The 38th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony happens tonight and will be streamed live on the Disney + platform.
New music featuring Cold War Kids, The Struts, and more!
Cold War Kids: Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids are back with a new record, a self-titled release full of 12 excellent songs. This is the their first release since 2021. They’ll be back in Chicago in February 2023 at The Salt Shed next year. Grab a ticket here.
Spiritbox: The Fear of Fear
Hard-rockers Spiritbox are back with a new EP, The Fear of Fear. This exciting four-piece just got off the road with Papa Roach and Shinedown, and have more momentum than ever before.
Spiritual Cramp: Spiritual Cramp
Bay-area punks Spiritual Cramp have finally released their first full-length record. At 10 songs in a blistering 26 minutes, the band brings unrelenting intensity track-after-track. This is one of the best releases of the year.
The Struts: Pretty Vicious
The fourth studio album from the British standouts is finally here. Pretty Vicious comes after a year of successful tour dates both in the US and around the globe. This sprawling, 11 song record, is some of the best works that The Struts have ever done.
The Weekend Q101
312 Comedy Festival (now-Sunday)
The 312 Comedy Festival, which features performers such as Nate Bargatze, Hannibal Buress, Michael Che, and others, is in full swing now through Sunday. A full list of the outstanding comedy lineup can be found here.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show On Earth (Friday-Sunday)
The circus is coming to town as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents a reimagined version of The Greatest Show on Earth from November 3-5. The new tour won’t have any animals, but instead feature musical performances blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy and never-before-seen acts on highwire, trapeze, bicycles and more. Performers include Wesley Williams, a One Wheel Wonder who will ride unicycles and attempt to set a new world record, and the Lopez Family, sixth-generation circus artists who will take the show to new heights with never-before-attempted stunts on a triangular highwire.
Marvelous 3 at House of Blues (Friday, Saturday)
Marvelous 3 are back on the road and celebrating 25 years of Hey!, the band’s standout record. This two night celebration goes down at the House of Blues and you can grab a ticket here.
Chicago Toy & Game Fair (Saturday, Sunday)
Chicago is the birthplace of the Lite Brite, Radio Flyer Wagons, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Lincoln Logs and Beanie Babies, so it’s not surprising that the city has its own toy and game fair. The two-day event welcomes kids and their parents to test some of the latest toys while taking in events like a Cow Pie Catapults tournament, a fashion show and a young inventor challenge. There will also be a beer and board game garden for adults.
Iowa vs. Northwestern at Wrigley Field (Saturday)
Football is back at Wrigley! Will “Shreking” rear its ugly head? Lord, we hope not.
Corrosion of Conformity at Avondale Music Hall (Saturday)
Longtime favorite of both Brian & Case the Producer, Corrosion of Conformity roll into Avondale Music Hall on Saturday for a lovely evening of aggressive music. They headline Heavy Chicago, a wonderful get-together of hard-hitting, riff-heavy bands. Grab a ticket here.
Royal & the Serpent at SubT (Saturday)
After a summer spent on the road with Fall Out Boy, Royal & the Serpent are back in town for a headlining gig at SubT in Wicker Park. This event is sold out.
The Hives at Bottom Lounge (Sunday)
Countdown to shutdown! The Hives are back in Chicago for the first time since 2019 in celebration of their excellent new album, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons. This event is sold out.
Slaughter Beach, Dog at Thalia Hall (Sunday)
One of the finest alt-country acts in recent memory, Slaughter Beach, Dog roll into Thalia Hall for a sold-out concert on Sunday night. The band, led by Jake Ewald, formerly of beloved emo band Modern Baseball, has put forth one of their finest releases ever with this year’s Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling.
Hot Chocolate Run (Sunday)
What’s the ultimate reward for finishing a 5K or 15K race? If you answered “chocolate,” then you should probably sign up for the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K, an annual race that lets participants indulge in all types of sweet treats once the running is over. Participants get a race-themed hoodie, a medal the looks like a cup of hot cocoa and access to post-race gathering where the chocolate goodies will be served.
Join Q101 at the NASCAR Cup Series Race Championship Watch Party (Sunday)
WIN THE FIRST PAIR OF 2024 NASCAR STREET RACE TICKETS. Join Q101 at The Sports Corner Bar & Grill located at 956 W Addison in Chicago, on Sunday, November 5th from 2:00pm to 7:30pm for an adrenaline-packed event like no other! We’re teaming up with NASCAR Chicago to bring you the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Watch Party!
Florida residents warned of “Booty Patrol” posing as fake cops
A crisis is occurring in Florida over the Booty Patrol. On Monday, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office posted an announcement to their Facebook page claiming that a vehicle had been “impersonating law enforcement” in several counties across the state. The person in question is riding around in a truck marked Booty Patrol.
The Sheriffs office wrote, “If you or anyone you know has been pulled over by this suspicious vehicle or has any information related to these incidents, please do not hesitate to reach out to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, at 863-993-4700.”
Residents, however, are pushing back. They are saying that there’s nothing about this truck that is impersonating a police officer. One comment read, “He’s friends with my neighbor, so I see him at least once a week. I think it’s cool and funny.”
WATCH: 1,000 musicians play The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”
The Rockin’ 1000, a project that organizes mass performance events “to play together the songs that made the glorious history of rock.”, recently performed The Smashing Pumpkins’ classic “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”.
The tradition dates back to 2015, when the Rockin’ 1000 covered the Foo Fighters’ “Learn To Fly” in Cesena, Italy.
WATCH: Dave Grohl play drums for Boygenius
Wearing all black and corpse face paint, Dave played drums on the Boygenius tune “Satanist.” Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker were in Halloween costumes as well, dressing as The Father, Son and Holy Ghost for their set at The Hollywood Bowl on Halloween night.
Boygenius will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live next weekend.
Protected: The 1975 — Meet and Greet
$1.2M winning lottery ticket sold at Brian’s local Jewel, leaving his broke ass still broke
Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Someone in Lakeview had a very good Halloween. The Jewel Osco at 2940 North Ashland Avenue in Lakeview, matched all five numbers in the Friday October 27 midday drawing to score the $1.2 million jackpot, according to a statement from Illinois Lottery officials. The winning numbers were 14-15-24-25-34.
Brian, a local patron of that Jewel, remains broke.
MGMT will release a new album in 2024
MGMT have confirmed their next album Loss of Life will be released on February 23rd.
Loss of Life:
01 Loss of Life (Part 2)
02 Mother Nature
03 Dancing in Babylon [ft. Christine and the Queens]
04 People in the Streets
05 Bubblegum Dog
06 Nothing to Declare
07 Nothing Changes
08 Phradie’s Song
09 I Wish I Was Joking
10 Loss of Life
Halloween Mask Cut Outs!!
Need a last min Halloween costume? Q101 has your back! Just print out these masks and you’ll be trick or treating in no time!
Illustrations/ follow: ZSpang
A Case For: Braid
Case the Producer sat down with emo legends Braid to discuss the 25th anniversary of Frame & Canvas, what it’s like to have At the Drive-In open for you, and more!
New episodes of A Case For drop every Monday with Case the Producer and the emerging artists of today.
Trick-or-treating schedules for the Chicago suburbs
It’s the most wonderful time. Tuesday marks Halloween and the Chicagoland trick-or-treating schedule is out. Here’s a breakdown of when you can go door-to-door tonight.
- Algonquin: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Antioch: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Arlington Heights: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Barrington: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Bartlett: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Batavia: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Bloomingdale: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Bolingbrook: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Bradley: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Brookfield: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Buffalo Grove: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Campton Hills: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Champaign: 6 to 8 p.m.
- Cicero: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Crystal Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Deerfield: 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- Elk Grove Village: 3 to 8 p.m.
- Elmhurst: 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- Elgin: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Evanston: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Fox Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Glendale Heights: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Glenview: 5 to 8:30 p.m.
- Grayslake: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Gurnee: 2 to 5 p.m. (On Sunday, Oct. 29)
- Highland Park: 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- Huntley: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Hoffman Estates: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Kildeer: 3 to 8 p.m.
- Lake in the Hills: 2 to 8 p.m.
- Lake Barrington: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Lake Bluff: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Lake Zurich: 3 to 8 p.m.
- Libertyville: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Lincolnshire: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Lisle: 3 to 8 p.m.
- Lombard: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Marseilles: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
- Mount Prospect: 3 to 8 p.m.
- Mundelein: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Northbrook: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Oak Park: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Oak Brook: 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- Palatine: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Park Ridge: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Schaumburg: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Wheaton: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Wheeling: 3 to 7 p.m.
- Winfield: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where is the best spot to trick-or-treat in town? Let us know on Facebook!
Foo FIGHTers on SNL
Restaurant adds $50 fee for parents “unable to parent their children”
A restaurant in Georgia is garnering national attention for taxing bad parents who are unable to control their rowdy children. The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant just outside of Atlanta has drawn the ire of parents who feel they are unfairly being targeted by the restaurant who added this fee during the pandemic.
A Google review reads, “If you have children, absolutely avoid this place at all costs. Holy moly – the most disrespectful owner made a huge scene in front of the entire restaurant because our children were “running through the restaurant” – they were down by the river.. we were told we need to “go to Burger King and Walmart” and that we were bad parents. They have a $50 surcharge for “bad children.”
Internet sleuths have also noted the menu includes things like an 18% gratuity for separate checks and a $3 fee for sharing a plate.
A representative for the restaurant went on to say there’s nothing wrong with kids and families coming to the restaurant. However, kids running wild through the dining room “isn’t parenting.”
Weathers — HALLOWEEN BASH 2023
Weathers at Q101’s Halloween Bash!!! The guys from Weathers did two sets for us, they came out at themselves and then again GREEN DAY!! They were awesome! Make sure you check out Weathers next time they are around your area!!
10.29.2023 History Of Alternative
5 Last minute Halloween costumes
We’ve all been there before, you have to be at a Halloween party and “Uh Oh!” you didn’t plan anything. Not to worry, here are some last minute DIY costumes for my fellow procrastinators!
- Football Player
This requires little to no effort whatsoever. All it needs is a football jersey, real or fake, or even a shirt with any football team logo on it. This one is very easy to pull off and perfect if you need to leave the house in 30 seconds. If you’re feeling ambitious you can even draw some black lines under your eyes.
2. Chef
A chef could come in many different varieties, but for the sake of you being on time to the Halloween party you’re just going to pop on an apron and grab the cooking utensil of your choosing. Bam you are a certified chef, guaranteed to spice up the party!
3. John Wick
This one may need some ironing skills, but the John Wick costume is basically just dress like you are going to a wedding. Pull out a tux, draw some red marker on your forehead and now you are a trained killer looking to avenge your dog!
4. Barbie
PINK
5. Cereal Killer
This one is actually one of my favorites and you can count on seeing one every year. A cereal killer is a fun play on words and who doesn’t love being a walking pun? Tape some cereal boxes to a T- Shirt, throw some plastic knives in the box or fake blood and you are all set to be the corniest costume of the night!
With all this knowledge go forward my last minute friend and make Halloween yours! – Joey
The Toadies cover Kelly Clarkson
File under things I didn’t think I was going to hear today: the Toadies covered Kelly Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone. It’s the guys yelling “yeah” in the background for me. <3 Lauren
This song will be featured on Texas Wild, a one-of-a-kind album of rare musical collaborations benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Each track is a beloved Texas song reimagined by a renowned Texas musician. You can pre-oder the vinyl here.
Tracklist:
01. Fat Tony ft. Paul Wall – (Hey Baby) Que Paso
02. Ryan Bingham – Possum Kingdom
03. Adrian Quesada ft. Us & Soul Supporters – Say My Name
04. Shakey Graves ft. Jess Williamson – True Love Will Find You In The End
05. Sir Woman ft. Ray Wylie Hubbard – Texas Sun
06. Texas Gentlemen – That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas)
07. The Suffers – My Maria
08. LUNA LUNA – Si Una Vez
09. Toadies – Since U Been Gone
10. Sarah Jaffe – Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
11. Shane Smith and the Saints ft. Hayes Carll – Poncho and Lefty
blink-182 says “what the f*ck is up, Denny’s?”
blink-182 have replicated one of the greatest memes in history over the weekend. While playing “When We Were Young” over the weekend, the iconic trio popped into a Denny’s in Long Beach, California to film a music video for their song, “Anthem Pt. 3”.
Legendary, if we say so ourselves.
The Weekend Q101
Weathers at Cubby Bear (Friday)
Join Brian & Kenzie and the rest of the Q101 team at The Cubby Bear on Friday night for the annual Halloween Pop-Up Performance with Weathers! Learn everything you need to know about this event here!
Bulls host the Raptors (Friday)
The Bulls have a closed-door, players-only meeting after a loss in the first game of the season. If they lose game two to the Raptors, perhaps the team will implode.
deadmau5 at Radius (Friday, Saturday)
Legendary dubstep act, deadmau5, heads to Chinatown’s Radius venue on Friday and Saturday night for a pair of thrilling performances. Tickets to both of those shows are still available and can be found on the Radius website.
Maria Bamford at The Den Theater (Friday, Saturday)
One of the great comics of the 21st century, Maria Bamford, rolls into Wicker Park’s Den Theater for a series of shows this weekend. Although they are now sold out, it is always worth highlighting her genius.
La Carrera De Los Muertos – Race of the Dead (Saturday)
Join the Q101 Street Team to celebrate the Carrera de los Muertos® (Race of the Dead) in Pilsen on October 28th. The vibrant streets of Pilsen will come alive with colorful costumes, energetic runners, and a pulsating atmosphere that pays homage to a rich cultural tradition. This event promises to be a thrilling blend of fitness and festivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to run, dance, and commemorate the Day of the Dead.
Blue Man Group Halloween Performances (Saturday)
Blue Man Group Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the spookiest season of the year with two special Halloween-themed performances at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 North Halsted) Saturday, October 28 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, October 29 at 1 p.m.
Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees at The UC (Saturday)
25 years since the release of one of the single greatest hip hop records of all-time, Ms. Lauryn Hill is back in Chicago with the Fugees to celebrate the anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hill, known for being erratic and unpredictable, is still one of the best performers around…when she wants to be.
Robert’s Howl-O-Ween Costume Pet Parade (Saturday)
Robert’s Pizza is hosting its third annual Howl-o-Ween event. All dog owners are welcome to stop by Robert’s on Saturday, October 28th from 2pm – 4pm for a special dog costume pet parade and contest! The contest will feature a winner for three different costume categories: scariest, cutest, and most creative. Humans will have a chance to compete too so don’t be shy and come ready to win! Plus, a professional pet photographer will be on site to capture photos you can keep for years to come.
Streeterville Dog Halloween Party (Saturday)
Chicago’s most adorable Halloween party happens every year at the MCA Sculpture Garden, where local dog (or cat) owners bring their costumed pets for a parade around the premises. The best-dressed furry friend is chosen by Alderman Brian Hopkins and Maureen Schulman and will receive prizes, but rest assured that everyone is a wiener!
Bronzeville Fall Festival (Saturday)
Join Absolutely Anything Essential for a family-friendly fall fest. The event will have a kids zone, live entertainment, local vendors selling fruits, veggies and wares, a costume contest and more. This is Life, NFP will also be providing free haircuts and coats for children (must register for a complimentary coat).
The 1975 at Allstate Arena (Sunday)
Q101 is proud to bring The 1975 to the Allstate Arena on Sunday night for their third Chicago date in the last year. The band rocked Twisted Xmas, then Lollapalooza, and now they take their talents to Rosemont for a night that should be second-to-none. Tickets are nearly gone but you can get yours here.
Faye Webster at The Riv (Sunday)
Indie singer-songwriter Faye Webster is on the road again, still feeling the buzz from her excellent 2021 release, I Know I’m Funny haha. She’s back for the first time since her Metro gig in early 2022 and even after an upgrade from The Vic to The Riv, this show is sold out.
