The Gilgamanians and Maku Sica (formerly Mako Sica) sound profoundly different from each other, but these two local ensembles share a commitment to using improvisation to tap into ideas they would never find any other way. The Gilgamanians are percussionist Michael Zerang and shortwave-radio operator Don Meckley. This is the duo’s first concert, but their […]
Tag: Mako Sica
Posted inAgenda
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concerts
The Chicago Poetry Center kicks off another season of Blue Hour tonight. Blue Hour is an in-person series of readings by poets, largely Chicago-based, followed by community gathering time. The readings are preceded by a limited space one-hour guided writing workshop using an exploratory prompt drawn from themes of the work of one of the […]
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Mako Sica headline a showcase of challenging homegrown experimental music
Since it opened two years ago, Sleeping Village has become a hub for some of the city’s best (and most affordable) local shows. A fine example is this concert, headlined by Chicago underground stalwarts Mako Sica. They’ve been at it since 2007, with core members Przemysław Drążek (formerly of intense rockers Rope) and Brent Fuscaldo […]
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The best Chicago albums of the 2010s: the critics’ ballots
Here’s where to see who voted for what and how the points got divvied up.
Posted inMusic
The best Chicago albums of the 2010s
The Reader polled dozens of critics to arrive at an absolutely indisputable ranked list of several hundred records that will definitely not start any arguments.
Posted inMusic
Mako Sica bassist Brent Fuscaldo on a voice that literally saved a man’s life
Current musical obsessions of Mako Sica bassist Brent Fuscaldo, guitarist and sound experimenter Mark Shippy, and Reader associate editor Jamie Ludwig
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Homeroom’s Physics for Listeners series connects local trio ZRL with four disparate composers
Homeroom’s Physics for Listeners series connects local trio ZRL with four disparate composers, the Plastic (Crimewave) Ono Band releases its fourth tape-only split, and more.
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The jazz doesn’t stop when the park goes dark
This year’s Jazz Festival aftershows include Mako Sica with Hamid Drake, Dee Alexander performing Nina Simone, and the traditional engagements by Ira Sullivan and Edward “Kidd” Jordan.
Posted inBlogs
Heartbreak Hotel and more of the best things to do in Chicago this week
Matianak at Reggie’s Music Joint and more goings-on 8/27-8/30.
Posted inMusic
Chicago experimentalists Mako Sica find a sweet spot with master percussionist Hamid Drake
Since I first encountered it nearly a decade ago, I’ve repeatedly tried to engage with the music of Chicago trio Mako Sica. The determinedly exploratory ensemble couches improvisational impulses within meditative, expansive prog-rock modes more concerned with using chants, texture-rich guitar, and spacious rhythms to carve out space than with displaying hollow virtuosity. Unfortunately, their […]
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I Kong Kult end a three-year hiatus to release their ass-shaking debut
I Kong Kult end a three-year hiatus to release their ass-shaking debut, Mako Sica hold a benefit to push back against cycling deaths, and more.
Posted inBlogs
Reader’s Agenda Thu 1/23: Con Air, the Chicago Picasso, and Chicago Psych Fest V
Con Air Looking for something to do today? Agenda‘s got you covered. Doc Films, the University of Chicago’s student film society, hosts a screening of the Nic Cage actioner Con Air, which former Reader film critic Lisa Alspector called “both cheeky and tongue-in-cheek because it’s so far over-the-top.” At Co-Prosperity Sphere, South Side Projections screens […]
Posted inBlogs
Best shows to see: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Mako Sica, Lindstrom, Keith Rowe
Soundboard recommends Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Mako Sica, Lindstrom, and Keith Rowe
Posted inBlogs
Permanent Records Celebrates Its Third Birthday
Permanent Records throws itself a party at the Hideout this Saturday with Cave, Cacaw, Black Math, and Mako Sica.