The Trib Loves Gina Bloom and The Congregation

Posted on April 7, 2012 by ERB

The youngest Double Dutch Daughter continues taking the Chicago music scene by storm. Today, she and her band, The Congregation, grace the front cover the of The Chicago Tribune and the Trib’s Arts & Entertainment section in the print editions. Chicago Tribune A&E front page 7 April 2012The article tells the story of their unexpected invitation to perform with Wilco this summer in the Chicago suburbs.

Here are The Trib’s previous features of Gina and The Congregation:

Tickets for the July 8 performance with Wilco and Andrew Bird at the Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva, IL are available at www.etix.com.  PURCHASE TICKETS

For more info, follow @congregationchi on Twitter or “Like” them on Facebook.

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Filed under: Andrew Bird, Chicago, gina bloom, Jeff Tweedy, soul, the congregation, Wilco | Leave a comment »

Hosanna, Superstar!

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ERB

Yes, on this triumphant Palm Sunday, the Double Dutch Daughter has big news to share! Wave those palms and hang on to your knickers:

The Congregation is opening for Wilco! 

That’s right! Today, Wilco announced several summer tour dates on Facebook  along with the exciting news that their Chicagoland show on July 8 will feature fellow Chicagoans Andrew Bird and his band and the youngest Double Dutch Daughter’s band, The Congregation.

This is like my musical Gods colliding: Jeff Tweedy, who produced Mavis Staples’ amazing 2010 album “You Are Not Alone;” Andrew Bird, that Muppet of a Man whose rendition of “Bein’ Green” makes me weep topped off by my little sister fronting The Congregation with that mix of soul, angst and raw belting power.

Amen, indeed.

Show details: 

08 Jul 2012 / Geneva, IL / Fifth Third Bank Ballpark

Tickets on sale Saturday, April 7 at 10am Central time.

Filed under: Andrew Bird, Chicago, gina bloom, Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, soul, the congregation, Wilco | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Double Dutch Daughter’s Philly Homecoming!

Posted on July 27, 2011 by ERB

The youngest Double Dutch Daughter is about to take Philly by storm! Raised on Motown and Philly soul (and annoying family music practices– thx @blizoom), Gina Bloom raises the roof as the lead singer of this 8-piece soul band called The Congregation. Named among Chicago Tribune’s “11 Bands to Watch in 2011” and Metromix Chicago’s “Top 12 Bands at Taste of Chicago 2011”, they are already in high demand on the Chicago circuit, including recent appearances at “Taste of Chicago,” the Double Door, Reggie’s SXSW Showcase and a television appearance on ABC7’s morning show Windy City Live.

Now, they are ready to dazzle the Delaware Valley.

The band’s Philadelphia area performances include:

2639 N Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA
Doors open at 8pm / 21 + / $10

8/13 – Musikfest – Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Bethlehem, PA
7pm-8:30pm
All Ages / Free

Check them out on Facebook and YouTube. And follow them on Twitter @congregationchi.

You’ll love them. I know you will:

Filed under: gina bloom, soul, the congregation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

Say, “Amen!” The Congregation is heading to SXSW

Posted on March 15, 2011 by ERB

After killing it at Reggies’ SXSW showdown in February and winning a spot on the bill at SXSW, The Congregation hits the road for Austin this week. Since launching their debut EP in December, the band has been bringing down the house for audiences all over Chicago. They are scheduled to make their out-of-state debut at the Jackalope where they will undoubtedly add to their coterie of rabid fans. So, if you are one of the thousands descending upon Austin for arguably the most exciting music event of the year, check out The Congregation for some old-school, heart aching soul music.

Who: The Congregation

When: Saturday, March 19. 12:00pm – 7:00 pm (The Congregation is scheduled for 4:30 pm.)

Where: Jackalope, 404 East 6th Street, Austin, TX

FREE SHOW, FREE BEER, FREE SWAG BAGS

The Line-up:
Noon- Chaperone
12:45p- Rival Sons
1:30p- Vertual Vertigo
2:15p- Coldcock Jones & the Shithawks
3:00p- Biters
3:45p- Green Sugar
4:30p- The Congregation
5:15p- Polock
6:00p- Dastardly
6:45p- Admiral Of Black

DJ Murderbot will be DJ’ing between sets until 4 pm.
Jason Magicks DJ’ing after that.

21+

Filed under: gina bloom, soul, SXSW, the congregation | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

He’s Gone!

Posted on November 16, 2010 by ERB

The youngest Double Dutch Daughter is keeping the family tradition alive with her latest band: The Congregation. Gina Bloom is the lead singer for this self-described “bluesy garage soul” band based in Chicago.

“He’s Gone” is the first single off the Congregation’s upcoming EP Not for Sleepin‘ and it is now available for digital download a the price of your choosing. (Go ahead, name your price!)

Get it here: http://www.thecongregation.bandcamp.com

Mark your calendars so you can be first in line for a copy of the new CD. The Record Release Party at Reggie’s Music Joint  in Chicago is scheduled for  Saturday, 12/11/10.

For more information:

Filed under: gina bloom, soul, the congregation, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »