If you are looking for a little “Local Soul” you should check out eclectic funk of The Streets on Fire. The band was born in a rundown local currency exchange, and sound that these temporary surroundings managed to produce is gritty, lo-fi, but electrifying and filled with pop overtones. Their debut album, Hot Weekend, was recorded in one weekend at Heart of Gold and was recently released on the band’s The Currency Exchange Records. The have a retro feel and a diy attitude largely due to the old instruments and less than ideal practice space. They call their style “retro-contemporary rock with a danceable rock backbone”, but I just call it solid and dependable Chicago music.

You can check out The Streets on Fire Nov. 21st with the talent Nashville songstress Michele Ari at Cal’s.

 I think everyone in Chicago, across the country, and around the world clearly understands that many individuals are facing difficult times. However, the thought of committing a crime to close gap between needs and means is still unacceptable. Yesterday in the city of brotherly love Kill Hannah woke up to find their 15-passenger van and 14-foot trailer stolen. Taken between 4am and 11am today, Wednesday, November 11 from the front of the Holiday Inn on 900 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA-the same location that rock trio Mae had their van stolen from just a week earlier-the band lost over $120,000 in gear and merchandise, including one-of-a-kind vintage custom guitars and vintage custom effects. The theft comes just over a year after a devastating fire in Europe destroyed everything on the band’s bus. Lead singer Mat Devine says, "We’re devastated and speechless. We’ve been touring so hard around the world for the past seven years and this is the most evil thing we’ve witnessed. Special Crimes say this was a coordinated heist."

The band has cancelled their remaining tour dates, but still plans to play here on Dec. 18th at Reggie’s and on the 19th at Metro. Any information about this can be directed at Bethany Watson of Davis Artist Management: bethany@davisartistmanagement.com