Google Street View 435 N. Clark St, Chicago

Chicago restaurant power brokers RJ and Jerrod Melman have partnered up with Joe’s Bar founders, Ed Warm and Tom DiSanto, to form a new country and western bar in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The new venue, planned to open this summer, will occupy the former Frankie Z’s location at 435 N. Clark Street. A concept that could be considered a rather stark contradiction to the existing Hubbard St. entertainment district, which is located just north of the Chicago River and behind the Merchandise Mart.

“We’ve enjoyed getting to know RJ and Jerrod over the past several years and really look forward to this new venture together,” said Warm. “They are definitely making their mark on Chicago’s dining scene and we’re all pretty excited to bring a totally new country western experience to River North.”

According to the restaurant corporation’s website, it’s yet unclear whether or not country acts will perform live at the new yet-unnamed bar but, according to the news release, there will be “southern-inspired dishes and authentic barbeque.”

The unnamed bar is set to open within three blocks from Live Nation’s House of Blues, a downtown concert venue located within the Marina City towers at State and Kinzie.

We’ll be keeping an eye on this, be sure to check back.

NBC 5: Melman Brothers Go a Little Bit Country

After dodging a bunch scrutiny by the surrounding neighborhood and special approval from Chicago’s City Hall, country music power trio Rascal Flatts made history as the first country artists to play Chicago’s very own Wrigley Field. A concert that went on to sell-out with a mere 37,000 fans that cool July evening in 2009.

Three years later, it looks like country music is being called back to the ballpark as the CMA Entertainer of the Year, Brad Paisley, is headed to the north side confines on Saturday, June 9, 2012, with a home-run of a lineup.

Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, The Band Perry and Jerrod Nieman will joining Mr. Paisley on the Chicago-stop of his 2012 Virtual Reality World Tour.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting tomorrow (Jan. 27) at 10 a.m. through Live Nation and Tickets.com.

Brad Paisley’s  ”American Saturday Night”:

Little Big Town

Little Big Town is one of those distinctive country bands that have the unique ability of being able to rile up the crowd with hand clapping hits such as Little White Church and Boondocks just as easily as they can tear their heart out in ballads like Kiss Goodbye and Shut Up Train. It just might be this God-given talent that makes them the ultimate band to play the rowdy, yet intimate Joe’s Bar in Chicago.

“Playing a smaller venue gives us the chance to play a full set of songs and go deeper into the albums, showcasing what Little Big Town is all about,” explains Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet in an exclusive interview with CountryMusicChicago.com. “While we love to play the arenas, the fans can seem so far away. I love how the smaller venues allow the fans to really get close to the music and musicians. It just feels good.”

Armed with miraculous four part harmonies and a unified love for music in general, Little Big Town says they are ready to take Joe’s Bar by storm. Sweet says Friday night’s set will include all of the favorites, including a selection of covers from the band’s wildly popular Scattered, Smothered and Covered web series of videos.

“(Scattered, Smothered and Covered) has really become a great avenue to be creative and go a little crazy,” says Sweet of the online series of videos that have featured the band performing everything from Lady Gaga’s Born this Way to Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. “The songs feel really fresh and chances are some people might have never heard a certain song that way.”

Still riding high on the success of their 2010 chart topping album The Reason Why and last year’s popular arena tour with Sugarland, Sweet says 2012 will feature new music and a brand new summer tour for Little Big Town.

“We are doing the bulk of the recording for the new album in February,” explains Sweet. “We are super excited about the new music and being able to work with producer Jay Joyce. Who knows…we may break out some new music Friday night.”

Tickets for Saturday night’s show are currently sold out.  

Little Big Town’s “Shut Up Train” music video:

Well, as part of what looks like a studio move, the new US99.5 studios has a new caller contest line.  So here it is, write it down, take a little note.. Program it into your phone.

(312) 946-4995

…And good luck trying to win those concert tickets.

Brett Eldredge

Our hometown boy is coming home…just in time for the holidays.

One of country music’s fastest rising stars Brett Eldredge will appear at Joe’s Bar this Friday, and in an exclusive interview with Country Music Chicago, Eldredge says an appearance at the venue was high on his list of Christmas must-haves.

“Believe it or not, this is my first time playing Joe’s Bar,” says Eldredge, who last came through the Chicago area while on tour with country legend Willie Nelson. “I’ve been bugging my manager and agent that out of all of the bars I’ve been playing, I definitely didn’t want to miss the chance to play at Joe’s. It’s my city and it’s my home, and I am ready to get up on that stage and get a little crazy.”

In fact, Eldredge says he spent many a Sunday afternoon watching football and basketball games at Joe’s before he started to make a name for himself in Nashville. A native of Paris, Illinois, (Map Below) Eldredge attended Elmhurst College just before the country music industry began calling his name.

“I used to love going downtown around the holidays and seeing all the lights,” recalls Eldredge, who plans to release a record of new material sometime in early 2012. “My friends and I always said we wanted to go ice skating too…but as of yet, we haven’t. Maybe this time we will end up giving it a try.”

While Eldredge is scheduled to play a number of bar dates through mid December, he is looking forward to heading back home to Paris, IL to spend time with family and friends.

“On Christmas Eve night, you will find me standing up in the same choir loft I have sung from since I was just a 12 year old boy,” he says. “My family fills off nearly half of the church. Afterwards, we head home to eat, drink and be merry. I also like to carve out some time to go ice fishing while I’m there. I know it doesn’t sound too exciting…a bunch of guys standing around looking into a hole in the ice, but for me, it’s a good time.”

Tickets are still available for the show, and Eldredge promises a song list that goes far beyond the song “Raymond”, a tearjerker of a song but one of his biggest hits to date.

“I can have a serious side, and I love my family…but there is another side of me that likes to have a whole lot of fun,” he laughs. “Every day, I get to wake up and play music, and I can’t wait to share that with the fans that come out to Joe’s. Especially during the holidays, people want to forget everything else that’s going on, and partake in a little holiday cheer.”

BRETT ELDREDGE with Drake White

WHEN: Friday, December 9, 2011 – 8PM

WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago (21+)

TICKETS: $8 – joesbar.com // ticketweb.com

Map of Paris, IL:

Brett Eldredge: “Raymond”

Jamey Johnson at the 2009 Chicago Country Music Festival.

The Chicago Tribune reports that city officials are considering reducing the amount of days for the annual Taste of Chicago festival.  The future of music acts the annual summer food festival is already on the chopping block and with the potential of less days, the opportunity for country music to keep its one-day showcase during the festival continues to be unclear.

In the early part of 2011, then Mayor Richard M. Daley announced the consolidation of many niche music festivals and departments to help streamline the City’s budget.  The former two-day Chicago Country Music Festival joined a handful of other festivals as they were repurposed into one-day components of the annual Taste fest.

Karen Vaughan, spokeswoman for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, said the focus will stay on the food in 2012, according to the Tribune story.

Riders will depart for the 90-minute ride from Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles and end outside Joe’s Bar. Once there, Bentley will take the stage along with special guests, Jerrod Niemann and Eli Young Band.

Pre-sale tickets for Sunday’s event are sold out, but if you’d like to attend the concert, you can make a cash donation of $20 at the door. Doors for the event at Joe’s Bar open at 1pm and the music kicks-off at 2pm.

For more ride information, call (630)584-8000. For more general information, call (312) 337-8818.

Rambin’ Ray Stevens to stay with WUSN for 3-more years.

Breaking News:

CHICAGO – US99.5 Chicago’s morning co-host Ramblin’ Ray Stevens has just inked a continuing three-year contract extension deal with CBS Radio.  Stevens, along with co-host Lisa Dent, garnered the show a Country Music Association Award for Broadcast Personalities of the Year in a Major Market back in November 2010.  In addition to his co-hosting duties at WUSN, Stevens is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Country’s Cutting Edge produced by Westwood One.

With a little help from the mainstay country music touring acts, the summer 2011 country music concert season in Chicago is really starting to take shape.  As in years past, major acts such as Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and Kenny Chesney fill the calendar, but overall, in comparative to the past three years, this 2011 falls a bit short.

Area fans are starting to realize the loss of the annual Chicago Country Music Festival as the former two-day, downtown country music festival once held by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events was consolidated and will join other music festivals as part of the annual Taste of Chicago festival.  A major blow to the summer concert calendar.  Additionally, the 25-city “Country Throwdown Tour” skips Chicagoland for a downstate Illinois gig.

While in first quarter 2011, the Allstate Arena managed to wrangle in some major tours with the March 5 George Strait/Reba McEntire ticket and most recently the Sugarland “Incredible Machine Tour” on May 6, these two concerts could have fit nicely into the summer season. Although, Sugarland is scheduled for the Rockford MetroCentre on August 12.

Regardless of the “what could haves” Chicagoland and parts of Illinois and Wisconsin – to date – boast a whopping 54 summer concerts.  In the spirit of tradition, here’s the Country Music Chicago Top 11 Summer Country Concerts of 2011.      (In chronological order)

1. Kenny Chesney @ Toyota Park – June 9

Returning to Illinois soil for the first time since 2009, Kenny Chensey ditches Soldier Field for the near southwest suburban Toyota Park with a smaller lineup (Billy Currington/Uncle Kracker) and similar ticket prices.  Since we haven’t had Chesney in the area for some time, and with new music and a huge dossier of great summer hits, will start off the season living those songs again.   ticketmaster.com

2. Eli Young Band @ Joe’s Bar – June 17

The Eli Young Band isn’t a stranger to Chicagoland but it’s been some time since Mike Eli and his band hit up this  north side country concert venue.  Be sure to catch this show and check out their new music including their new single, “Crazy Girl”.  joesbar.com

3. Miranda Lambert @ Joe’s Bar – June 2

One of the first concerts we reviewed here on Country Music Chicago was Miranda Lambert at Joe’s Bar, back in 2008.  Since then, she’s married, grabbed a ton of awards and certifications, travels with a huge brigade and can sell-out Joe’s Bar in record time.  While it’s unlikely any of us will actually be able to get into this show, because it’s sold out, there’s no doubt that it will be epic.  Plus, the whole reason why Lambert is in town is to celebrate the venue’s 15^th anniversary so a bit congrats to Joe’s!  joesbar.com

4. Trace Adkins & Eric Church @ Concerts for a Cause – June 25

Every year a small-town pizza pub in downstate Peru, has held several fund raising country concerts at a local sportsman club. While for some the drive down past I-80 can be quite the trek, these concerts have become a yearly gig to look forward too. In 2011, the concerts are moving to a larger location at a nearby airport in LaSalle County to help ease parking congestion. Trace Adkins and Eric Church are on tap this summer.  louslagrotto.com

5. Country Music Day @ Taste of Chicago – July 1

Loretta Lynn, Courtyard Hounds, Whitey Morgan and the 78’s and more…

Well if we can’t have the Chicago Country Music Festival, then I guess we can suffice with a one-day country music stint at the annual Taste of Chicago.  Besides, it’s refreshing to see one of Country Music’s legends headed to Grant Park.  Plus, don’t forget to pay homage to the great local bands playing on the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage.   explorechicago.org

6. Justin Moore @ Pontiac Crystal Palace – July 2

The Pontiac Crystal Palace garnered our attention with a host of mid-level country music concerts throughout the spring. While it might be a bit off the beaten path, we recommend you have give this Crystal Palace a try, just don’t over indulge!  Justin Moore is headed for a special “Freedom Fest” outdoor concert over the July 4^th holiday weekend. You might just want to celebrate in this Small Town USA! pontiaccrystalpalace.com

7. Marty Stuart @ Watseka

When legends such as Marty Stuart make their way out of Nashville for performances such as this one a the downstate Watseka Theatre, we always try to get the word out on these special performances.  The mainstay touring acts almost always seem to make it to Chicago every year but every once in a while you can catch a gem like this show. watsekatheatre.com

8. Brad Paisley @ FMBA

It wouldn’t be summer with out a visit from Mr. Paisley and a trip to the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. In 2011 Paisley’s back with a new album, “This Is Country Music”, and a re-circulated, scaled back H2O Tour.  livenation.com

9. Country Thunder 2011

Just over the Illinois/Wisconsin border, this 4-day country music festival is a country music fan’s paradise.  The 2011 Country Thunder headliners include Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Zac Brown Band and Rascal Flatts and more! The fun isn’t just the music, get the real experience with camping and general admission packages.  countrythunder.com

10. Steel Magnolia @ Sundance

The north suburban Sundance Saloon has gone through some changes in the past couple of years but it appears the suburban country dance club and entertainment venue is gearing up with a host of “national” touring acts this summer. Don’t miss Steel Magnolia on Sept. 3^rd.  sundancesaloon.com  (Editor’s Note: It appears this show has been cancelled.)

11. Alison Krauss and Union Station @ Chicago Theatre

While the majority of this list is geared towards modern top-40 country, Alison Krauss is best known for her bluegrass crossovers and it’s a rare opportunity to catch a great performer like Krauss at such a prestigious venue like the Chicago Theatre.   ticketmaster.com

For a complete guide to area country music concerts, visit the Chicago Country Concert Calendar.

Katie Quick is Chicago’s one that’s Country Strong

If you keep an eye on the Chicago country music scene, the name Katie Quick is probably no stranger to you. From her co-leading days with local band Yard Fulla Cars to her highly publicized departure to the music city almost a year ago, this Chicago native has truly moved her way to the top of our “artists-to-watch” list.

While Quick’s start in Nashville can be summed up as successful so far, her next big Music City break will hopefully come from a quick trip she back to Chicago last weekend.

On Saturday night, CMT was in town holding their “Country Strong” singing competition at Joe’s Bar. As part of a larger nationwide competition, the stage at the north side venue became the center of an American Idol style competition to find regional winners for their contest and, of course, to promote the upcoming release of the movie with same name. Yes, the one with Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw. Strategic marketing is I think what they call it.

While Quick is no stranger to this stage, she was up against some stiff competition. Her devotion to the craft showed through both her singing and in her stage presence during her performance and that proved her well as she picked up a 1st place win. Earning her $500 bucks and a chance to move on to the next round. While for most, the Saturday night event is now behind them, Quick has hit the ground running.

In the same way a politician might campaign for office, Quick has been hard at work. Today, She announce the launch of her brand new website, katiequick.com, and has started recruiting a little help from her friends through her Facebook page.  As starting tomorrow, Quick will compete in the national Country Strong competition on CMT.com and unlike the panel judged in first-round, the winner of the national competition will be declared by the number each contestant receive in online votes. The winner will have the chance to hobnob with some Nashville execs and hangout at the CMT Studios.

Here’s the catch, there’s no limit to how many times one can vote and the contest runs through Dec. 16. In the spirit of Chicago politics, let’s show Nashville who their next big star will be and head to the polls, or in this case countrystrong.cmt.com, to vote and vote often!