Oh yeah, did I mention that eThos is a dork?

Brett and Whitney Superstar have a show opening on October 13 at Local 35 in Portland, OR. You really have to see their work in person to fully appreciate it so if you're around Portland check it out.

Check out these awesome photos from Tim Kerr's show at Needles and Pens in San Francisco. I love the "do you skate, or are you just wearing those shoes" because Tim asked those same words of me at his Delilahs' opening in Chicago. Thankfully I didn't have to explain how I bought my VANS at Hot Topic.

9.29.05  
Check out Eva Destruction and Her Big Band tomorrow night Friday, September 30th at Uncommon Ground.  Eva and Gary step up to the mic at 9:00 and it's FREE!  They always pack the house so show up a little early and sing along to your favorite punk classics.

Thanks to Todd Kephart for snapping photos for SH this past week.  Now when you click on a design you can leaf through images to get a better feel for how our shirts look.  In other news, we have a couple new artists we are working with and have a new shirt slated for an October release.

Future SH artist eThos is curating a show in L.A. at Transport Gallery titled, Right Place, Wrong Time featuring work from himself, Angela Boatwright, SFaustina, Mel Kadel, Craig Mertzger and others.  Opening reception is October 15th from 6PM - 9PM and runs through November 20th.  If you're in L.A. you should definitely grab your friends and represent.

   9.14.05 
Garden Fresh has opened a gallery space in Chicago’s West Loop area at 840 W. Washington 2nd Floor.  Among the directors of Garden Fresh are SH Co-Owner/Artist Greg Shirilla and SH artist Jeremiah Ketner.   Their first exhibit “The Wrestlers Show” opened on September 9th and continues through October 8th featuring the photography of Justin Schmitz.  The building collectively schedules openings on the second Friday of every month so be sure to stop by while hitting up other galleries in the area.

Tim Kerr has an opening on Saturday, September 17th at Needles & Pens in San Francisco, CA.  The show titled "Elevation" features Tim, photographer Bill Daniel , and film maker Vanessa Renwick and is part of the Mission Art Walk.

9.1.05 
I've been reading the news every day since Katrina hit and am floored by the devistation and the lack of immediate response from our government. It may not be much, but Secret Handshake will donate $4 per shirt sold online in September and October to the Katrina Disaster Fund.

Click Here to listen to an amazingly intense interview with the Mayor of New Orleans.

8.25.05 
Some people have asked me what Secret Handshake is all about. Well…basically we’re here because we’re fans. We respect the artists we work with and are trying to help promote their work while running a business. Greg and I come from the DIY esthetic of the 80’s when people began creating so they could have a voice. The fan zine is a true testament to this. Bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and Big Boys are a true testament to this. Randy “Biscuit” Turner passed away recently, but he and Tim Kerr said it best during Big Boys live performances—“start your own band”. Seriously, do it. Start your own t-shirt company and we’ll link you to our site if you’re in it for the right reasons. The underground art/music scene is all about giving back. Your opportunity to contribute is now!

8.25.05 
Let's see...if you're in Chicago the Minutemen documentary, We Jam Econo , opens at the Gene Siskel Film Center tomorrow. I cannot wait to see this film and cannot say enough about the band. They didn't care about fashion or what others thought. They just made music that they liked and no one has since come close to topping their originality.

The Crutch recently posted an excellent review of the new Eva Destruction and Her Big Band cd. This was "released" by Secret Handshake and we highly reccomend buying a copy. Buy it direct from Eva and Gary here.

8.18.05 
Sunday, August 21st SH will be selling shirts at the Eve's Parlor Burlesque show at The Note (1565 N Milwaukee). Jesus and the Devil are playing along with Corporate X. There's a bunch of other stuff going on also, but I'm kinda outta the loop on this one. All I know is that there will be scantily clad girls dancing and that's good enough for me. Show starts at 9:00 so come on down!

8.12.05 
Visit Jeremiah's site at www.smallandround.com

8.06.05 
Tim Kerr's show opens tonite at Camp Fig.
Click here to check out the mailer.

New design from Thom Lessner will be back by the end of the week.

8.05.05 
If you know what's up we'll see you at Foundation Gallery tonite for the opening of You Are Beautiful.

Also, SH designer Tim Kerr has a show at Camp Fig in Austin, TX opening on Saturday. Show some love and support some good people.

7.28.05 
The You Are Beautiful 'You Are I Am' books that have been traveling the world, will be on display at Open End Gallery (Chicago, IL) this Saturday, July 30th from 6-10. The exhibit will then move to Foundation Gallery (Chicago, IL) where it will stay from August 5th - 21st. This will be Foundation's last exhibit in Chicago before they move to Los Angeles. We'll miss you! For more information on You Are Beautiful check out our STUFF section.

If you're around Wicker Park on Sunday check out Reigning Sound. They'll be playing at the Wicker Park Summer Fest at the corner of Damen & North. They're one of the best live bands out there and I promise you wont be dissapointed.

7.25.05 
Look for a new design from Thom Lessner within the next couple weeks.

7.19.05 
Who: Walking Bicycles and The Tax
What: Discount t-shirts, live music, and drink specials
Where: Darkroom 2210 W. Chicago
Why: (not) it's only 5 bucks!
When: Thursday, July 21st 9:00

Thanks to everyone who bought shirts at Intonation. You're our new best friends!

7.12.05  If you're in Chicago you should hit up Intonation this weekend and check out DEPART-ment since we'll have our shirts on sale for only 20 bucks.  I'll be the guy walking around with warm beer and a Crisco-sized tub of sun tan lotion.  It'll probably be 112 degrees out so remember to rehydrate. If you follow this diagram you should be all set. Just remember to pack two spoons, a measuring cup of water, some rehydrator (in powder form) and a spare hand (since you will obviously have none). Can you tell that I have the internet back and some time to kill?

Also, if you have pictures of yourself in any of our shirts send em to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com and we'll make you almost famous.  You know something like this, but maybe you could pose somewhere cool like here.

I know it's hard to find a good noodling movie soundtracked by that guy from the Flaming Lips, but I think Greg finally found one. Go RENT THIS now!

7.7.05  It's time to party once again with Secret Handshake Designs at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago) Thursday, July 21st.  Secret Handshake will have their latest and greatest artist-designed t-shirts on sale for $20 while The Tax and Walking Bicycles provide the rock n' roll.  Shake it to the garage-psych beat of The Tax—one part Rod Stewart pre "Maggie May", a smattering of Dave Davies' "Preservation Society", and a dash of Keith (Richards or Moon—your call).   Just when things are about to boil over, Walking Bicycles will bring their sonic attack featuring the moody vocals of Jocelyn Summers.  Think Joy Division meets Pretty Girls Make Graves served with a slice of key lime pie.  Everything kicks off at 9:00 for only $5.  Free air conditioning!   $2 bottles of High Life, PBR, and Old Style.

7.5.05  Check out this cool piece the good people at Crown Dozen wrote on SH. In case you are not familiar with Crown Dozen, they are a super "kool with a k" online magazine featuring reviews of your favorite toys, cd's, movies, magazines, etc.   Plus they have some excellent interviews with cool artists like Above, Gary Baseman, and Jeff Soto. 

This fun designer toy store/magazine Super7 out of San Francisco will be carrying our shirts in the near future.  You can also find SH at Rotofugi in Chicago, IL and at Art Prostitute in Denton, TX.

Look for us at the Intonation Music Festival July 16th and 17th.   DEPART-ment will be setting up shop there so we will be hawking our wares.

SH will be throwing another party at Darkroom on Thursday, July 21st. The lineup looks like Walking Bicycles and The Tax. Fun for all!

6.20.05  Sorry for the lack of news, but no internet = no updates. Luckily I found that this bar near my place has free wireless and $2 PBR. Plus they're playing Nirvana's, “Bleach”. Anyway, my life is now complete (I think).

If you haven't noticed already we have a new shirt in our store. This rad dude Mr. Nevada Hill designed it for us and it's pretty bitchin’ if I do say so myself. He works for Art Prostitute and Foundry Press Foundry printed this one for us and Art Prostitute are carrying our shirts in their gallery so we think they're both pretty swell.

Abby Friedman recently designed a shirt for KEXP radio out of Seattle. I think this is actually the second one she's done for them. We like Abby, you should also.

I wrote some crappy reviews that will be posted along the left-hand margin on the site and in the stuff section. Maybe these will compel you to write something better and submit it to us at info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

Update: Holy hell Husker Du just came on in the bar. I love this place!

Double Update: Green Eye shut off the Indians game in favor of the White Sox, I lost my internet connection, and they started playing Jamiroquai Ugh!

Some weird dude just handed me a business card of some girl he's stalking and asked me if I could find her online. I'm so outta here.

5.27.05  Long overdue update:
Brett and Whitney Superstar have been busy making insanely cool new paintings and selling them on the streets of Portland the first and third Thursday of every month. You can also look for them at random art fairs around the town this summer. Brett had one of his designs selected to be featured on a limited edition pint glass for Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Brett still likes bacon. In fact he loves bacon!

Tim Kerr is learning the Irish Button Accordian and needs lessons so if you know anyone that plays he'd love an e-mail. He also has a show coming up in August at Camp Fig down in Austin, Texas. Rich Jacobs will also be in the show among others. Also look for new records from The Monkeywrench and Total Sound Group soon. Tim is also going to Croatia, Ljubliana and Scottland to record. This guy is amazing!

Greg Shirilla and the Die Kase Hause clan have a show opening at Foundation Gallery June 3rd right here in Chicago. Artists are coming in from around the country so it should be a good time for all.

I'm in the middle of moving so who knows when I'll have the internet again. I feel the withdrawl already. Go to myspace and look up Secret Handshake kids. Greg hates Myspace, but I may be a little more of a stalker. Ha! New shirts soon! Later daze friends.

5.20.05  Summer has finally made its way to Chicago and a couple new designs will be here soon to help celebrate. New artists will include Witchbeam and one from Art Prostitute's, Nevada Hill. We plan on putting together some more events soon so check back. In the meantime come shed a tear over the final Monday night at Lava Lounge May 23rd. Greg, Dustin, Justin, and I will be spinnin cover songs all night while sippin whiskey and suckin down beers. It's sure to be a drunkin blast for all.

5.13.05  Thanks to to everyone for making Thursday so rad and an extra special thanks to Darkroom, Euphone, Stag Party, and DJ Foulmouth.

Don't forget that we're still looking for more artist submissions. Send any work or links to your work to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

5.07.05  Heading down to DEPART-ment in a little bit to help out. Greg worked the register last night and I guess it was insane. I'm hoping for a cushy bag boy position. DEPART-ment runs through Sunday so be sure to stop by.

Don't forget about the Darkroom party this Thursday featuring Euphone, Stag Party and DJ Foulmouth. It kicks off at 9:00 and is only $5. 

5.02.05  Thanks to Edmar and company for making Version so rad this year. We kicked back with Foundation and Mark and Nevada from Art Prostitute. If you're ever in Denton, Texas swing by AP's gallery. A girl in an American flag dress handed out fries with mayonnaise all day Saturday and we ate at Johnny O's multiple times. I got a hot dog, fries and a coffee for $1.60. Greg's thinking of moving next door.

Check out Crown Dozen for a cool piece on the Die Kase Hause art collective.

Secret Handshake will also be at DEPART-ment this weekend hosted by Open End Gallery. Stop by and bring cash because there is sure to be a lot of good stuff for sale. That's it for now.

4.30.05  http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com.

4.26.05  I was just flipping through March's issue of Arthur Magazine and came across a few of Tim Kerr's paintings in Byron Coley and Thurston Moore's review section. Tim made the list of 80 Goddamn Good Things of 2004 and rightfully so.

4.25.05  Secret Handshake will be at Version 05 this weekend Friday - Sunday selling our shirts and supporting our friends. For more information visit http://versionfest.com.

We're also throwing a party May 12th at the Darkroom. It'll be a night of kick-ass music with Euphone and Stag Party as well as a possible set from DJ Foulmouth.  Nice!  We'll have more details on this soon.   It's gonna be a blast kids.

4.20.05  Attention writers: Secret Handshake is currently looking for writing submissions to include on the site. CD/book/gallery opening/show reviews, interviews, short stories, etc... whatever floats your boat. Are you interested? Submit to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com. Keep the design submissions coming in also. Maybe you'll end up on the SH roster! Check out the Contact page for more information.

In other super cool news, our favorite designer toy store, Rotofugi will be carrying Secret Handshake in the very near future. If you're in Chicago visit them at 1953 W. Chicago Ave.

4.19.05  Welcome to the new Secret Handshake website. Take a look around and let us know what you think.

If you happen to be in Cleveland right now you should check out the Four09 show at Buzz Gallery. Act fast though because it closes April, 23rd.

4.16.05  Cool things to do tonight:
1. Miss Norah and her label Shit Sandwich are throwing a party at Cal’s (400 N Wells). Check out this cool feature the Reader did on Norah.
2. Shellac is playing twice today at Martyrs’. I think they played brunch this morning for the old fogies like me.
3. Spring cleaning. My house just got the smack down. It smells like key lime pie.
4. Get drunk with these people. Good luck finding them.

4.12.05  Damn, so slackadaisical lately. One week between posts already? Well guess what? Superstar's shirt is finally back. It looks pretty damn sweet too. Army green just in case you want to blend in with some pete moss or buddy up with the psycho guy from your local surplus store.

In other n ews, our friends, Eva Destruction and Her Big Band are helping Greg and I pretend like we have our own record label. That's right, SH will be releasing, "Sing Along With Eva" some time in early May. Think Stiv Bators meets Nancy Sinatra. Nice.

4.05.05  Our friends at Foundation Gallery will be speaking tonight at Interrupt Media Group and Subsystence's next installment of their monthly INFLUENCE night at Sonotheque. The focus is on the local art and design community. The evening begins at 8pm with a discussion about the state of the Chicago creative scene. For more information visit http://interrupt-media.com/influence/

4.03.05  New shirts on the way! Brett Superstar's should be back within a week and look for one from Jeremiah Ketner later in the month. That's it for now.

4.01.05  So someone stole my damn Huffy right outta my garage. I mean come on, I was gonna totally use it to cruise over to the mini mart to buy some Thundercat stickers. Oh wait, that was 21 years ago and it was my sister that took it. She hid it all good and stuff—you know, behind the garage. Damn April Fools Day! On another random note...all hail daylight savings! I'm looking forward to more drinking while it's light out.

3.29.05  Thanks to everyone who came out last night to support Secret Handshake and Bail! I've never seen Lava so crowded on a Monday. If you wanted a shirt yesterday, but didn't have the cash, buy one on the site or shoot us an e-mail and we'll meet you out somewhere. Look for SH at Version 05 the last week of April. We'll have a table set up and a couple new shirts for sale by then. We'll also be throwing a party at Darkroom in May so stay tuned. I'm gonna kick back and read my new issue of Bail now. Later.  info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

3.25.05  Looking for a press release or high res pics? Click here. Useless fact: I hate onions, but love onion rings.

3.24.05  Hey there people. If you're one of the few I've spoken with that won't be seeing Slint this weekend here's a couple other cool things to do.

If you haven't checked out the Tragic Beauty show at Open End Gallery you better get of your ass because it closes on Saturday. Pit Er Pat, Icy Demons, and Baby Teeth will be playing on Friday, and I think it's a measly ten bucks.
If you're in the mood for something different, and a WHOLE lot of fun, check out Gil Mantera's Party Dream at the Empty Bottle Friday night. I guarentee you'll cry with laughter.

Don't forget Monday at Lava Lounge. Greg's busting out his old speed metal records (hello Celtic Frost) and Mr. Coleman and I will be spinning old skate rock and punk. Remember The Faction and McRad? We do. It'll be a blast! Bail and SH will have shirts and magazines for sale and there will be free raffles, beer specials, and more! What more could you ask for on a Monday night?

Extra special thanks to Todd Kephart for snapping the new photos on the site. More will be posted in the Store soon so check back. Thanks to Sara, Shelia, and Kev-e-Kev for drinkin' beer and posing (he he...posers). Later.

3.18.05  An early warning for those in Chicago::
Secret Handshake/Bail Magazine Release Party
Lava Lounge - Monday, March 28th 8:00-2:00
Check out our spankin’ new shirts and issue 04 of Bail Magazine, featuring all things cool in skateboarding culture. Greg and I will be spinning skate rock, punk rock, and metal all night. Discount prices and giveaways!

3.14.05  Found this cool photography site if you're interested. Thanks to the Cleveland folks who bought shirts during my short stay.

3.10.05  Looking for something to do this Friday between 6-10PM? Why not head over to Foundation Gallery for the opening of Ascenders/Descenders, an exhibition of works based on typography featuring Robin Cameron, Lukas Geronimas, Ben Loiz, and Sighn. Ascenders/Descenders, draws together artists whose work is influenced by typographic experiments from graphic designers and whose work does not simply exist as artists utilizing text in their artwork. Words become objects that range from beautiful, to ugly, gritty and awkward to seamlessly clean. 700 North Carpenter Street Chicago, IL

If you have any questions about Secret Handshake e-mail us at info@secrethandshakedesigns.com.

3.07.05  Tim Kerr will have a few pieces in Rich Jacobs' latest installment of his ongoing group show, "Move". This is the thirteenth show he has curated in this series and it will kick off March 17th (o' holy day of drinking) at Clementine Gallery in New York, New York, and runs through April 16th. Tim and his wife Beth will be attending the opening so if you're in the area you should drop by and say hello. He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I swear.

3.06.05  The Daily Vanguard (Portland, OR) recently ran this article on our friend's Brett and Whitney Superstar. The Superstars' have also put together an on-line gallery to display their most recent work. Look for Brett's Secret Handshake t-shirt soon.

3.04.05  If you're in Chicago you should totally go to The Funny Club opening at Rotofugi (1953 W. Chicago Avenue) tonight. This is the first full showing of The Funny Club Show 2005, a traveling art exhibition of customized toy figures that includes over 140 different artists. At the Rotofugi showing there will be approximately 50 additional hand-customized figures commissioned by the toy store primarily by Chicago-based artists. Secret Handshake's very own Greg Shirilla is one of these artists along with others such as: Jeremiah Ketner (upcoming S.H. designer), Jay Ryan, Mat Daly, Dianna Sudd (all three of Birdmachine), eThos, Revize CMW, Justin Goh, Paul Nudd, JoJo, Vaugnda Johnson, Holly Holmes, Joey Potts & Krista Peel.

You should also check out the Tragic Beauty opening at Open End Gallery tonight feraturing work by Juan Chavez, Mike Genovese, Cody Hudson and Chris Silva. And if you happen to be around Milwaukee at at all this month be sure and check out Jeremiah Ketner's solo show at Hot Cakes Gallery. Enjoy!

3.01.05   The secret is out! Giant Robot #36 hit stores today and we have our first ad running in it. Not sure who the features are on yet, but it's gotta be good--it's Giant Robot! While you're at it, check out our friends page for links to other cool stuff. Update: The latest issue of GR features the insanely talented Ryan McGinness.

2.27.05   Welcome to Secret Handshake Designs. No matter how you stumbled upon us, we’re glad you’re here, and thrilled to have the website up and running. A lot of time has gone into getting things rolling so we hope you’re happy with the result.

Secret Handshake was launched to help promote our friend's artwork in a fun and affordable way. Artist-designed t-shirts turned out to be the perfect fit. Ideas were thrown around, shots of Jaeger and Jameson tossed back, and before we knew it designs were on the way.

We have a long list of people we want to work with, and hope to add more designs soon.  All shirts are limited in quantity so you’ll want to grab one now because once they’re gone that’s it—no reprints.  If you have any questions visit our contact page.

Thanks for stopping by.