Gallery by: Alexandra Geshel
Gallery By: Alexandra Geshel
Despite Caleb Williams jerseys being plastered everywhere throughout the city, Caleb Williams had not officially signed a Chicago Bears contract until yesterday. The Chicago Bears have signed Caleb Williams to his rookie deal. The passer signed a fully guaranteed contract worth $39 million on Tuesday, solidifying his immediate future with the franchise.
While the thought of Williams making guaranteed money makes me nervous, we couldn’t be happier that Williams has finally inked his deal.
Awolnation joined us in The Lounge for a special show and made some incredible memories! We loved having these guys here and can’t wait to see them back here in Chicago on Sunday, 7/21 being direct support for 311 at The Salt Shed!
Gallery By: Alexandra Geshel
Last night’s MLB Home Run Derby was full of long balls from some of MLB’s biggest stars, but that’s not what anyone is talking about this morning.
Ingrid Andress greeted fans at the Home Run Derby last night with the worst national anthem of all-time.
Fergie, you can finally take a deep breath.
The judge in actor Alec Baldwin’s New Mexico trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter dismissed the case Friday after the defense team accused prosecutors of withholding evidence. This case has been plaguing Baldwin’s personal life since 2021.
Baldwin, 66, could have gotten 18 months in prison if convicted.
Every Friday, Case the Producer rounds up the most exciting new tunes in music and serves them up in one easy-to-find blog for you, the Q101 Crew Members.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Pink Palace
Chicago’s finest band, Brigitte Calls Me Baby, is back with another single in the lead-up to their first full-length record. BCMB dropped “Pink Palace” on us, a swift and exciting track that clocks in at just under 3 minutes. Frontman Wes Levins shows off his absurd vocal range in the track while the rest of the band continues to offer up thrilling instrumentation. “Pink Palace” is sure to be one of the standout tracks on The Future Is Our Way Out, which is slated to drop on August 2.
Cigarettes After Sex: X’s
Dream-pop standouts Cigarettes After Sex have returned with their first full-length album in five years. The follow up to 2019’s Cry, X’s is an evolved take on the band’s signature sound. If you’ve enjoyed what they’ve brought to the table before, this will be up your alley.
Eminem: The Death of Slim Shady [Coup De Grâce]
It’s hard to believe Eminem is on his 12th album, but he is. The Death of Slim Shady [Coup De Grâce], Eminem’s high-concept album that the rapper dive back in to cultural critiques, just as he did at his peak 25 years ago.
Speed: Only One Mode
Australia’s greatest export, Speed, have dropped their first full-length album, Only One Mode. Speed has spent the last year opening up for acts like Turnstile and Knocked Loose. Now, they have a chance to shine bright with the release of this incredible album.
Check out Case’s interview with Speed frontman Jem here.
Square Roots Festival (Friday-Sunday)
One of Chicago’s finest street festivals, Square Roots Festival in Lincoln Square is back this weekend for three days of food, fun, and music. The music lineup features Chicago standouts Smut, as well as The New Pornographers on Friday and legendary punk band X on Saturday. The full lineup can be viewed here.
West Fest (Friday-Sunday)
If Lincoln Square isn’t your vibe, West Fest also returns this weekend with an incredibly strong lineup of bands. The highlight of this year’s festivities is Bully, the outstanding singer-songwriter who channels the likes of Alanis Morissette and The Strokes. The full lineup is here.
White Sox host the Pirates (Friday-Sunday)
The White Sox can aid the Cubs in their quest to bounce back in the NL Central by performing well against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Will that happen? Probably not.
Join Brian and Kenzie as they Caravan up to the Bristol Renaissance Faire! (Saturday)
Join Brian and Kenzie as they Caravan up to the Bristol Renaissance Faire on Saturday, July 13th from 12pm-2pm for a fun filled event of revelry! How many turkey legs can Brian eat? Will Kenzie be crowned the Fair Lady or Queen? All these questions and more will be answered on July 13th so come join Brian and Kenzie with all Q101 Crew members. Crew Members and all attendees can meet up with Brian and Kenzie at the “Three Sheets Pub” just inside the gates at 12pm.
Noah Kahan at Alpine Valley (Saturday)
The long wait is over. After stealing the show at Lollapalooza last year, Noah Kahan is back in Chicagoland as he takes on Alpine Valley this Saturday night for a show that is beyond sold out. If you see Case the Producer there among the masses, be sure to say “ahoy”.
Mother Mother and Cavetown at Northerly Island (Saturday)
Come hang with Q101 at Mother Mother and Cavetown this Saturday night as two electric bands hit the stage on what should be a gorgeous summer evening.
Black Lips at Empty Bottle (Sunday)
Legendary indie rockers Black Lips are at Empty Bottle on Sunday for a pair of shows, one early and one late. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Big 10 Network 10k (Saturday)
Join the Q101 for the return of the BTN Big 10K on Saturday, July 13 in Chicago! Test your fitness, enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience, and represent your favorite Big Ten school all while giving back to some great charities!
For those in the city looking to get out to Bridgeview, Riot Fest is offering the Riot Express. This shuttle program has eight different locations within the city, from GMAN Tavern to Novel Pizza Cafe on the West Side. 1-Day and 3-Day round trip passes starting at $30 per day. That’s $15 each way for you mathematicians.
Tickets to the Riot Express can be purchased here.