LOCAL SCENE:Rockin' fundraiser for Christmas dinner

Westchester Lanes in Chesterton will be the site of a rocking fundraiser this evening for “Merry Meals,” a charitable organization that provides Christmas meals to region families in need.

LOCAL SCENE: The Stories Behind Some of Rock’s Biggest Hits

Jim Peterik has enjoyed an enduring, consistent and successful career, having written and recorded hit songs for his own bands, The Ides of March and Survivor (taking home a Grammy for the #1 global chart-topper, “Eye Of The Tiger,” from the “Rocky IV” film soundtrack), along with penning hi…

LOCAL SCENE: “SMOKING” RE-ISSUE FROM CHICAGO FAVES

Chicago alt-rock recording/touring group, The Smoking Popes will re-issue their landmark 1995 album, “Born To Quit” this Tuesday (10/23) via Los Angles-based indie label SideOneDummy Record, which they signed with earlier this year. There will be limited amount of color vinyl LPs pressed up …

LOCAL SCENE: McHenry & Bricker, An Ear-Pleasing Pairing

One of the perks of writing this weekly column about local music is opening up mail and discovering a CD of well-crafted new music to ingest. Such was the case two weeks ago when a disc arrived from Merrillville songwriter/guitarist John McHenry, who has rocked, twanged and bluesed it up in …

LOCAL SCENE: Trio reunited in Highland, Porter County unplugged winner

Long time local rockers Allen Fray (bass/vocals) and Bob Wray (guitar/vocals), formerly of the regional bands Salamander Drake and Desdinova, are back in action with a new 3-piece original project rounded out by drummer John Ripperton. The trio goes by the name The Barleywine Sound Union and…

LOCAL SCENE: Copeland’s “33 1/3” Spins Out On Tuesday

Shemekia Copeland has emerged a one of the most prominent voices of the modern Chicago blues scene, even being declared “Queen of the Blues” at

LOCAL SCENE: Benefit concerts this weekend and rock notes

Two benefit concerts highlight this weekend’s live music options; giving area music fans the opportunity to rock while helping others in need.

LOCAL SCENE: Chicago's proud folk heritage shines with Sons

Americana music with an indie–rock hipness is being brewed tonight along with tea and coffee at The Front Porch, 505 E. Lincolnway, in Valparaiso, as the venue welcomes Chicago's favorite "Sons" to its intimate confines.