Innovative Chicago area band Chris Greene Quartet to perform at The Venue in Aurora next month as part of album release show

Ozzie Ramsay Photography

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

On the heels of his latest album, Chicago area musician Chris Greene will perform next month at The Venue in Aurora.

The Chris Greene Quartet will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 4 as part of an album release show for "Conversance." The show will mark the band's first appearance at The Venue.

In October, the Chris Greene Quartet released "Conversance" on Pravda Records, Chicago's longest-running indie rock label. It is the first time the label has released a jazz recording.

Tickets range from $20 to $25, available at The Venue's website at themusicvenue.org. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The Venue is located at 21 S. Broadway Ave. in downtown Aurora.

I had the chance to interview Greene recently about the new album.

 

Q – "Conversance" is your first album on a label. Was it just the right time to get signed to a label?

I was never adverse to signing to a label or working with a label. I had been approached by a couple of local labels, and it was never the right situation.

It was, "We'd love to sign you, but we need you to play more traditional straight-ahead jazz." 

In the last couple of years, I've been doing a number of gigs with musicians who are on the Pravda label, like Nora O'Connor and Steve Dawson. They were telling Kenn Goodman, the head of Pravda, that he needed to work with me.

Last summer, he introduced himself to me. He didn't tell me that he wanted me to play in a certain manner.

Kenn said that he wanted me to make him a good record and that he would figure out how to market it. And I said, "OK, we're cool."

Q – So it sounds like he pretty much gave you free rein.

That's pretty much his attitude with all his artists. His attitude is, "just bring me a good and honest record." 

He doesn't sign people he doesn't believe in. It's really an esteemed company. 

Q – The release of the album will mark the first time Pravda Records has ever released a jazz album. That must make you feel pretty good, to be making history that way.

Yeah, it does make me feel pretty good. This is a company that has been in business for 40 years and has built up a great track record. 

This is a chance to stay true to myself. Basically, they will amplify my signal and get me to people who are music fans.

Q – There are so many great musicians on that label representing so many different genres. You were just talking about Steve Dawson and coincidentally enough, I interviewed him in June about his latest solo album, “Ghosts." And I know you were one of the special guests that played at the album release party.

It seems like one of the things that maybe sets the Chicago music scene apart from other music scenes is that everybody knows everybody and that for the most part, everybody wants to collaborate with each other.

Would you agree with that?

In many ways, yeah.

 

Q – Is there a meaning behind the name of the album?

The word conversance means to be intimately familiar or knowledgeable about something. With us, it's two things.

We are intimately knowledgeable with each other as musicians, as a band. I'm proud to say this band has been in existence since 2005. 

And we've only made one personnel change and that was to get our current drummer, Steve Corley, to join in 2011. He's pretty much been in the band over half the life of the band.

We're interacting with each other and we're interacting with the audience.  

Q – Did turning 50 impact the way you approached the album? 

A little bit. It's one of those things where I was kind of taking stock of where I am now.

I'm in this weird position where I'm still trying to figure this out, but at 50 years old, I've figured out a fair amount of stuff. We had a collection of songs ready to go and it just happened to be around that same time where Kenn Goodman walks in my life and says, "Hey, I want to do something with you."

It was a pretty easy process because we already had most of the songs ready to go. Maybe being 50 years old has made me more efficient with my time.

Q – The publication “All About Jazz” referred to you as being a a post-bop maverick intent on shaking things up for the mainstream. Is that what you are trying to do with your music?

Maybe unconsciously. The people whose music that I love pushed buttons.

They were unapologetically themselves and they kind of forced you to accept their artistic growth. Musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Joni Mitchell and James Brown. 

That's the kind of example that I'm trying to follow.

Q – Do you have any dream projects that you would like to start sooner rather than later?

The band has flirted with the idea of doing a Christmas album, but not in the traditional sense.

We would take some familiar songs and as a quartet put our own spin on them. 

I'm also a huge Prince fan. In 1985, he released an album called "The Family," which was kind of his replacement side project for The Time, which had broken up.

They only released one album. It is the first time that he utilized saxophone in any kind of important way. 

It is also the album where "Nothing Compares 2 U" originates from. We're coming up on 2025, so it will be the 20th anniversary of that album.

I'm strongly thinking about putting together a couple tribute nights to that album.

The Venue in Aurora continues to find new ways for audiences to connect with the musicians on stage

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

The operators of The Venue in Aurora continue to find innovative ways to connect audiences with the musicians that play there.

She Said is a new music and conversation series curated and hosted by Chicago area musician Anne Harris. The series, which features performances and conversations with female musicians, is funded through a grant from the Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation.

 

Ever since opening its doors in 2019, The Venue – run by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation – has offered audiences an intimate concert experience along with a bevy of top-notch musicians.

 

And programs like She Said will allow audiences to connect even more with the musicians on stage. That's exactly what happened on Dec. 21, when Harris engaged in music and conversation with Cathy Richardson, lead vocalist of the Jefferson Starship.

Harris and Richardson are longtime musical friends. One of the things that I love about the Chicago area music scene is the support that musicians in the area have for each other.

 

The night provided great insight into Richardson's background, including the challenges that she overcame to get to where she is today. I've had the honor of interviewing her and I came away with even more of an appreciation for what she has been able to achieve and the barriers that she helped to break down.

 

And of course the night provided many musical highlights, which is not a surprise given the talents of both musicians.

More videos from the night can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@ericschel12/videos.

Batavia resident Aaron Hawkins to create more scares with second horror movie, "Hellsgate"

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

According to a new survey, many people like to watch horror movies year-round – even during the Christmas season.

Of the 3,000 Americans surveyed, 44% of them said they enjoy watching horror movies throughout the year, with only 6% watching horror movies just during the Halloween season.

So if you want to want something scary this holiday season, you might consider checking out "Evil Lurks," a movie released in 2022 by Batavia resident Aaron Hawkins. The movie, which premiered at the Classic Cinemas Charlestowne 18 movie theater in St. Charles, is now available on such streaming platforms as Tubi, The Roku Channel and Apple TV.

The movie also is for sale at his eBay store, https://www.ebay.com/usr/crazy-rock-productions-store.

Hawkins is currently working on his second feature movie, "Hellsgate." I had the chance to talk to him about the movie.

Q – I understand that you are now casting for the movie. I see that one of the actors, Adam Hinkle, has done work on "Chicago Fire" and "Haunt Season."

So obviously the actors in "Hellsgate" have had prior TV and perhaps even movie experience.

Absolutely. One of them, his name is Ross Childs, he does standup comedy and he's also an actor. He was in "Chicago Med."

So I'm getting a lot of people that have done a lot of decent things, like Bill Oberst Jr. He's an Emmy Award winning actor who is playing the role of FBI director in the movie.

Q – So that must make you feel pretty good, that people of this caliber want to be part of this movie.

It is really, really awesome. We're trying to get Glenn Morshower. He was in the television show "24" and he's done a ton of other work.

And he's also my acting teacher, too. He lives in Texas and we do all the classes remotely.

Q – So he might be interested in being in the film as well?

Yes. We're also talking to Billy Hayes. 

Before he started his acting career, Hayes was a drug smuggler and he spent a few years in a Turkish prison. Hayes wrote the book "Midnight Express," which was adapted into the 1978 movie.

Q – By coincidence, the other night I watched "Grumpy Old Santa," which Morshower starred in. What do you think Glenn would bring to "Hellsgate" if he agrees to be part of it? 

He would bring his very well-rounded acting style to the movie and his fan base. It would bring more eyes to the project.

Q – Of course, you wrote the script for "Hellsgate," which follows the story of Samantha, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates a cult. She becomes entangled in a dangerous web of drugs, manipulation and violence. 

This is your second feature film. Is this following the timeline that you envision for making movies?

I don't necessarily have a specific timeline. I don't like to rush things.

I would rather do it right the first time. I like to be meticulous and put the time into a storyline and make sure it sounds good and looks good and things like that.

Q – I know you live in Batavia. Are you going to shoot "Hellsgate" in the area, like you did with your last movie?

I'm scouting locations in this area. I've found quite a few.

We're looking to film some scenes in Batavia. It depends on what the needs are of the production.

And then I have a co-director who lives out towards Elmhurst who has been scouting for me as well.  

Q – Is your vision for "Hellsgate" coming together?

It's coming together, yes. We're tentatively set to start filming in August. 

That could be pushed back or brought forward. Filming will take at least 18 days.

Q – When would you like the movie to be released?

We're going to be filming and editing as we go. It would be released probably around Christmas 2025.

It depends on when we start filming As it stands now, we're going to be filming in August.

People watch horror films during Christmas.

Q – I just read that. I was kind of surprised about the number of horror films that people do watch during Christmastime.

That's what I do. I watch horror films around Christmastime on top of movies like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

Q – Do you have more movie ideas?

Absolutely. I have two more horror scripts and one of them is complete.

The other one is about 60% done. 

Q – What attracts you to the horror genre in general?

As a kid, it started out with the jump scares, things like that. As an adult, it's more of, how can I do the kill scenes that I've seen differently and can I push the envelope more.

With horror films, it's like the sky is the limit for me. Horror films are not meant to make you laugh.

They're meant to question life. A lot of the killing you see could actually happen.

Like the scene in the trailer for "Hellsgate" could happen in real life, especially how the person dies.

Q – What would you like people to get out of your movies?

Entertainment, for one. I want people to get entertainment value out of it.

If you're feeling nauseous because of the kill scenes, then I've done my job as well. 

Those who would like to know more about the roles being cast in "Hellsgate" should go to the movie's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563106123349.

Chicago area musicians Ray Johnson and Dave Bieritz team up again for the album "Other Times And Other Places"

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

On their latest album, "Other Times And Other Places," Ray Johnson and Dave Bieritz continue to make a good team. 

They originally played together in the band Saldo Kreek, which dissolved in 2002. Johnson and Bieritz resumed their musical partnership in 2019.

Johnson, a St. Charles singer-songwriter, has his own publishing company, Soon To Be Famous Publishing LLC, and is responsible for all distribution and promotion of his work. He makes music out of his home studio in St. Charles. 

I had the chance to talk to Johnson about the new album. We spoke last year about their album "Appealing To Angels."

Q –  You just released "Other Times And Other Places" in August and I understand you're already working on your next album. Is that because you have so many songs brewing?

Ray Johnson

 

Yeah, it basically is that. We really don't ever take a break with the writing.

Either we are finishing songs for an album or writing new material immediately afterwards for the next album.

Q – And that's another way to keep your name out there too.

It is. Your chances are better at creating and keeping an audience through doing that.

Everything has an expiration date to some degree. 

Q – It seems like there is a story behind the album's name.

There's an instrumental song on the album called "Other Times And Other Places." There was just something that rang true in my head about the title being "Other Times And Other Places."

And the music itself is reflective of things gone by in a style that kind of reflects '60s jangle pop that is also heavy on the storytelling and songwriting of the songwriters from the '70s, which is my biggest inspiration. 

 

Dave Bieritz

So that's kind of where the title came from. It's a mesh between the two, history and the future.

Q – Do you have any favorite songs on the album?

One of my favorite songs on there is "Words We Didn't Say (Friday Afternoon)." The song is almost 7 minutes long. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/70TsX7BLRAXs5axOQMq2MG 

It's very cinematic. It's a really good song that would work in TV or film. 

It's a really beautiful song. It's probably one of my favorite songs, if not my favorite song, on the album.

The album is a great listen, from the start to the end.   

Q – Why do you and Dave work so well together?

Dave, like me, enjoys the whole experience of writing and creating one's own music. And he's so creative.

His contributions tie everything together. We're also really good friends and do other things outside of music.

But what really keeps us together and focused is the music. The whole process of creating a song is just exhilarating to the both of us.

Q – What should people expect from the new album that you are working on?

I think people will see additional development and growth in what we do. 

More information about Johnson's music can be found on his website, ray-johnson.com.

Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble taking its Global Peace Tour to India this month

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

After visiting Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal and Mexico in recent years, Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble will take its Global Peace Tour to India this month.

I had the chance to talk to Surabhi Ensemble band leader Carlo Basile about the upcoming tour.

 

Q – Great talking to you again. Of course, Surabhi Ensemble's Global Peace Tour of India will begin on Dec. 17. What are you looking forward to the most from the upcoming tour?

 

Well, I’m glad to be taking our art to India finally. This was always a goal of the Surabhi Ensemble with four of the artists being born there. 

 

It’s also so divisive in the U.S. and I don’t mind taking a break from that and news stories, in general. 

 

But the best part is usually the people you meet in artistic circles and the new inspiration you may get for future work. 

 

Q – I understand Surabhi Ensemble will release an album based on the group's experiences from the tour. When do you plan to release the album and what should people expect from the album?

 

We have a very limited release of the Surabhi Ensemble "Respiro Libre" album to bring with us on the tour. We will mostly give that out free to folks who appreciate our music.

 

So, I think we will add a few tracks to that album and officially release all of it later next year. 

 

Q – I know the group has traveled to Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal and Mexico in recent years. Why is it important to you to bring the band's music to other countries?

 

Most of the artists in the group are world travelers and I think it’s fun to visit new places and see how different cultures respond to our original work. It’s been a really rewarding experience all around. 

 

 

We get such a positive response everywhere. Additionally, I think it’s important for folks around the globe to see the U.S. represented by such a diverse group of cultures with a message of peace and unity. 

 

Q – You have lent your talents to several groups over the years. It seems like there are many Chicago musicians who like to collaborate with other Chicago musicians. Is that one reason why the Chicago music scene is so strong?

 

Yes! Chicago seems to be just the right size and so diverse. Folks tend to be a bit more easy going than I have witnessed with some artists from LA or NYC. Maybe I’m just biased being born here? 

 

Q – It seems like you are always busy doing something, including running. Congratulations on qualifying for next year's Boston Marathon. 

 

Thanks! That was a BIG goal of mine.

 

I really focused on improving my form and training program. It worked! I’m working on a solo release for next year with the title (roughly translated from Spanish) of “Globetrotting Guitar.” 

 

Q – How did you develop a taste for running? As you are running, are you thinking up new musical arrangements?

 

So, during the pandemic, Bob Garrett (percussionist from Surabhi Ensemble) and I started running every day. I had been playing hockey and I think running felt like a good substitute.

 

Then I realized that running daily with the correct form and lower body weight really felt good! I was getting too old for hockey but I still wanted to compete.

 

So, now I run against the clock and I’m usually in the top 10% of my age group. Yes, when I run, I think about new ideas for music or I listen to other music to get ideas.

 

If I have newly recorded pieces of my playing, I might take those with me to listen for ways to improve. 

 

Q – And of course you and your wife operate a highly regarded hot dog stand in Chicago. That is something that runs in the family, right? Did your father Paul own the "Music Man Hot Dog Stand" in the 1970s at Amundsen Park in Chicago?  

 

That must make you and your wife Kim feel pretty good that Kim and Carlo's hot dog stand is so highly regarded. What do you try to do to make your hot dog stand stand out from others in the area?

 

Yes, that’s all true! But really, my wife is the driving force behind that business.

 

When I started doing music full-time about 25 years ago, she took over. Yes, the hotdog carts have been featured in the New York Times and on many TV series. 

 

 

I think because we have kept it small, Kim has been able to maintain a very high level of quality. We were also one of the first hotdog stands to sell vegetarian “Chicago Style” hotdogs in the 1990s!

 

Q – I understand that people can request ketchup to put on their hot dog, but if they do, they have to dance for it. Have you had many takers? Hopefully you have captured that on video. 

 

True, and always a few willing to dance. Those videos (if they do exist) are top secret!