On Saturday, 3/25 and Sunday, 3/26, we hosted the first three shows of #EB25 2017! Here's a recap for all our friends out there who are far away, couldn't make it, or were too drunk to remember.

First, we saw a visit from New Orleans duo QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT co-headlining with our boy NOBUNNY on Saturday. Everyones favorite rodent rock group, RATSO AND THE RABBITS, opened. Headed by local television star RATSO (Chic-A-Go-Go) this rambunctious crew kicked things off with a bang.

NOBUNNY performed next. We're always ready for the loud and energetic performance this woodland creature brings to our stage. And in nothing but his skivvies, to boot! This was NOBUNNY's seventh Empty Bottle performance - in the words of the great FOREIGNER, "feels like the first time."

QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT brought a much-needed blast from the past in the form of their signature genre-defying "Swamp-Tech" dance music. Due to an unfortunate accident during home repairs, Mr. QUINTRON had his left arm captive to a sling. Luckily, he brought friend and fellow N'awlins boy Benny along to fill in for his injured appendage. Fun fact: did you know QUINTRON and Bottle bossman Bruce go way back to their college days at University of Missouri?

On Sunday, we revived an olden day tradition of two TORTOISE shows in one days. Both shows were opened by THE LONESOME ORGANIST, the one-man band project of Jeremy Jacobsen. Using guitar, keys, harmonica, steel drum, and various percussion instruments, Jacobsen put on a spectacular show not once, but twice.

Speaking of double trouble, celebrating #EB25 with Chicago post-rock legends TORTOISE twice in one day is kind of a dream. These guys have played the Bottle over a dozen times, yet the sheer magnitude of their talent never ceases to amaze. During one of their encores, they welcomed JIM ELKINGTON, guitarist from ELEVENTH DREAM DAY, to the stage to shred with them. 'Twas an amazing evening we shall never forget!

Thanks to everyone who made it out! On deck for our #EB25 Anniversary Series... 

• April 14th - The Cool Kids, Owen Bones, The Boy Illinois

• April 15th - New Bomb Turks, Daylight Robbery, Son of a Gun, Mixed Deuce, Bric-a-Brac Records DJs, Benefit for Ben Reber

• April 28th - Pissed Jeans, STNNNG, The Catburglars

• May 13th & 14th - The Black Lips

• May 19th - Big Freedia

• May 27th - Local H

We did it again, y’all. On Saturday, March 4th, we once again joined forces with our cronies at Goose Island and threw a block party on the frigid streets of the Ukrainian Village. To our delight, bout 2,000 well-behaved (subject to opinion) humans (plus a couple dogs and other mammals) came to party with us. In case you missed out, short recap below with pictures to boot!

Gates opened at 1pm, with the Goose Island beer a-flowin’. The inside of the Empty Bottle was a tropical paradise, complete with blow-up palm trees and cardboard tiki men. Lumpen Radio DJs were spinning throughout the day, starting with Sol Son, moving into Logan Bay, and closing out with SONORAMA.

Photo by: Christopher Alvarez

Chicago three-piece DIM took the stage first, captivating the crowd with their heavy, aggressive brand of shoegaze. SNEAKS, aka Eva Moolchan, performed next, bringing the unique blend of post-punk developed in her hometown of Washington, D.C. SNEAKS was like a nice shot of adrenaline on this chilly March day.

New Jersey trio SCREAMING FEMALES gave us a killer set, filled with wild vocal energy and raging guitar licks. Hell, we watched it from way up on the roof and it felt like we were front row center! After SCREAMING FEMALES came the unveiling of our surprise guest: legendary MC KOOL KEITH aka DR. OCTOGAN. For the true heads in the audience it was a welcome shock.  For those who have no idea who KOOL KEITH is, we can only assume they thought it was the strangest METZ intro they had ever seen.

The lovely Canadian gentlemen of METZ closed out the evening. By gentlemen, we mean blow your eardrums, strain your neck style noise-rockers. Couldn’t think of a better group of lads to close out our fourth Music, Frozen, Dancing block party.

Thank you to everyone who came out and especially to our neighbors for being down with this insane idea year after year. Shout out to Mike Broers, winner of the Synth-Chili Cook-Off, whose chili recipe we served at the fest via Bite Cafe.  Sales from said chili were donated to our friends at One Tail At A Time. We like dog. We like you.  Thanks also to Dark Matter for keeping us warm and jacked.  To our Goose Island people, we did it, let’s get lit.

Thank you Chicago, see you in the snowbanks in 2018.

-Empty Bottle Presents

#musicfrozendancing

(All photos credit to Sarah O'Neill unless otherwise stated)

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by Kelsie HogueNow more than ever, the act of cultivating a safe space is imperative. A safe space is simply an environment where anyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation or physical/mental ability are able to express themselves freely without fear of their comfort or safety being at risk. Over the past two years, sibling duo Donnie and Madison Moore have cultivated pure fun with their monthly LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more) show Glitter Creeps.Taking place every third Wednesday of the month at The Empty Bottle, Glitter Creeps features a broad spectrum of voices and styles, reinforcing the idea that queer nights are for everyone. To celebrate their official toddler phase we’re throwing a party for anyone and everyone on Wednesday, November 16th, featuring everyone’s favorite punk weirdo NOBUNNY, with support from PROUD PARENTS, BEV RAGE & THE DRINKS, and an interlude by drag entertainer LUCY STOOLE.I got the chance to grab some pure unfiltered sound bites from both Donnie and Madison Moore of the Glitter Creeps as well as Justin Champlin aka NOBUNNY on the importance of such a gathering within the Chicago music scene. Allow their tender musings to tide you over until the big night. See you on November 16th!

Glitter Creeps

Absolutely Not (photo by Marisa KM)

GOGGS Performing during the August Glitter Creeps (photo by Marisa KM)

Along with being at the helm of Glitter Creeps, Donnie and Madison Moore make up two thirds of local glam punk outfit ABSOLUTELY NOT. With Donnie on vox and guitar, Madison on keys and backup vox and Santiago Guerrero on drums, ABSOLUTELY NOT has carved out their own unabashedly queer and tenacious space in the Chicago music scene with multiple performances at The Bottle.Where did the idea for Glitter Creeps come from and how did it end up at the bottle?Donnie: Most of my young adult life I searched for cool rock or punk related LGBTQIA events, but the options were extremely limited. After living in Chicago for a couple of years, I found out about things like Fed Up Fest, Homocore, and Queer Social Club (QSC) night at Archie's. After attending and guest DJing a few QSC events I became good friends with Pete, who was the organizer at the time). He asked Madison and I if we wanted to take over QSC, and refresh it with a new name and style. My dreams had come true! I was now a part of organizing a night geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community with the style of music and culture that I identify with. I was was excited to provide such an event for like-minded people that had very little options. After successfully doing many Glitter Creeps at Archies, Madison and I just couldn't shake the nagging feeling of wanting to go even bigger where we could have live bands performing at our events. One day I walked my silly ass into the Empty Bottle, and had a very long, nice talk with Christen Thomas who was the talent buyer at the time, and she was 100% into the idea of Glitter Creeps. Three months later, on November 19th 2014, we launched Glitter Creeps at Empty Bottle with THE CELL PHONES, PAPER MICE, and SPACE BLOOD. What does making an LGBTQIA+ inclusive space mean to you?Donnie: Glitter Creeps is an event where everyone should feel comfortable. Gay, Straight, Black, White, Male, Female, Transgender, Genderqueer, etc, literally ANYONE with an open mind and an open heart are welcome. Obviously, the event is heavily geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community, but we're not trying to be one of those events that say they are only there for one part of the community. In my dream world, there would be something for everyone in every establishment. Unfortunately, the world isn't like that, so that's why events like Glitter Creeps are extremely necessary. It's a place where the entire LGBTQIA community are safe to express themselves fully, and feel very comfortable doing so! That same offer goes out to open minded heterosexual males and females as well! If you are supportive of all races, and all sexual preferences and identities, you are welcome at Glitter Creeps!Any memorable Glitter Creeps moments from the past two years that stick out?Donnie: Honestly, I have a favorite memory from each show. Every single band that has played Glitter Creeps so far has really given us spectacular performances. It really makes me happy beyond words to see bands going balls to the wall because they know there will be no judgement at Glitter Creeps. That's literally what I live for. I love when music is truly genuine, and performers are bringing their highest levels of expression. GET WEIRD! GET REAL! You only live once, so BE TRUE TO WHO YOU REALLY ARE!Madison: I couldn't agree more with Donnie. However, if I had to choose, I'd probably have to go with the show where, along with SODDY DAISY, our band got to open for GOGGS (Ty Segall’s latest project). Such an awesome night.Donnie: Oh yeah, duh. [laughs].What do you hope to continue/change/explore with another year of Glitter Creeps?Donnie: Honestly, we just want to keep having great bands and amazing shows. We are trying not to repeat any bands for as long as humanly possible, so wish us luck with that!What does the 2 year anniversary mean to you?Donnie: It means growth, and it means happiness. We've definitely experienced personal growth from running Glitter Creeps for two years, and hope we've helped encourage further growth in the happiness and comfort levels in punk/rock side of the LGBTQIA community as well. With bands like NOBUNNY, Micachu and The Shapes, Royal Headache, and GOGGS playing and showing mega love for the event, that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter for the community.Any news about your band Absolutely Not?Donnie & Madison: Yes! We are working on finishing the new LP, and we just released the first single/music video from it recently!

Interview with NOBUNNY

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Justin Champlin crashed onto the scene in 2001 with his explosively lovable punk/rock n’ roll persona NOBUNNY. With gloriously crusty glam stage antics filled with costumes, nudity and a very special bunny mask, NOBUNNY has captured the hearts of cuties all over.How long have you known about Glitter Creeps and what does it mean to you to be a part of the two year anniversary?Nobunny: I met Donnie and Madison right when they started doing Glitter Creeps two years ago. I'm stoked they invited me! Any favorite Empty Bottle memories?Nobunny: Setting up an interview with a band when I was 19 and Bruce letting me in, as long as I stood on the radiator by the front door. Taking acid for free jazz improv nights. My grandmother attending a Nobunny show and commenting on how dirty the bathroom was.How integral is your live performance when writing new material?Nobunny: I don't generally think about performing live when writing. I suppose sometimes though, I think "this is gonna sound killer live"or, "this will never work live". One song at a time!Can we touch base on the Elvis impersonation time in your life?Nobunny: Elvis impersonation is a decent way to pay the bills, but Nobunny is more creatively fulfilling.