With May being the time of year that Chicago Powerfest typically happens, Trevor Fisher from the Illinois Entertainer checked in with us regarding the status of the fest and published the following update in his latest "Caught in a Mosh" column:

"Alehorn's (of Power) triumphant return got me thinking about Chicago Powerfest, which, like AOP, was a no-go last year. So "Mosh" hit up Chris Lotesto (the C in CRJ Productions, the team that books Powerfest) and received good and bad news. The bad is that Powerfest may not happen this year, either — it's still up in the air. The good is Lotesto, who plays guitar in Ion Vein, insists Powerfest isn't dead. CRJ is regrouping (the closing of Pearl Room, Powerfest's longtime venue, sent things into a tailspin), rebuilding, and re-strategizing. A gaggle of notable acts, including Tad Morose, Agent Steel, Atheist, Testament, Novembers Doom, and Iced Earth played Chicago Powerfest during its seven-year run (2000, 2004-2009)."

Please know that we miss you guys and we're doing our best to come up with a solid game plan to bring the fest back better and stronger than ever!

All the best,
Chris, Rob, and John
CRJ Productions

Greetings CPF friends!

As 2010 comes to a close, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout this challenging year, we sincerely appreciate all of the good thoughts and encouraging sentiments!  We would also like to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, may it bring all that you deserve!  We're hopeful that the new year will bring about new opportunities, a renewed energy, and a CHICAGO POWERFEST 2011 edition so stay tuned, and all the best!

Cheers,
Chris, Rob, & John
CRJ Productions

CRJ Productions would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this year's fest possible. Without you guys there just would not be a Powerfest...plain & simple.

Best crew/staff we could ever ask for:

Frank
Andy
Brian
Ralf
Girls of Metal (Melissa, Jenny, Becca, Cole, Tammy & Jess)
Aaron
Chelle
John B
Kris B
Annie
Rick
Chuck
Petros
Kurt
Laura
RJ
Nick
Arthur
Ryan
Chris B

Our Sponsors:

Shure
Trick
Jackson
CDINZANE
DarkPrints
The Shred Zone
Chicago Metal Factory
FM Entertainment
Illinois Entertainer
Metal Haven
Metal Mergence
Rebel Radio
Rock Alarm
Scott Jackson
Rachel
Don
Jack
Ray
Oli

Thanks also to all the bands who performed...with special thanks to the bands who made considerable sacrifices just to come play the Powerfest...Assailant, Kiuas, Perzonal War & Sheephead. Thanks so much...you all kicked ass!!!

Also, thanks to everyone who came out to the fest...especially to those who support us unconditionally!! You have our undying gratitude...and hope to see you all again next year!!

Take care,
Chris, Rob & John

Hi guys....here is a preview of the extremely KICKASS festival shirt artwork that Scott Jackson of Monsterman Graphic design for usthis year!! There will be LIMITED quantities of the 2 sidedt-shirts and VERY LIMITED quantities of babydolls, girly tanks, andhoodies, so please plan accordingly and hit the fest merch table asapthis weekend! NOTE: please ignore the colored arrows, they were for color placement notes.

Meet Label, promo, media & graphics pros from the Heavy Metal Industry!

"By the glory of the Metal Gods, a fateful new association between CHICAGO POWERFEST & METAL MERGENCE has given opportunity to represent & help upcoming talent at the upcoming POWERFEST event," stated Mergence mastermind, Scott Jackson.

In a mini version of the annual networking event, staff will meet fans and bands looking for everything from better representation to professional packaging. The Chicago all star line up will include some of the industries most prolific & well known Metal entities such as: Dark Star Records, Chicago Metal Factory, Bitriot Records, Rebel Radio & Bookings, Monsterman Graphic to name a few. Bands approaching the Metal Mergence group can submit their demo, find booking resources, and perhaps even get a kickass new shirt or CD cover all in one stop! See the awesomely diverse line-up for Powefest at Chicago Powerfest.com. Join the Metal Mergence legion and find out more about our mission at myspace.com/metal mergence.