Incoming

Note: This is my second post for today. Earlier, I offered a preview of the opening night of this year’s International Pop Overthrow - Chicago. The six-act showcase starts at 7:30 pm at Montrose Saloon on the north side. I’m hoping to post a preview for each day of the festival.

Courtesy Patrol, one of the more recent bands to latch on to the talented and humorous guitarist-vocalist Dag Juhlin as a member, promises to “bring you musical joy in all forms - classics, deep cuts, and beyond” this Thursday night at the Friendly Tap in Berwyn. Whatever that means, it sounds like fun, and there’s no cover charge. The joy starts at 8:30 pm.

“Time To Let Some Light In,” the first single from singer-songwriter Steve Dawson’s upcoming album Ghosts, comes out on Pravda Records this Friday. In the meantime, the online Glide Magazine is offering the video premiere. Dawson is quoted as describing the song as having “gone through a lot of changes over time.” Watching the clip, it’s easy to see he was successful in switching to a more positive message for this well-crafted Americana song. The album Ghosts is due out June 7.

Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich is staging one of its semi-regular live music events tomorrow night with a Spring Fling featuring acoustic music by the Face N Time band. The music starts at 7:00 pm, and the cafe promises “great treats [and] wonderful drinks” will be available for sale. Reservations are recommended. 

Chicago indie rock band Vinto Van Go, which describes its approach as, “Chicago-style psychedelic music rooted in this city’s garage rock and soul music,” has an album release show coming up this Thursday at the Epiphany Center For The Arts. The 321’s, a recently formed group that’s already busy on the local club scene, is also on the bill. In addition to live music, Epiphany Center For The Arts has art galleries, and serves drinks and appetizers. It’s located at 201 S. Ashland. The doors open at 5:00 pm, the music starts at 7:00 pm.

IPO - Chicago Kicks Off This Friday

The 21st annual International Pop Overthrow - Chicago kicks off this Friday for a nine-day run at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. CFO/Founder David Bash has several acts lined up, many of which fans have enjoyed at previous IPO - Chicago shows. Named after Material Issue’s stellar debut album, the festival was born in Los Angeles back in 1997. Three Chicago area bands, 92 Degrees, The Idea, and The Critics, performed on opening night of that 1997 festival in Los Angeles. So, it made sense that Chicago would be one of Bash’s first choices when he decided IPO could be a traveling event. Over the years, he’s staged versions at venues around the world. His focus for each location is on local talent, but for bigger markets such as Liverpool and Chicago, it’s not uncommon to find out-of-town, and occasionally out-of-country visitors.

IPO 24’s opening night kicks off with Alpine Subs. If that evokes a feeling of déjà vu, it’s because the six-member band was in that same spot last year. Alpine Subs have released four albums of easy-going melodic pop since 2019, with last August’s Come On Over To My House being the latest. We The Cats enjoyed a successful run in the 1990s, releasing three albums of pop, punk, and soulful music, and performing at numerous venues. Their appearance at this year’s IPO will serve as a 30th anniversary reunion. Phil Angotti was a member of The Idea back when the band played at the first IPO in Los Angeles, and has kept busy ever since. His solo set at this year’s Chicago event that will likely showcase songs from his latest and impressive album Once Around Again. Angotti is known for his Beatles tribute shows on the local club scene, and his original material shows he’s learned well from the masters.

The Spindles have spent several years on the Chicago club scene perfecting their British Invasion flavored power pop. Their 2018 CD Past And Present was an entertaining mix of originals and well-chosen covers, and they’re currently working on a new album that will be released later this year. The 321’s are a newer arrival on the Chicago scene, but are already getting noticed for delivering what they describe as “a sonic experience that is captivating and revolutionary.” One of their most recent gigs involved performing George Harrison covers at the My Sweet George tribute show at Martyrs in February. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club has released a number of power pop/indie rock recordings over the past 10 years, and their Rolling Stones flavored “X Play” was one of the highlights on 2021 Big Blast Records compilation The Big Singles Vol.1. Their 2022 EP Vanishing Point, with its Halloween theme, was particularly impressive. Their most recent release was the catchy “Your Corvette Summer” single last year.

Check the official International Pop Overthrow website for the full Chicago schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who’ll be participating in Chicago this year. Even if you can’t attend in person, it’s a great way to discover new music. Many of the acts have Bandcamp pages, so it’s possible to already have some favorite songs before you've even seen the band play.

Slumgullion

 

“February Sky,” a brand new song from Ringo Starr’s Crooked Boy EP, is now available to download from various streaming sites. The physical EP, on black and white marble vinyl, will be available exclusively as part of next Saturday’s Record Store Day releases.

The entire list of this year’s limited-edition vinyl offerings is available on the official Record Store Day website. Once again, the selection has something to entice fans of just about every genre and era. Here’s a sampling of recording artists involved: Cannonball Adderley; Chet Baker; The Beatles; David Bowie; Jeff Buckley and Gary Lucas; Alex Chilton; Nat King Cole; The Cure;  De La Soul; The English Beat; George Harrison; Howlin’ Wolf; Ian Hunter; Chris Isaak; Elton John; John Lennon, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and Marty Stuart; Willie Nelson; Delores O’Riordan; OMD; Paramore; Charlie Parker; Parliament; Pearl Jam; Public Enemy; Queen; Queen Latifah; Ramones; The Replacements; The Roches; The Rolling Stones; Sonny Rollins; Linda Ronstadt; Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson; Siouxsie And The Banshees; Sleater-Kinney; Sonic Youth; Sparks; Donna Summer; Sun Ra; Supergrass; Talking Heads; T. Rex; U2, The Who; Wilco; The Yardbirds; Yes and Frank Zappa. There are tons more I didn’t mention, as well as a number of interesting various artists compilations.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the long-time, critically acclaimed South African singing group, will perform tomorrow night at Old Town School Of Folk Music on Lincoln Avenue.

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti, along with Casey McDonough, John San Juan, and John Perrin,  will focus on The Beatles Second Album, along with other gems from the band at this Sunday’s Beatles Brunch at City Winery Chicago.

Gerald Dowd and Rachel Drew will reunite for a three-hour performance at Cary’s Lounge this Sunday, starting at 4:00 pm. Drew had a record release party for her impressive new album Old Sky New last Thursday at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, and Dowd is a member of Sonic45 and has performed with Steve Dawson, and other well-known Chicago musicians.

Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich is staging one of its semi-regular live music events this Tuesday with a Spring Fling featuring acoustic music by the Face N Time band. The music starts at 7:00 pm, and the cafe promises “great treats [and] wonderful drinks” will be available for sale. Reservations are recommended.

EXPO CHGO - The International Exposition Of Contemporary and Modern Art, an annual event that’s a favorite among many art fans, has returned to Navy Pier for its 11th year and will run through this Sunday. There will be 170 international exhibitors from 29 countries.

ebertFest - Roger Ebert’s Film Festival will be marking its 25th Anniversary when it kicks off  next Wednesday, April 17 at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL. Special Guests will be on hand for most of the screenings, which include Star 80; Little Indian Girl Collective Panel; Conducting Life; The Light Of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument To Ida B. Wells; Stony Island; The Teachers’ Lounge; Cookie’s Fortune; Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind; Little Richard: I Am Everything; The Best Man; Blackmail; Omoiyari: A Song Film By Kishi Bashi; Albany Road; and Man On The Moon. The festival runs through April 20.

Indie rockers The Telepaths and Dubble Bubble, a new act that features two members of the power pop band Triple, will share the bill at Lighthouse Tavern tomorrow night. Each is scheduled to perform a single set before joining forces for “Jamming, Chaos After.” The venue is located at 7301 N. Sheridan.

Chicago indie rock band Vinto Van Go, which describes its approach as, “Chicago-style psychedelic music rooted in this city’s garage rock and soul music,” has an album release show coming up next Thursday at the Epiphany Center For The Arts. The 321’s, a recently formed group that’s already busy on the local club scene, is also on the bill. In addition to live music, Epiphany Center For The Arts has art galleries, and serves drinks and appetizers. It’s located at 201 S. Ashland. The doors open at 5:00 pm, the music starts at 7:00 pm.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago 2024 returns next Friday, April 19 and will through April 27 at Montrose Saloon. The schedule is now available on the official IPO website. CFO/Founder David Bash has brought his multi-act showcase to a number of Chicago venues over the years, and Montrose Saloon is a particularly good fit. I believe this will be its third time hosting.

Northeastern Illinois University radio station WZRD Chicago 88.3 will celebrate 50 years of offering freeform radio with a free of charge party at Martyrs on May 4. There will be live music by Cosmic Bull, Silver Abuse, Sons of Ra, and Charlie Otto. Martyrs’ is located at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Long-time Chicago-based rock musician Michael Steven Cohen has been specializing in classic tunes from The Great American Songbook lately, and he’ll perform Friday Night Love Songs on April 19 at Tuscan Market and Wine Shop in Arlington Heights. The romance begins art 7:00 pm.

The Neverly Brothers 20th Anniversary Tour will bring them to the Beverly Arts Center on May 4. It’s located at 2407 W. 111th Street - Chicago, IL. The trio provides a history of rock music dating back to the 1950s by performing artists such as Buddy Holly, The Beatles, and The Kinks.

Tickets went on sale today for the Paul Weller + Special Guests event taking place on September 15 at The Vic Theatre on Chicago’s north side. It’s his first US and Canada tour in seven years. Other cities in September will include Brooklyn, Boston, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver. After visiting North America, Weller heads back across the pond for a UK Autumn Tour. It would be great if he also played some material from his days with The Style Council and The Jam. His new guitar-driven single “Soul Wandering” is now available on streaming sites, and a full-length album titled 66 is due out May 24.

Chicago fans of offbeat theatre will likely enjoy Theatre Wit’s current production of Nick Robideau’s play Inanimate, which concerns a young woman falling in love with a neon sign. Theatre Wit describes the Jeremy Wechsler-directed Inanimate as “the best (and only!) objectum-sexual dramedy of the year.” Freelance theatre critic Emily McClanathan, writing in the Chicago Tribune, says it’s “a warmhearted, expansive story about living authentically and accepting others for who they are.” J.G. Smith stars in the lead role.

This year’s Skokie Backlot Bash will be held on the weekend of August 23-25 in Skokie, IL. The lineup will be Arrested Development, Big Wade And Black Swan Theory, Tonic, Woolworthy, Tributosaurus Become The Kinks Part 2, and Thrift Store Halo.

The Time Machine - A Tribute To The ‘80s recently opened at the Black Ensemble Theatre and will run through this Sunday, April 14. Black Ensemble Theatre is located at 4450 N. Clark Street on Chicago’s north side.

Gerry’s Cafe, which recently opened in Arlington Heights, is promising to give a free small cookie to each customer who comes in wearing something blue during April to support Autism Acceptance Month. The cafe’s motto is Changing Lives One Cup At A Time and is staffed by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Chicago-based power pop veterans Thrift Store Halo now has a cover band side project named Uncle Boogie. Fans can check it out when Uncle Boogie performs at the alliteratively named Lizard’s Liquid Lounge on April 20. I’ve never heard of this venue before, but from the photos on its website, it looks pretty cool. Plus, since it’s located at 3058 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago, I could almost walk there from the Metro Irving Park station.

 

The 40th Annual Latino Film Festival opened yesterday and will run through April 22 at the Landmark Century Center, Davis Theater, and Instituto Cervantes in Chicago. Admission for a regular screening is $15, and a 10-general-admission film passport costs $125.

The UPS for DownS Theatre Company is staging the musical Grease this weekend at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Megan Gray is the director. UPS for DownS  (United Parents Support for Down Syndrome) states the performance “features actors with and without Downs Syndrome, their friends and peers.”

The Bad Examples have a show coming up at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights on April 20. The Chicago band has a number of albums brimming with clever and melodic songs reminiscent of Squeeze.

The Chicago Film Society will present a screening of director Allan Dwan’s 1926 film Padlocked at the Music Box Theatre tomorrow. It stars Lois Moran and Noah Beery, and will be preceded by director Fred Guiol’s 1925 film Flaming Flappers. There will be live piano accompaniment by David Drazin. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue, in Chicago.

Steve Dawson has drawn critical acclaim for his solo career, as well as for the alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden he fronts with his wife Diane Christiansen, and his other band Funeral Bonsai Wedding. Dawson will gift his fans with his next solo effort Ghosts at some point this summer and the first single—“Time to Let Some Light In”—will be available next Friday.

The Zombies have released a collection of five one-take demos titled less is more on Spotify and Apple Music. 

A Best Of  Bruce Springsteen collection in CD, vinyl, and digital formats will be released next FridayApril 19.

The very first Off North Shore Skokie Music Festival will be held at the Skokie Sports Park on June 21 and 22. Scheduled performers include Mike Campbell and Dirty Knobs; Larkin Poe; The Bones Of J.R. Jones; and The Empty Pockets on day one; and Grace Potter; Donavon Frankenreiter; Jaime Wyatt; and JC Brooks Band on the second night.

The Sound And Vision exhibit, which features artwork by well-known artist-musicians, is now open and will run through April 21 at Mad.Kat Gallery in Rancho Mirage, CA. Participants include Joan Baez, Jon Langford, Penelope Houston, Juliana Hatfield, and Steve Wynn.

A Reader Best Of Chicago celebration will take place at 6:30 pm at the Lincoln Park Zoo on April 25. There will be live entertainment and performances by some of the award winners, as well as food and beverage vendors and other activities.

As someone who’d love to get my rock and roll/paranormal romance novel published some day and then see it adapted to film, I was fascinated with Chicago Sun-Times film critic Richard Roeper’s review of the new movie The Greatest Hits. It’s the story of a young woman who gets transported back in time whenever she hears a rock song that brings back memories of her recently deceased boyfriend. Roeper says it features a variety of recordings by current artists, including Roxy Music and Nelly Furtado. He gave it three stars.

Incoming

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am for the Paul Weller + Special Guests event taking place on September 15 at The Vic Theatre on Chicago’s north side. As noted on the Paul Weller and The Vic’s Facebook pages, it’s his first US and Canada tour in seven years. Other cities in September will include Brooklyn, Boston, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.

After visiting North America, Weller heads back across the pond for a UK Autumn Tour. It would be great if he also played some material from his days with The Style Council and The Jam. His new guitar-driven single “Soul Wandering” is now available on streaming sites, and a full-length album titled 66 is due out May 24.

Proceed with caution. Indie rockers The Telepaths and Dubble Bubble, a new act that features two members of the power pop band Triple, will share the bill at Lighthouse Tavern this Saturday night. Each is scheduled to perform a single set before joining forces for “Jamming, Chaos After.” The venue is located at 7301 N. Sheridan.

This year’s Skokie Backlot Bash will be held on the weekend of August 23-25 in Skokie, IL. The lineup will be Arrested Development, Big Wade And Black Swan Theory, Tonic, Woolworthy, Tributosaurus Become The Kinks Part 2, and Thrift Store Halo.

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti, along with Casey McDonough, John San Juan, and John Perrin, will focus on The Beatles Second Album, along with other gems from the band at this Sunday’s Beatles Brunch at City Winery Chicago.

Gerald Dowd and Rachel Drew will reunite for a three-hour performance at Cary’s Lounge this Sunday, starting at 4:00 pm. Drew had a record release party for her impressive new album Old Sky New last Thursday at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, and Dowd is a member of Sonic45 and has performed with Steve Dawson, and other well-known Chicago musicians.

Incoming

Photo from The Official Smithereens Facebook page.

Best wishes to guitarist Jim Babjak from The Smithereens for a full recovery from the micro discectomy surgery he’ll be having this Wednesday. Hopefully, it will relieve the back lumbar problems he’s experienced for years. The band’s official website states he’s expected to recover in time for their May and June concerts. The Smithereens, with Marshall Crenshaw as their guest vocalist, are scheduled to perform in their home state of New Jersey at a May 25 Memorial Day Weekend gig at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, as well as at the Prairie Fest in Wood Dale, IL on June 28.

EXPO CHGO - The International Exposition Of Contemporary and Modern Art, an annual event that’s a favorite among many art fans, returns to Navy Pier for its 11th year this Thursday and will run through Sunday. The official brochure, which comes with the April issue of the Chicago free publication New City, promises there will be 170 international exhibitors from 29 countries. One of my favorite pieces from previous years was a larger-than-life bust of David Bowie. 

Gerry’s Cafe, which recently opened in Arlington Heights, is promising to give a free small cookie to each customer who comes in wearing something blue during April to support Autism Acceptance Month. The cafe’s motto is Changing Lives One Cup At A Time and is staffed by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My wife Pam and I added Gerry’s Cafe to our roster of venues for hot beverages, so I’ll have to pick something blue to wear when we visit this week.

Chicago-based power pop veterans Thrift Store Halo now have a cover band side project named Uncle Boogie. Fans can check it out when Uncle Boogie performs at the alliteratively named Lizard’s Liquid Lounge on April 20. I’ve never heard of this venue before, but judging from the photos on its website, it looks pretty cool. Plus, since it’s located at 3058 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago, I could almost walk there from the Metro Irving Park station.

 

The 40th Annual Latino Film Festival opens this Thursday and will run through Sundray at the Landmark Century Center, Davis Theater, and Instituto Cervantes in Chicago. Admission for a regular screening is $15, and a 10-general-admission film passport costs $125.

The UPS for DownS Theatre Company will stage the musical Grease this Thursday through Sunday at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Megan Gray is the director. UPS for DownS  (United Parents Support for Down Syndrome) states the performance “features actors with and without Downs Syndrome, their friends and peers.”

The Bad Examples have a show coming up at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights on April 20. The Chicago band has a number of albums brimming with clever and melodic songs reminiscent of Squeeze.

The Chicago Film Society will present a screening of director Allan Dwan’s 1926 film Padlocked at the Music Box Theatre this Saturday. It stars Lois Moran and Noah Beery, and will be preceded by director Fred Guiol’s 1925 film Flaming Flappers. There will be live piano accompaniment by David Drazin. The Music Box is located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue, in Chicago.

Slumgullion

Looks like Allan got the card I mailed him.

Happy Birthday wishes to Allan Clarke, a founding member of The Hollies; Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson; ABBA vocalist Agnetha Fältskog; and my Top Chef Season 15 winning nephew Joe Flamm.

Allan Clarke’s distinctive vocals graced several Top 40 Hits, including “Look Through Any Window,” “I Can’t Let Go,” “Long Cool Woman,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” and “The Air The I Breathe.” The gorgeous harmonies he created with Graham Nash and Tony Hicks and the music he co-wrote with them resulted in The Hollies being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Clarke retired from The Hollies in 2000, but has since come back with the impressive solo efforts Resurgence in 2019 and I’ll Never Forget in 2023.

Joe Flamm opened his Rose Mary restaurant in Chicago’s trendy Fulton Market area on April 20, 2021, after working as a chef in some of the city’s most critically acclaimed restaurants for a number of years. Specializing in Italian and Croatian food, pastries and fine wines, it quickly developed a strong following of its own.

In addition to sharing the same birthday, Agnetha Fältskog and Allan Clarke were both inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2010. ABBA’s major hits include “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “S.O.S.,” and “Dancing Queen.” Their songs inspired the Mamma Mia musical.

Steve Dawson has drawn critical acclaim for his solo career, as well as for the alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden he fronts with his wife Diane Christiansen, and his other band Funeral Bonsai Wedding. Dawson will gift his fans with his next solo effort Ghosts at some point this summer and the first single—“Time to Let Some Light In”—will be available on April 19.

Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago has announced the line-up for its 50th Anniversary convention coming to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on the weekend of August 9 – 11. The Special Guests will include Micky Dolenz from The Monkees; Randy Bachman from The Guess Who and his son Tal; British Invasion singer Billy J. Kramer; lead guitarist Laurence Juber and drummer Steve Holley from Paul McCartney’s Wings; and former Official Beatles Fan Club president Freda Kelly. There will be live performances by Liverpool; The Weeklings; Jeff Lake And Cellophane Flowers; Phil Angotti And Friends; and The Taxmen. WXRT DJ and Breakfast With The Beatles program host Terri Hemmert will return as The Fest’s Master Of Ceremonies, with Tom Francine as Assistant Master Of Ceremonies.

As noted in a recent Facebook post from the England-based Genesis Publications, The Beatles were in the midst of filming A Hard Day’s Night during the month of April 60 years ago. Genesis, which specializes in limited-edition, high quality books about iconic musicians, is using this occasion “to take a moment to revisit Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler's signed limited edition, Golden Dreams.” The book features behind-the-scenes photos Kirchherr and Scheler snapped while A Hard Day’s Night was being made. The 122-page book is currently available for £265, but Genesis states that the price will increase soon.

 

Depending on when you see this, you can catch at least some of a double dose of groundbreaking rock from the 1980s when R.E.M. tribute band Dead Letter Office shares an evening with The B-52’s tribute act Planet Claire tonight (Friday) at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. The fun starts at 8:00 pm.

The Zombies plan to issue a collection of five one-take demos titled less is more that were recorded a few years back. The idea is to present them as lead vocalist Colin Blunstone first conceived them when writing about events that took place in his life. The release date on Spotify and Apple Music is April 12.

 

The new Sonic45 single “You And I Are Stereo” was released exclusively on Bandcamp today as promised, but I was surprised to find it’s an optimistic love song. Fans are used to these guys recording darker material, although “You And I Are Stereo” does feature the Chicago indie rock band’s trademark atmospheric vocals and instrumentation. Think of it as a song to play at really hip wedding receptions. Sonic45 is led by sports broadcaster/musician Len Kasper and features Chicago music scene veterans Matt Spiegel (also a sportscaster); Liam Davis; Gerald Dowd; and Dag Juhlin. We can expect its second full-length album to be released sometime this summer.

The 40th Annual Latino Film Festival opens next Thursday, April 11 and will run through April 22 at the Landmark Century Center, Davis Theater, and Instituto Cervantes in Chicago. Admission for a regular screening is $15, and a 10-general-admission film passport costs $125.

Here’s a genuine Broken Hearted Toy welcome to Matthew Sweet, Debbi Peterson and Abe Partridge, who are in Chicago for a concert tonight at Metro on the north side.

Jeff Lynne’s ambitious ELO Over And Out Tour will visit several North American cities, starting on August 24 in Palm Desert, CA. Other stops include San Francisco, Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago (September 27), Atlanta and Philadelphia.

The Time Machine - A Tribute To The ‘80s recently opened at the Black Ensemble Theatre and will run through April 14. Black Ensemble Theatre is located at 4450 N. Clark Street on Chicago’s north side.

The Deadline website recently reported that a new film about the creating and recording of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album could be on the way. It would be titled Deliver Me From Nowhere, and the filmmakers are hoping to land Jeremy Allen White from The Bear TV show to portray Springsteen. In related news, a Best Of  Bruce Springsteen collection in CD, vinyl, and digital formats will arrive on April 19.

The Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side will honor the music of folk rock singer John Prine with its first Chicago Prine Fest tomorrow (Saturday) night. Television writer, comedian, and musician Rick Woods will serve as host, and there will be performances by Arlo McKinley and The Lawrence Peters Outfit. The Irish American Heritage Center is located at 4626 N. Knox Avenue.

The Smithereens, with Marshall Crenshaw as their guest vocalist, will be rocking in their home state of New Jersey at a May 25 Memorial Day Weekend gig at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Just about a month later, The Smithereens, again with Marshall Crenshaw on vocals, will perform at Prairie Fest in Wood Dale, IL on June 28. Admission to Prairie Fest is free.

Congratulations to Chicago filmmaker Michael Smith on his latest effort Handle With Care being accepted for six film festivals so far this year. Handle With Care will be screened at the Beloit International Film Festival, which runs from today through next Sunday (April 14) in Beloit WI, and it will have its Illinois premiere at the Afterimage Film Festival, which is being held on the on the weekend of April 11– 14 at Charlestowne 18 Cinema in St. Charles.

Sting has an upcoming tour that will bring him to Chicago for shows at the Auditorium Theatre on October 28 and 29. He’ll also visit Toronto, Philadelphia, Boston, Brooklyn, and other locations.

The very first Off North Shore Skokie Music Festival will be held at the Skokie Sports Park on June 21 and 22. Scheduled performers include Mike Campbell and Dirty Knobs; Larkin Poe; The Bones Of J.R. Jones; and The Empty Pockets on day one; and Grace Potter; Donavon Frankenreiter; Jaime Wyatt; and JC Brooks Band on the second night.

Stephanie Kuehnert, the author who garnered national attention with her well-crafted and emotionally charged novels Ballads Of Suburbia and I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, recently released a memoir titled Pieces Of A Girl. It’s already been selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

Although today’s weather in Chicago felt more like winter than spring, there’s some cheer to be found in the announcement that this year’s Wells Street Art Fair will take place on June 8 and 9. If Chicago art fair tradition holds true, that means The Old Town Art Fair will be held that same weekend. The two events are within blocks of each other in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

The upcoming tour for Our House - The Music Of CSNY will include a stop at the Des Plaines Theatre in Illinois on July 21. The tribute act features musicians who are related to or have worked with David Crosby, Neil Young, and Graham Nash.

007 Science: Inventing The World Of James Bond, a new exhibit that views the popular spy movies from an intellectual but still fun perspective, opened recently at Chicago’s Museum Of Science And Industry, and will run through October 27.

The Sound And Vision exhibit, which features artwork by well-know artist-musicians, is now open and will run through April 21 at Mad.Kat Gallery in Rancho Mirage, CA. Participants include Joan Baez, Jon Langford, Penelope Houston, Juliana Hatfield, and Steve Wynn.

A Reader Best Of Chicago celebration will take place at 6:30 pm at the Lincoln Park Zoo on April 25. There will be live entertainment and performances by some of the award winners, as well as food and beverage vendors and other activities. The printed edition the Chicago Reader announcing the winners in numerous categories came out on February 22.

EXPO CHGO - The International Exposition Of Contemporary and Modern Art, will open next Thursday April 11 at Navy Pier and run through April 14.

The UPS for DownS Theatre Company will stage the musical Grease next Thursday through Sunday (April 11 - April 14) at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Megan Gray is the director. UPS for DownS  (United Parents Support for Down Syndrome) states the performance “features actors with and without Downs Syndrome, their friends and peers.”

Pizza Bella, a new restaurant in my hometown of Palatine, is having a Grand Opening bash tomorrow, starting at 11:00 am. Pizza Bella is located at 16 N. Brockway.

April, Rock She Will

I thought my April, Rock She Will post was a long-running, annual tradition here on Broken Hearted Toy, but it looks like I haven’t done it as often as I thought. At any rate, it’s back for a second straight year, Simon and Garfunkel reference and all. This is meant to provide a sample of the cool things that will happen during this month in Chicago and other places. The bad news is I can’t cover them all; the good news is there’s so much to cover. Support your favorite entertainers.

Speaking of Simon and Garfunkel— one of the first music acts I discovered in my life— director Alex Gibney’s documentary In Restless Dreams - The Music Of Paul Simon is available to watch on MGM+. It explores the legendary singer-songwriter from his earliest days to his most current album, Seven Psalms.

The Chicago Cubs kicked off their first home stand of 2024 today with pitcher Shota Imanaga’s shutout of the Colorado Rockies. The Cubs scored five runs. Earlier in the day, FM radio station WXRT continued its tradition of hosting a 93XRT Opening Day Celebration At Yak-Zies. The venue is located at 3710 N. Clark Street, just down the street from Wrigley Field.

Girlschool, the English all-women hard rock band that was one of the first of its kind back in 1978 and still shakes the rafters, will perform at Thalia Hall tomorrow, April 2. The Chicago appearance is part of the Girlschool’s Final North American Tour. Upcoming stops include Columbus, OH; Pittsburg, PA; Detroit, MI; and London, Ontario.

Green Day will perform a United Nations Human Rights concert at The Fillmore in San Francisco tomorrow night to highlight the need to combat climate change. The alternative rock band Ultra Q is also on the bill.

The Time Machine - A Tribute To The ‘80s recently opened at the Black Ensemble Theatre and will run through April 14. BET is well known for its musical salutes, and this latest one has a sci-fi twist involving a high school senior who travels back to the era when Prince, Sheila E., Al B. Sure, Keith Sweat, and LL Cool J. ruled the charts.

Matthew Sweet is going back on tour with Debbi Peterson from The Bangles, starting in Madison,WI on April 4. They’ll be in Chicago the next day for a concert at Metro on the north side, with Abe Partridge also on the bill.

 

007 Science: Inventing The World Of James Bond, a new exhibit that views the popular spy movies from an intellectual but still fun perspective, opened recently at Chicago’s Museum Of Science And Industry, and will run through October 27.

“You And I Are Stereo,” a new single from Sonic45 will be released exclusively on Bandcamp this Friday, April 5. Led by sports broadcaster/musician Len Kasper, the atmospheric and often eerie alt rock band features Chicago music scene veterans Matt Spiegel (also a sportscaster); Liam Davis; Gerald Dowd; and Dag Juhlin. Sonic45 has finished recording its second full-length album and it will likely be be released this summer.

R.E.M. tribute band Dead Letter Office will share an evening with The B-52’s tribute act Planet Claire at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue this Friday, April 5.

The Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side will honor the music of folk rock singer John Prine with its first Chicago Prine Fest this Saturday, April 6. Television writer/comedian/musician Rick Woods will serve as host, and there will be performances by Arlo McKinley and The Lawrence Peters Outfit. The Irish American Heritage Center is located at 4626 N. Knox Avenue.

 

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti, who’s well known for his tribute shows on the Chicago club scene, will honor The Kinks via two sets of live music this Sunday at the Robert’s Westside venue in Forest Park. He’ll concentrate on the Something Else album in the first set, and the second will feature classic Kinks songs.

EXPO CHGO - The International Exposition Of Contemporary and Modern Art, will be held on Navy Pier from April 11 through April 14.

The 14th Annual Blue Whiskey Film Festival will run April 14 – 23 at the Classic Cinema in Elk Grove. I remember writing about the first BWiFF on Broken Hearted Roy when the festival was held at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Best wishes for its continued success.

Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Smith’s short film Paper Planes will have its premiere on the weekend of April 15 and 16 at the After Image Film Festival in St. Charles, IL.

The Sound And Vision exhibit, which features artwork by well-know artist-musicians, will run through April 21 at Mad.Kat Gallery in Rancho Mirage, CA. Participants include Joan Baez, Jon Langford, Penelope Houston, Juliana Hatfield, and Steve Wynn.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago 2024 will be held from April 19 through April 27 at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. CFO/Founder David Bash has brought his multi-act showcase to a number of Chicago venues over the years, and Montrose Saloon is a particularly good fit. I believe this will be its third time hosting. Per tradition, each night will bring a set of at least five acts; and there will be afternoon and evening sets on April 20, 21, and 27.

The Who’s Tommy, which won multiple Jeff Awards for its sold-out run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago last year, has moved on to New York. Performances will be staged at the at The Nederlander Theatre throughout April, except for Mondays.

Record Store Day takes place on April 20. The list of all the limited-edition vinyl available for just that one day can be viewed on the official RSD website. As usual, major acts in virtually every genre of music will be included. Also, keep an eye out for in-store performances at some of your favorite record stores.

Veruca Salt founding member Louise Post is about to kick off a four-city tour to promote her Sleepwalker solo album, and it’s scheduled to make a stop at Empty Bottle in Chicago on April 23.

 

A Reader Best Of Chicago celebration will take place at 6:30 pm at the Lincoln Park Zoo on April 25. There will be live entertainment and performances by some of the award winners, as well as food and beverage vendors and other activities.

C2E2 will run April 26 – 28 at McCormick Place in Chicago. In addition to having an opportunity to meet with celebrity guests, fans can browse several aisles of toys, t-shirts, gadgets, costumes, etc, inspired by sci-fi, horror, and fantasy media. The cosplay participants and comic artists selling their work are also among the highlights.

Chicago sports fans who’d like to share their vision of what a new home for our football team should like can compete in a city-wide Build-A-Bears-Stadium campaign running through the end of this month. Contestants can choose to create a scale model of a stadium in Arlington Heights; the lakefront; in The 78 area, or next to my house in downtown Palatine. Sorry, I had to work in at least one April Fools Day joke.