Thursday, December 20, 2012




Sunday, December 16, 2012


Monday, December 3, 2012


Saturday, November 17, 2012


WE'RE excited for the return of this wonderful (and free) MUSIC & VISUAL sensory series @ Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar for the 2012-2013 ski/snowboard season. Yeah, we know it's Chicago and we here pretty much live in flatland. But that doesn't mean we don't have present and aspiring powder hounds in the city that want to swap mountain stories or just folks wanting to catch this very cool vibe. And with so much positive feedback last year, we had to do it again.

Our "kick-off" event featuring LGA (aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera) & the return of SNOW DOCTA' is Friday, November 30th.  And we've just been informed that Kyle Glasner will be turning out some of his vinyl for the opening party - some wicked house tunes for the late night crowd.

Come out early. There will be no "fillers" in what audio goodies we have in store for you - everything from 60s and 70s groove lounge to glitch tech madness. Remember to bring the helmets, goggles, bad sweaters, or whatever else you find to be ski/snowboard chic. Full Spectrum has been getting us down since 1997, but it's the crowd that has brought the vibe.

Cheers! Stola! Salud!

Sunday, October 28, 2012



HOORAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 18!: w/a special Piston Recordings DJ set by LGA  
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th | 8pm-2am | ALWAYS FREE @ Maria’s
Presented by
FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588


1-HOUR SPECIAL PISTON RECORDINGS DJ SET BY: LGA


Piston Recordings (another favorite Portuguese electronica label of Luis) was born in 2007 out of the hands of Rogério Martins, Managing Director, A&R and Artist, to fill the void in Portugal’s independent dance music labels dedicated to young and fresh new talent.

At Piston Recordings it’s not all about the music. It’s also about growing and nurturing a family of artists with their music and establishing strong bonds with them. For those at Piston, it doesn’t matter if it’s Deep House, Techno, Chillout or whatever you want to call it, what matters is the people behind it.

Today Piston continues to deliver its promise, looking out for new and uprising talent who need a solid platform to release their music! Enjoy this edition of HFTM with a special 1-hr Piston Recordings dj set by none other than Maria’s resident DJ: lga \ aka Luis Aguilera \ aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera.


RETURNING GUEST DJ: ATECH

Thursday, October 18, 2012


Sunday, October 14, 2012


Monday, October 1, 2012



HOORAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 17! (Our October Treat 4 U!)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18th | 8pm-2am | FREE, never a cover @ Maria’s
Presented by
FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588

Maria’s resident DJ LGA| aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera is amassing audio goodies for the November start of his Après-Ski Winter Series happening 2012-2013. But that doesn’t mean October is going to be a quiet and boring HFTM. Quite the contrary, Full Spectrum is presenting a number of treats for this month’s edition of Hooray for the Mixtape.

Aside from the usual bag of mixtapes from his collection of over 500+ mixtapes, this HFTM will also be hosting some good friends who’ll bring some new sounds for us to enjoy. So come out and warm your chilling bones with fantastic independent craft brew from Maria’s!

TRICK OR TREAT: Luis has put together a mix to download for FREE as a way of saying “thank you” to those supporting our events @ Maria’s. Get the first release of the “PUSH PLAY” mini-mix series and enjoy! More to come.)


Guest DJs:  Danny Livewire & ATECH

DANNY LIVEWIRE has been around Chicago’s EDM/UDM scene for over 12 years as part of the Treehouse Collective, Relief Records, WZRD and more. Danny plays an eclectic mix of Techno Electronic Body Music. Come and get a bit of this talented man for this edition of HFTM…


ATECH keeps coming out to our events because we like him and we like what he plays: varieties of house music that suits our eclectic tastes at Maria’s. Come out to show some love for this sweetheart.





Tuesday, September 18, 2012




HOORAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 16!: A Special Monog Records Listening Event!!!!!!  
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th | 8pm-2am | FREE, never a cover @ Maria’s
Presented by
FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588

(Luis has put together a mix to download for FREE as a way of saying “thank you” to those supporting our events @ Maria’s. Get our first release of the “PUSH PLAY” mini-mix series HERE and enjoy! And be on the lookout for more to come.)

Besides our usual fare of choice mixtape selections by Maria’s resident DJ, LGA| aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera , Luis will also be playing an exclusive Monog Records set at midnite to celebrate the EP release from our friend Joal from Lisbon, Portugal. Today is the official date of Joal’s latest Monog Records release “Rest in Eden” EP. And it is just phenomenal.

Once in a while an underground dance music label comes around that brings a DJ back to the fundamentals of why he or she spends so numerous hours (days really) digging, discovering and enjoying what he or she plays - whether it’s in front of a crowd or at home. MONOG RECORDS is one of those labels. So drop by to check it out and get your groove on!

Guest DJ for this EVENT: ATECH

Thursday, September 13, 2012



BEACHY BOYS & BEACHY GIRLS (2012 Finale)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th | 8pm-3am | FREE, no cover
Presented by
FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588
 

Come ring in Mexican Independence Day @ Maria’s and come to the finale of our 2012 “Beachy” series. Better yet, let's make it a threesome and celebrate the revolution inside all of us as well!
But don’t expect the same old song and hat dance. No sombreros, nor pistolas for Maria’s resident DJ – known simply to his friends as “Luis.” Nope. For this native Gunajuatoan (the state of Guanjuato is where the famous Mexican “Cry” for independence was delivered), revolution is a real upgrade, organic and dynamic, not dead; a refining of what works best; a subtraction of what does not work; and a constant search and discovery for what illuminates. Revolution is a culture that grows and doesn't just get plastered on some coffee mug for a buck to look cool.
And what a little sound revolution we've had. With the “Beachy” series, we so far have offered a musical pot called “eclectic beach,” simmering with chill down tempo, space rock, 70s classic rock, classic surf, roots reggae, etc., and coming to a boil with late night tech house sounds and beat down techno that would titillate the heartiest Ibiza bound or Brazilian revelers - everybody just happily getting along. So let’s see what Luis cooks up for this last homage to the love of the beach and that final rest you get after a hard day's work.
Come with an open mind, because a real revolution begins within.

Music SELECTIONS by Maria's Resident DJ:
LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera | Full Spectrum | Chicago 

Thursday, August 23, 2012



HOORAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 15!: w/a Special Monog Records DJ Set  
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30th | 8pm-2am | FREE, never a cover @ Maria’s
Presented by FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588


FIRST OFF, we want to give a special “thank you” to those who have been supporting our FS events @ Maria’s from close and afar by spreading them via word-of-mouth, attending, being there in spirit, etc. It’s been great since we started these events and we aim to keep them that way. And to put actions behind our words, Luis has put together a mix to download for free. Get our first release of the “PUSH PLAY” mini-mix series HERE and enjoy!

NOW, on to the party…

HFTM15!: w/a Special Monog Records Set by LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera

Once in a while an underground dance music label comes around that brings a DJ back to the fundamentals of why he or she spends so numerous hours (days really) digging, discovering and enjoying what he or she plays - whether it’s in front of a crowd or at home. MONOG RECORDS is one of those labels. After the usual fare of mixtape sets selected by LGA, Luis will be playing a set of his favorites from this Portuguese label @ 11pm.

MONOG RECORDS is a net label based in Lisbon, Portugal run by DJ/Producer Joal since 2009. The label’s aim is to create a unique relationship with its artists and their music. The respect, loyalty and absolute taste for good music are the fundamental values that move the label forward. Although the label has what some would term a house/tech-house style in its catalog body, MONOG RECORDS does not follow any electronic music sub-genre style. Monog is there for the good music and its only demand is that it’s good!

We are happy to spread the MONOG RECORDS sound for this edition of HFTM with a special DJ set by LGA!

Sunday, August 5, 2012


Wednesday, July 25, 2012



BEACHY BOYS & BEACHY GIRLS (The summer series continues!)
FRIDAY, JULY 27th | 8pm-3am | FREE, no cover
Presented by
FULL SPECTRUM
960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588
 
While we bake in Chicago, our lakefront community is jammed with cyclists, swimmers, runners, beach volleyball players, longboard riders, skateboard talent, sun bathers, lazy day strollers and all sorts of life organisms just living it up. Meanwhile, sunny days are turning into endless summer nights. And at Maria’s we got just the event for the times.
The musical broadcast for the evening? We’re calling it “eclectic beach.” Whether it’s chill downtempo wavy trip-hop, classic surf, Spanish reggae magic or a late night tech house snack, and so on, we’ll somehow make it all fit together nicely for you.
So go on, bring on that beachwear, wear a lei, look sexy and get ready to press a cold glass against the forehead as you relax after a day of taking in the rays, sitting in the office, or whatever it is you do to survive in this steely jungle we call home.  (Oh, by the way, we’ll also have some cool videos to watch too...enjoy!)

Music SELECTIONS by Maria's Resident DJ:
LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera | Full Spectrum | Chicago

Tuesday, July 17, 2012





HOORAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 14!
THURSDAY, JULY 19th | 8pm-2am | FREE, never a cover @ Maria’s
Presented by FULL SPECTRUM
Hosted @ Maria’s Packaged Goods& Community Bar | 960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-890-0588
Get your grub on @ PleasantHouse Bakery | 964 W. 31st St. | Order the Royal Pot Pie @ PHB & Eat it @ Maria’s!
Music SELECTIONS by Maria's Resident DJ:
LGA | aka Luis GabrielAguilera | Full Spectrum | Chicago

AND

The Return of Special Guest DJ:
ATECH | Tech House | Lounge House | Indie Dance

Monday, June 25, 2012


Monday, June 4, 2012


Monday, May 14, 2012


Monday, April 23, 2012

Full Spectrum is 100% excited about the new track (FS005: Discovery One) from LGA (aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera).

Check it out on his bandcamp site where you can download all 20 good megabytes of it for FREE for a limited time only!

http://luisgabrielaguilera.bandcamp.com/


Tuesday, April 10, 2012


Saturday, March 24, 2012


Sunday, March 18, 2012


HURRAY FOR THE MIXTAPE 10!
Thursday, March 29th – 8pm-2am – Free, no cover
Presented by Full Spectrum
http://luisgabrielaguilera.bandcamp.com/
http://fschicago.blogspot.com/
Hosted by: Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | 960 W. 31st St. | Chicago, Il. 60608 | 773-890-0588
http://community-bar.com/

Music Selections by Maria's Resident DJ:
LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera | Full Spectrum | Chicago

Drawing from a collection of electronic dance music mixtapes from 1984 and on, Full Spectrum's LGA transmits for the evening his favorite sets from some of the best local, national and international DJs he's come across. Musical genres and subgenres include: HI-NRG, Italo Disco, early 80s House, 90s Industrial, Freestyle, Early Breaks, 90s New Wave, House, Techno, Tech House, Drum ‘n Bass, Trance, Hardcore, Happy Hardcore, Breakbeat, Goa, West Coast House, Speedcore, and more! (And while not exactly EDM, don’t be surprised to hear an authentic 80s reggae “mixtape” from the “Island” itself now and then.)

Special Guest Artist:
Victor Montañez | Rebel X | Chicago

Chicago artist and social activist Victor Montañez will be bringing his “Rebel Mannequins.” Come to interact and see what the fuss is all about…

Luis on the mixtape series:

“People have asked what the mixtape series is all about and I just give a few bits and pieces without getting into the nitty-gritty or the overall big picture. So I’m glad to be able to use this space here to put down a few things on the mixtape series, not just for myself, but perhaps for others too.


Is the mixtape series one with a nostalgic hook? Sure it is. But that only fit well into what I wanted to do last year and wasn’t the basis for the series. I didn’t think, ‘How can I make a nostalgic series to grab the attention of people?’ What really happened is that one day I looked around and noticed just how many electronic dance music mixtapes I had in my collection that I hadn’t even unwrapped. From previous mixtapes of the same DJ artists I had in my collection, I knew that these were probably pretty good sets. But l had assumed this, and in a way had taken the artists and their works for granted – caught up with whatever I was doing at the time. (And how many times do we accumulate things without knowing what we are actually receiving?)


So I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to just go over these tapes and showcase them for others who probably never heard of these DJ artists, much less these sets – plus, finally get to hear them myself?’


As I thought about how to make this work, it so happened that sitting next to that box of mixtapes was also a box of letters I had received from a high school sweetheart. While picking at them, I realized I hadn’t read them all either. (So I was twice humbled that day, knowing that the mixtapes weren’t the first time I had missed the conveying messages - again, being caught up in whatever was going on in life at that time.)


It was in that way, in the quiet solitude of a storage unit, where I realized how long it had been since I was really tuned in to how I originally got into playing all sorts of electronic dance music: by listening to someone else’s mix, their voice really. I thought of those thirty, sixty, or ninety-minute mixtape narratives that took me to meditative places. And I wondered about the indispensable art of listening that is performed with extreme, but graceful care as well.


So, yes, the Hooray for the Mixtape series is one which is committed to exposure of various artists, musical genres, etc., but it is also about presenting someone else’s narrative (or theme); the art of telling a story or theme by using music and solidifying this art of listening to 30-60-90 minute increments. It is in part egotistical so much as I’m selecting what will be played. But it is selfless also, as I present the works of others, the sounds of others and I submit to hearing what others, including the artists these DJs have selected to represent their sentiments, stories, themes, what not, have to say.

If there is a touch of nostalgia in this series for me, it is more about being taken back to when I was roughly eleven or twelve and was first driven pleasantly happy to newfound mental soundscapes where the many become one.  And that’s it for me on the nostalgic aspect of this series.

Looking around Maria’s on a “Hooray for the Mixtape” night, I am pleased to find a lot of wonderful conversation taking place. But I am also pleased to see folks listening to those across or next to them. That’s a good place to be.”


Monday, March 5, 2012




Après -Ski Party (the winter series continues @ Maria’s!)
Fri  | Mar 16th | 8pm - 2am – FREE, no cover
 
Presented by: Full Spectrum
http://fschicago.blogspot.com/
Hosted by: Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | 960 W 31st | Chicago | 773-890-0588
http://community-bar.com/
Music by Maria’s Resident DJ: LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera
http://luisgabrielaguilera.bandcamp.com/
& Snow Docta’
Ski films by: KGB Productions & Toy Soldier Productions
www.kgb-productions.com



For the past few months, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar has been hosting a monthly winter series “Après-Ski Party” complete with hot toddies, Maria’s perfect ski lodge-like décor of dark wooden walls adorned with mounted deer heads and a heated outdoors where guests have enjoyed their toddies, mulled drinks or glugs. Revelers have even dropped by in ski and snowboard gear! All in all, it’s been one sick ride. No doubt.

As the approaching Spring ski season arrives, winter recreationists have seen a good start to the season and a dud of a snowfall for the northern resorts in the U.S. for the month of December. BUT…a change of weather starting in late January have brought about record snowfalls. Steamboat resort, for instance, set a record of 27 inches of snowfall only a few weeks ago! And there’s been a consistent flow of snow touching local resorts like Copper Mountain. So on that solid note, we’re wrapping up our Après -Ski Party series.

Drop by Friday, March 16th to check out what may be one of your last chances to enjoy this spectacular series. And thanks to all of you who have been part of the good times.



The Music



Luis Gabriel Aguilera | aka LGA


The concept man behind Full Spectrum and its notable raves of the 1990s: Bonkers, Bonkers Dos, No Place Like Home and the Samsara series, as well as flirtations at the now defunct but legendary Sonotheque nightclub, LGA is once more delivering the musical goodies  – this time at Maria’s via the monthly Hooray for the Mixtape! (HFTM!) series where he showcases mixtape DJ sets from 1984 – 2001, occasionally playing a recorded or live set of his own.


As a DJ, Luis has performed in places like Toronto, Costa Rica, Mexico City, Guanajuato and across the Midwestern States. And like a skier gliding across fresh pow, the published author (Gabriel’s Fire, The University of Chicago Press, 2000), is also currently producing techno, tech-house and what he terms DC Fusion, a nod to both the Chicago House and Detroit Techno music scenes, as well as his experimental and ambient works. Rest assured that LGA is probing for the right music for this après-ski party to put us all in that good mood. Come with no expectations. Be a part of having a good time.


SNOW DOCTA'


Today's après-ski parties are not just about ski aficionados, 60s and 70s go-go lounge music and the like - though we really like this stuff too! But with all sorts of snow revelers on board, the musical tastes of these arctic party-goers have taken to also include fresh hip-hop grooves (some of them classic tongue twists and turns, some of them new skool roots moguls) from Coast to Coast and places like Italy, France, etc. – in step with what a culture is: dynamic, not static.


The Snow Docta' understands that what is forever young is forever growing, morphing, evolving but is at the same time eternally paying respects to what keeps the energy and flow going. Be open and ready to receive those audio transmissions from the Snow Docta'!






Videos By:


We’ve solicited the contributions of the fully integrated boutique HD production company KGB Productions (Wyoming) and ski film crew Toy Soldier Productions (Montana) as part of the visual package for the “after-ski party” journey @ Maria’s. Be ready to be mesmerized by epic proportions of land, snow and human will.


KGB-PRODUCTIONS

TOY SOLDIER PRODUCTIONS

Friday, February 17, 2012


Thursday, February 16, 2012


Thursday, February 9, 2012



Music Selections by Maria's Resident DJ:
LGA | aka Luis Gabriel Aguilera | Full Spectrum | Chicago

Drawing from a collection of electronic dance music mixtapes from 1984 and on, Full Spectrum's LGA transmits for the evening his favorite sets from some of the best local, national and international DJs he's come across over the years. Musical genres and subgenres include the following: HI-NRG, Italo Disco, early 80s House, 90s Industrial, Freestyle, Early Breaks, 90s New Wave, House, Techno, Tech House, Drum ‘n Bass, Trance, Hardcore, Happy Hardcore, Breakbeat, Goa, West Coast House, Speedcore, and more! (And though not exactly EDM, don’t be surprised to hear an authentic 80s reggae “mixtape” from the “Island” itself.)


Luis on the mixtape series:

“People have asked what the mixtape series is all about and I just give a few bits and pieces without getting into the nitty-gritty and overall big picture of the thing. So I’m glad to be able to use this space here to put down a few things on the mixtape series, not just for myself, but perhaps for others too.


Is the mixtape series one with a nostalgic hook? Sure it is. But that only fit well into what I wanted to do last year and wasn’t the basis for the series. I didn’t think, ‘How can I make a nostalgic series to grab the attention of people.’ What really happened is that one day I looked around and noticed just how many electronic dance music mixtapes I had in my collection that I hadn’t even unwrapped. From previous mixtapes of the same DJ artists I had in my collection, I knew that these were probably pretty good sets. But l had assumed this, and in a way had thus taken these artists and their works for granted – caught up with whatever I was doing at the time. (And how many times do we accumulate things without knowing what we are actually receiving?)


So I thought to myself, ‘wouldn’t it be cool to just go over these tapes and showcase them for others who probably never heard of these DJ artists, much less these sets – plus, finally get to here them myself?’


As I thought about how to make this work, it so happened that sitting next to that box of mixtapes was also a box of letters I had received from a high school sweetheart. While picking at them, I realized that I hadn’t read them all either. (So I was twice humbled that day knowing that the mixtapes weren’t the first time I had missed the conveying messages - again, being caught up in whatever was going on in life at that time.)


It was in that way, in the quiet solitude of a storage unit, where I realized how long it had been since I was really tuned in to how I originally got into playing all sorts of electronic dance music: by listening to someone else’s mix, their voice really. I thought of those thirty, sixty, or ninety-minute mixtape narratives that took me to meditative places. And I wondered about the indispensable art of listening that is performed with extreme, but graceful, care as well.


So, yes, the Hooray for the Mixtape series is one which is committed to exposure of various artists, musical genres, etc., but it is also about presenting someone else’s narrative (or theme), the art of telling a story or theme by using music and solidifying this art of listening to 30-60-90 minute increments. It is in part egotistical so much as I’m selecting what will be played. But it is selfless also, as I present the works of others, the sounds of others and I submit to hearing what others, including the artists these DJs have selected to represent their sentiments, stories, themes, what not, have to say.


If there is a touch of nostalgia in this series for me, it is more about being taken back to when I was roughly eleven or twelve and was first driven pleasantly happy to newfound mental soundscapes where the many become one.  And that’s it for me on the nostalgic aspect of this series.


Looking around Maria’s on a Hooray for the Mixtape night, I am pleased to find a lot of wonderful conversation taking place. But I am also pleased to see folks listening to those across or next to them. That’s a good place to be.”

Luis Gabriel Aguilera      02/09/12