We are excited to introduce SummerSonic: a series of three casual parties at ESS, featuring live music in the agarden by some of the most accomplished experimental bands in Chicago, and new video work by filmmaker James Fotopoulos projected in Studio A.

JULY 30: JOAN OF ARC, AZITA

Tim Kinsella's indie rock outfit Joan of Arc has been one of the most provocative and influential bands operating in the US since its inception in 1995. Under its aegis, Kinsella has produced consistently angular, confrontational and unpredictable work, collaborating with some of the most accomplished musicians in Chicago's diverse music scene; we're excited to hear what they have in store.

Azita has drawn facile comparisons to Patti Smith and Steely Dan; when examined more closely, however, she is clearly much more than the sum of her influences. Underscoring her singular voice with dense piano arrangements that draw equally from jazz, rock, and cabaret, her emotionally kaleidoscopic songs inhabit a genre almost unique to themselves. Her newest release, Disturbing the Air, is forthcoming from Drag City Records; she will be recording a new project at ESS later this summer.

Admission: $10 general, $8 students and ESS members
FREE with the purchase of ESS membership at the door