Empire State Express

Hey, blogspot readers, what do the following goats, professor and rockin' music have in common? SouthSide's latest On The Town adventure! After taking a much needed rest from the busy local scene, She returned to the beat attending a charity event where bands were rockin' the stage for goats (no they weren't staring at them) at LaSalle Power Co. Then she danced the night away under a cloud of an electronica/Euro pop-wave glow at Elbo Room. Oh what a fantastical night it was!

They were rockin' for a good cause. Empire State Express teamed up with Markit 8 and Tim Stop Trio for a free show to benefit Hands of Hope. Based on the audience draw, 100% of each band's proceeds would be used to purchase and donate goats (as well as chickens and wells) to underdeveloped African villages. The goal of this show was to raise awareness and enact a positive change via the gift of livestock and access to clean drinking water to families and schools there. According to Amber Grove, a volunteer and organizer for this charity organization, "...[it's] about communities building communities..." She also stated (via press release) that it might not seem much giving a goat or chicken but something simple like that can make a difference to a starving community. For more information about Hands of Hope and how to donate, visit http://www.handsofhopeonline.org.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out the energetic alternative ..."neo classic" rock of Empire State Express. This local trio will tickle your ears with its lively guitar riffs and get you groovin' to its unique and fresh sound. And this band does encourage you to dance to the music. How can you not dance along with them? Empire had this rhythmic beat coupled with simplistic riffs and catchy hooks ...there's nothing complicated or overdone heard in their rock sound. It's just simple rock music, blogspot readers, that at times will have hints of ska or retro and country. There was even some bluegrass too. Empire covered a wide range of genres which kept this audience rockin' until the end. SouthSide had fun time dancing to their upbeat swing as well as feeling the heartfelt falsettos by Chris (front man on guitar/vocals). As a special treat, Empire closed out with a hot rendition of Ray Charles' What'd I Say. For more information about Empire State Express and where they're rockin' the stage again, visit http://www.empirestateexpress.com or find them on Facebook. - SouthSide Chicago

Here's a band that will put that "no cigarettes in nightclubs" law to the test, because one thing's for sure...this set it gonna be smoking! Their unique sound is forceful and passionate and nine out of ten doctors now recommend listning to a set by ESE instead of taking medicine to cure any illness (except Hepatitis B). You say you don't believe it, well check your many genital herpes sores after the set and see if they aren't in full remission. - Flabby Hoffman