Flashback: Chicago Rock 1975-1983

From the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, the Haymakers nightclubs in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs were a breeding ground for international superstars Cheap Trick, Survivor, Head East, and literally hundreds of local Chicago and Midwest bands, as well as national headliners Sly Stone, the Outlaws, the Ramones, the Runaways, Queensrÿche, Joe Perry, Leon Russell, and Twisted Sister. Haymakers closed for good in 1984. A group of regular patrons, former employees, and the many local bands that performed there decided the time is right for a reunion!

Many remember a popular band from that era called Tantrum. ArtsWarrior has a long association with that band, as two of Tantrum’s founders, Phil Balsano & Bill Syniar, are now band leaders for 1969 and R-Gang. This 7-member rock group released two albums on Chicago's Ovation Records label and a third album released in Great Britian in 2005 as part of a compilation. Tantrum was composed of three female singers, Pam Bradley, Sandy Caulfield, and Barb Erber, as well as guitarist Ray Sapko, keyboardist Phil Balsano (1969), bass guitarist Bill Syniar (R-Gang), and drummer Vern Wennerstrom. Tantrum will reunite to perform for the Haymakers Reunion Event, with Mike Arturi on drums (Lovin’ Spoonful/Badfinger) and Claire Massey sitting in for Barb Erber, as well as a few special guests, including cellist Petar Kecenovici of Classical Blast. Tantrum will perform music from their 3 albums at the Haymakers event, and will be joined on stage by other Chicago bands from the same era, including Dreamer, Hounds, Bitch, Pezband All-Stars, One-Arm Bandit and MadFox. MCs will be legendary Chicago radio DJ Mitch Michaels and Dirty Dan Buck, singer of The Boyzz.

The event takes place on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine. Proceeds benefit Little Kids Rock, part of the Fender Foundation, and The Caring Arts Foundation. (see below for ticket info)

Tantrum in 1979: Pam Bradley, Ray Sapko, Vern Wennerstrom,
Sandy Caulfield, Phil Balsano, Barb Erber & Bill Syniar

Music for Sale

A number of ArtsWarrior bands have CDs for sale at their live shows OR you can order many of them online or via iTunes. Try on the classic rock sound of 1969, American country rock ala Billy Croft, rockin’ blues by Grana’ Louise, or flamenco nuevo of Guitarra Azul. Click on the CD of your choice below to purchase online.

1969: Peace & Love	Grana Louise: Gettin’ Kinda Rough!	R-Gang Soul-cial Networking
Billy Croft Coming soon!	Guitarra Azul: Mariposa	Guitarra Azul: Oasis