The Raw and the Cooked:
An evening of Queer Disability Culture
The Paper Mirror film screening // With Live Comedy by Liz Carr // Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Avenue
**disability accessible**
December 1, 6:30pm
The Paper Mirror, a short documentary film, by Charissa King-O'Brien, is a fascinating and intimate view of the creative process and collaboration between visual artist Riva Lehrer and graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, as Lehrer creates Bechdel's portrait over a two-year period. Filmmaker Charissa King-O'brien and Riva Lehrer will be on hand to discuss the film. Liz Carr, renowned London-based comedian, will also perform during the program. The event is free but RSVPs are suggested. Lehrer's completed portrait of Alison Bechdel will be unveiled the following evening,
Printworks Gallery, 311 W. Superior Street
**disability accessible**
Friday, December 2nd // Opening Night Reception 5-8pm
Mirror Shards is a one-person show featuring new mixed-media drawings and paintings by one of Chicago's most accomplished artists, Riva Lehrer. The exhibit features Lehrer's the long-anticipated portrait of graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, created in collaboration with Bechdel over a two-year period. The show opens at the Printworks Gallery with a reception for the artist on Friday, December 2 and the exhibition will continue through February 4. The Paper Mirror, a new documentary by Charisa King-O'Brien, that documents the Lehrer/Bechdel collaboration will screen at Access Living December 1st.
Ms. Lehrer's work has been seen at the Chicago Cultural Center, the United Nations, the Smithsonian Museum, the Frye Museum, the de Cordova Museum and the Elmhurst Museum among many others. She has been a visiting artist and lecturer across the United States and Europe. Presently she is adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and will be a visiting artist at Northwestern University Department of Medical Humanities in 2012.
God-Des and She in Concert
Berlin Nightclub, 954 W. Belmont
Saturday, December 3
$5: BUY TICKETS
God-Des and She return to Berlin for an encore performance after their sold out take-the-house-down show in June. The rap, punk duo, God-Dess and She were featured performers on showtime's L-Word television show, and can be seen at Dinah Shore Weekend, Aqua Girl and the Michigan Women's Music Festival.
Queer Comedy Night: L.A.F.F
(Lesbians are Flippin' Funny!)
Mary's Attack, 5400 N. Clark Street
Wednesday, December 7 // Doors 7pm, Show 7:30pm
$10 advance, $12 at the door BUY TICKETS
Join ringmaster extraordinaire, Cameron Esposito with Sapna Kumar, Gwen La Roka, and Meg O'Rourke for a raucous night of doubled-over laughter exploring the truth, love, lust, an ironies of the modern queer life for the ladies, in the intimate setting of Mary's Attic. The evenings is hosted by Sissy Van Dyke, and benefits the Howard Brown Health Center and the Lesbian Community Care Project's women's health and wellness services.
GIRL IN A COMA with The Coathangers
November 19, 8 pm (Doors), Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue, $10-$12: BUY TICKETS
Hailing from the Lone Star State, this irreverent, gutsy, all-girl punk squad has been compared to artists as diverse as Bjork, Patsy Cline and Morrissey. Lead singer Nina Diaz, who was 12 when the band formed, is often called "the female Morrissey." The high-energy Diaz is widely praised by critics and fans for her powerful, expressive voice that is unforgettable to anyone who hears her sing. With the rocking Jenn Alva on bass and Phanie D on drums, this band has been likened to The Smiths, The Pixies, and The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. Girl in a Coma tours internationally, including the Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" tour; opening for the Pogues, Social Distortion, Tegan and Sara, and touring with Morrissey in both Europe and the U.S.. The girls also blew away the industry a-list with three years of critically acclaimed shows at SXSW.
November 8+9, 7.30 pm, VIC Theater, 3145 N Sheffield: BUY TICKETS
The Indigo Girls return to Chicago for two nights on November 8th and 9th at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield! Having just released their 14th studio album, Beauty Queen Sister, the Grammy winning folk-rock duo delivers a beautifully crafted batch of songs that revel in spirited simplicity. Don't miss tracks from the new album along with songs that span their 25 year career, November 8th and 9th at The Vic!
November 5, 7.00 pm, Landmark Theater, 2828 N. Clark St: BUY TICKETS
A sweet, feminine, God-fearing southern woman, Chely Wright is many things, including a bonafide country music sensation known for her hits "Shut Up and Drive" and "Single White Female." But the award-winning performer is something else as well – a lesbian. Having spent most of her life lying to those closest to her (and often herself), Chely eventually opened her door to filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf, who document the most intimate moments of Chely's life as she finally bares it all to friends and family, and eventually the public, in what Variety calls "an inspirational account of coming out." Winner of best documentary at the Los Angeles Film Festival and Frameline.
November 6, 6.00 pm, Landmark Theater, 2828 N. Clark St: BUY TICKETS
When you think of the band "Hole," what immediately comes to mind are Courtney Love's infamous antics. But drummer Patty Schemel's right foot beating out the time was critical to Hole's success. An out lesbian who first started playing drums at the age of eleven – and first started drinking at twelve – Schemel's stamina as a barefoot, punk drummer is unrivaled. Living and making music with Love and Kurt Cobain did nothing to help her growing addictions, nor did the untimely death of Cobain. Using archival tour footage, personal home videos, and interviews with other musicians (including a sometimes coherent Courtney Love), this raw and captivating film not only tells the life story and near death experience of Schemel, but chronicles the evolution of the grunge movement.
November 7, 7.15 pm, Landmark Theater, 2828 N. Clark St: BUY TICKETS
More than ten years after having a fight on stage that brought their band Trigger to an end, rock 'n roll musicians Kat (Deadwood's Molly Parker) and Vic (the late actress Tracy Wright, battling terminal cancer during the making of the film) reunite at a restaurant the night they are being honored at a tribute concert for women in rock. Right off the bat, unresolved issues and buried emotions dominate their awkward reunion. As they reminisce, it is apparent how each has changed…or hasn't. They candidly reconnect over the course of one incredibly eventful night, and as layers are peeled away, repressed feelings are revealed. Actresses Parker and Wright alternate between strength and vulnerability with tremendous aplomb. The film deftly conveys the difficulties of remaining sober in the face of the music industry's trappings and the struggle to keep your identity when the fame is long gone.
November 10, 9.15 pm, Landmark Theater, 2828 N. Clark: BUY TICKETS
Liza's life has been on the verge of disaster for some time. Now it hovers precariously between leaving her doomed relationship with girlfriend Sally and finding success with their band, Blanket. Meanwhile, the band's other members, Vin and Jamie, are facing their own struggles. On Liza's 25th birthday, things finally come to a head and the four friends are plunged into emotional meltdown at an illegal rave. By the end of the night there's no going back to how things used to be. Filled with music from the band and the underground London scene, Break my Fall captures the ethos of the twenty-something gay community in East London and mirrors their sense of modern disillusionment.
November 12, 6.00 pm,Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.: BUY TICKETS - CLOSING NIGHT!!!
Cho Dependent takes us front row center for Margaret Cho's acclaimed live performance based on her 2010 Grammy Award-nominated comedy album. She's still the brash and unapologetically un-pc Cho we've come to love and her barbed humor and scathing commentary is targeted on her stint on Dancing with the Stars, Lady Gaga, and the culture shock of moving to the South for her Lifetime TV series Drop Dead Diva. In typical Cho fashion, she touches on topics familiar to her fans – outrageous bedroom escapades, self-deprecating tales of being an outsider, and, everyone's favorite, her mother's latest antics. Come get a "ticket for gaywalking" with the only comedienne who is an equal-opportunity repeat "offender." Humor like this should be prosecutable – but, thankfully, it's not!
November 12, 8.00 pm, Portage Theater | 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave: BUY TICKETS - Closing Night Reception
Come early and join us in the grand lobby of the Portage Theater for a closing night reception with cool jazz by Lakeside Pride, Blue Moon beer, and food donated by many of Chicago's finest restaurants.
July 26, 8pm, $12 advance/ $15 day-of // 1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston: BUY TICKETS
With diverse influences that include Folk, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Bluegrass, Country and even Classical, Natalia Zukerman has been described by public radio as "an example of the finest Americana." She combines her unique slide guitar playing style with seductive vocals, a painter's observing eye, unapologetic writing, and sharp wit. Zukerman's music is as riddled with urban restlessness as it is grounded in rootsy warmth; a welcome contradiction.
Best known as singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist for Los Angeles based foursome, The Rescues, Adrianne Gonzalez's compelling and emotionally packed songs and performances have been spreading like wildfire. Their most recent release, "Let Loose the Horses" has been a TV favorite with songs places on shows like One Tree Hill, Private Practice, and a staggering five songs on Grey's Anatomy.
August 2, 8 pm, $7-10, No one turned away
826CHI @ the boring store: 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave
Welcome nomy back to Chicago on her "A New Road Home" Tour...with local legends: Mia Beatrice//Dalice Malice //The Ovens
August 5, 8pm, $10 advance, $14 day-of // 1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston: BUY TICKETS
"To watch Bonar perform is haunting and humbling; rarely is it so keenly obvious that an artist is doing precisely what they were born to do."-MINNEAPOLIS CITY PAGES
My name is Haley Bonar (rhymes with Daily Honor), I am a 28 year old singer/songwriter who resides in the lovely village of Minneapolis, MN. I recently wrote, recorded, and released my new record, Golder. Titled after the dreams I had about the record cover being shiny gold, Golder also represents me striving to become a better artist. With Golder, my band and I went into Pachyderm studio (Nirvana, PJ Harvey) in Cannon Falls, MN, knowing most of the songs in advance, but reconstructing them while in the studio with my band. The songs themselves are largely a reflection of a wonderful and lonely year spent in Portland, Oregon. I returned in July 2010, became active once again in the amazing Twin Cities music scene (including the formation of a punk/new-wave side project Gramma's Boyfriend) and am set to get out on the road to play songs from Golder
Also be sure to check out THE PINES at their site.
August 19, 2011 - 9:00pm Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM 17 & Over, valid ID required for entry:Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake Street: BUY TICKETS
Decibelle is thrilled to partner with the Bottom Lounge to present self proclaimed, rap beast, pixil fantasy, Oakland rep, under-cat, Kreayshawn!! A former film student at UC Berkley who's worked with Snoop Dog, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and directed videos for the likes of Lil' B and Soulja Boy. It wasn't until her sisters urging that Kreayshawn picked up the mic. Since, the rapper, DJ, director, swag-assassin, filmmaker has caused waves with her debut music video, "Bumpin Bumpin," which has amassed over 150,000 views on YouTube. Currently, Kreayshawn, who counts everyone from Andy Milonakis to Soulja Boy, Das Racist, and Good Charlotte front man Joel Madden amongst her biggest fans, is putting the final touches on her soon-to-be-titled debut album, which will be preceded by a mixtape with streetwear brand The Hundreds.
July 22, 8pm // The Metro: 3730 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL
Go to the Decibelle Facebook page and tell us your favorite Sia song or Sia story, or simply why you adore our beloved disco-funk diva, and you are entered to win TWO FREE TICKETS to her upcoming Chicago concert at the Metro.Winners announced July 18th!
Australian singer song-writer phenom, Sia, returns to Chicago with dozens of new awards since releasing her fifth album "We are Born" in 2010. On her way to solo fame, Sia's soulful voice was first made famous on Zero 7 tracks and Six Feet Under episodes. She has also collaborated or performed with Beck, Massive Attack, Christina Aguilara, JD Sampson and many other pop legends. Get your tickets fast—they will sell out soon!
July 7, 8pm, $15 // Schuba's Tavern, 3159 N. Southport: BUY TICKETS
Decibelle partners with Schuba's to present an evening of alt-folk rock with Blame Sally and Ellis live in concert. Blame Sally has forged a compelling and original sound that has earned the band the well-deserved reputation as a "Bay Area phenomenon." Recently signing a five year mid-six figure record deal, the band's spirited, take-no-prisoners attitude is a welcome contrast to traditional folkie navel-gazing, and Blame Sally has the songs, chops and pipes to back up their tough- talking, clear-minded folk rock. In May, 2009 the band released their fifth album, Night of 1000 Stars, produced by Grammy nominated producer, Lee Townsend.
Ellis may not be a household name, but once you've seen her perform you're not likely to forget her. A mix of folk artist, dharma teacher, and comedi enne, her music is best described by the effect it has on her audience rather than a particular genre. Simply put, she leaves audiences better than she finds them. With compelling songwriting and engaging performances, Ellis is quietly amassing a loyal following of supporters across the country. Curve Magazine says, "She's got real star power, and audiences are utterly mesmerized by her."
Thanks to all who came out to celebrate a rockin' Pride month with us in June! God-dess and She packed the house, and the Pride Matinee Bauhaus Rodeo Dance Party kicked off our summer in style. The Decibelle Music & Culture Series continues with the return of alt-country heroine Haley Bonar, and fierce women artists from across the country!
