DS Show Review & Gallery: Save Ferris w/Burn Rebuild, Blood People, and Bumsy and the Moochers – Chicago (07.25.2024)

Grammy winning ska outfit Save Ferris takes its name from an iconic Chicago set film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,”

The band showcased its latest single “Lights Out in the Reptile House.” The tune was released less than a week before. It tore through “What You See Is What You Get,” “Turn It Up,” and “Spam,” as well.

Save Ferris also performed a couple of covers, Dead Kennedys, “Too Drunk to Fuck,” and “Come On Eileen.” The band is particularly well-known for performing its version of that latter tune originally recorded by Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

Monique Powell, with her blazing red hair and fierce vocals, is a dynamic frontwoman. Powell, who has lent her vocal prowess to many groups, including No Doubt, Goldfinger, and Foxy Shazam, among many others, is a marvel to watch. Witnessing her move on stage it’s hard to believe that just under a decade ago she underwent high-risk surgery to repair a broken neck.

Powell and her terrifically talented bandmates topped off a fun weekday evening on the near southside of Chicago.

Save Ferris continues with its summer tour. Check its upcoming dates here.

Burn Rebuild played an entertaining set, roaring through “Monsters,” “Skin And Blood,” “Therapy,” “The Beginning,” and  “Save The Date,” among others.

Reggie’s has been a main spot for the band and this show was special. Per lead singer and bassist Frank Tsoukalas [he fills the same roles for Much The Same]:

“We’re really grateful to Brendan [Joyce, booking for Reggie’s] and the whole crew there for always giving us a place to play. As I said at the show, it was also the first time I played a show with other bands where the majority were fronted by women, and it’s nice to see that more and more.“

Tsoukalas also revealed what Burn Rebuild will be up to in the near future,

“We have plans to record in August and hopefully release 2-3 songs by September. We also have two shows coming up in October. One at Tivoli Bowl the 5th with Take The Reins and the 26th with The Hallow at The Irish Legend.“

If you get an opportunity to check out this band, I’d advise you to take advantage of it.

Blood People blasted through a robust set including “Phantasmagoria,” “Recluse,” “Teeth Thief,” and “Shapeshifter,” among others. The band describes its music as heavy punk. It’s a fitting description. The muscular performance was a complement to the other band on this bill. I’ll be on the lookout to catch them again and you should be as well. Hopefully sooner than later.

Bumsy and the Moochers, from the Chicago burbs, was the first of the ska bookends on this night. The rollicking set included, “Stupid Habits,” “IOWA,” “Hey Margarita,” “Rewind 99,” and “Cathy Anne.” When you see Bumsy and the Moochers in the bill you know you are in for a blast of a time. A multi-horns blast at that.

For singer Caitlin Edwards, there was a cinematically special connection to the headliner, but not the film related to its name.

“I loved how they were in 10 Things I Hate About You. That scene was iconic.“

Edwards added:

We used to cover their version of “Come on Eileen” in the early Bumsy days. We’ve never shared the stage with them before, but they always been an influence of ours especially in our early days of being a band. They’re a staple in 90s ska for sure.“

Bumsy and the Moochers recently was in the recording studio. The group can next be seen at Punk Rock Paradise 2 on August 17. They also have a Cobra Lounge show on September 29, followed The band is also participating in a domestic violence awareness show in October, in honor of a friend of the band All the proceeds are going to Guardian Angel Community Services in Joliet, IL. Oh, and a little event known as Fest 22 on October 26.

If that was not enough, Bumsy and the Moochers has a 7-inch vinyl coming out soon. There are two new songs plus a digital download bonus track. It will be released by Sell the Heart Records.