The Chicago Independent Radio Project is working to secure a broadcast license for a new community radio station in Chicago that is committed to local, independent programming, and generally furthering the causes of localism, diversity, and independence in broadcasting. We are working to convince Congress and the FCC to remove existing barriers to the granting of low power FM radio licenses in urban areas, including Chicago. We hope you'll join the fight.

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Chicago Promoter’s Ordinance Tabled…but for how long?

The Chicago Promoter’s Ordinance has been tabled for now — but it will eventually make it to a vote in some form.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their alderman about this issue — but this is not the end of the effort. If you have not written to or called your alderman, you should still do so to make sure your opinions are heard. It’s especially important for aldermen to hear personal experiences from anyone who has thrown small shows in Chicago, or who has otherwise been involved in promoting (or even attending) smaller events.

Find your alderman here
Sign the petition here

Time Out Chicago reports that efforts from the Chicago music community made a big impact in stalling the law.
Chicagoist reports that the promoter’s ordinance has been tabled.
Also, here’s the latest from Jim DeRogatis
Read more…

CHIRPlog

A music festival you can attend in your pajamas!

I suppose it was only a matter of time until someone combined the MMPORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game, for you non-geeks) with music festivals. That’s right! To attend the New Music West festival in Vancouver in a scant 9 days, you’ll just need an Internet connection and a Windows-based PC (take THAT, Mac fans). I’m thinking it’ll be something like World of Warcraft with indie rock t-shirts.

So, if you’ve been avoiding Lollapalooza for fear of heatstroke, or germs or what have you, the good folks at Virtual Vancouver have your solution.

Read more here…

Upcoming Events

Weekly Voyages for 05/16 through 05/22

WELCOME MAY! I think it’s going to be warm this week. please.
Get out of your apartment and ride that bike to some fly events…
Here’s our picks for the week of 05/16 through 05/22
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CHIRP Spotlight

Artist Interview: Blue Ribbon Glee Club

Many friends sit around drinking and talking about starting a band, but never have the chutzpah to get the project off the ground. When the initial idea for the Blue Ribbon Glee Club was hatched, I recall someone hopefully suggesting that perhaps Pabst might sponsor the choir. Following their formation in 2007, they were part of a stellar Hideout Block Party lineup that included Art Brut–who enjoyed their set so much they showed up at the after party. Recently, their acapella covers of essential songs like “Spanish Bombs” and “California Uber Alles” forced even the crustiest of the vendors at the CHIRP record fair to look up and flash a knowing smile.

I caught up with 4 of the original members, a marginal fraction given that almost 30 people are in the group. Whitney Johnson and Joshua Dumas also comprise part of local band the Notes & Scratches, while Rob Kowalczyk and Katy Groves are the co-captains of the Glee Club these days.
Read more…

Photos by John Schroeder | ©2007-2008 CHIRP