Parlour's Local Music Lounge presents the Queer Music Alliance of Chicago benefit featuring Ellen Rosner, Melinda Suarez and Mike Grimes on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 9pm. Doors open at 7pm.
This evening is part of the Local Music Lounge, a live music event every Saturday evening at Parlour on Clark. The Queer Music Alliance of Chicago, founded by local queer musician Scott Free, is a collective created to organize and foster the talents of the LGBTQI musicians of Chicago. The goal of this organization is to increase awareness and foster relationships between the businesses and the musicians of Chicago's LGBTQI community.
Parlour is located at 6341 N. Clark. www.parlouronclark.com . 773-564-9274
Performer bios:
Ellen Rosner (photo by James Crump)
A native Chicagoan, singer/songwriter, Ellen Rosner is a popular and dynamic mainstay in the city's most prominent clubs. She captivates, inviting you to face your own demons, then makes you laugh, dance and sing, sometimes all at once! With a voice as strong as it is versatile, and finely honed guitar skills, the combination is absolutely irresistible. She has opened for Joan Armatrading, as well as Janis Ian, Livingston Taylor and Disappear Fear, among others. Ellen Rosner's pervading sense of self awareness lets her stand outside herself long enough to see the humor. Then there's that voice, which can either grab you by the jugular or soothe you into submission, depending upon her intent. Finally, there's the music, which ranges from bombastic grooves, to soulful, punchy workouts, or sparse acoustic textures. Amid all of this, Rosner holds on to that Midwestern, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, disposition.
Melinda Suarez (photo by Ross Forman)
Melinda Suarez is a musician/singer/songwriter who began exploring her love of music at the age of 10 when she sat down at her first drum set. Five days later she played for her first live audience and continued to perform weekly playing drums, bass and guitar. Melinda is currently residing in Chicago and is focusing on her guitar performance as a student at Columbia College Chicago. Taking advantage of what Chicago has to offer, Melinda has been playing a variety of gigs including local venues and private events. She has been referred to as the lesbian song bird of her generation, and she strives to live up to that everyday. Melinda Suarez has been hard at work in studio crafting her debut EP Ãïż˝Behind The Moonî that will be unveiled in January 2013. Melinda is currently on the rise to share Folk/Jazz with the world.
Mike Grimes (photo by Scott Free)
The former bass player for Scott Free and His Closest Friends, Mike Grime's solo work is a blend of American roots and acoustic ska music. His songs deal with yearning, love lost and sometimes, love found. He was featured in Touche's Bear All series in 2012.