Only in Arkansas could something like this happen.
A healthy baby boy was born inside of a Golden Corral thanks to a mother who didn’t know that she was pregnant. Tayvia Woodfork was dining at the all-you-can-eat buffet when she felt a pain in her stomach. According to the Today report, that is when 26-year-old Tayvia excused herself to go to the bathroom.
A baby boy was then born in the restaurant. Tamaar Kylon Corral Woodfork, born at 6 pounds and 1 oz, remains happy and healthy.
For the last four years, I’ve served as your Expert In Bands At The Bottom Of The Poster. That role has since spiraled into A Case For, an interview series that began at Riot Fest 2023 that highlights bands that are embedded in the alternative community, but don’t find their music being played on Q101. As Riot Fest moves to RiotLand, I am happy to report that once again, I’ll be highlighting acts on this year’s festival that could wind up being your next favorite band. Join me in exploring 9 bands that are playing Riot Fest this year that you don’t know, but that you need to. -Case the Producer
Basement
Basement is a funny band. They played Riot Fest in 2015 and they’re objectively a bigger deal than they were nine years ago. Two records have followed, neither of which were as explosive as 2012’s Colourmeinkindness, but both were strong. The band has become big by simply pausing their activity. Much like Deftones and contemporaries Superheaven, their shoegaze-adjacent sound has exploded on TikTok and has ushered Basement back into the spotlight. Riot Fest 2024 marks their return to Chicago for the first time in five years.
Drug Church
Drug Church are a machine. They play fast, they play loud, and they play mean. Fronted by loudmouth Patrick Kindlon, the band has plowed through lesser bands to reach their current status as a must-see touring act. Most recently, the five-piece punk act opened for Chicago’s own Alkaline Trio. Kindlon has promised new music by the end of 2024, which we’ll surely hear some of at Riot Fest this year. Before you’re bombarded with what will surely be an Album Of The Year Contender, familiarize yourself with both Cheer and Hygiene, both of which are some of the finest punk records of the 21st century.
Fiddlehead
Fiddlehead is my favorite active band, full stop. They rival only The Smiths when it comes to minutes spent listening over my lifetime. Fronted by ex-Have Heart frontman / current high school teacher Pat Flynn, Fiddlehead is one of the many melodic hardcore acts that have surged in popularity post-COVID. Pulling from the raw intensity of bands like Minor Threat and Mental while also borrowing melodic approaches from Arches Of Loaf or Samiam, this band brings forth a truly unique and original sound. You will not want to miss Fiddlehead.
Gel
Gel’s popularity always catches me by surprise. It’s not that they don’t rip, because they absolutely do, but it’s a little bit like Knocked Loose in which I instinctually feel like their sound isn’t accessible. Their white-hot audience says otherwise. Gel continue to tour hard and play even harder. Each time they hit the road and leave a city in the dust, the city left behind feels the undeniable impact of what Gel did on stage. This feels like a band that could steal the entire weekend.
Heart Attack Man
While Riot Fest alumni The Menzingers still sit atop my “Why Isn’t This Band Bigger?” pantheon, Heart Attack Man are quickly nipping at their heels. Seriously, why isn’t Heart Attack Man bigger? I blame the sad decline of MTV2. This band would be huge if the ecosystem was different and frontman Eric Egan had an easier path to scaring Middle America. When 2023’s Freak of Nature dropped, I played “Like A Kennedy” for Brian after the morning show because I thought he would appreciate what they were going for. He was stunned at how abrasive the lyrics were. That seems to be the ongoing goal for Heart Attack Man – not to receive a good reaction or a bad reaction, but merely to receive a reaction.
Home Front
I honestly feel like more bands should try to be like Home Front. They don’t need to copy their look or their sound, but they do need to copy the innovative spirit that this Canadian outfit has to offer. Having just seen them at Cobra Lounge with The Chisel, I cannot express just how much fun Home Front were to see live, especially given that their primary influences are The Cure and Echo & the Bunnymen, a far cry from the no-nonsense street-punk approach that The Chisel brings to the table. They were odd-men-out, yet they felt right at home. I get so excited when I see bands go for it, unapologetically, and Home Front is absolutely going for it.
Slaughter Beach, Dog
While Modern Baseball remains one of the most sought after Riot Fest reunion bookings, Jake Ewald’s post-MOBO project Slaughter Beach, Dog is live and in living color at Riot Fest 2024. While still as emotionally rich as MOBO’s teenage angst hits, SBD offers an alt-country approach to yearning and despair. If you are looking for an escape from the pit, Slaughter Beach, Dog will be an excellent exit ramp.
Spiritual Cramp
What if The Clash had a baby with The Hives? That would be Spiritual Cramp. In fact, let me be incredibly clear when I say this: if you’re going to go see The Hives at Riot Fest, you need to also go see Spiritual Cramp. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Spiritual Cramp a handful of times over the last few years – first with Angel Du$t, then with The Metz, then as a headliner, and then one last time with Militarie Gun on the Life Under the Gun Tour, and each and every time I was simply in awe by the raw, unforgiving stage presence of this band. I wish nothing but success for this band going forward. If I were going to earmark any single band as “must see” for this year’s Riot Fest, it would be this band.
Waxahatchee
As it stands at publishing time, Waxahatchee has 2024’s Album Of The Year. Tigers Blood, which dropped in March, has been on steady repeat ever since. Admittedly, I’m a little surprised to see Waxahatchee on this year’s bill given how folky and chill Tigers Blood is, but this is nothing short of a delightful addition to what is already a spectacular festival lineup.
Riot Fest is on the move, and RiotLand is about to rock Chicagoland.
In a statement posted across their digital media channels, Riot Mike said,
Dearest Fans,
You find me penning this letter at the end of what was built – the culmination of the wildest journey Riot Fest has traveled.
Several weeks ago, I had enough. I was tired of Riot Fest continually being the lowest hanging fruit. I was tired of playing their games. I was tired of watching something I love being continually used to deflect away from their own internal deficits. This prevented us from giving you the experience you deserve.
So, it became evident change was needed. Riot Fest will be leaving Douglass Park. And – and allow me to be as clear as the azure sky of the deepest summer – our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District. Their lack of care for the community, you and us, ultimately left us no choice.
But then there’s Alderwoman Monique Scott. She is righteous. Caring. Passionate. She is one of us. The hardest conversation I’ve had regarding our departure was with her. It was filled with tears and sadness because Riot Fest has real meaning within the 24th ward and vice versa. We’re not abandoning the community…we’re taking them on this journey as well.
Though our curtains may have closed in Douglass Park, another one has opened.
It’s called RiotLand.
It’s something like you’ve never seen before. And it’s far overdue.
So perhaps for one last time, allow your humble guide to take you to the front gates of a place where all of you can choose your own adventures. That would mean the world to me and the friends we’re bringing along because without you – the fans – there would be no soul to what we do.
Only at Riot Land.
Your chum,
Riot Mike
Brian, Kenzie, & Lauren will be joined by Riot Mike on Q101 at 10am today to discuss the location change. Listen live anywhere in the world on Q101.com.
We don’t know what to make of this video. We’re still not entirely sure it’s real.
A crowd in Oregon was greeted to a bull hopping over the fence and going on a rampage at a local rodeo. The viral video gained traction over the weekend due to the absurdity of the situation, as “God Bless America” blared over the speakers.
The video of the bull running through the concourse is even more shocking.
At least three people were injured before the bull was captured.
Every Friday, Case the Producer rounds up the most exciting new tunes in music and serves them up in one easy-to-find blog for you, the Q101 Crew Members.
beabadoobee: Coming Home
Excellent singer-songwriter beabadoobee is rolling out tracks in anticipation for her new record, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, which is slated to drop in mid-August. “Coming Home” is more of what we’ve come to expect from beabadoobee; soft, ear-worm-pop that promises to stay in your head all day. “Coming Home” is as cute as it is good, and it’s very cute.
beabadoobe makes her way to the Aragon Ballroom on September 17.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby: We Were Never Alive
Buckle up, folks: the summer of Brigitte Calls Me Baby is upon us. My personal pick for the best Chicago band running (with apologies to Friko, Sincere Engineer, and countless others), the crooners are back with the lead single for their debut album, The Future Is Our Way Out, which comes out on August 2. “We Were Never Alive” is one of the many tunes that this band has been playing during their live sets as of late. Steeped in alternative tradition (80’s keyboards, a bass breakdown that would make the late bassist of The Smiths Andy Rourke smile), “We Were Never Alive” continues the trend of BCMB putting their best foot forward. If this is any indication of what’s to come with their first full length record, we’ll have a new Album Of The Year Contender come August.
Catch Brigitte Calls Me Baby at Lollapalooza at the IHG Hotels & Resort Stage on Saturday August 3 at 12:30.
Falling In Reverse & Jelly Roll: All My Life
Grab your Monster Energy and pack a pouch of Zyn: Falling In Reverse has a collaboration with Jelly Roll and that is bound to make a certain type of person extremely happy.
The Offspring: Make It All Right (single)
The Offspring are back and ready to roll out their eleventh record, Supercharged. The lead single, “Make It All Right”, is a new entry into Offspring’s catalogue that sounds like classic Offspring. Supercharged will be out on October 11.
Pedro the Lion: Santa Cruz
Indie-rock legend Pedro the Lion is back with his seventh studio album. Santa Cruz is a return to form for Pedro, who weaves brilliant storytelling across heartbreaking indie rock for 11 tracks.
Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park (Thursday-Sunday)
A legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival. This year’s performances, part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season, will include living legend Buddy Guy.
White Sox host the Red Sox (Thursday-Sunday)
How could it get worse? I’m sure the White Sox will find a way.
Chicago’s Puerto Rican Festival (Friday-Sunday)
Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas will traditionally be held on the beautiful grounds of Humboldt Park located in “Puerto Rico Town” on Division Street where the Annual Puerto Rican Day People’s Parade will take place. After the parade, you will flow right into the Festival & Carnival and continue the festivities!
Soccer Mommy (solo) at Schubas (Friday)
Soccer Mommy, who wowed Q101 with her stellar Lounge performance in 2022, is back on the road and this time she’s doing it solo. Soccer Mommy heads to Schubas this Friday for what should be a spectacular show.
The Return of The Flock featuring Jerry Goodman at Ravinia (Friday)
Ravinia season kicks off on Friday with The Return of The Flock featuring Jerry Goodman, followed by James Taylor on both Saturday and Sunday. Have fun and be wary of the cicadas!
The Double Features at Front Porch Music in Valpo (Saturday)
The Double Features are at Front Porch Music in Valpo on Saturday night at 8pm. They’ll be joined by Kirby Lyle from Nashville (Originally Valparaiso) will both be playing acoustic sets. Tickets are limited.
Paul F. Tompkins Comedy Show at The Riv (Saturday)
One of the funniest men on the planet, Paul F. Tompkins, heads to The Riv on Saturday night for Q101 Welcomes: Varietopia with Paul F. Tompkins.
Join Q101 at The Barn Hockey Bar for an exclusive chance to win a Beer with the Band experience! (Saturday)
Join the Q101 crew at The Barn Hockey Bar on Saturday, June 8th from 5pm – 7pm for your shot to have an ice cold Stella with LOCAL H & Lauren O’Neil. Come hang out & shoot some pool! Have a few laughs, kick back and enjoy a nice summer moment. Plus! pick up cool Stella swag and Q101 gear!
Malort Crawl in Wrigleyville (Saturday)
Calling all fans of Chicago’s most infamous liqueur! This crawl through Wrigleyville will take you to some of the neighborhood’s most popular watering holes so you can get your fill of Malört. Tickets include an official bar crawl T-shirt, a brunch buffet, gift cards to use on crawl, specials and more. If you want more Malört, check out our list of the best Malört cocktails to try in Chicago right now.
Aurora Pride Parade (Sunday)
Get ready to celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity at the Aurora Pride Parade! This vibrant event promises a day of joy, unity, and community spirit. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.
This story keeps getting weirder.
The man who went viral for showing up on a Zoom court hearing about his suspended license while driving is back in the news. Yesterday, we reported that a clerical error was the reason that any of this happened in the first place and that the driver, Corey Harris, had done nothing wrong.
Now, it’s come out that Harris never had a drivers license to begin with.
“Let me make it very clear, based on what the court looked at. [Harris] has never had a Michigan license. Ever. And he has never had a license in the other 49 states and commonwealths that form up this great union. He has never had a license,” the judge said. “The shocking thing about it is, it’s for driving with his license suspended that he didn’t take care of.”
Free our man.
The man behind the viral video that showed him driving on a suspended license has finally seen justice. As it turns out, a clerical error by the court had kept this man in a legal doghouse that he didn’t belong in.
When asked about the situation, the man in question said, “What was I thinking? I was thinking about getting my wife medical help. That’s what I was thinking…I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I got a suspended license. I don’t care about all that.”
Photos/ Alex Geshel & Zach Spangler
There’s new competition for Coca-Cola.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Dr Pepper is now tied with Pepsi for the second spot in the soda game. According to data from Beverage Digest, which is our favorite publication, DP has continued to rise in popularity while Pepsi continues to fall.
Dr. Pepper drinkers, unite.
Barton will play through all 128 Foo Fighters songs from each of their 12 albums. He’s embarking on this challenge in honor of his Grandmother, who is battling cancer, as well as a tribute to Foo Fighters’ late drummer, Taylor Hawkins. There’s a donation link with all proceeds going to the Cancer Research Institute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSGiSjYXhHs
The White Sox are finding new ways to be awful.
On Sunday, the squad dropped their 11th straight game, a new record for the 2024 campaign. Late in the game with the Sox down 1, Tommy Pham attempted to tag up on a ball that could’ve led to the Sox evening up the score. Instead, Pham was out by a mile.
Pham, despite being so obviously out, postured up against the Brewers following the play. After the game, Pham remarked that he “spends the offseason fighting” and that he’d be ready to f*ck someone up if need be.
You know what Tommy Pham should do during the offseason? PRACTICE BASEBALL.
