Part of a series called “Big Free Show”, the brewery will host a wide selection of musicians and artists from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 7th.

Anderson will take the stage at 5 p.m. to showcase his two critically acclaimed albums.  The first being The Weaver’s Room, his 2014 debut produced by Andrija Tokic, who has worked on albums for the Alabama Shakes and Hooray for the Riff Raff.

It wasn’t until 2017 that the world got their next glimpse of Anderson, as he released his sophomore album, City of Vines, that continued his unique blend of grass roots and psychedelic rock.

Before Anderson’s solo career, he was heavily involved in the Chicago music scene.  Anderson partnered his vocals and songwriting into a beloved Chicago grassroots band named, Go Long Mule.

However, there were moments in Anderson’s career where he did not always call the shots, as he served as the guitarist for the Chicago garage rockers, Rambos.  During this time, Anderson also produced other bands’ work while working in and out of many other bands being a sideman.

By man critics and fans, Anderson’s vocals are compared to that of the famous and eccentric Tom Waits.  While Anderson’s albums have not garnered him the critical success he’s hoped for, many critics and Chicago radio stations frequently pay tribute to individual songs from his two albums, such as “Crooked Heart” from The Weaver’s Room  and “Shadowboxer” from City of Vines.

Either way, come and check out an aspiring midwestern artist with influences that span across the country and rock lore.

The post Mission Creek Festival Promo: Ryan Joseph Anderson appeared first on KRUI Radio.

One of my favorite bands of all time is the Alabama Shakes, so when I accidentally discovered Thunderbitch in the same bin at the Record Collector in Iowa City, I was beyond excited.

Thunderbitch is a solo project released by Alabama Shakes lead singer Brittany Howard. But you wouldn’t know that by the website, or anywhere else, because the whole band (or her?) is such a mystery. That is until you press play and hear the unmistakable, powerful vocals of Brittany Howard. To add to the mystery, they all wear wigs and sunglasses, and all they really have accomplished so far is produced one self titled album with an impressive rock and roll sound.

If you’re not into real garage type rock, then this album isn’t for you. Thunderbitch is everything you love about Alabama Shakes, kicked up a notch. The guitar. The drums. The vocals. The heavy rock sound hooks you with “Leather Jacket” (low quality video here) and continues on through in jams like “Eastside Party” all the way to “Heavenly Feeling”. You’ll be playing air guitar and kicking over imaginary mic stands the whole time.

Not only does the music give you the feel of what real rock and roll is, but it’s in the lyrics as well. “Leather Jacket” one of my favorites and the first song on the album, is about how putting on a leather jacket changed her life by making her look so cool. This song literally made me want to go out and buy a leather jacket. “My Baby is My Guitar” specifically goes on about how her guitar has everything that she’ll ever need, something a true rock and roll artist would feel. All the songs on this album follow this rock and roll theme so perfectly, if you ever had to introduce rock and roll to someone who had never heard it, this album would be on the list to play.

Brittany Howard is so authentic. As a songwriter you can tell she puts her whole self into the song, and her performing them is no different. The way she clings to her guitar playing for the Alabama Shakes, or strutting around the stage as Thunderbitch, Brittany Howard was made for rock and roll and I can’t imagine her singing anything else.

Most importantly, Brittany Howard isn’t just a singer, she is a force. Everything that this album is about fits her so unbelievably well, from the guitar riffs to the lyrics describing what it’s like to live a life of rock and roll, she embodies it. Her voice reminds me a bit of Steven Tyler, with the near screeching vocals at times, but remaining unique with a soulful sound at other times. In my opinion, this chick can hold a candle to any rocker shes compared to.

Whatever Thunderbitch is, if there’s more to come or not, rock and roll is lucky to have her around if only for a while, and Alabama Shakes in between.

The post Women Who Rock: Thunderbitch appeared first on KRUI Radio.