The novel coronavirus has affected live music fans and musicians all over the world, including the tight knit Chicago community of which we at Backstage Chicago are also a part of. The venues we love to patronize, or perform in, and the bands we stand in line to see, or are members of, suddenly shutdown, and temporarily separated from one another. People are worried about their health, the health of their loved ones, kids, bills, rent, mortgages, the list goes on...but we must remain positive and continue to live and enjoy life, knowing more than ever how precious it really is, and also knowing that eventually, this too shall pass. But in the meantime, let's face it, we also need our music. Fans need to hear it, and musicians need to play it!
Backstage Chicago is an all new internet TV show that features live Chicagoland musicians virtually hosted by the landmark venues that we must save and keep open for once the dust clears! We will feature live music from your favorite bands, interview your favorite musicians one on one, share hidden camera pranks and funny sketches! It's just a place for the lovers of all things Chicago Music Scene in one place. Each show will feature a brand new electric guitar raffle winner, as well as some games and contests with other cool giveaways, thanks to some help from our dear friends at Guitar Center! Speaking of gear, we will also feature rig rundowns of what type of equipment you may find on a Chicago stage these days. Plus, we'll share news about the local music scene and the latest on the pandemic's effects on musicians, venue owners, and fans - direct from the venue owners and major area event planners themselves!
We'll bring our cameras behind the lights, through the stage, past the warm heat - and slight toasty odor of the tube amps, right to the artists themselves! In their kitchens, their studios, their basements and crawl spaces! We will also feature live performances both from our Chicago studio, as well as remotely from some of Chicagoland's most cherished venues! 100% Real life, and All Area Access! Buckle up Chicago, you're about to get a tour from everyone's favorite head roadie, Artie! So pour your favorite backstage beverage and join your hosts, Sara Kreyer, Johnny Monaco, and Erik Donner as they bring you the best in backstage shenanigans!
This will obviously all be done at a 100% socially responsible and as safe a manner as humanly possible. Each weekly show will also enable viewers to support the local artists, through their personal payment channels, as well to feature one special local venue sponsor to support on each show. We will also be giving away 1 brand new electric guitar to one lucky viewer/supporter on each show! The winner will also receive a backstage pass for them and a guest to attend a future show later in the year, with an opportunity to have the guitar autographed by the artist or band!
