Filtering by Tag: Schubas Tavern

Live Recap: Michael Marcagi and Lily Fitts at Lincoln Hall

June 08, 2024 / Rachel Zyzda

Singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi headlined a sold-out show at Schubas on Monday, June 3rd with support from Lily Fitts.

Lily Fitts warmed up the crowd with her vulnerable and relatable narratives, accompanied by another guitarist to color her songs with additional depth while still having a minimalist set up that was perfect for the intimacy of the Schubas stage. Fitts’ set included a handful of her popular singles like “Hurts Like Hell” and “Boston to Barcelona” as well as her latest release “Lose You Now.” She also sang some brand new, unreleased material, including “What They Say” that she introduced by sharing with the crowd that it was about her struggles with anxiety. Fitts also shared that Noah Kahan’s song “Stick Season” gave her the courage to start performing her own music, so she fittingly performed a cover of it.

With the room at Schubas fully packed and buzzing with anticipation, Michael Marcagi and his full band took the stage next to make his headlining debut in Chicago. As I’m sure is the case with many of his fans, I first heard Marcagi’s single “Scared To Start” earlier this year and became instantly hooked by the illustrative storytelling of his lyrics combined with his earworms of melodies.

While he has yet to release a full-length album, Marcagi’s singles and his debut EP, entitled “American Romance” have garnered him nearly 18 Million monthly listeners on Spotify and had him selling out shows months in advance—and for good reason. His songs have an emotional conviction about them and that “it factor” that makes you feel rejuvenated and reminds you of the power behind a great damn tune. For that reason, Marcagi’s music has remained stuck in my head and on repeat on my playlists, but it was even more special to experience that effect in person.

The set opened with the title track from Marcagi’s EP, and weaved through all of his released material, but the show also included a lot of new, unreleased songs as well. Marcagi promised the crowd that he’d have new music coming out in a few weeks, and based on how it sounded live, I know his fanbase is going to love the forthcoming songs. Between his original material, Marcagi also sprinkled in a couple of cover songs, including “Deja Vu” by Oliva Rodrigo, which the band made their own by including a banjo on it.

After wrapping the main set with the breakout hit “Scared To Start,” Marcagi and his band left and returned to the stage for a highly-demanded encore. The encore performance included the second cover of his set, “You’re Still the One I Want” by the legend Shania Twain, and Lily Fitts joined in on the duet.

If you missed out on the Schubas show, check out photos from the evening below, and be sure to snag a ticket to one of Michael Marcagi’s upcoming gigs here…that is, if it isn’t already sold out.

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Music, Gigs
tags / Michael Marcagi, Lily Fitts, Live Recap, Live Review, Live Show, Schubas Tavern, Chicago

PHOTOS: Kacy Hill at Schubas

November 22, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

Last week, Kacy Hill headlined a sold-out Schubas stage in celebration of her third album called Simple, Sweet, and Smiling. Check out our photo recap of the evening below, including support from Jack Larsen, and see where you can catch Kacy next here.

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categories / Gigs, Photos, Reviews
tags / Kacy Hill, Schubas Tavern, Schubas, New Music, Photo recap, Photo Gallery, Concert Photography

PHOTOS: Valley Maker with Carriers

August 30, 2021 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Saturday night, Valley Maker put on a beautiful show at Schubas Tavern, finally being able to showcase some of the songs from 2021’s When The Day Leaves in a live setting. Check out photos of Valley Maker and a solo set from Carriers’ Curt Kiser below, and see where you can catch them on tour next here.

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categories / Photos, Gigs
tags / Valley Maker, Carriers, Schubas Tavern, Live Show, Photo Gallery, Concert Photography

Tomorrow Never Knows Festival 2020 Spotlight

December 29, 2019 / Rachel Zyzda

Tomorrow Never Knows Festival continues to be one of the only reasons I don’t hibernate for the entirety of January. Along with the extreme cold that often hits Chicago during the first month of the year, TNK Fest brings some of the best artists and best shows of the year to various venues around the city. For the first edition of TNK during the new decade, there’s no shortage of great gigs to attend at the likes of Lincoln Hall, Schubas, The Hideout and Metro, but here are the top five must-see shows on ANCHR’s list for 2020.

Who: Caroline Polachek, Born Days, Desert Liminal

What: TNK kicks off at Lincoln Hall with a show that will be sure to have the crowd dancing. Headlining the evening of electro-pop is Caroline Polachek (formerly of Chairlift), known for her knack of crafting unforgettable hooks. On her 2019 album Pang, Polachek weaves her catchy melodies around diverse electronic soundscapes that stand out as individual chapters, but still manager to flow together. If Polachek’s live shows are even half as energetic as her performances with Chairlift, be prepared to be captivated by her stage presence. Also, true to the TNK fashion of showcasing local talent in Chicago, local artists Born Days and Desert Liminal will be opening up the evening.

When: Wednesday, January 15th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Tickets to this show are sold out, but you can get TNK Five Day passes here.

Who: Goth Babe, Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma

What: All three bands on this line up create whimsical tunes that’ll fuel day dreams or make the perfect sunny day soundtrack. The evening’s headliner Griff Washburn, AKA Goth Babe, lives a nomadic lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest, so it’s only fitting his songs feel like snap shots of different adventures. Chicago’s own Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma perfectly complement Goth Babe’s sound with their dreamy, psychedelic tinged songs that’ll have you grooving along.

When: Thursday, January 16th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.

Who: Stella Donnelly, V.V. Lightbody, and The Ophelias

What: Stella Donnelly put on one of my favorite shows in 2019 at Lincoln Hall’s sister venue, Schubas. As a songwriter, Donnelly fearlessly writes lyrics that’ll hit you right in the gut, but they’re wrapped around melodies that are damn catchy. Her stage presence is just as infectious thanks to Donnelly’s positive energy and witty banter that’ll have you laughing between songs. Alongside Cincinnati rock band The Ophelias, Chicago’s V.V. Lightbody will warm up the show with her silky vocals and captivating performance.

When: Friday, January 17th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.

Who: Hand Habits, Fran, Garcia Peoples, Fauvely

What: Hand Habits, the brainchild of musician and songwriter Meg Duffy, also made for one of my favorite 2019 shows, and I can’t wait to kick off 2020 with them again. On 2019’s placeholder, Duffy spills out vulnerable tales that encompass listeners with doubled vocals and warm guitar tones. Like most of the shows in our top picks, there’s no shortage of Chicago talent that complements the evening’s headliner perfectly, and Fran and Fauvely do just that on this line up. New Jersey’s Garcia Peoples round out the evening with their trippy style that pulls influence from classic psychedelic rock bands.

When: Saturday, January 18th

Where: Schubas Tavern

Get tickets here.

Who: Deeper, Corridor, and The Hecks

What: TNK Fest wraps up at Lincoln Hall with a stacked bill that highlights three bands that put a refreshing twist on post-punk and new wave influences. Deeper’s 2018 self-titled debut was one of my favorite local releases in recent years, and if their latest singles “Bennington” and “Run” act as any indication of what their sound will continue to develop into, it’s safe to say their next record will also come in at the top. Montreal’s Corridor packs punchy guitars and nostalgia-evoking tones that pair perfectly with both Chicago bands on the bill. Lastly, The Hecks will be sure to get the energy ramped up and get the crowd moving with their synth-soaked melodies.

When: Sunday, January 19th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.

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categories / Festival, Gigs
tags / Tomorrow Never Knows, TNK Fest, Festival Preview, Deeper, Corridor, The Hecks, Hand Habits, Fran, Garcia Peoples, Fauvely, Stella Donnelly, V.V. Lightbody, The Ophelias, Goth Babe, Slow Pulp, Jude Shuma, Caroline Polachek, Born Days, Desert Liminal, Lincoln Hall, Schubas Tavern

LIVE RECAP: Faye Webster at Schubas 06.19.19

June 24, 2019 / Rachel Zyzda

Just a few short months ago, Faye Webster had warmed up the crowd at a sold out Stella Donnelly show at Schubas, captivating the packed room with just her dreamy vocals, her guitar, and the accompaniment of her pedal steel-player, Pistol.

When last Wednesday night rolled around, it almost felt like no time had passed since that night, but Webster’s return for her sold out headlining show included a full live backing band, as well as a fleshed out set list featuring songs from her latest album Atlanta Millionaires Club, released May 24th via Secretly Canadian. Webster’s band helped create a more full sound and bring songs like “Right Side of My Neck” and “Flowers” from the album to life. While the set primarily focused on the new material, it also mixed in songs from Webster’s 2017 self-titled album and a cover of Atlanta rapper Father’s “Cheap Thrills” that Webster played solo, sans her bandmates. Following a couple of solo songs, Webster welcomed not only her bandmates back onstage, but the yo-yo connoisseur Xion to the stage. Xion and Webster’s own yo-yo skills stole the show and got the audience amped up for the final few songs of the evening.

If you missed out on tickets to the show, see where you can catch Faye Webster next here, and check out photos from the show below.

Keep up with Faye Webster on Instagram and Facebook

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categories / Photos, Reviews, Gigs
tags / Faye Webster, Schubas Tavern, Live Recap, Photography

PHOTOS: Woongi and Diane Coffee at Schubas 04.24.19

April 27, 2019 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Wednesday night, Diane Coffee headlined Schubas Tavern as part of the LHST 30/10 anniversary series and in honor of the new album Internet Arms, released April 19th via Polyvinyl Records. The show featured frontman Shaun Fleming and his bandmates decked out in vibrant costumes and backed by an elaborate light show. If you missed out on the fun evening, check out photos of the show, also featuring Chicago’s own Woongi below!

See the rest of Diane Coffee’s upcoming tour dates here and keep up with them on Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

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categories / Photos, Gigs
tags / Diane Coffee, Woongi, Photo Gallery, Concert Photography, Schubas Tavern

PHOTOS: Ten Fé Make Their Chicago Debut to a Sold Out Schubas Tavern

April 02, 2019 / Rachel Zyzda

London’s Ten Fé finally played their first show in Chicago over the weekend at Schubas Tavern, and unsurprisingly, the show was completely sold out. The evening’s setlist featured a good mix of songs from Ten Fé’s 2017 debut album Hit The Light and their brand new record Future Perfect, Present Tense.

Stay tuned for an interview with the band coming to ANCHR soon, but in the meantime check out photos from their Chicago debut!

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categories / Gigs, Photos
tags / Ten Fe, Photo Gallery, Photography, Schubas Tavern

PHOTOS: Skela's Project 10 Tour with Silver at Schubas 2.16.19

February 21, 2019 / Rachel Zyzda

This past Saturday night, indie pop singer Skela brought her powerhouse vocals and DIY spirit to the Schubas stage in honor of her latest music release: Project 10. Check out photos from Skela’s Chicago headlining debut below, including shots from Silver’s supporting set.

Project 10:

ANCHR Turns Two: Our Anniversary Show Recap

January 10, 2019 / Madison Olszewski

Just before I stepped through the double doors at Schubas’ entrance, the alluring sound of laughter and good tunes hit me and plastered a smile on my face. I must have looked a little too excited based on the way the bouncer couldn’t help but grin and chuckle at me as I walked in. This didn’t come as any shock to me, as this is a typical occurrence when attending an ANCHR event. Some might envision their ideal birthday party to have a photo wall, a tiered cake, and champagne. ANCHR Magazine crept its way into my birthday party dreams and had a bill packed with rocking bands, plenty of PBR to go around, and funky party hats for all. After two years, ANCHR Magazine has become a cornerstone in the Chicago music scene and that wouldn’t at all be possible without the dedication from our readers and the community of friends in the city. It is an honor and a privilege to exist and contribute to said community. With that being said, a celebration to match the love and excitement that this past year has given to ANCHR was imperative to continuing this wave of prosperity and good times. Plus, who doesn't love a party celebrating music?

I was elated to see friends from all across the Chicago music scene there to celebrate ANCHR. As we all cheered and made our way towards the stage, OHMME’s DJ set had the arduous task of setting the scene for the evening. Don’t fret, they were more than capable and filled the room with bops that had everyone moving before the bands even began. Schubas completely sold out music hall coupled with the dance worthy tracks filled the room with what I like to call a cozy concert temperature. (Let’s just say my denim jacket didn’t stay on for long and we all got nice and comfortable with each other for a night filled to the brim with live music.)

As the lights dimmed and the first act, Ruins, came onstage you could feel that pre-concert electricity buzzing throughout the room, through the floor, and right up into your toes; tapping with anticipation. Adam Schubert of Ruins began a solo performance that would match the energy of all the other bands playing. Schubert’s vocal and guitar skills engulfed the room in a magical musical sheen the same way a full band would. His melodious tunes had Schubas entire hall swaying to and fro as he sang. Cheers to Ruins for starting the night off with groovy tunes that would set the momentum for the rest of the evening.

As the next band, Cold Beaches, took the stage, I was completely hypnotized by some badass style before the music even began. The diversity that existed onstage between all the band members resulted in the most captivating hodgepodge group of musicians I have ever seen. From Adidas sneakers to glitter loafers, I was already invested in Cold Beaches even before any note was played. Cold Beaches possesses an infectious, inherent energy in their records but also in the performance of their music. I can’t play a lick of base or drums, but I wish I did just to be able to share the stage with Cold Beaches, maybe even take a little seat and continue to shred with lead singer and guitarist Sophia Nadia. When the lights came up on their set too early, Cold Beaches members waved their hands in the air calling out, “Wait, we aren’t done yet! There is more!” If there was a catchphrase for the evening, this would be it. Cold Beaches unintentionally set a major mood for another year of ANCHR Magazine. From their most recent releases to a birthday serenade, Cold Beaches swaddled ANCHR in some groovy birthday love.

V.V. Lightbody was next and to say she graced us with her presence is an understatement. I felt like a magical mermaid was serenading me and luring me into her lair, and I think I can vouch for all of Schubas when I say, I would have followed her voice anywhere. Before playing, V.V. Lightbody made it clear that live music was happening and conversation should not. “That’s what a bar is for,” she addressed the crowd. This might have been one of my favorite moments of the evening. Nothing hurts my heart more than when a band plays my favorite song that I am excited to see performed live, but it keeps getting interrupted by the group of people next to me near screaming about the tacos they had for dinner. V.V. Lightbody requested and the audience listened, and they obliged. If I ever had to create a chill cocktail lounge playlist, it would be jam packed with some V.V. Lightbody. With collaborative efforts from other Chicago musicians, including Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham of OHMME, the hall was filled with enchanting siren tunes, and some major flute action. Yes, there were flutes. (And yes... It was awesome.)

Slow Pulp closed out this birthday party with songs that are still running through my mind. Sometimes when a band comes on stage and gets all set up, I get this feeling in my stomach like, “Yea…they’re gonna be good.” This feeling goes double for Slow Pulp…the band just completely owned the stage. There was this ease about their stage presence that completely supported their dreamy, psychedelic music style and drew me in even closer. Despite the fact that they only moved to Chicago recently, Slow Pulp looked completely at home on the Schubas stage that night. They had a sense of familiarity that seeped its way into the audience and is pretty rare to come by. Every audience member in attendance no matter how different their taste in music from the next person was, could enjoy Slow Pulp. In Schubas’ sold out music room, the show felt intimate. Lead singer Emily Massey has vocals that are smooth like butter, and her silky vocals paired with some attitude made it nearly impossible to not sway along to her melodies. Their lively tracks from Spotify became even more animated on stage, making for a truly mesmerizing performance.

Just like that, ANCHR's second birthday party came to a close. Thank you to all the bands and audience members in attendance! Without this unwavering support, ANCHR would be adrift; lost at sea somewhere. We may ground you with tunes, but your support is the ultimate foothold for success and prosperity. As I made my way out of Schubas on Friday night, the bouncer chuckled at me again. I don’t think he realized my giddiness could be heightened, but after this birthday throw-down, how could you not? Cheers to another year for ANCHR and cheers to all of you.