camerainmyhand

Peacefest 2011

2011-06-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Rahm Emanuel for Early Voting at Welles Park

2011-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Former White House Chief of Staff and candidate for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses the crowd gathered at the gazebo in Welles Park while 47th Ward Alderman candidate Tom O'Donnell looks on.

Rahm empahasizes a point during his speech.

A local voter questions the Mayoral candidate on his stance regarding teachers.

The candidate enters the Welles Park fieldhouse to greet early voters.

Rahm speaks with a voter.

Rahm shakes the hand of a supporter at the early voting polls in the Welles Park fieldhouse.

The candidate speaks with a supporter while walking from the gazebo to the early voting polls in the fieldhouse.

Snowpocalypse 2011

2011-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

A man with a shovel crosses the street on Berteau avenue.

A car sits buried beneath the snow in Lincoln Square.

Neighbors pitch in to clear out an alley.

In classic Chicago fashion somebody claims their parking space by placing a chair in the area they shoveled.

A local man uses his ATV to plow.

Pipe dreams.

Garfield Ridge Civic League Candidates Forum for the 23rd Ward

2011-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Ald. Mike Zalewski of the 23rd ward highlights the improvements his administration has made during his tenure as Alderman during the Garfield Ridge Civic League Candidates Forum.

A loyal "Chuck Wagon" supporter holds a sign for candidate Charles "Chuck" Maida.

Alderman Mike Zalewski of the 23rd ward takes the time to speak with a member of the audience about his concerns over local issues.

After the forum, candidate and Chicago Police Officer Charles "Chuck" Maida speaks with a local resident regarding street crime in her neighborhood.

Anna Goral, a local real estate agent and a candidate running against the incumbent confers with a loyal supporter.

A voter questions Anna Goral's proposal to use her position as Alderman to help people apply for jobs. He claims it is in violation of the Shakman Decrees, a law that prohibits Illinois Officials from rewarding or punishing state employees based on their political motivations.

Alderman Mike Zalewski listens as Dick, a resident of Garfield Ridge, makes a positive comment regarding the Aldermans service to the ward throughout the last year.

A voter listens intently as the candidates highlight the points of their platforms and answer questions regarding local issues.

LtoR, Ald. Mike Zalewski of the 23rd ward, Chicago Police Officer Chuck Maida and Real Estate agent Anna Goral field questions during the forum.

A supporter applauds Anna Gorel's accusations that the incumbent is a professional political lobbyist.

This is Where I Live: Segment 11: Isaacson and Stein Fish Company

2011-01-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

A pair of Atlantic Porgies on ice

Customers sort through a large bin of fresh sardines

Fresh Jumbo Red Snapper

An employee cleans and cuts a fish

Young grass carp

An employee re-stocks whole young catfish

Close-up of Octopus Tentacles

Isaacson and Stein Fish Company has been in business for over 80 years. They are the oldest fresh fish wholesaler in the city of Chicago. They have a long history in the fish business you can read about here. While everybody has their own secret spot to buy fish, Isaacson and Stein has a large and varied selection with good prices. During regular weeks they sell in the neighborhood of 70,000 lbs of fish a week and during the holidays they sell around 120,000 lbs a week. They import fresh fish from all over the world by air and will gut and clean your fish for you on premise. You can find them at 800 West Fulton Market in Chicago.

Christmas in Chicago 2010

2010-12-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Santa regales the crowd with Christmas Carols during the Christmas party for seniors at Toyota Park sponsored by the Bridgeview Park District.

Dolores Weber of Bridgeview, celebrates Christmas in her finest holiday attire during the Christmas party for seniors at Toyota Park sponsored by the Bridgeview Park District.

A marketgoer at the Christkindlmarket really gets into the Christmas Spirit with some Candy Cane Cordouroys

Alice Erickson purchases a gift from the Hoffman Company German Wood art booth at the Christkindlmarket

Ornaments at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago at the Daley Center

An ice carving of an owl at the Zoolights event held at Lincoln Park Zoo

A skater at the Millenium Park Ice rink enjoys the cool breeze while cruising the ice

Jeri's Grill has a Santa, shhhhh.

An icecarver going to work with a chainsaw on a block of ice at the Zoolights event at Lincoln Park Zoo

Jose(R), a 6th grader at Bridgeview Elementary, plays JIngle Bells during the Christmas party for seniors at Toyota Park sponsored by the Bridgeview Park District.

A mother takes photos of her daughter on Santa's lap at the Zoolights event held at Lincoln Park Zoo

Christina, a resident of Lincoln Square enjoys the lights while walking through the Zoolights event at Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Tearing Down of the Cabrini Green High Rises

2010-12-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Most of Cabrini is gone now. The plan is to make space for a mixed income neighborhood aka condominiums. The residents have been forced to relocate in a bid to make the neighborhood safer. Safer for who?

Check out a cool stop motion video by Ryan Flynn on the Huffington Post.

And Cabrini-Green.com "The Transformation of a Neighborhood" did a great job of covering the demolition process.

Aircraft Carrier

2010-12-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

Titus Severino getting gnarly on the Aircraft Carrier Boulder Problem, Star Crossed Lovers V5

Geese!

2010-12-17T04:33:00.000-08:00

Family First

2010-12-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

This is my old neighbors friends cousin. He didn't want me to get his face in the shot because of the nature of his lifestyle. He thought I was a cop gathering intelligence.

A Real Gem

2010-12-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

Bond Blackman of Kansas City, MO., described how he makes jewelry to Maria Kim of Lakeview at the North Michigan Avenue Art Festival.

This is a photo I shot while on assignment for the Skyline Journal last Summer.

Winter

2010-12-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

LazerHawks @ The Elbo Room

2010-12-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

These photos are from a show a while back. Lazerhawks kick ass live. Check em out here.

Navajo Nation, Costa Rica Road Trip

2010-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

I took a road trip from Chicago to Costa Rica in November of 2008. This butte is in the Navajo Nation. A large piece of very arid land that stretches along the border of Utah and Arizona and New Mexico. It is the largest reservation in the US.

This is Where I Live: Segment 10: Big Top JoJo and His Traveling Show of Wonder

2010-11-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

BigTop JoJo and his Towering Show of Wonder are an awesome Chicago based circus troupe currently performing weekly shows at Excalibur. These photos are from their first public show at The Galaxie , a really cool space dedicated to art and artists located at 2603 W. Barry Ave. The performers put on a great mix of live freak performances, song and dance, and crowd interaction. If you like a fun time filled with freakish acts, music and dancing check it out. See the rest of the photos on my website.

Blagojevich!

2010-11-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Rod, my neigbor and ex-governer of Illinois was handing out candy and posing for snapshots last night outside of his home in Ravenswood Manor. Corrupt or not the kids loved him.

Mazatlan; Dawn to Dusk

2010-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

A set of photos taken in Mazatlan Mexico during my road trip to Costa Rica in 2008.

Colorado Aspens

2010-07-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

I took this photo 2 years ago while on a road trip to Costa Rica. We stopped in Colorado to spend thanksgiving with some friends and then continued on through Utah, Arizona and then crossing into Mexico through Nogales.

Vintage Frames

2010-07-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Willow and the Tigerlily's

2010-07-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

White Pie Severs and Grey Tiles

2010-06-30T08:08:00.001-07:00

Backyard Sunset

2010-06-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

RibFest 2010

2010-06-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

As another weekend passes another Chicago Street Festival happens. This year marks the 12th anniversary of Northcenter's Ribfest. Close to 50,000 people take over Lincoln ave just north of Irving Park. Almost 65,000 lbs of delicious smoky ribs are served in the competition for the vaunted title of best ribs of ribfest. The ribs shown in the above photo are from Corner 41 and they are phenomenal. Those Darlins put on a high energy performance chock full of some good old downhome southern folksy punk rock stylings. If you are a carnivore and enjoy ribs you should go.

Click here to see more photos.

My friend's Attic

2010-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

My friends just moved into the neighborhood. They have an awesome creepy attic. These are some random things that were left behind by the previous tenants. The newspapers dated January 30th, 1971.

2010 MaiFest

2010-06-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Summer in Chicago means a festival almost every weekend, replete with music, food, street drinking dancing and entertainment. MaiFest is a celebration of Lincoln Square's German heritage supplying the revelers with giant beer steins, bratwurst and sauerkraut, traditional Lederhosen, and German polka music aplenty. Jesse White Tumblers also made an appearance and enthralled the crowd with their high velocity acrobatics and infectious energy. The man himself, Jesse White, was also on hand to remind the crowd to stay out of the tumblers way or else he might just have to suspend your license. He also took part in the action by doing a headstand while the Tumblers jumped through his legs. All in all another great Chicago tradition; the streetfest, pulled off brilliantly.

Jose's Kicks

2010-06-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I ran into Jose outside of Nuevo Leon yesterday. If you're looking for a pair of shoes that look alot like Jordans but only cost $20 you can find him in Pilsen on 18th st just west of Laflin. He's also got Blackhawks shirts for sale and soon he'll be carrying womens sandals. And if you go to Nuevo Leon I recommend the tacos de sabinas.

This is Where I Live: Segment 9: Chicagoland Track and Field Championships

2010-04-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

University of Chicago hosted this years Chicagolands Track and Field Championships. Twenty one teams from the greater Chicago area competed in 44 events in both mens and womens fields. The UofC Maroons took the womens field, while the North Park Vikings took the mens field. You can see all the results here.

This is Where I Live: Segment 8: Tony Flowers

2010-04-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

I went for a bike ride last weekend and met Tony Flowers aka Ynot @ Oak street Beach. Tony has been juggling for somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 years. He got his start in high school playing baseball when one of his buddies taught him the basics. Juggling has taken him from Louisiana to Hawaii and back to Chicago. If you see Tony stop by and say hello; he might even teach you a few tricks.

You can see some videos of Tony here.

The man waits for his train

2010-03-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

I took this photo while in Paris this summer. The Paris Metro beats the CTA like it's a redheaded stepson. And its quiet too.

The Forest

2010-03-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is Where I Live, Segment 7; Chinese New Year Parade 2010

2010-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Chinese New Year Parade took place on a brisk yet sunny day this year on Wentworth between Cermak and 24th street. The Chinese New Year follows a combination of a lunisolar and a solar calender. If you wish to learn more about them go here or here. This year on the Chinese calender is in honor of the Tiger.

This is one of the most popular parades that takes place in Chicago. Parking is slim and the entire route is crowded. You need to arrive early if you wish to get a spot in the front row along the procession. The main strip is packed with onlookers as the floats, marching bands, and dragon dancers go by. You will hear the sounds of fireworks and traditional music as well as the ever present Chinese New Year greeting of Gung hei fat choy, which loosely translates to "congratulations and be prosperous". After the parade you can peruse the local stores or grab a delicious pork bun.

Click here to see more photos.

Dre Day 2010

2010-02-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dre Day was The Chronic. It was moved to the Darkroom this year and Psalm One and The Jordan Years were added to the lineup as well as some live art by Jose Garibaldi and Mike Bianco. Big shouts to Trew, Intel, Pickel, Big Once, Maker, and Kool Hersh. Oh yeah and a slew of Chicago's illest MC's (Ill-Legit, Wes Restless, Psalm one, Phillip Morris, Ang13, Adad, Wondur, Vitamin D, and Shadow Master MC) shared the stage with The Jordan Years for some nice Dre covers and an end of set cipher that was live as hell. If you missed this you really missed out. Definitely one of the livest and most fun parties I've been to all winter.

Click here to see the rest of the photos. If you were in attendance you can download your photo directly off the link.

This is Where I Live, Segment 6; Waxman Candles

2010-02-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

Waxman candles is located on 3044 North Lincoln Ave. This is their second location, the first being the original store in Lawrence, Kansas. "Waxman" is the owner of the store and he has been creating candles for over 30 years. They specialize in handmade scented candles of various styles and sizes.

There are many different types of candles made at Waxman. Some are simply poured into molds and allowed to harden while others require multiple layers of wax dipping and hand manipulation. The candlemaking process itself is an interesting blend of science and art involving the use of formulas and precise measurements as well as artistic techniques. Each candle starts with a scent and color and is then mixed with hot wax. From there it is poured into a mold and allowed to harden with the wick in the middle. At this point the basic candles are taken out of the mold and are ready for sale. Some of the more custom-made candles require multiple dips in hot colored wax and then careful and precise carving with an exacto knife. Taper candles are formed on a metal cylindrical grid that require multiple dips in a wax vat. After each round of dipping, the wax covered metal cylinders are hung on chains to dry. These cycles of dipping and drying allow the candles to slowly accumulate new layers and give them their trademark "taper" look. Eventually when they are finished they can be sold as is or they can be reheated and hand plied into a variety of shapes including spirals and twists.

Candlemaking is a very interesting process requiring a broad base of knowledge and experience in the behavior and manipulation of wax. The good people at Waxman have mastered this craft and create highly unique scent blends and beautiful candles. Whether you are looking for a simple votive or something more complex like a cinnamon bun shaped candle, Waxman is the place to go.

I'd like to thank Jonny, the head candle maker, for the access to the shop and for showing me how to make all the different candles.

Click here to see more photos.

This is Where I Live, Segment 5; Lakeview Polar Bear Club Celebration of Shrinkage

2010-02-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

The LPBC Celebration of Shrinkage took place this year at Oak Street Beach on January 30th at 12pm. By 11 am a warmly dressed crowd of brave souls and interested onlookers had gathered on the beach. The signup tables were overwhelmed with throngs of excited participants ready to face the frigid water. Before doing so they had to sign a waiver acknowledging that they could face grievous physical harm or even death. Just in case of any injuries there were ambulances on hand as well as two chicago police officers in cold weather wetsuits patrolling the swim area.

The LPBC had cleared the ice from a section of the lake using a chainsaw and a shovel in order to create the swimming area. The swimmers gathered near the shore patiently waiting for 12 o'clock to strike. Most were already in their swimwear leaving legs, arms, fingers and toes exposed to the elements. The ice broke and one participant prematurely slid into the cold water. Everybody else quickly followed. Waves of swimmers dashed into the freezing water screaming and shouting. They ran to the edge of the swim area, quickly ducked their head beneath the surface and then turned around and sprinted back even faster. The looks on the swimmers faces embodied a weird mix of joyous triumph and teeth chattering shock. After they exited the water they quickly exchanged wet clothes for dry and some even engaged in jumping jacks in an effort to warm themselves up.

LBPC is a nonprofit that organizes this event in order to benefit families in need. You can visit their website to learn more about making donations.

You can see the rest of the photos here.

This is Where I Live, Segment 4; Half Acre Beer Company

2010-01-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Half Acre Beer Company are relative newcomers to the small Chicago craft beer scene but they definitely bring a lot to the table. They are a tight knit crew focused on brewing small batch specialty beers and bringing diverse flavors to the beer drinkers palate. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable about their beer and they are quick to share their wisdom with their fellow beer lovers. Half Acre offers up a selection of 5 beers; three mainstay varieties available year round and two that are considered limited availability special brews.

They are located at 4257 North Lincoln in the Northcenter neighborhood. They have a retail section of the store that sells beer by the growler or the bomber. You can sample the beer in store before making your purchase and you might even run into one of the guys responsible for crafting your favorite local beer. Drop by and enjoy the flavors as well as an awesome brewery experience in the heart of Chicago.

The guys over at Outsiders Almanac did a great interview with Gabriel, the owner of Half Acre.

Check out Half Acre's website here and their blog here.

See the rest of the photos here.

Sunrise over Horner Park

2009-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

I was on my way to work in early september when I saw this sunrise over Horner Park. I had to wait a while for the jogger to make her way around the track and come into frame. I was pretty late for work but thought it was well worth it.

Check the Technic

2009-12-09T12:54:00.001-08:00

Even though they are big, easy to scratch, and almost always dusty, I love records. Especially when played by a competent DJ on a pair of 1200's. I took this with the 105mm and a remote fired flash.

The House is Happy

2009-11-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

I took this photo in a southwest suburb one day when I was wandering around in a cornfield. I smiled back at the house and then took its photo. We were both happy.

2 Bucks in A Forest Preserve

2009-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

I took this photo early one morning in a forest preserve on the southwest side. Fall is mating season for white-tailed deer so I was hoping they would duke it out. No such luck. They calmly ate some grass and then strode off into the brush.

Batteries!!

2009-11-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

I took this photo at last years Artropolis. Which is held annually at the Merchandise Mart. It is an awesome event jam packed with tons and tons of really great art. If you have not gone it is worth every penny. I spent all 3 days there last year and I still didn't get to see everything.

This piece is called "Dead Star" and was done by Michel de Broin. I really like this piece of work and he has some other really interesting pieces on his site. One of my personal favorites is superficial.

Check him out and make sure you swing by Artropolis this year. It is not to be missed.

This is Where I Live: Segment 3, Truc Lam Buddhist Temple

2009-11-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

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The Truc Lam Buddhist Temple is located on the corner of Ashland and Wilson in a beautifully restored building. The Temple serves as a gathering place for the tight knit vietnamese community who come here to meditate, reflect, and observe deep rooted traditions. They practice a form of Buddhism called Trúc Lâm school that was founded by King Trần Nhân Tông. Every Sunday they offer a service that starts at 10 am and runs close to 2 hours. Prior to service the basement is a bustling hubbub filled with children practicing their blocks, kicks, and punches over the sounds of the women cooking up a delicious feast for the free afternoon lunch. Upstairs you can find the men discussing topics amongst themselves in vietnamese while seated at the long tables on the main floor. By 10 am most of the adults migrate to the top floor to partake in the chanting and meditation lead by the resident monk.

The Abbot (the head monk of the temple), the venerable Thich Hanh Tuan, usually leads the service. He was out of town, however, so the Reverend Thich Thong Chanh took over the duties. He is originally from Vietnam and has been in the states for a few years. He is a full fledged monk and has been training since he was a child.

They have an open door policy to new initiates as well as the curious so feel free to drop by as everyone at the temple is very friendly and welcoming.

See the rest of the series here.

Fall is Here

2009-10-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

Fishing

2009-10-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up at sunrise on a saturday to get this photo and I almost fell into the water with my camera, a few lenses, and some flashes. This is on Corey Lake, in 3 Rivers Michigan.

City Compressed

2009-10-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Took this by the Chicago Cultural Center. I used a telephoto so it compressed the image to make the buildings more 2 dimensional. I wanted to make it feel dense.

Shadow in the Mist

2009-09-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Watermelon Stand

2009-09-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Chicago Skyline at Night

2009-09-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Click here for larger size

Country Road

2009-09-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

I took this photo in 3 rivers Michigan while on a long weekend with some of my family.

Washing the Windows

2009-08-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see lager sizes.

Rain Music

2009-08-23T09:53:00.001-07:00

This is Where I Live: Segment 2, Ecuadorian Parade August 2009

2009-08-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Ecuadorian Parade took place on Montrose Ave on Saturday August 8th between California and Kimball. The hot weather did not deter crowds from lining the streets and enthusiastically waving flags as floats passed by. Some bystanders found shade under trees while others braved the intense sun to cheer on the parade. Floats were escorted by people in traditional ecuadorian dress dancing to traditional music, as well as two women in carnival-esque outfits replete with feathered headdresses dancing to Pitbull's "I know you want me". All in all a great event. It is a hidden gem of parades amongst the larger ones in Chicago and is not one to be missed.

Click here to see more photos from the parade.

Sailing on the Demetrios

2009-08-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate enough to go sailing a couple weeks ago on the Demtrios with some friends and family. There wasn't much wind but it was really cool to see the skyline from the lake. The Demetrios is a beautiful boat and it was an honor to be able to sail it. I also got to take some cool photos. I'd like to thank Captain James, 1st mate Tim, and Josh for the opportunity to be on the boat.

To see more click HERE.

Wicker Park Fest 2009

2009-08-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wicker Park Fest was a fun time this year. Mullets, music, and drinking in the street. Caught a nice performance by Mickey Factz. Got a chance to shoot onstage during Futurerock. Very nice.

Click here to see more.

This Is Where I Live: Segment 1, Iron Cycles

2009-07-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Introducing. . . This Is Where I Live.

Camerainmyhand.com would like to welcome all of you to the new segment on the blog. In this new feature I am going to highlight a local business, event, gathering, landmark, etc that contributes to the social fabric of Chicago. For the first installment I featured Iron Cycles. A great new bike shop in the Albany Park/Ravenswood Manor Neighborhood. With no further ado, enjoy!!

Iron Cycles opened in March 2009, only four months after after the owners, Brandon and Matt made the decision to run a bike shop. It looks like they made the right decision because they are hopping. They had about 5-10 customers in the 2 hrs I was there. Fair prices, good work, quick turnaround time and a loyal returning clientele. They knew everyone by their first name and if they didn't they were quick to introduce themselves and treat them like old friends. Brandon and Matt both ride themselves and you can tell how passionate they are about bikes. In the short windows of time when they didn't have a customer's bike in the repair stand they were tuning and tweaking their own brand new team bikes. Nisha handles the customer service aspect of the business and she does a great job. She's very helpful and quick to answer any and all of the customers questions. They are really cool people and they run a great spot.

Iron Cycles is an awesome local bike shop that fits well in the community. So the next time you're looking for a new bike or repairs check them out.

Iron Cycles is located @ 3136 West Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618
Contact them. 773.539.4766
stuff@iron-cycles.com

Click here to see more photos.

(If you have any suggestions for my next installment please email me @ camerainmyhand@gmail.com , thanks!)

Thriller Zombie Walk 2009

2009-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

This was alot of fun. I would say it was more of a zombie riot than a march. Zombies were staggering in the middle of division street mobbing buses, people in cars (including some gangbangers in an old brown lincoln, that was interesting) and even rushed the fence at the south end of Wicker Park Fest. A security guard managed to push the fence back in place and hold it against the onslaught. I heard that this was some sort of record setting attempt. Not sure if they did it or not but it was a blast.

Click here for more.

Harbor Point

2009-07-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Click here to see larger size.

Jesus Walks past a Staples in Northwestern Indiana

2009-07-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Click here for larger photo.

Pierogi?

2009-07-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Aqua

2009-07-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

At the Races

2009-07-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

What Would Godzilla Do?

2009-07-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Moecyrus

2009-07-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Photos from a photoshoot with Producer Moecyrus. Check him out here.

3 skinny trees

2009-07-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jello Shots

2009-07-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

Garo, S2 and Scottfree

2009-07-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

In the Lobby

2009-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Iron Feet

2009-06-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Outside the MCA

2009-05-21T13:38:00.001-07:00

Skater: Mike McDonald

Click here to see the larger size.

Uberjam @ Crocodile w/ Maker, Pickel and Trew

2009-05-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Uberjam was poppin. Super dance party in the basement. It's good to have you back Uberjam.

Go here.

Prince Paul, DJ Intel, DJ Pickel @ Zentra's 5.15.09

2009-05-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

The place was packed. Pickel opened the nite up and slayed it. Intel also killed it. Prince Paul had the whole place dancing and singing along to classic joints.

See more here.

Meat no 5 @ sonotheque 5.14.09

2009-05-18T15:41:00.001-07:00

Thursday nite. Meat no 5 ep release party. Maker, DJ Phaded, DJ Maddjazz, and Grauwwelt also performed. I missed Maker's set(but heard it was dope), Grauwwelt was wearing berets and controlling their Mac with what looked like a star trek phaser. Phaded murders the dubstep. Meat no 5 is Big Once on the tables and Ricky Ropesack on the drums. Abstract boom bap sample madness live drum collabo. Check out meats myspace here.

Click here for more.

Human Headed Gazelles

2009-05-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Light Blue Circle Dark Blue Crescent

2009-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

S2 @ Artropolis

2009-05-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Me and S2 went to Artropolis a couple weekends back. Very cool event. I took these photos there. S2 plays in Lazerhawks. They keep it dirty funky. Listen to them here.

DJ Trew, Sean Doe and Prime @ Crocodile 5.9.09

2009-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sean Doe and Prime were the special guests this weekend. I honestly dont remember too much of the nite thanks to my good friend whiskey. So enjoy the photos and if anybody's got any good stories from the nite fill me in. (Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself) Big ups and Bday wishes to the dude Arty McFly.

See more stuff when you click HERE!!!

DJ 's Pickel, Kool Hersh, and Grocery @ Rodan

2009-05-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Video Serrato is the shit. DJ Grocery was mixing live video all nite on the big screen. Super cool. Go there and have fun. Do it!!!
Big ups to Pickel and Hersh for puttin on a dope nite.

See the gallery here.

E-Smoove @ evilolive 5.6.09

2009-05-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Chicago-home of beefs, blues and house. E-Smoove and DJ Lady D had the place funky. 4 to the floor all night.

Arrrr mateys!!! Walk the plank if ye dare. (changed my facebook to pirate speak. its infected my brain)

Purple Haze by Nerd

2009-05-07T12:12:00.001-07:00

Peppers

2009-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

DJ Once a month mixtape release party @ Crocodile 5.2.09

2009-05-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Saturdays at crocodile is good stuff. Big Once came thru this saturday to celebrate the release of his mixtape, Booze Broads and Birdcalls. The party was live as usual. People danced, drank, and got crazy. Once's mixtape is very party friendly. Definitely cop that. You can get more info here.
Big ups and much respect to DJ Trew for holding Crocodile down every saturday. And props to Neak for hosting.

See more photos here.

NOMO Sax Player

2009-05-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

King Lear

2009-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Alien Music Head

2009-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

My Wale Photo got published in the Sun Times Online

2009-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! Very exciting. Check it out here.

Wale @ Abbey Pub 4.22.09

2009-04-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Im gonna keep this brief and let the photos speak for themselves. Chicago represented righteously. If you havent seen or heard of Dave Coresh google him. He's dope. Bin Ladin Blowin up likes to juke. Colin Monroe likes to rock. Mic Terror and Million Dollar Mano keep the party extra bumpy. Wale and UCB decimated the Abbey. Had the crowd live as hell. Special guests Yung Chris and Naledge. Nirvana mashup/cover/remix. If you werent there u suck. That is all.

Big ups to Groundlift, Cold grums, and Jugrnaut. And btw it's pronounced Wall-Ay not whale like the cetaceans.

See more here.

Kingston Mines

2009-04-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Went out to Kingston Mines on Thursday nite with some of my family. Good times. Great music and ended the nite over @ Green Mill. Heres a few photos from the nite.

Click here to see more.

James Watson

2009-04-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Clicke here to see more of James.

SPRINGTIME!!!!!

2009-04-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Artist Sam Thread

2009-04-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Things on the Wall

2009-04-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Kid Koala and DJ Intel @ Zentra's 4.17.09

2009-04-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Wooowwweeeee!!! Kid Koala and DJ Intel @ Zentra's. What a way to end the night. DJ Intel is quickly becoming one of my favorite Chicago DJ's. He's always throwin down and gettin the party people to move their collective asses. And in my opinion Kid Koala is one of the dopest and most inventive DJ's out today. From handling all turntable related duties on Deltron 3030 ( one of my top five albums ) to beating the shit out of real vinyl on 3 turntables live and smiling the whole time!! Oh yeah, he also convinced a couple members of the crowd to engage in a one handed pillow fight duel to the death!! Total awesomeness.
( See the video on Intel's blog, here. ).

Big ups to Sang for putting the night together, Kid Koala and Intel for killing it, and shouts to Uncle Butta, Lofty and CZR PRZ.

See more stuff here.

Anna Hovet Fashion Show @ Crocodile 4.17.09

2009-04-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Started my Friday nite over @ my boy Tom Sawyers crib for some pibber's and brats. Then I headed over to Crocodile to shoot Anna Hovet's fashion show. I honestly wasn't expecting much of a turnout considering it started @ 8 pm on a Friday nite. But by around 9 there was a nice sized crowd in the basement. DJ Marcus Shadden was on the 1's and 2's lacin the bump while a couple bboys from chicago tribe were rockin the floor. Andre Corben was doing some live painting while the models were getting ready. Once the floor was cleared and an impromptu runway made the show began. Although short it highlighted the eclectic designs Anna Hovet's line had to offer. All in all a good event. Free entry, models, cheap drinks and dope music. I think that combo works. Be sure to look out for the next fashion show @ crocodile! Big ups to everyone involved. Betsy and Doo Kim for putting the event together, Anna Hovet, all the models, Ashlee Taylor Gillen, Amy Hans, the artisits Andre Corben, debt, showbizo, oaf, joe d'auben, the dudes from chicago true blue tattoo, DJ Marcus Shadden, and all the staff @ crocodile.

Click here to see more photos.

Cemetary in 27 de Abril, Costa Rica

2009-04-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Streets of Heredia, Costa Rica

2009-04-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Squash Cubed

2009-04-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Looking Up

2009-04-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

BIG FUN w/ DJ Trew and DJ Pickel @ Crocodile 4/11/09

2009-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Im starting to feel like I live @ Crocodile. And I'm not sure I want to move out. I mean with Trew as the household soundsystem (featuring DJ Pickel this week!!!!), the cheapass PBR/Jameson deal, free pizza, and all the fun people that come out to party it makes me want to hang out there all week. Its a dope spot and if you havent been there yet you owe it yourself to come through and have some BIG FUN!!!
Big ups to all the usuals: DJ Trew and Groundliftmag.com, DJ Pickel, Arty McFly, Mr. Rodgers and all the crew over @ Jugrnaut, B. Vax, Maker, Petey, and Neek for hosting.

Click here to see more photos in the gallery.

DJ Rootz & Eliot Lipp @ Logan Square Auditorium 4.10.09

2009-04-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

My homey DJ Rootz was in town for this gig over @ Logan Square Auditorium. The crowd was kind of small for being in such a large venue but everyone in the lineup did their thing and had the soundsystem on smash. Oliver Newton was doing live painting and his stuff is really fresh. You can see more of his work here.
Big ups to Eliot Lipp. His set was very dope. I am definitely gonna be checking for him in the future.

See more photos here.

Serengeti and Trimm

2009-04-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

These two fellas are up to big things this year. They've got a collabo album called "Conversations with Kenny and The Legacy of Lee", as well as a new Yoome album in the works. Oh yeah, and Serengeti just got signed to Anticon records. Peep the article here. Trimm's DJ'ing tonite @ peoples lounge with Maker. Bump Bump!

Cable Creature

2009-04-11T14:15:00.000-07:00