JBTV

I used to watch this as a ten year old and it opened a new world of music for me. I only just got to attend last year. I loved every minute of it; just wish I could go with more friends or get special invite passes.

BYOB. A great place to enjoy FREE comedy shows, band etc. A party bus soon. Check out the website for schedules.
Humor starts with a confirmation email indicating where to buy drinks to enjoy during the show.
BOTTLE OPENER — they have one to use/​share.
PLASTIC CUPS — none.
ELEVATOR — slow. Quicker to walk down the stairs. Only 4 floors, you can do it.
PARKING — plentiful at $ 4/​hr. Hunt FREE parking on Chicago Ave area, or north of Chicago/​Franklin.

Biffy Clyro Studio session! ‘Mon the Biff!
I have lived in Chicago all my life, and I am disappointed in myself that I never knew this amazing studio existed. From what they announced, all their sessions are free-​you just have to know when to sign up to attend and probably be one of the first since the studio is quite small-​standing room only of course.
We won entry through a contest held by 87.7 FM and were asked to get to the studio by 2:30 PM. We waited in line for a long time before we were let in so make sure you wear comfy shoes. When we were finally let into the studio, it was exactly like I pictured a place like that to be-​bright red walls with tons of signed photos/​records of other artists who had probably recorded there as well. The acoustic session was amazing-​only 30 minutes but the sound was great. Biffy Clyro is huge in the UK-​they have headlined the Reading Festival-​and they are trying to make their break here now. They were genuinely nice and talented guys and I hope this helps them get there name out there on this side of the pond!

Holy crap do I love JBTV!
I can’t express to you the amount of respect I have for JBTV and their continued effort to stay as dedicated to what really matters– the music. I remember watching episodes late at night, seems like forever ago. To this day JBTV is the longest running music television show– anywhere. I refuse to count the other one (hint: stars with M.) They are disqualified for not playing music anymore. No one cares that 16yo is prego. You’re doing it wrong.
You know who’s doing it right? JBTV. They give away FREE passes all the time to live taping segments of their show. Lucky for me, I have rad friends and was able to be a +1 for the taping of AWOLNATION!!! Hell. Yes.
Although it was short and sweet, it was one of the best live shows I’ve seen in a long time. Everyone at JBTV just rocks. There was no attitude or pretentiousness. They love the fans and we love them. The guy filtering people in even moved us shorties up to front row. Now if that isn’t deserving of 10 stars, I don’t know what is. We were so close I almost got clipped with the head of the guitar. The sound was amazing too. I felt like VIP status the whole time. Free Pop Chips, Vitamin Water and an intimate live performance. As good as it gets. Now lets just hope the camera man didn’t catch me drooling over the lead singer… or I feel like I can call him Aaron now, since we were basically on stage together. Either way.
JBTV don’t ever stop.

Hey guys. The show is on NBC channel 5.2 on Comcast, RCN, WoW on Saturday and Sunday nights at 7pm. It’s also on WJYS 62 on Weds at 11pm EVERY WEEK. Thanks for your feedback. 26 years and counting!

A friend told me I could get free tickets to see a band I liked and I figured, if it was free, it couldn’t be that good.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. The venue was surprisingly nice, and the performance was outstanding. The staff did a nice job of making everyone feel comfortable without losing their focus on having a good shoot.
I will definitely be back.

How have I never heard of this before? I won tickets to a taping for Cloud Cult so I headed down to the studio. Really cool space, great staff, free chips and vitamin water and the chance to see one of my favorite bands perform for like 40 people! Now I want to see more shows!

God, I loved this show when it was on!
All through my high school years, I’d never miss an episode.
The first time I heard Jeff Buckley’s beautiful voice was when he performed on JBTV and MAN, I fell instantly in love!
With Jeff Buckley I mean!
I owe it all to Jerry Bryant… sigh.

ooooh how i looooove you jbtv!!!

I guess Jerry is still around. I will have to see if I can get that local access channel on my cable but what an impressive body of work he has! Thanks, Jerry.

I grew up watching JBTV every weekend during the majority of the ‘90s. Local Chicago television at its BEST. Music lovers unite, this show showcases the best of local bands and beyond since 1986. A simple format of Jerry interviewing bands, live shows, and non-​mainstream music videos. What more could you ask for? Jerry Bryant, please continue this show… for the love of Music!
Skinny Puppy 1992
Belly 1993
Joey Ramone 1995
Radiohead 1996
Garbage 1999
Kill Hannah
and more than I can remember…
Watch episodes here
And on channel 25 on Sundays at midnight.

JERRY WHERE ARE YOU?!
This was one of the greatest music variety video shows around. It seems to come and go.
Everyone who was anyone in the music business played there.
Come back Jerry, Come Back!