Evanston musician Jason Narducy has had a successful career spanning several decades, but before his major-label deals and collaborations with well-known artists, he played in a punk band called Verböten. Despite disbanding in 1983, the legacy of Verböten has continued to follow Narducy throughout his career. The band was even featured in the Foo Fighters’ Sonic Highways series, inspiring other musicians along the way.
Recently, Narducy reunited with two other members of Verböten, Tracey Bradford and Chris Kean, to release their debut album after 41 years. The reunion was initiated by a California promoter, and Narducy sought out a new drummer, John Carroll, to complete the lineup. Together, they worked on new material and debuted it at Riot Fest, marking the first performance for Bradford and Kean in four decades.
To celebrate their album release, Verböten will be performing at SPACE on October 5. The show will feature a young band as the opening act, providing an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talents. Additionally, Narducy took the lead in writing the new material, with contributions from Kean on two tracks.
In other music-related news in Chicago, the rock lotto organized by Ralph Rivera and Marten Katze is underway, bringing musicians and visual artists together to create original music for a charity event in December. This initiative aims to connect individuals with different talents and foster collaboration within the local music community.
Furthermore, Viva Acid, founded by Luis Baro, is hosting a series of events highlighting Chicago’s acid-house culture, including panels, workshops, and performances. The upcoming mini-documentary, Children of Acid, explores the history of the city’s rave scene, featuring prominent figures in the music industry. The event culminates in a 12-hour party at Podlasie Club, offering a platform for artists to engage with the community.
Overall, these initiatives and events in Chicago’s music scene showcase the power of collaboration, creativity, and community building. From reuniting old bands to supporting emerging artists, the city’s music landscape continues to thrive with diverse talent and opportunities for expression.
