Local Loft Episode 184

So it's BACK! but you don't want to take a shot, even with both doses of COVID shots, in enduring packed crowds in an overcrowded Grant Park. There are alternative to the biggest overhyped Alternative Summer music fest. 

Doom Stoner metal has drawn substantially big crowds since Black Sabbath was in its 70s heyday. Black Road has redefined the genre, through powerful compelling storytelling in their lyrics and captivatingly intense distorted guitar riffs and solos. I talk to charismatic frontwoman and singer Suzi Uzi and her husband, guitar shredder Tim Moreno, as they introduce two new members and head to Cobra Lounge for their second gig since pandemic lockdowns were lifted.

Chicago hardcore metal/punk act Whut? will also rock the roof off Cobra Lounge, a walk away form the United Center this weekend. Swamp Metal band Convoy trucks north of the Illinois/Wisconsin state line with a new abundance of zero in a new song ,but plenty on the set list to rock in Janesville this weekend.

Kankakee's version of Lollapalooza is much more diverse.

Merchant Street Music Fest returns after being cancelled last summer. Vaudevileins hit the hill stage there for their fourth time since 2012. We rock back almost ten years ago when I invited founder/ singer Jeff Julian and bassist Andy Payne to The Kat 105.5 studio for a first unplugged gig.

Along with these, you're floating on the fresh wind gust of a body surfing mosh pit to:

Black Road-Radiation

Black Road-Torches

The Skull-The Longing

Sarin-Depression

Armored Assault-Dead Man's Stare

Whut?-Swarm Of Souls (live in Lowell,Massachusetts-4/9/09)

Convoy-Nothin' Left

Vaudevileins (Jeff Julian/Andy Payne interview and acoustic set in Kat 105.5 studio-9/2/11)

Jeff Julian & Andy Payne-Knife Fight

Jeff Julian & Andy Payne-Legends

Vaudevileins-Small Price To Pay For Beauty