JBTV, the longest-running source for exposing up-and-coming bands, expanded its broadcast reach through WMAQ’s new “Chicago Nonstop” digital sub channel 5.2 – Chicago’s first and only digital television property to broadcast entirely local content.
JBTV is the namesake of owner and founder Jerry Bryant, who also serves as a vibrant co-host for the weekly program.
As the mastermind behind attracting new talent to the program, Bryant and his team are creating history in a true rock ‘n’ roll environment which includes a state-of-the-art HD soundstage spanning 5,500 square feet.
Featuring a heavy influence of modern rock bands, the broadcast lineup is also flanked with alternative music, indie rock and a little bit of hip hop and more.
“If it’s good music, we highlight it,” says Christian Picciolini, JBTV’s general manager and co-executive producer.
“Our motto is new music first, we want to give new artists a platform to perform and in many cases, JBTV has been the first interview for many of our featured bands,” adds Picciolini.
Maintained in the JBTV archives are an impressive list of performance videos and interviews with some of the biggest bands that have reached national, as well as, international acclaim including local favorites — Plain White T’s, Fall Out Boy, Smashing Pumpkins, Smoking Popes, Local H, Rise Against and a host of others.
Each hour show is taped before an intimate studio audience with eight HD cameras and features a highly relaxed and candid conversation with band members in the JBTV control room.
A special segment within each program presents a classic flashback performance. (On March 12, catch a 1996 classic clip of the band Rage Against the Machine at the Aragon Ballroom.)
Chicago Artists Invade Austin, March 16-18
For a second year, JBTV will light up the Live Music Capital of the World with more than 40 of Chicago’s elite artists attending the SXCHI (South By Chicago) Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the SXSW Music and Media Conference, the festival will showcase 42 top Chicago artists performing over three days and nights in the heart of downtown Austin at Trophy Room.
JBTV cameras will document the entire festival for a 60-minute special episode.
“Last year, thousands of people showed up and the attention was greater than we imagined,” says JBTV co-host Ryan Manno.
“It really became clear that Chicago has music worth sharing and worth supporting. It’s something the rest of the country envies and wants to see.”
See www.JBTVonline.com for the broadcast schedule and concerts featuring the Smoking Popes, the Brokedowns, Maps and Atlases, In Tall Buildings, Dropkick Murphys and more.
