When in Chicago,

Check out the music scene around Bucktown/Wickerpark, eclectic mix of bands that range from Punk to hip-hop.

Venues to check out:
Schubas, Green Dolphin, Ice Factory, Old Town School of Folk

Grab a "Reader" to see what is in town while you are in town.

Let me know where you are going to be.

Cahill

If you guys need any video covrage let me know. I work with an outfit here in Chicago that can cover all your destinations with local crews. But even more importantly I a big fan and the music scene here is great. To add to your list of music venues if you have a chance you should check out some of the blues clubs such as Kingston Mines or Bules Chicago (they are right accross the street form one another. I hope to meet the road crew when you come to town.

Dave

Other places to check out would be the Wrigley area! There are many places around the ball park with different kinds of music from rock to reggae. Like Cahill said, the Reader is great. You can also try to pick up an IE (Illinois Entertainer) that has lots of music info in it. And don't forget to stop for a pizza! I recommend the Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder CO.
2121 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614. Order the pound one and get the Mediterranean bread! Have fun in Chicago, it's my kind of town!

Welcome to Illinois - remember, we are more than just Chicago... but what a great town!!!

Just wanted to say Pandora is dynamite! Just what I've been looking for in internet radio! Keep up the good work!
Loveit, loveit, loveit!

Thanks a bunch!
Judy

PANDORA ROCKS!!

If you're ever in Champaign IL, send me a note. I'll take you to Cowboy Monkey and we can watch the live karaoke band. The talent actually devolves as the night wears on...

I just want to tell you guys that this is the best things since sliced bread! One of my co-workers told me about your site. After creating my station, I was in heaven with hearing some of the music from "back in the day"! I got so excited about the site, I emailed everyone in my list from L.A. to Rhode Island! The African American culture in Chicago likes "stepping" music, which has a cool jazz groove.(i.e. Luther, "Can I take you out" Smokey Robinson, "Quiet Storm" or "Summer Madness" Marvin Gaye "After the dance") This is great! Keep up the good work!

Pandora has opened my vistas for music. What a neat way to introduce new music to a listener who claims to have heard it all.

As previously mentioned, Chicago is a most wonderful experience for music. In fact, the entire metro area has oodles of places to choose from for live entertainment.

I look forward to reading more about your pending visit. Keep up the good work.

First off - LOVE PANDORA! Great idea and amazing site - I would volunteer to help with this project if you were looking for music analysts.

Chicago -
You simply MUST go to Martyr's on the north side - 3855 N Lincoln, 773-404-9494

They have one of the best rooms for sound in the city and some of the most diverse music available in Chicago.
(For instance on May 17 Thomas Dolby is playing there and then on May 18 and 19 Alejandro Escovedo is playing!)

If you decide to go make sure to ask for Ray Quinn, he is the owner and sound man - and make sure to order the BBQ pizza and a proper pint of Guinness.

I also see that on May 18 Erasure is playing the Park West (very intimate room) and the classic Chicago 'indie' band, Eleventh Dream Day is playing the Empty Bottle. Of the two I'd go see Eleventh Dream Day.

Good luck in Chicago!

Chicago is an odd city for live music. There's a lot of attitude when people see a live show, and I think most of that comes from being disappointed more often than being elated. We're music snobs. We study the bands. We might love them, but you won't know it by our dancing or jumping or screaming with delight. Instead you'll have to look for us to mouth "these guys are tight" to the friend next to us.

Most bands in Chicago suck. Let's be honest. Everyone here has at least one co-worker who pimps their band out daily. So you finally cave and head to Cubby Bear on a Tuesday night, only to hear them play "Wheels in the Sky" to 14 adoring fans. (Ahhh... the cover band. Don't get me started.)

However, if you're willing to sift through the musical fodder, you'll find some of the greatest unheard, unknown, un-f*cked-around-with live music in the world.

Although Chicago is undisputedly a hotbed for exciting new music, (gotta love the Cubby Bear and Fitzgeralds!)one cannot experience the fullest depth of the truest music Illinois has to offer by staying only north of I-80.

Hidden amongst the billions of ears south of the city along I-55 (Get your kicks on Route 66! LOL!) are smaller towns filled with big sounds, such as Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Bloomington, Peoria...Blue Monday at The Alamo in Springfield draws local, national acts and yes...even musicians from Europe and Israel...the singer/songwriter scene south of I-80 continues to grow with the help of the Internet community...heck! The Illinois State Fair still attracts similar caliber acts as other events throughout the year, such as the Taste of Chicago or the Blues Fest.

Enjoy your travels throughout the great state of Illinois and I suspect you'll be coming back again someday...we have so much music for the world to witness! :)

E.B. Stanford

I heard about Pandora from a recent article in the Chicago Tribune. Since then, I've been hooked! This service is fantastic. The ability to find new music, artists I haven't heard before, what a great thing! I've told several friends about it, and they too are using it.
Thank you so much for making this available. I'll soon be a paying subscriber.

I was just filled in on this awesome site yesterday and to be honest its all i can think about. In just a few hours i heard of atleast 20 bands that never exsisted to me before. Thank you for creating pandora i will forever be an adoring fan. Also if you give heads up on when your going to be in illinois let me know i will be there, hopefully you can show me a side to a city i've been around my whole life.

NO trip would to our fair Chicago would be complete with out a stop to:
The Hideout
1354 w wabansia chicago il 60622
www.hideoutchicago.com
It's the kind of place that Townes Van Zandt could have hung his hat and listened to The Handsome Family (one of our best local acts). Small place. Big love.

You should pick up that Chicago Reader. Section 2. Rife with goodness.

Pandora has in a sense changed my life.. New music, New Bands new songs makes life new... Thank you Tim.

I can proudly call Chicago home for the past 5 years.. and as you can see from comments above, there are many opinions regarding the "music scence", but one thing is for certain.. the music in this city is accessible. This isn't NYC or LA where obsercurity "makes" a band. The only point I might add to all suggestions above, is that you may consider another night or two in the windy city!
Safe trip and looking forward to May 18th at City lit Theater
Allison

If you're around Springfield on Monday evening, check out "Blue Monday" at the Alamo downtown. The local blues club brings in some great touring groups between shows elsewhere. Best thing is the price... only $2.00 at the door.

Unbelievable local band: Hello Dave.

I don't know if they will be in Illinois on those dates. If they are, you're in for a good show. More information and sound clips at www.hellodave.com

chicago is not the only city in illinois, nor the only place with music

You guys have been doing an Excellent job.
for the first time I get up and turn on my computer just to enjoy Pandora (the music Source )
It is simply outstanding !!
Suggestion: I think if we could have more sources of latin music it would be great since there are a lot of different styles and combinations that make remarkable differences not only as far as the way cultures merge together more especifically south American, but also the role these styles play in influencing the creation of new musical projects everyday.

I would be more than Glad to help you find any new music of this type since I am very familiar with that environment.

Keep up the good work and remember any contribution we can provide to make this world better would be the best seed we can ever plant to our fellows in the future.

Love,
James

Been loving Pandora, great stuff! I hope you guy's keep adding new artists!

Check out Chicago Afrobeat Project - they are currently working on their second album...while they have been known to play The Note often, I believe they recently had their last show there. They play other venues like HOB and Martyr's. Check em out when your in town, you won't regret it!

www.chicagoafrobeatproject.com

Hey there, great job. For some less mainstream music you might check out the Double Door or the Empty Bottle. These are venues often devoted to local bands. Try bands: Michael Columbia, Royce, Icy Demons.

sonotheque ans smart bar are good venues for music!!! cu guys at the meeting

I'm not really a Chicago girl anymore. I used to go to the Fireside a lot as an undergrad, but right now I'm stationed in DeKalb, IL. The scene here is pretty vibrant though I can't say it's advertised well. Venues seem to be sprouting up lately. The House cafe is a great place for music. Most of the indie acts are organized by this guy:
http://www.myspace.com/kickstandproductions

and there are a few other groups of kids with good bands more connected with the scene out in Portland and K-records. You might check out a few of those bands too: http://www.myspace.com/littleheadhunter

Also, Northern Illinois University has a good computer music scene and program worth finding.

I hope that wasn't too much. I just think there are many interesting local scenes and groups worth knowing about in the wider Chicago area, even out in the boonies.

e.

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight Chicagoland Pandora-ers!

Gabe
PandoraFM guy

Pandora...you are pure unrivalled genius, and a blessing to those who stay on the prowl, hunting for "GOOD MUSIC." I am from Detroit, MI. However, I travelled to Chicago, Illinois to see the band MR. BLOTTO at The Abbey (who are from there I believe). They perform often! If you have the chance to see them live, DO IT!!! =) Don't miss them! I will be traveling to Chillicothe for a festival next week. Add music festivals from Jambase.com to your travels too. I am very jealous...I wish I had your job!! HEY Email me if one is available ;o) Have a good time out there. Hopefully you'll make it to Motown aka Rock City and birthplace to techno soon. P.L.U.R.

I'm from Ann Arbor, MI so the Illinois board was the closest I could get. There is a great, rather eclectic band from Ann Arbor called Tally Hall. Their debut album is Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum. Add them to Pandora!!

I love this site, it's awesome, esp. at work because I can listen without having to download anything new. Thanks!!

I'm currently in East-Central Illinois, about 10 miles from Eastern Illinois University. Beleive me, this area has almost NOTHING in common with Chicago, which is nearly 200 miles North. This also includes music. I really wish you could have stopped downstate here somewhere, to exchange ideas. At the very least, in or near Effingham, and Chasers. Perhaps on your (next?) tour. Happy trails, I reckon now I will just have to e-mail instead.

if you're in illinois you have to stop by champaign & check out the canopy club, all the best local bands play here. Your best central illinois resource is openingbands.com, they're a bunch of college kids that know good music when they hear it. Champaign also has a big weekend of local shows each year. Its a small town filled with a lot of talent. Definetly come spend some time.

Hey Pandora thanks alot i have just founded your website for myself a few days a go and thanks to you i have a massive music collection growing. It took less than 10 minutes for me to find 10 great bands.

Thanks,

Lester
Chicagoin

Just have to give a mention of a great band in not just Chicago but Illinois. BACKYARD TIRE FIRE... A little blues a lot of rock, solid vocals and a solid sound. If you dont know, now you know.

Keep rockin all!!!

Tim,

I know I missed the dates, but next time you're in Chi-town, you HAVE TO check out both .22 and Bottomless Pit. If you haven't heard OF THEM then you definitely need to HEAR THEM live.

- D

July 18 at the Lighthouse in Palatine, see for yourself!

Don't forget to check out some industrial in Chicago, which is the home for it.

First of all, I'd just like to say that you guys have done an amazing job with Pandora. I have discovered so many new and great bands.
In the Chicago land area, Oak Park to be exact, you should definitely check out this high school band called "Reverend Funk Connection." Check out their site, http://www.reverendfunkconnection.com/home.html

It is june 29th, I just found out abut pandora,IT IS GREAT!! Keep up the good work, Hope I catch you next time you are in the "Windy City"!

I need to know if you can retrieve old music (oldies). I dont want the singles, I'd like to have the whole cds, for instance, Faith Evans, the first album.

Don't forget to come by Rockford, IL, hometown of CHEAP TRICK! We have alot of great local music here too. I love Pandora!! It is way better than what I was listening to before. I just wish I could have a station dedicated to just one band (Stryper or Def Leppard for instance.) Keep up the GREAT work!!

I've just found Pandora and I love it, great work! I know this is for your travels to Chicago but if you can make it that far it would be worth your time to travel north about an extra 80 miles to Milwaukee. There is some great local music here and great venues to catch them in! A local favorite of mine is Steppin' Out, they are an amazing up and coming blues/rock band. They play a lot of classic rock and blues but they also have a lot of great original music. (www.steppinoutlive.com) Hope to see you in Brew Town!

Pandora is responsible for us buying more CDs in the last five months than we have in the past eight years. Chicago is home to good music, probably known for being the nation's jazz incubator. Kurt Elling, Jackie Allen, and Patricia Barber aside, there are smaller acts that should get more attention. Typhanie Monique got the smokey vocals: think Nancy King, Monheit. Jim Gailloreto, Eunice Yi, Matt Ulery are creative jazz composers: think Maria Schneider. The Skinny (at Pete Miller's), the J-Thermal Quartet (at Smoke Daddy), Sabertooth (at Green Mill) are great groups to keep an eye on: think Bad Plus. Oh man, we can keep going: Frank Rosaly, Ron Perrillo, and etc. etc. etc. And don't get us started on the latin jazz!

You should come down to southern IL and listen to some college bands - such as this one I linked to above (Photoside Cafe). They're pretty good, but that's just an example there's a lot of good college bands out there!

Hey while you guys are in the vicinity you should head on up to Madison, WI. Great college town and great local music scene. Even GARBAGE came out of Madison.

Sorry I missed you guys...You have a great service! I haven't been a member long but, I see a great future for PANDORA as an alternative to regular radio. your collection of eclectic songs and styles is Most impressive.

Thanks

Stewart Smith

yo man if you are in Evanston, just north of Chicago you should definitely check out one of our hip-hop shows, we have a lot of real good rappers here, Babble, Probcause, etc

There is an excellent Illinois band called Estrus, check em out at www.esrtusmusic.com or you can find them on Myspace (just search for Estrus) They just finished touring and are currently playing several shows in the Springfield,IL area!!

Good morning Tim & Lucia,
I am a new member to your site and I thoughly enjoy listening to the music you have to offer. Makes my day at the office alot more enjoyable.
I have a CD that I would like to send off to you. The artist is my husband, Bruce. All of his music is original and he plays all the instruments. Bruce went to a professional studio in Schaumburg, Illinois a few years ago and created the CD "The Two Sides of Bruce Edelson" My favorite songs are, Hey Mom and Lets Do It Again. I really think you would enjoy his music and I would like to send you one of his CD's. Can you provide me with your mailing address? If you play his music on Pandora and anyone lisening who enjoys his style can e-mail me a request for a CD. Local Music is Good Music!!!!
Jan Edelson
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 jan.edelson@omron.com

I generally don't make it a habit to gush over things like this, but Pandora makes me happy. I've been listening to some of the DEEPEST deep funk for the past hour and I'm not through yet. You've even played songs that I'd never heard before - amazing!

Once I get over this radio station, I'm going to check out and see if you've got any of the Chicago jazz improv crew included...Ken Vandermark, Dave Rempis, Michael Zerang, Tim Daisy, Jason Ajemenian...Alison Chesley, a/k/a Helen Money is amazing as well, just to name a few.

Anyway, this is an awesome service and I will definitely be subscribing. Pandora's great!

It would be even better if we could select music by genre....i.i electric blues, etc

Just found out about Pandora and love it! I find great satisfaction in discovering music I never heard before. I was getting this done just reading any and all music magazines and depending on someone elses opinion of the band. Now I can judge for myself. Missed your Chicago visit. COME BACK SOON!

I really enjoy Pandora. Thankfully I subscribe to Time Magazine and it was one of the "5 cool websites." Never mind the breaking world news about important world shattering events, I feel that discovering Pandora justifies my year subscription to Time Magazine.

I guess we leave suggestions here. I suggest that you make it a feature to add entire albums at a time under "music you like." This would be handy because nearly every band I enjoy has put out a bad album or perhaps an sub-par album. I realize that you can type in everysong but hey...we can be a lazy race at times.

check out Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - a great Chicago band!

I have to second the Hideout. I've been to all the big places multiple times, but the Hideout is always jampacked and seems much more real.

Awesome website! I too was thumbing through my copy of time magazine when I came upon the five coolest websites where pandora happened to be one of them. I am so glad I checked it out. Thumbs way up to your team, good job! If you are ever in Rockford check out the Fabulous Janes, they are a great band. And if you are in need of some good grub check out the Thai Hut @ 1441 Sandy Hollow road. Keep the great music flowing! = )

I am a Tech Facilitator at an elementary school here in IL and found Pandora a few days ago. I have told my entire staff and we all agree this is the best way to listen to music. Classrooms stream you all day to keep the natives from getting restless, and just make a nice atmosphere.

Fabulous! Thank you so much!

Heard of Pandora recently and think this site is FANTASTIC! Far and away better than anything else I have found on the net. Great way to hear new and familiar music. Always looking forward to what I will hear next. Keep the good job up! How can I get a shirt to promote this station?

Pandora is just awesome.

When back in Chicago and have a chance, check out a band called Bandoleros. They put on one of the best live shows that you'll want to see them again and again. They play a mixture of flamenco, rhumba, mediterranean, and latin music. Just awesome! They usually play Pasha on Wed and Excalibur on Fridays, I believe.

hello: have a band in chicago called ditchwater.they just released the album Going Forward...Looking Back.check them out at myspace.com/ditchwater or contact sandra anderson at sbmanagement007@aol.com will be glad to send album.

You NEED to hit up the TWIN CITIES in MINNESOTA. Minneapolis boasts one of the BEST music scenes in the country! It is tragic that you skipped it.

If you're heading through southern Illinois, you should check out Dear Future. Influenced by U2, Coldplay and Mute Math, they have a great fresh sound and a live show to match!

Okay, since I was 11, I have been looking for this song "Russian Radio" (late 80's-mid 90's new wavish. I never knew who sang it, but I remember some of the lyrics as:

Russian radio
How will they ever believe you
Radio
When will they ever deceive you,
Ahah

There is a sound
I’ve never found
Yet I hear it most of the time

…

What will I say, …
What will I do

Woah,woah, woah, woah, woah, whoa,
Don’t you turn to (tell me)
Woah,woah, woah, woah, woah, whoa,
If I ever change.

Anyone have a clue as to who this is & if the song exists anywhere?

I AM DESPERATE!!!

Russian radio
How will I ever believe you
Radio
When will they ever deceive you,
Ahah

There is a sound
I?ve never found
Yet I hear it most of the time

?

What will I say, ?
What will I do

Woah,woah, woah, woah, woah, whoa,
Don?t you turn to (tell me)
Woah,woah, woah, woah, woah, whoa,
If I ever change.

Does anyone know who sang this song? Please send out a shout! It's on my things I need to do before I die list~must find it, hear it again, save it, own it then die.

Come to Lake Forest, IL it is a northern suburb of Chicago come to CROYA and see some great budding artists

For the past few weeks now, my profile isn't working. It either says that there is a technical problem, or the typing gets scrambled and it freaks out on me. Anyone else having this issue? And does anyone know what the deal is??? I miss my Pandora greatly and I want it back!!!!!!

Feel free to swing by Joliet or Utica! I work at Grizzly Jacks's Grand Bear Resort & Indoor Waterpark. You can swim and listen to Pandora from your laptop from anywhere in the Main Lodge Building. Thanks for an AWESOME music experience!!!

My experience with the Trans Siberian Orchestra. I am Maitre d' at Jims Steakhouse in Peoria, Il. On the night before TSO palyed at the Peoria Civic Center I was checking the reservetion book when a middle aged long haired gentelman asked to see a menu and wine list. We chatted about some or the finer wines and he made a reservation for a party of five at seven o'clock that evening. As I wrote the name Pitrelli in the book, there was a familiarity. That I let pass.
Around 7 I looked at the party of five, with a smile and said to them " You are the Orchestra!" Al Pitrelli, guitarist and band leader all smiles introduced me to his wife Jane and three other band members. Throughout the evening the conversation was sweet and very good. Nice people,genuine and well meaning. They even called me to the table to share a glass of wine and toasted me! In my tuxedo the night was was a joy. When they left Al gave me a hug and thanked me for a good evening. His wife Jane gave me a big hug and a kiss. Then thanked me for making the evening wonderful and memorable. The painting studio, Jim's Steakhouse, Stephen Craig Rowe and the sold out guests thank the Trans Siberian Orchestra for visiting Peoria, Il. As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe

If your ever in the Peoria area don't forget to check out a band FAR FROM FREE incredible sound!!!

Pandora knows what i want...it's like me being a DJ all over again !
Luv ya baby!

When you come to Chi Town check out the Wild Hare on Clark street up by Wrigley Field for some live Reggae. Let us know a couple of days before you get here and we will tell you what's crackin around town.

www.ruletheworldrecords.com

www.myspace.com/theindividuals420

420!!!!

I-CLICK

Hi Brandon/Lupita! Regarding who did "Russian Radio," I believe I have the answer. Red Flag does a few versions of this song. I actually own this song, so if you're interested in getting a copy, send me an email to the address above. Also, feel free to check out my website on fashions. I'll soon be posting blogs on music, so stay tuned! Cheers~!

Hey there! Regarding an earlier comment above about Photoside Cafe... They're and up-and-coming band from Greenville College, lots of talent. They've been doing some touring throughout IL recently, check them out on myspace. Also! Peoria, IL has a pretty decent local music scene. Concerts are generally more advertised by word-of-mouth, but more often than not, are a good place to find some mew music... and I hear that's what you guys are all about, yeah? Haha! Have a great day, and good luck hunting *wink*

KJo

I think this radio is awesome. I really like that I can hear a lot of my favorite bands that the other players don't have. Keep up the good work.

Idont fine a varity of music that really grooves me but boy when i stumbled across pandora that was it,i now listen to you all every day none stop.So keep it coming and note that i love yall`joanne

I WOULD LIKE TO LISTEN TO SONGS FROM MANY YEARS AGO BUT I DON'T QUITE REMEMBER ALL OF THE ARTIST THAT SING THE SONGS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO LISTEN TOO, IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN PROVIDE A LIST OF THE ARTIST THAT I CAN CHOSE TO LISTEN TOO?

I reall enjoy listening to Pandora it's been the best online music source for me. I'm really glad that you founded a sight like this one. I know you've done lots of research for the selection of music you carry that makes me ecstatic to participate in a website like this one. I do have a suggestion there was one group I did not find which was a suprise to me considering your diversity by the name of Xtreme a Domican Bachata group. They're very popular and I was wondering if you would do me the kind favor. Thanks so much!

I've been subscribed to Pandora since the end of January 2007, and I'm an avid fan of the smooth jazz genre. I am amazed by how quickly your software has adapted to my taste in music and now strictly serves up genuine smooth jazz titles, which is not what one can say about terrestrial radio stations, controlled by big corporations. Fabulous service, taylored to individual tastes. Hats off to you guys and gals.

If you come back to Chi-town you have to check out:

http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Melendez-911-Mambo-Orchestra/dp/B0001LASUK

Angel Melendez & the 911 Mambo Orchestra is one to see and hear. Great Latin/Jazz & Salsa beats w/a little old-country flavor (die hard Boricuas).

I've been on the site since about 10 this morning, it's now close to 4 pm. My ear drums hurt, but DANG I thought such a Salsa selection only existed at Lily's Records on Division. "Pa Cortarte Las Venas".

I almost wanna send you a thank you note, but I am out of stamps.

Thank YOU, Thank YOU, Thank YOU.... I LOVE IT!!!!

Selling stock? I'm in like FLINN......

: )