Playbook Niles

Snuggery, Chicago

Complications with their label in July 1999 led to drummer Joe Daniels’ departure from the band. He was replaced by former member of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and Triple Fast Action, drum tech for Cheap Trick, and dubbed one of the hardest working drummers in rock history, Brian St. Clair. Some may have thought that was it – Local H’s hey-day, their fifteen minutes of fame. But rather than resting on their laurels, the band continued to work hard, record originals, and tour with a vengeance. Lucas & St. Clair released two studio albums, one live album, and an EP from 2002-2005. Their 2005 cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” had them once again in the limelight.

Touring through the latter part of the decade, the band found some unique ways to promote their shows. A show was auctioned on eBay and subsequently played at Duke O’Brien’s in Crystal Lake. Spotting Scott Lucas and speaking lyrics from Rush’s 2112 track, “Attention all planets of the Solar Federation, we have assumed control”, got fans tickets to an early morning show at Cellular Field in the summer of 2007. A contest for bands to submit videos of them covering a Local H song landed them an opening for a New Year’s Eve 2007 show. Once you got to the show, the fun didn’t end. Having audience members choose an album name out of a hat and then playing that album in its entirety or performing an all-request tour in which votes were cast by audience members to guide the set list for the show made for interactive and ever-changing performances.

Another album and being named Chicago Tribune’s “Band of the Year” in 2008 and a 2010 EP of covers entitled Local H’s Awesome Mix Tape #1 has kept the band working. They continue to play every New Year’s Eve in Chicago. A greatest hits album, The Island Years, was released in 2011 and sparked a tour allowing them the opportunity to try out new songs from their album Hallelujah! I’m A Bum! due out this year. With much of the album’s content dealing directly with the upcoming election, tracks are aptly titled “Sad History”, “Feed the Fever”, and “They Saved Reagan’s Brain.”

Having recently sold out River Rockhouse in St. Charles, Local H proves time and time again that their fans are still coming out to shows and rocking. You can see the duo live this month at Q Billiards in Darien on Friday, May 4^th or Double Door in Chicago on Friday, May 5^th.

Playing rock and pop songs from the 50’s to today, Bad Day takes the idea of a cover band to the next level. Each member in the band has such different tastes in music ranging from 80’s rock gods, pop, indie, industrial, classic rock, and the 70’s. Blend that all together and you have “the Bad Day way.” Covers done with their unique, high-energy twist provides a true rock n’ roll experience but you still know all the words!

The band formed in 2009 as a four-piece group. After two years of line-up changes, Bad Day finalized its five-piece ensemble in July 2011. Lead singer and guitarist Derick Muncy, formerly Paul Stanley of Kiss Alive, a nationally touring Kiss tribute band, is the most recent member of the band. Derick responded to an ad posted on Facebook that the band was “looking for a boy that can sing and is cute.” Derick definitely fits the bill bringing a unique look and style to the stage when he performs. Lead guitarist Tim Kasper is the heart of the band – the ring leader for lack of better words. Having converted space in his home to a studio, the band invades weekly for practices and recording. On bass and vocals is Sin Van V, self-proclaimed BFF of P!nk. Wanting to share her love of music and playing live with her husband, Fay Van V began learning keyboards and adds a great dimension to the band’s overall sound. Drummer Michael Glenn is a man of few words, but give him a set of sticks and watch out!

When asked about the hardest part of being in a band, Derick joked “Having to get up the morning after a gig!” This can probably be attributed to the band’s awesome fan base. Made up of friends, family, and people they have picked up along the way, the Bad Day crowd definitely knows how to party – singing, dancing, and having a good time is what makes each show one to remember. A quick way to get in the swing of things is to order a Bad Day at the bar. Those pink drinks seen in the hands of fans are concocted with all the flavors of vodka, a splash of Red Bull, and a splash of grenadine. It’s just like the suicides you used to make at the roller rink when you were a kid, but BETTER!

Bad Day has only been playing live for a little over a year, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves in the Chicago music scene. Sharing the stage with Modern Day Romeos, According to Andrew, and Trash Martini, every show is more energetic than the last. They have become THE band to see. The fact that they typically only play one show a month makes it that much more exclusive. “We all have busy lives with jobs, kids, jobs, activities, and more jobs, so it’s hard to devote a lot of time,” said Sin. Playing less encourages fans to come to every show instead of waiting until they play closer to home. More people = more party! Venues such as Durty Nellie’s, America’s Bar, Chicago City Limits, Shark City, and River Rockhouse will never be the same again. The band hopes to start playing festivals in the near future.

Whether it’s the band rockin’ on stage, their signature drink in your hand, or the vibes from the energetic crowd, the tunes emanating from the stage just make you feel GOOD. Catch Bad Day live this month (a rare two weekends in a row!) at America’s Bar in Hoffman Estates doing good things for charities close to their heart. Saturday, May 12^th  at 2:00 pm they’ll be rocking the stage for St. Baldrick’s and back again on Sunday, May 20^th at 1:00 pm for the Fight for Becky Fundraiser. Both shows are all ages so come out with the family, support a great cause, and have a BAD DAY!

NAME:

BAR: Drink Nightclub

HOME TOWN: Barrington, Illinois

HOBBIES: Working out, playing with my car, riding, and Girls’ Nights.

FAVORITE DRINK: My version of a Key Lime Pie martini

WORST PICKUP LINE U HEARD: When can Mommy come out and play? Eww, just eww.

CRAZIEST THING THAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE BAR: I saw a girl try a do a sexy lean back while flirting, her entire weave went up in flames. The security footage is a classic.

FAVORITE SONG: At work, “Control Movement” Gesaffelstein. At home, country and Elvis.

TURN OFFS: Talking about the ex, Mama’s boys, nail biters.

TURN ONS: I’m a sucker for a sexy set of eyes and a great kisser. Good manners and more ink than me goes a long way, too.

Name: Sara D

Bar: Play Book Sports Bar, Niles

HomeTown: Chicago

Hobbies: Going to clubs, playing angry birds on my phone, shopping, listening to rap music and watching the Chicago Bulls games.

Favorite Drink: Beer

Worst Pick up line: Are you tired??….. Because you have been running threw my mind all day!

Craziest thing that happened behind the bar: ” I have to say…..getting a $500 tip!”

Favorite Song: I like it when you call me BIG PAPA by B.I.G

Turn offs: Bad breath

Turn ons: Scruffy Guys

Name: Maggie Seeley

Bar: Game Pazzo

Home Town: Downers Grove

Hobbies: Playing with my Roller Derby League, The DuPage Derby Dames. Kickboxing, shooting guns, boating, working out.

Favorite Drink: Good Irish girls drink Jameson!

Worst Pickup Line U Heard: “how much does a polar bear weigh?” “enough to break the ice….”

 Craziest Thing That Happened Behind The Bar: Let’s just say their are lots of women’s panties that customers give us behind the bar

Favorite Song: The Remedy by There For Tomorrow

 Turn Offs: Arrogance, Grammatical errors, nose hair

 Turn Ons: converse all stars, muscles, manners, chivalry

Some companies allow your time to build up, and then you see executives that have a month or two of paid time off. I have never understood why someone might trade vacation/free time for money when they quit, get fired or retire. By that time those people have all the time in the world, but then they want to do something else and it is never retirement.

Personally I need more vacation time! I would prefer a full month to use throughout the year, I never have enough of it and end up taking unpaid sick days and unpaid vacation by the end of every year. It sucks but at least I did something, and went somewhere. Right?

Xoxo

Curly

1. Things that jiggle (and you think shouldn’t), can be hidden at all times .

2. Travel, travel, travel at the last minute, not calling someone when traveling.

3. Every night can be a girls night!

4. No need to explain to anyone about your platonic male friends, or the new ones you meet!

5. Sleep, no snoring, movement or smothering by a loved one.

6. Hone your skills. Craft like no one is watching. Cook like you are experimenting every night without judgment.

7. Privacy, for whatever you need.

8. Shop and shop often because who will know if you are spending .

9. Change your hair color, length or style and don’t worry about what others think.

10. Enjoy new places and things, meet new people. Date often.

What are some of your upsides?

Curran returned to the UFC at UFC 137 against Scott Jorgensen. Jorgensen’s game plan was not surprising to Curran as Curran has even said himself the way to beat him is to take him down and survive his guard. Not an easy task as nearly two-thirds of his victories have come by way of submission.

The first two rounds, Jorgensen was able to implement his game plan. Knowing he was down two rounds, Curran let it all lay on the line in the third round and came out swinging. He scored early in the round, forcing Jorgensen to readjust to the oncoming barrage of attacks. But it wasn’t enough as time ran out and the judges’ scored the fight for Jorgensen.

The loss put Curran in a difficult spot, as no fighter in the UFC wants to be on the verge of being cut from the promotion. But that’s exactly where he finds himself. Now with his back to the wall, Curran faces Eduardo, who like Curran, is also in a win or go home situation.

Eduardo made his UFC debut at UFC 134 against Raphael Assuncao. The three round battle saw Eduardo nearly finished in the second round with an assault of punches continuing in the third. While Eduardo showed a great deal of heart, his skills were no match for Assuncao’s that night.

Because of what is on the line for both fighters, this is shaping up to be one exciting fight.

XFO 43 Highlights
Xtreme Fighting Organization returned to the Copernicus Theater on Friday, April 13th with an all professional night of fighting. The night was scheduled to feature thirteen fights, however two fights were scratched at the weigh-ins as fighters failed to show up for their fight.

Many fans will talk about how an entire card’s pace can be set by just one fight. Sometimes it is the first fight, other times it doesn’t happen until after the intermission. But on Friday April 13th, it was set from the first fight.

Damian Norris took on Jordan Griffin in the night’s opening bout. Norris used his kicks to keep Griffin at bay as Griffin wanted the takedown bad. He was successful too in getting Norris to the ground, but the two would wind back up on their feet.

Norris didn’t let up his attack and started to throw elbows, something he was looking forward to with making his professional debut. The elbows connected on the forehead of Griffin and blood just started to gush out. While Norris was covered in blood, the ref stopped the fight to have the doctor check the cut. The doctor ruled it was too bad of a cut and stopped the action, awarding Norris the victory.

The bar was set high for the rest of the fighters and they delivered well. Later on in the night Rafal Skibinski took on Jason Graves. Graves was controlling the fight and took Skibinski down and mounted him. Graves threw punch after punch, some landing, but most not. Graves started to complain to the ref to stop the fight as he felt Skibinski wasn’t defending himself. But Skibinski used the opportunity to buck and roll Graves onto his back. Immediately after gaining the top position, Skibinski threw a massive elbow that cut Graves open immediately. Like the Norris-Griffin fight, the doctor was called in and the fight was stopped.

It seemed as if you weren’t bleeding, you were either submitting someone or being choked out. Several submissions were on display. Josh Killion upset Joey Diehl with a rear naked choke in the second round. Diehl tried to finish the fight in the first round, but Killion was able to escape. In the second round Diehl had a great throw, but was quickly reversed as Killion ended up in half guard. He moved to mount and Diehl gave up his back to escape. Killion kept the pressure on, and eventually got his arm under Diehl’s chin to secure the choke.

Another upset happened just a few fights later as late replacement Taurean Bogguess put Mike Santiago to sleep with a guillotine choke just 32 seconds into the fight. Bogguess landed a hard left hook that stunned Santiago. Satniago shot in for a takedown but Bogguess countered with a guillotine choke. It didn’t take long before Santiago’s knees gave out and the ref called a stop to the fight.

With all the blood and submissions happening in the ten previous fights, Daniel Vizcaya and Brandon DelPrado knew they were going to put on a show. Unfortunately for DelPrado, it was Vizcaya who was on top of his game. The opening round Vizcaya scored a trip takedown on DelPrado and spent most of the round punching on DelPrado’s head from various positions.

The second round DelPrado caught Vizcaya with a right hook, but was taken down with a big double leg takedown. DelPrado tried to work elbows from the bottom as Vizcaya threw punch after punch. Vizcaya passed the guard and into mount and then he started to switch up his attack to elbows. Like the previous fights with a fighter landing an elbow, DelPrado was bleeding heavily from his forehead. He gave up his back and Vizcaya locked in a rear naked choke for the victory.

Quick Results

• Daniel Vizcaya defeated Brandon DelPrado via Tapout due to RNC in round two
• Andrew Krzeptowski defeated Lawrence Dunning (29-28 x3) via unanimous decision
• Daniel Aguirre defeated Justin Robbins via Tapout due to a RNC at 2.47 of round three
• Rafal Skibinski defeated Jason Graves via doctor stoppage (cut under left eye) 2.13 of round one
• Brandon Wood defeated Christian Reynoso via TKO at 2.39 of round one
• Taurean Bogguess defeated Mike Santiago via Technical submission at 32 seconds of round one
• Adam Ward defeated Bobby Ferrier via Tapout due to a RNC at 2.23 of round one
• Josh Killion defeated Joey Diehl via Tapout due to a RNC at 3.10 of round two
• Andre Feliciano defeated Jerald Williams by unanimous decision
• Phil Williams defeated James Smith via Tapout due to a RNC at 2.56 of round one
• Damian Norris defeated Jordan Griffin via doctor stoppage at 3.02 of round two

June Shaping Up To Have Some Fantastic Fights
Fans of mixed martial arts have a lot to chose from in the month of June. The first three weekends all will feature great mma action from Rockford to Hammond Indiana. Starting the month off, Hoosier Fight Club returns to the Porter County Expo Center for HFC 11 on Saturday June 2nd.

The night will be headlined by Kevin Nowaczyk taking on Chuck O’Neil from the thirteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. O’Neil lost at the TUF 13 finale to Chris Cope by unanimous decision and thus was cut from the promotion. He followed up the loss with a win over former UFC veteran Marcus Davis at Warrior One MMA in Florida.

This will mark Nowaczyk’s fifth fight for Hoosier Fight Club, having competed on every card since HFC 7. He is 2-2 for the promotion with losses to Neil Magny and Kris McCray, and holds wins over Daniel Head and Joe Alexander.

Other fighters who have fought for Hoosier Fight Club in the past include Neil Magny, Daniel Sandmann, John Cantu, Billy Johnson, Terry House, and Larry DiGiulio.

The following weekend on Saturday, June 9th, the professional mma action continues with Chicago Cagefighting Championship presents Rockford Cagefighting Championship’s Rumble at the Resort. The event takes place at the Clocktower Resort and will feature several of Rockford’s best fighters.

The professional fighters currently scheduled to fight include Stanton Gavia, Rudy Gray, Tanner Hendricks, Andre Feliciano, Damian Norris, Anthony Goodwin, James Barber, Mike Cannon, Kenny Booker and Shane Adams.

The all ages show will start at 7pm with an amateur portion of the card, followed by the professional card.

Then on Saturday, June 16th, Xtreme Fighting Organization returns to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. This will be the fourth show for the XFO at the venue, third time in just over 12 months.

The night of fights will feature an amateur portion, followed by a bunch of professional fights. No official fights have been announced for the card, however several notable names have already been signed for the event.

Ramy Daoud will be returning the cage after a four year hiatus from the sport. He was scheduled to fight Johnny Coleman at XFO 43, but Coleman decided to no-show the weigh-ins and thus the fight was scratched. Daoud is a favorite of leg locks, and will be working to drop down to a more natural fighting weight of 125lbs.

Headlining the card is Daoud’s teammate at Midwest Training Center, Will Brooks. Brooks auditioned for the current season of The Ultimate Fighter and was cast as an alternate for the show. Unfortunately no injuries presented themselves, and Brooks was left waiting till his contract ran out. Now that it is up, Brooks will return to the XFO for a fourth time, this time in the main event.

Other fighters who have agreed to fight on the card include Chris Haney, Phil Williams and Andre Feliciano. All three have previously fought for the XFO and are fan favorites.

Name:

Bar: The Apartment, North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

What’s the best way to handle drunks: To be nice and helpful if they’re sloppy drunk, and you just might hear some funny and interesting things come out of there mouths.

What’s the worst part of being a doorman: Not being able to drink while everyone else is, and dealing with drunks while being sober.

What’s the best part of being a doorman: getting to meet new people and hearing some interesting conversations

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen as a doorman: there was one night when I was walking around the floor and some girl jumped in front of me and started grinding on me untill she realized I worked there.

 Dot Dot Dot’s members were all well-known in the local Chicago cover band scene. Having decided that it was time for a change, Adam (vocals and guitar), Little Lisa (bass), Marty (drums), Michael (keyboards), and Rose (guitar and vocals) decided to make a go of combining forces to record and perform originals and covers. As performers, Dot Dot Dot merges the intensity of a wild punk act with the refinement of seasoned pop professionals. Their stage show is infectious to say the least and regardless of whether you know the songs or not, you will leave humming the tunes with a skip in your step.

The co-ed quintet may look familiar from their 5^th place finish in 2007 on FOX TV’s “American Idol” spin-off show, “The Next Great American Band”.  Having been selected as a top 12 finalist from over 6,000 bands that sent in their audition tapes, the band’s visibility quickly skyrocketed. Their success on the show captured fans of all ages and paved the way for high-profile shows including WGN, T-Mobile, Victoria’s Secret, Wrigley, and an invite to perform at President Obama’s 2010 Chicago rally.

Having played everywhere from Los Angeles to Guam, the band is on the road quite a bit. However, they seem to have no trouble making friends along the way. With over 12,000 Facebook likes, they have some truly dedicated fans. Their music definitely speaks to the audience, and their energy is endless. Ranging from up-tempo to introspective, Dot Dot Dot’s power pop-rock repertoire is unified by a dramatic sense of melody and movement. Stories about damaged relationships set to uplifting musical backdrops result in a growing catalog of memorable moments across four EP releases: Dot Dot Dot (2007), I (2009), II (2010), and III (2011). With a new wave feel, catchy hooks and lyrics that easily get stuck in your brain are strong aspects of their hits “Around the World (and Back)” and “Stay”.

Radio single “Stay,” broke the Top 100 Mediabase Adult Contemporary chart in 2010, and EPs I and II charted on the CMJ Top 200 and have been spun on over 180 college radio stations nationwide. As if their touring and recording success wasn’t enough, Dot Dot Dot has also penned several songs for national ad campaigns for companies such as Party City/Factory Card Outlet, the Florida Gators, the Kentucky Derby, Jeep, and “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.” A number of the band’s songs have also been placed in the latest season of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

EP releases are available from iTunes, Amazon, and www.dotdotdotonline.com. Check them out at Harrah’s Casino in Joliet on April 7^th, Rivers Casino on April 18^th, or Fitz’s Spare Keys on April 20^th.