It’s no revelation to state the fact that Covid-19 was tough on musicians, venues and fans. We just wanted to take a minute to thank all the people who helped us feel normal during these decidedly weird last few years. Here’s a gander at a couple of the shows we were lucky enough to play during the pandemic:
We were happy to rock out for a good cause at PM Woodwind yesterday. Thanks to those who helped us raise money for Illinois Choice Action Team!
Don’t miss our upcoming show on Feb 27, when we’ll be headlining Montrose Saloon. See you there!
We were proud to be involved in the 20th Annual Rock for Tots show this year! You might have heard about this on the Twitters, but we had a b-side Christmas song battle with The Darkroom Men. Turned out both of us picked the same damn song: Mele Kalikimaka! Enjoy.
Another awesome show at The Store! This one included our pals Ex Maquina! and whitewolfsonicprincess. Thanks to everyone who came out.
We're super pumped to play at Chimera Loft, a cool artist studio/event space on Central in Evanston. It’s going to be an intimate show, which is awesome, but that also means that space is limited, so get your tickets today.
Well, it wasn’t SXSW, but it was just as special. Our dear friends Carlo and Natalie got hitched this weekend, and we were lucky enough to be the entertainment for their rehearsal dinner/pool party. We’re not really wedding band material (seems well over half of our songs end in death or divorce) but we managed to find a few ditties to match the occasion. It also offered us the opportunity to get to know the song Never My Love, by the Association. Carlo proposed to Natalie in front of the real band playing that song, so it seemed learning it was the least we could do for these two lovebirds.
The whole weekend was a total blast, but it’s going to be tough to top playing to an audience of half-submerged, swimsuit-and-floatie-sporting fans. Turns out that applause sounds awesome whether one’s hands are prune-y or not!
We were jazzed to accompany The Remember Knots in their return from their winter hiatus yesterday. Not only did we get to close the joint down*, but we were able to hear Mr. Camilo Restrepo play his excellent amalgamation of Americana and Chicago blues by way of Bogotá, Colombia. Definitely recommend you check him out.
*Though it is semi-officially known as “The Store ‘til 4,” we did not actually play music until four in the morning.
We already had plenty of fond memories from the Red Line Tap, a venerable dive bar venue owned by the Rogers Park institution known as Heartland Cafe. In the eight or so years since we moved away from the neighborhood, we've kept coming back. But somehow we missed the revamp that moved the stage to the front and opened up the wall separating the bar and the venue area until we played a gig there last month. As you can see here, it's a lovely switcheroo:
Loving the new-to-us setup at @RedLineTap! #memories Looking forward to a rockin' show w/ @wwsp_theband and more. pic.twitter.com/7mdrN3NxYV
— parallelicopter (@parallelicopter) October 15, 2017
Anyway, we hope you can join us in a couple weeks to see the space for yourself. We're proud to play a benefit for Toys for Tots on Saturday, Dec. 2 with whitewolfsonicprincess and friends. We've got new originals, old favorites, a special guest and even a Christmas carol in store. See you there!
This past weekend we joined the circus—the Rock & Roll Circus at The Store in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, to be precise. We hadn't had the pleasure of seeing organizers and headliners whitewolfsonicprincess since way back in the Cake & Whiskey days, so that was a clear highlight. But we also were introduced to The Remember Knots, hearing them play their awesome new album from start to finish.
Love the coziness of the room at The Store!
...playing their brand-new album! Definitely want to see these guys perform again.
That there is Carla, nailing it.
These mirrors remind Josh of Disney's Haunted Mansion.
Our brand-new band sticker graces the sound booth, thanks to Brad.
We're looking forward to playing the circus again soon, when it makes its way up to Rogers Park's Red Line Tap later this month. Hope you'll join us!
It was an absolute honor to play the first inaugural Yippie Fest at the Prop Thtr in Avondale, Chicago last weekend. Many kudos to the dedicated organizers who wrangled more than 80 groups performing theater, music, comedy, and more over three massive days—and without a hitch. We connected with old pals, met some great folks, and had ourselves an excellent time. We can't wait until next year!
Parallelicopter plays the Gallery Cabaret in Chicago, Ill. on Saturday, May 6.
We're supporting our friends, The River Willows, at the Gallery Cabaret in Chicago, Ill. on Saturday, May 6. We'll take the stage at 9:30pm. Don't miss it!
Check out the event on Facebook for more info. See you there!
We didn't really stand a chance at winning this time, but we had a new song that was begging to be recorded in real time. We also happened to have a tiny desk (thanks Natalie and Carlo!). But do spend some time with the winners of NPR's most recent Tiny Desk Concert, Tank and The Bangas. They sound amazing and we can't wait to go see them.
This image brought to you by the eminently clever Ryan McGuire of Gratisography.
Is your Halloween playlist missing that special something? Don't you worry your Peter Pumpkin head about it. Parallelicopter's got you covered with a itty-bitty ditty about a little-known horror film afflicted with a small but significant typo.
Enjoy responsibly.
From the depths of the cut-out bin comes the little-known horror film afflicted with a small but significant typo
The Cakefather was Parallelicopter's last Cake & Whiskey gig before the monthly event was brought to a halt by a cease-and-desist notice from a magazine that shall remain nameless (though you could probably venture a guess). The event was held at Act One Pub inside the Mayne Stage Theatre in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Never played a show with the Godfather on mute in the background before, but the crowd was still pretty into our set, classic film notwithstanding. Apparently we made them an offer they couldn't refuse.
