Name: Bobby De Maria

Club: Mullens, NV Penthouse, Sound Bar, Vertigo Lounge, LaSalle Power Co., Stone Lotus.

Years Djing: 4 years

Favorite Download site: www.digitaleargasm.blogspot.com

Dumbest Shit someone asked you: It was about a year ago I was playing a club called Dream downtown. At about 1:00am I went on and started playing a killer house set and got the dance floor packed. At about 2:00am a girl came up and said “ This Techno is ok, but when are you going to play some real music?” I responded with “ What do you consider real music?” She then looked at me, rolled her eyes and didn’t ask, but demanded “Put on some Gucci Mane!” Some people are unreal.

Favorite All Time Song: Trippin’ On Lust- Toby Emerson

Why did u become a DJ: I wanted to help expose people to music they may not otherwise hear. I wanted to show them that there is more to music then the 20 song rotation played on commercial radio.

What don’t people know about u: As much as I am into House, electro, Tech, Trance, ect… I love Country music!

Name : Erik Johnson (DJ TSUNAMI)

Club : Mullens Bar & Grill (Lisle),  Enclave (Chicago),  Sound Bar (Chicago)

Years DJ’ing : 4

Favorite Download Site : DMS, Beatport

Dumbest Shit Someone Asked You : Some girl wouldn’t leave me alone requesting that i play her favorite song because “it was her birthday” (typical).  I told her i would get around to it eventually, and in her drunken mess she proceeded to touch the CDJ, stopping the music and then outdid herself once again by spilling her drink all over it.  Safe to say her song was not played that night.

Favorite All Time Song : “Busy Child”  by The Crystal Method

Why Did You Become A DJ : Growing up a drummer in and out of rock bands i always had a love for electronic music.  The driving beat and way of rocking a party like no other genre of music can is what got me hooked.  I still play drums to this day and occasionally incorporate them into my DJ sets, but dance/electronic music is secretly where it’s always been at for me.  I’m so thankful and happy to be a part of this scene and have NO plans on stopping anytime soon.  Stay updated on my schedule and what i’m up to at DJTsunami.net!

What Don’t People Know About You : I play house music, but I can also rock your face off with a hiphop/mashup set.  And I don’t use a computer =)

MissBehavin’ is a total surprise. You think you’re going to hear yet another mid-life crisis bar band, doing this “music thing” on the side, when their real jobs are as office hacks or in construction. But clearly, music IS their thing.  With their edgy, raspy, rockin’ sound, you are not going to want to miss MissBehavin’.  (I know…that was predictable, but I couldn’t pass it up. Plus, it’s true. They are THAT good.) When you see MissBehavin’, you feel like they want you to sit back, have a great time and enjoy the music.

The powerful vocals of this band, backed by some seriously talented musicians, gel together better than that layered Christmas jello with the oranges in it. (Does anyone actually like that funky jello?) It’s no surprise MissBehavin’ has been growing a strong following since they met in 2008. With lead vocal dynamo Denise Ebler belting out an array of music from AC/DC to 4 Non blondes, and Rob Wawrzyniak on lead guitar, Craig Hunter on bass guitar and Jim Nonneman working the sticks, these guys (and chick) really rock the house.  They have a fresh take on old classics, yet the nuances and subtleties of their music make you remember their rendition.

You can hear their influences pouring through their music – Joplin, Plant, Annie Wilson, Chris Robinson, Aerosmith. Denise says she doesn’t play an instrument (the clarinet and bassoon from grade school don’t count?), but that voice of hers is a powerful one, blending effortlessly with Rob, Craig and Jim’s intense background sounds.

What sets MissBehavin’ apart is that they put it all out there. There is no holding back with this talented group. Their set list is so diverse, there’s something for everyone, from the doctors and lawyers to the bikers. They’ve got this awesome medley that starts with Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and ends with Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch.” Good stuff.

Why should you care about MissBehavin’?  Because they are incredibly talented, they sound awesome, and they really rock. They also just released a new demo video. You can check them out at www.missbehavinrocks.com Listen to Denise belt out the first few notes and you’ll know why the band has been getting a lot of attention.

Check out MissBehavin’ at the following venues during the month of December:

Sat Dec 04 Chicago Loop, Streamwood, IL

Sat Dec 11 Clark’s Saloon, Beach Park, IL

Fri Dec 31 New Years Eve @ Ballydoyles Irish Pub, Bloomingdale, IL Stratford Square Mall

Mike Lullo recently got the call he has been training for the past two years for; a call to fight on the biggest stage in the world, the UFC.  Lullo stepped up on short notice to take on a very dangerous striker, Edson Barboza at UFC 123 in Detroit, MI.

Lullo had numerous fans in attendance in Detroit that even included a decorated van driving up several friends, family and fighters.  When Lullo made his way to the cage, the small crowd turned into a large crowd as several fans gave him a standing ovation.

Unfortunately, the fight with Barbosa did not go Lullo’s way.  Barbosa is a vicious striker with very dangerous leg kicks.  In the opening round Barbosa landed several leg kicks before taking Lullo to the ground.  Lullo quickly went to his bread and butter and worked his rubber guard.

Lullo quickly transitioned from mission control to a gogoplata submission that the crowd erupted in cheers for.  Barbosa remained calm and eventually powered his way out of the submission.

In the second round, Lullo ate more leg kicks but was finding his range with his strikes.  Knowing that his ground game, even off his back, was better than Barbosa’s, Lullo brought the fight to the ground to work his jiu jitsu.

Unfortunately for Lullo, this time it proved to be more difficult to work his submission as his leg had already started swelling from the leg kicks that Barbosa delivered.  As the round ended, Barbosa landed a leg kick that knocked Lullo to the canvas.

Lullo was visibly limping to his corner, but showed a ton of heart as he came out for the third round.  Barbosa showed Lullo respect with a touch of gloves to open the third round.  Barbosa then delivered two leg kicks with the second buckling Lullo.  A final leg kick that sent Lullo to the canvas was all the ref needed to see and halted the action as Lullo was unable to stand up on his own.

While a guest on MMA Recap’s “Recap Radio” Lullo was asked about what officials within the UFC said about his fight.  They all were very happy with his performance, especially on such a short notice.  Additionally he was told that he would have a second chance inside the famed octagon.

Lullo came away from the fight with a suspension for his knee and leg and will have to have it cleared by a physician prior to being able to compete again.  He estimated that his next fight will be in about four to five months and hopes it will be here in Chicago.

Prior to signing with the UFC, Lullo has competed three times in Addison, Illinois.  In April, Lullo competed at Lords of War 1 where he took on Tim Bazer.  The fight went to the third round as both fighters were happy to throw punches and were landing.  In the third round however, Lullo was able to lock in a submission to end the fight.

Lullo’s next fight was as the main event for the first Chicago Cagefighting Championship event in June at The Odeum.  Lullo took on Jeremy Castro and showed off a very impressive rubber guard in the fight.  The first time the fight went to the ground, Lullo rushed his submission attempt and Castro was able to get free.  However the second time on the ground Lullo locked in a gogoplata and forced Castro to tap due to the choke hold.

Lullo’s last fight prior to signing with the UFC was at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 2 where he was the co-main event of the evening.  He took on Tyler Combs who is a very dangerous striker out of Miamisburg Ohio.  Combs and Lullo stood toe-to-toe for the first two rounds with Lullo landing the better of the exchanges.  The third round Lullo landed a big knee that dropped Combs.  Lullo quickly tied up Combs and secured his back.  Lullo was working for a triangle choke and an armbar and after a couple of adjustments was able to force Combs to tap.

Brent Todd owns and writes for MMARecap.com one of the leading mixed martial arts websites in the Chicagoland area.  Todd also owns HordeFighting.com, which sponsors local fighters Peter Grimes, Dustin Neace and Felice Herrig.  For more information about either site, please visit www.mmarecap.com or www.hordefighting.com.  Enter discount code BARLIFE at Horde Fighting and receive 10% off your entire order.

MMA Recap is the premier news source for mixed martial arts action in the Chicagoland area.  MMA Recap’s current schedule includes fight coverage for Ruckus Entertainment, XFO, Chicago Cagefighting and more.  Fans who are unsure if a local fight is worth spending money on should make sure to check MMA Recap to see if there is coverage of the promotion.  If there are any questions about a local promotion, fans can contact Brent Todd by emailing him at brent@mmarecap.com

Photos by MMA Recap photographer Joey Hill (joeyhill.com)

A few nights later he called and we met for a cup of coffee. We talked about music and art, we told funny stories about Chicago public transport. After what seemed like hours of really pleasant conversation we started talking about ourselves. I launched into my stock schpeal about what I do and where I’m at in my life. At the end I threw out the quip about how, if I went out with another vegan graphic designer, I’d almost certainly have to kill myself.

After a brief pause ‘whatshisface’ blinked a few times, smiled strangely and replied: “You know, I’ve been working at ‘NameofBigDealDesignFirm’ since graduation, and have been vegan since ’06.”

My face flushed, I wanted to run away or crawl into a hold or generally disappear from the sheer magnitude of my embarrassment. I apologized profusely, tried to backpedal, insisting I was just kidding, but he interrupted me. he explained that he knew he was a walking stereotype but he went vegan after his dad had a heart attack and feels a lot healthier. He even cited some sources that claimed abstaining from animal products made you a better lover and closed it with “and while I’d hate t make you suicidal, but do you want to come to my place and verify that first hand?”

I was taken aback by his forwardness but I did, in fact, absolutely want to verify his information first hand. He was a great looking guy and had a wonderful sense of humor – the fact he was sympathetic to my mortification had made it easier for me to accept my misstep and move on. He seemed like a catch.

His place was few blocks away so we walked together. Quickly. As soon as we arrived we started making out on his couch. before whatshisname was able to even get some over the sweater action, he stopped mid-smooch and let out a weird grunt. I wasn’t sure what was happening but it quickly became apparent as I noticed his face reddening. He came in his pants.

obviously this is something that happens to every guy once in a while and, frankly I kind of take it as a compliment. In the moment I didn’t really care and made sure that I made it clear. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, but legitimately, “happens to a lot of guys”. However, I have it on good authority that they don’t cry about it, which is where things got awkward.

Whatshisface sobbed for a good 15 minutes, hiccuping apologies, while I reassuringly rubbed his back and tried to make sure he knew that I didn’t care. he excused himself to the bathroom. I assumed he was going to, um, clean up, but he was in there for a really long time.

It’s worth noting that this was a very small apartment. Every room came off the combo living room/kitchen and you could hear everything. And I do mean everything. The next 20 minutes or so consisted of me listening to him have violent diarrhea, I wasn’t sure if me leaving would make things better or worse, so I just stuck it out.

Once he finished…again..he cam out and told me that he wasn’t feeling well. I feigned ignorance, pretending I didn’t know what he was talking about. Despite everything I had a good time at the coffee place. I told him to call me, but I never heard from him. Even with the most understanding dates there are just some things you can’t recover from. I guess these were just some of those things. However, the key is that “You will never recover”. Your date probably will but until you can accept your imperfections it’s just too hard to see someone until after they’ve seen you at your worst. Until you can move past your own faults, no one else will be able to either.

Article by Rachel Adams

Name: dj demigod

Club: special guest dj

Years Djing: 25+

Favorite Download site: Beatport / Funkymix / Promo Only

Dumbest Shit someone asked you: …i think all dj’s have heard the same stupid s* * t before, but the one that urks me the most has to be, ‘can u play something we can dance to’…?

Favorite All Time Song: …wow… this is a hard one. since i’m from chicago, i have to say anything house. mickey oliver’s – in-ten-si-t really got me hooked.

Why did u become a DJ: originally i wanted to be a singer. i used to be in chorus & choral until i hit puberty at an early age and my voice dropped. i just couldn’t hit the high notes anymore. i thought the only way to stay close to the music (what i loved) was to be a dj. I started off as a radio dj and made the transition into the club scene.

What don’t people know about u: …i have always wanted to start a global union for club dj’s.

Name:  DJ Bobby Styles

Years Djing: Club/bar scene – 18 years, Private Parties – 10 years

Clubs/Bars Names: Blu Raz, Coach House, Martini Room

Favorite Download site: Crookly Clan, rated H, Beat Port and Miscellaneous torrents
sites

Dumbest Shit someone asked you: “Do you have something I can dance too?”

Pet Peeve: When someone asks for a song that was just played

All time favorite club song: Run DMC – It’s Like That (Jason Nevis remix)

Why did you become a DJ: For the love of music and to watch people smile and dance.
It’s like a roller coaster ride for everyone.

What don’t people know about you: My Aunt and Uncle owned a bar and I used to get
on the tables or the stage and dance and sing to the songs that were being played. I also
used to be a Go-Go Dancer!!

Maryann Napolitano

BAR: Pop’s Pizza & Sports Bar, Roselle

HOME TOWN: Bloomingdale

HOBBIES: Football & Dogs

FAVORITE DRINK: Jack & Coke

WORST PICKUP LINE U HEARD: Do you came here often? Yeah Dumb Ass, I work here!!

CRAZIEST THING THAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE BAR: Projectile Vomit…

FAVORITE SONG: Crazy Bitch

TURN OFFS: Shy men

TURN ONS: Men who are not afraid to ask me out. Powerful men.

Nicole Sosa

BAR: Fitz’s Irish Bulldog, Villa Park

HOME TOWN: Addison

HOBBIES: Wish I had time!!

FAVORITE DRINK: My famous “Brain Freeze”

WORST PICKUP LINE U HEARD: Do you clean yourself with Windex because I can see myself in your pants… GROSS!!

CRAZIEST THING THAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE BAR: We make up fun dances for everyone’s entertainment.

FAVORITE SONG: Anything Country, YEE HAAAAW!!

TURN OFFS: Stinky People!

TURN ONS: Confidence and a nice smile

Rosie Amodio

BAR: Fitz’s Spare Keys, Elmhurst

HOME TOWN: Bloomingdale

HOBBIES: Concerts, Drinking with friends and scrapbooking

FAVORITE DRINK: Raspberry Vodka & Soda

WORST PICKUP LINE U HEARD: Just call me Milk cuz I’ll do your body good.

CRAZIEST THING THAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE BAR: A couple of swingers invited me to go home with them!

FAVORITE SONG: Bad Religion “Infected”

TURN OFFS: Bad breath and guys that resemble Jersey Shore!

TURN ONS: Tall, skinny guys with good teeth and tattoos

BAR: Fitz’s Spare Keys, Elmhurst

HOME TOWN: East Dundee

HOBBIES: Playing music, writing and recording

FAVORITE DRINK: Jameson on the Rocks

WORST PICKUP LINE U HEARD: I’m easy are you?

CRAZIEST THING THAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE BAR: A girl was dancing on the bar, slipped and fell into my ice well while breaking three bottles on her way down! The best part was that she was wearing a mini skirt with no underwear!

FAVORITE SONG: Killswitch Engage “This is Absolution”

TURN OFFS: Bad breath and bad teeth!

TURN ONS: Confidence and a nice smile

The original acoustic duo, Mike and Joe began in Bloomington, Indiana and since have become one of the largest drawing cover bands in the Midwest.  They are the epitome of college rock.  Mike & Joe play mostly modern rock/alternative, but will throw in an 80’s tune here and there, and maybe even a Beatles tune from time to time.

Mike and Joe met as undergraduates at Indiana University while living in the Theta Chi fraternity house.  They got their start performing for friends in their fraternity, when one night a friend of theirs signed them up for an open mic night at a local bar called the Peanut Barrel.  To prepare, they learned about 8 songs while their friends told everyone they knew to come and listen.  A half hour before their set was to begin, the normally half empty bar was filled to capacity and the owner asked them to play three days later on a Friday.  They spent the next three days cramming to learn three hours worth of music.  That Friday led to regular appearances at the bar and the Peanut Barrel launched their music career.

When the bar asked how to bill them in their advertising, Mike and Joe were stumped.  They were not trying to be a band, so had not picked out a name.  Joe came up with the idea of using their first names, which came from an acoustic duo that he used to watch in Pittsburgh.  The name stuck and Mike and Joe were born.

As their popularity grew at Indiana University, word spread to other colleges.  They were soon getting calls from Purdue, University of Illinois and others.  From there, they started playing small clubs in Chicagoland area, which led to gigs at the Cubby Bear, and same for Indianapolis.  They started playing at a little bar called Club 816 and played there weekly until the club became too small for their growing fan base.  Now, they play the Vogue in Indianapolis.

By this point they were performing at the top venues in the region and were the first acoustic duo to cross over into mainstream clubs that were usually reserved for “bands” only.  Around this time, they released their first original CD called This Dream and also decided to hold auditions to add two new members to the band.  Bassist Marc Blackwell and drummer Aaron Streich joined the band.

Not wanting to call the full band Mike and Joe, they picked the name Michelanjelo, deciding they would use the two separate names depending on the format of the show, however what they got was a lot of confusion.  It soon became clear that “Mike and Joe” was preferred by their fan base.  In the meantime, they released their second CD, Michelanjelo Live at the Bandstand.  This CD was recorded live and released in conjunction with both Dick Clark’s organization and Anheuser Busch.  The band continued to expand the area that it toured in, discovering Ohio and Iowa, as well as the rest of Illinois and Indiana.

At the end of 2006, bass player Marc decided to leave the band and Cory Flynn walked in, aced the tunes, and joined the band.  Inspired by their new band mate, they started to rethink the way that they were communicating with their fans.  They threw out their original website and rewrote a multimedia site so that their fans could interact with them.  They also reached out with their MySpace and Facebook to be able to chat with their fans in a more personal way.  They also released three different bootleg CD’s.  They are live, not remixed, nor are they studio recorded.  What the audiences heard those nights is what you hear on the CD.

Today, the band plays year round and is one of the most watched cover bands in the Midwest.  According to the band, “We are now used to playing for terrific, loyal fans, and we truly appreciate those who come to our shows.  The four of us remain committed to entertaining those who have been watching us over the years and attracting new fans to discover our band for the first time.”

Mike and Joe will be rocking many shows this month, but you can catch them on “Black Wednesday”, November 24, 2010 at the Tilted Kilt, 2300 Bushwood Drive, Elgin, IL (224)359-5458.  For more information and tour dates, visit www.mikeandjoe.com.

Many bands pay tribute to Bon Jovi and the famous “hair bands” of the 80’s, but few capture and portray the sound, energy, and spirit like Slippery When Wet.  Slippery When Wet is selling out shows all over the Chicagoland area and if you have seen the band, you can understand why.

Launched in February 2003, Slippery When Wet and its project drummers, Steve, along with original member Matt Miller on keyboards, and guitarist Mike a few years later have come a long way from what they started with.  Steve wanted to be in a band that captured the 80’s evolution of rock music and what better than a Bon Jovi Tribute band.  The band started out as all Bon Jovi, but recently switched it up to because they wanted to be able to entertain their crowd with other facets of 80’s music, which is more than what they could by just doing Bon Jovi music, so they made the change to all 80’s music.

If you have seen this show or know anyone who has experienced it, Slippery When Wet looks and sounds as good as the original recording artists themselves.  Whether you want to hear Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Warrant, Motley Crue, Skid Row, or the rest of the 80’s nostalgic hair bands as well as Journey and Cheap Trick, this is the band to see.  Slippery When Wet is not your typical tribute or cover band, they are an 80’s rock band.  If you close your eyes, it’s like hearing the real thing.

Breaking down and passing through many obstacles and weathering many storms and changes, the band feels content that the appropriate elements have finally conjured.  Enter Slippery When Wet, A New Beginning.

With the unexpected exodus of vocalist TJ Roxx and bassist Wayne, Slippery When Wet was faced with its greatest challenge yet, the possible demise of the band.  Working hard to resurrect the power rock group and continue on with the dream, Steve, Matt, and Mike set out to find the right mix, and did they ever.  With the addition of high energy bassist Todd Cortecero and power vocalist Chicagoland veteran Carlo Caprio, the band leaves nothing to be desired, fulfilling their fans rock n roll needs.  The band grows stronger and their fan base grows larger with each show.

With their new lineup, Slippery When Wet is looking to expand in the clubs that they play as well as have a diverse range of music.  They are focused on hard work and determination, which has taken the band to new heights with their confidence and competency.  They feel there are no limitations.  They hope to increase their exposure and attendance by focusing on the quality of show and venues that they play at.
Without a doubt Slippery When Wet holds their own in the music business and as always puts out rocks solid quality shows, a rarity these days in this genre of music.  This band has only begun to climb.

To learn more about Slippery When Wet, visit www.thebestofbonjovitribute.com or you can check them out Saturday November 20th at Ballydoyle’s in Bloomingdale.