct. 27 overseas on England's Wall of Sound label. This will be her first proper album since 1989's Bulletproof Heart. However, remixes ( Funk Star de Luxe's fantastic update of 'Pull up to the Bumper' ) , covers ( including those done by Patra, Dame Shirley Bassey and Bibel Gilberto ) and one-off songs ( 'Storm' and 'The Perfect Crime' ) have maintained Jones' presence in between albums.
Melissa Etheridge's Revival Tour will be in town Thurs.-Fri., Aug. 7-8, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Some of the Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist's concerts during this tour have clocked in at over three hours. This is understandable, with nine albums under her belt and career highlights including 'Bring Me Some Water,' 'I'm The Only One' and her stirring take on Janis Joplin's 'Piece of My Heart.' The out rocker's holiday album, entitled A New Thought for Christmas, is scheduled to be released Sept. 30 via Island Records.
Like Etheridge, fellow breast cancer survivor and environmentalist Sheryl Crow is taking to the stage in the Chicago area this summer as a precursor to the release of a yuletide-themed album. Sharing the bill with James Blunt, Crow is slated to perform at Ravinia Sun., Aug. 10—and the lawn seats are already sold out. On her latest album, Detours, the 'All I Wanna Do' singer leans toward a bluegrass sound. Here, Crow uses her songwriter skills to talk about personal issues such as breaking up with cyclist Lance Armstrong, overcoming breast cancer and becoming a mom, as well as political issues surrounding Hurricane Katrina without seeming too preachy. The Revlon spokesperson's latest single, 'Out of Our Heads,' revolves around making green thoughts a priority. Crow puts her money where her mouth is by having proceeds from this tour benefit the UN World Food Programme.
Legendary folk musician Janis Ian's life and career are recounted in the newly released Society's Child: My Autobiography and the double-disc companion retrospective Best of Janis Ian: The Autobiography Collection. Whether it was performing on the first episode of Saturday Night Live; chronicling the social issues with her breakthrough song 'Society's Child' as a mere 15-year-old; or time spent with her contemporaries Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, Ian was in the forefront during pivotal times. The Grammy-winning artist will be performing at The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, Fri., Aug. 8.
Independent favorites M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel unite to form the pop-folk duo She & Him. The pair's debut, aptly titled Volume 1, is out now via Merge Records. The strumming of the guitar offers a classic country feel, whereas Deschanel's vocals bring back memories of the harmonies from '60s girl groups—especially on 'I Was Made for You.' 'Thought I Saw Your Face Today' has a carefree whistle recalling the final scene of The Life of Brian. The duo will be performing at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, Tues., Aug. 5.
Also on Aug. 5, Atlanta folk musicians Amy Lashley and Julia Carroll will be armed with their guitars as they perform at Homo Latte at Tweet, 5020 N. Sheridan—the establishment next to Big Chicks. Carroll, a former bassist for a hard-rock/heavy-metal outfit, now favors the self-described hardfolk scene, as heard on her sophomore album, Migrating South. Here, Lashley contributes by playing the trumpet. Having performed at Ladyfest South 2007, Lashley just released her full-length album For What It's Worth. While Lashley and Carroll will have separate sets, expect the two southern singer-songwriters to share the stage for numbers and exchanges.
