Saturday Slumgullion

Because the night will belong to Patti. Several highly regarded musicians, including Michael Stipe, Matt Berninger, Courtney Barnett, Sharon Van Etten, Alison Mosshart, Kronos Quartet, Ben Harper, Karen O, and Kim Gordon will take part in the People Have The Power - A Celebration Of  Patti Smith being held on March 26 at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage At Carnegie Hall. As noted on the official R.E.M. Facebook page, the event is part of the 20th annual Music Of benefit series, and all of net profits will go to fund music education for underserved youth.

Fans who can’t make the trip to New York can get their Patti Smith fix with the recently released book Patti Smith: Before Easter After. Originally released as a limited edition that sold for $1,000, this collection of “hundreds of rarely seen images” taken by critically acclaimed photographer Lynn Goldsmith is now available to the general public for the list price of $65.00.

The 2024 Chris and Heather’s Country Calendar Show at FitzGerald’s In Berwyn, IL will take place on December 21. Andrew Sa; Jodee Lewis; Zachary Stevenson and The Oh Boys; Dave Drazin; Phil Angotti; Nora O’Connor;  The Hushdrops; Jane Baxter Miller and Kent Kessler; Casey McDonough; Hillbilly Frolic; Scott Ligon and Kelly Hogan; and The Saturn Kings will be the entertainers joining Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams. Each local act will cover a well-known country or rock act.

Dave Drazin, who’s among the Chris And Heather event performers mentioned above, was a founding member of The Famous In The Future comedy group. FIF will present A Judy Christmas on the weekend of December 20 – 22 at The Den Theatre in Chicago. The parody of vintage TV holiday specials is back for its third year, having sold out a major portion of its weekend shows in 2023 and 2022. Tickets ($22 – $25) are available via the Famous In The Future website. Full disclosure: Like Dave, I was once a member of Famous In The Future.

Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol, currently running at the Studebaker Theater / Fine Arts Building, also offers an adventurous take on a holiday favorite. The plot concerns a widow attempting to carry on her husband’s annual Christmas Carol puppet show, but getting caught up in her own interpretation. The production involves “handmade puppets, immersive sound design, and live music.”

New Zealand masters of melodies and complicated subject matter The Chills will travel back in time for Spring Board: The Early Unrecorded Songs. Scheduled to release on February 25, it’s currently available to pre-order as a download or gold vinyl double LP via The Chills Bandcamp page. Check out the one-song preview “If This World Was Made For Me” and you’ll be hooked.

Fans of The English Beat will no doubt be treated to several irresistible ska songs when the veteran UK band performs at Chicago City Winery this Sunday and Monday nights.Tickets are also on sale for the EXTC - Terry Chambers And Friends show at City Winery Chicago on May 1, 2025. Chambers was the longtime drummer for the critically acclaimed and believe English band XTC.

Vocalist Kate Fagan’s long career on the Chicago alt rock scene started with BB Spin although she’s better known for fronting the ska band Heavy Manners. She also recorded the popular single “I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool.” She’s still active these days, as demonstrated by her latest release “2 Good 2 B True.” Co-written by Fagan and guitarist Jeremy Joyce, the song sets reflections on a romance gone sour to an engaging, mid-tempo arrangement.

The Toronto-based co-ed quintet Alvvays has released a 10th anniversary edition of its self-titled debut on Cerulean in Cloudy Clear vinyl that includes the previously unreleased track “Underneath Us.” The album also includes a poster print of hand drawn art by Canadian musician/artist Chad VanGaalen.

Sons Of The Silent Age, Chicago’s impressive David Bowie tribute band, have a Celebrating 50 Years Of David Bowie’s Young Americans And More show coming to Metro on January 11, 2025. Critically acclaimed actor Michael Shannon, who frequently shares a bill with Sons Of The Silent Age, will perform that night as John Lennon. Tickets are now on sale. Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark Street.

The Lost Record, a collection of songs Susanna Hoffs recorded with Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s in her garage back in 1999, is now available on Bandcamp, Amazon, and other streaming sites. (Musicians Bill Bottrell, Brian MacLeod, and Dan Schwartz also contributed to the 10 tracks.)

Author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike’s book Eternal Flame - The Authorized Biography Of The Bangles, which is due out in February 2025, is now available for pre-order on various sites.

Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich will offer live music by the Face N Time band on December 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

The Mekons recently released a new song titled “You’re Not Singing Anymore” and they have an extensive tour coming in 2025 that will include performances at the Square Roots Festival in Chicago and at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL.

Wisconsin-based Americana rockers The BoDeans have upcoming gigs at The Ames Center in Minneapolis, MN on December 26 and at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on December 28.

Former Chicago area and now Greenville, SC musician Chris Cerasoli has found success this past year with a pair of melodic, indie rock singles he released as The chrisVandalay Project. His most recent “Your Favorite War” is included on the multi-track Caverns of Gold compilation, which benefits Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Other artists involved include Left Over Salmon: R.E.M.; North Mississippi Allstars; Luscious Jackson; The Mekons; BoDeans; and The Feelies. The chrisVandalay Project’ early release was “Better Than Before.” Both The chrisVandalay Project songs are available on various streaming sites.

The Bad Examples will return to Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights Saturday, January 4. Lead vocalist-guitarist Ralph Covert has a knack for composing clever, catchy songs that often remind people of Squeeze.

Slumgullion

Photo from the R.E.M. official Facebook page.

Happy Birthday to R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. I was hooked on this band from the first time I heard “Wolves, Lower” from its Chronic Town EP on the Chicago radio station WXRT back in 1982. Buck has kept busy since R.E.M. broke up, performing with a variety of interesting new bands and projects.

Just a reminder there are few hours left in this month’s Bandcamp Friday. That’s when Bandcamp waives its revenue and passes the funds directly on to artists and labels. Combine your holiday gift giving with supporting musicians. Bandcamp also has its own merch for sale; I bought a t-shirt from them a while back.

Pure Soul will present a Soul Brunch Christmas Spectacular featuring vocalist Meagan McNeal at City Winery Chicago at noon this Sunday. The show will feature chestnuts such as Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” and The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.” A week later, Phil Angotti and Friends (John San Juan, Carolyn Engelmann, Tom Ryan, and Blair Holmes for this event) will present a Christmas Beatles Brunch at City Winery Chicago at noon.

Graham Nash has announced he’ll follow his USA spring tour next year with a series of concerts across Europe in the fall. Tickets for the UK stops on that tour, including Liverpool, London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, went on sale earlier today. I can’t help hoping Nash with check in with his former mates in The Hollies, at least for some tea and sharing memories.

Social Act, a Chicago band that began releasing albums back in the mid-1980s, will showcase their new holiday single “XMAS” at a performance coming on December 13th at The Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. The show starts  at 7:30 PM and personnel from WZRD Radio will be on hand, celebrating the station’s 50th anniversary.

As noted on the Powerpopalooza Facebook page, the The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party by various artists is now available on the Futureman Records Bandcamp site. The 25-track effort draws from the three Hi-Fi Christmas Party CDs that were released on the indie Vandalay label in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The artists on this new Best release include The Jellybricks; Andrea Perry; Don Dixon; Phil Angotti; Jeremy; The Bradburys; Jigsaw Seen; The Elvis Brothers, Grip Weeds; Husky Team; and The Spongetones. 100% of the proceeds from The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party are being donated to the Versiti Blood Research Institute (formerly The Blood Center) in Milwaukee, WI.

The always authentic and impressive tribute band Tributosaurus will hold The Christmas Spectacular on December 21 at SPACE in Evanston.

It’s still a gift even if it’s not seasonal. Aussie musician Joe Algeri has been sending people around the globe a new song each December for 24 years. Often, they take an off-kilter view of the holiday season, but this year’s free download “Are You Ever Coming Back” is a guitar-driven garage rocker about a busted relationship. Algeri is joined by his usual international crew of  bassist-backup vocalist Herb Eimerman, drummer Stefan Johansson, lead guitarist Lars Brussel, and lead guitarist Andy J. Prinllila. “This year, we’ve all got fuzz pedals and bowl haircuts,” Algeri explains on his Bandcamp page. “Just think of it as a gift in time for the holiday season.” Thanks, Joe.

Congratulations and best wishes to my nephew/godson Chef Joe Flamm on the December 12 debut of his new restaurant il Carciofo in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. Reservations are now available for those looking to experience cuisine inspired by restaurants and markets of Rome. Joe has already found success with his first venue Rose Mary, and was the winner of the 15th season of the Bravo channel’s Top Chef.

Jack White will start his massive 2025 Canada/USA/Japan No Name Tour on February 6 in Toronto, and he’ll have dates at The Salt Shed in Chicago on April 10 and 11.

Andrew Robert Palmer, who has released solo albums as ARP! and with his sister Becca Palmer as the Chicago alt rock duo Mother Z’s, has a new solo EP titled Letters to the Moon coming out on January 13. The four-track effort (two power pop/two acoustic) will be available on his Bandcamp page. In the meantime, you can check out the previous releases he’s posted there.

NRBQ has six east coast performances coming up, starting with The Warehouse FTC in Fairfield, CT on December 11. The other stops are in Norfolk, CT; Fall River, MA; Shirley, MA; New York, NY; and Northampton, MA.

Chicago area glam rockers The Artist Formally Known As Vince, or TAFKAVince as they’re more commonly known, have just released “a new homemade low budget video” for their hard-hitting and adventurous song “A Problematic Opera.”

Fans of the adventurous prog rock UK label Fruits de Mer Records regularly releases should check out the 53-minute Custard Flux - Live at the 20th Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival that’s now available on Bandcamp. The festival is a yearly event in Cardigan,Wales created by Fruits de Mer; hosted by the Sendelica band and the Cellar Bar; and sponsored by Record Collector magazine. Custard Flux is a Yank band that makes the trek overseas, and this new effort features songs such as “Burning In The Sun,” “Transmutation,” and “Right Now Here In Time.” All for just $10.

Lee Ketch from the Chicago-based indie rock band Mooner has just released more solo material on his Bandcamp page. This time out, he covers a pair of songs originally recorded by one of his favorite groups, Office Culture. “A Word” and “Was I Cruel” are engaging, acoustic-based ballads. Proceeds will be donated to Nourishing Hope Food Pantry, Chicago, IL. Ketch has a gig coming up at Constellation on January 9.

The Fest For Beatles Fans 2025 NY Metro Fest will take place at The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on March 28 – 30, and special guests will include Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Colin Hanton from The Quarrymen. Performers on the Apple Jam Stage will include Phil Angotti from Chicago. Congratulations to Phil on his first time being invited out to the Big Apple Fest.

The Spindles will perform at the Des Plaines Theatre’s on December 17 as part of the venue’s new Indie Rock Night series. The Arcada in St. Charles, IL will also have Indie Rock nights.

Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve have a 15-date In Concert Tour USA 2025 kicking off on February 19 in Easton, PA. The tour wraps up in Chicago on March 11, 12, and 14. Those three shows at the Park West will features Costello and Nieve joined by a full band.

There will be a triple bill of Van Go, The Second Summer, and Dam Destroyers (formerly The Red Wigglers) on December 14 at The Gallery on December 14. Admission is free. All three acts have performed at International Pop Overthrow - Chicago.

Chicago: Home Of House, an exhibit honoring the city’s pivotal role in the widespread success of house music, has been extended on Navy Pier through December 15. Admission is free.

Weekend Reminders

Recently, Thursday posts have focused on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention.

Legendary rhythm and blues vocalist Mavis Staples has an 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration coming up tomorrow at The Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. The event is part of radio station WXRT's 93XRT Fall Jam Series, and will feature special guest sets by Jackson Browne and Margo Price. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lin Brehmer Scholar Fund.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams occasionally likes to record other people’s material, hence her Lu’s Jukebox series of releases. Vol. 7 is Lucinda Williams Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road, which comes out tomorrow.

The always authentic and impressive tribute band Tributosaurus will become David Bowie tonight and tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Pravda Records has a 40th Anniversary Showcase and Whiskey Rye Release event coming up this Saturday at the Judson & Moore venue. Pravda label mates Steve Dawson and The Handcuffs will share a bill that kicks off at 8:00 pm. Judson & Moore is located at 3057 N. Rockwell in Chicago.

Fans of Sunshine Boys will have an opportunity to hear impressive songs such as “Infinity Girl,” “Schoolyard Bully,” “Only A Million Miles” and “Questions” live again this Saturday night at the FitzGerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn, IL. The trio, with Chicago music scene veteran drummer Gerald Dowd now joining vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin and bassist-backup vocalist Jacqueline Schimmel, are back in action.

Singer-guitarist Mike Cohen will perform selections from The Great American Songbook this Saturday at the Chicago Prime Italian restaurant in  Schaumburg, IL. The crooning starts at 6:00 pm in the lounge.

Singer-guitarist Joe Di Zillo, whose recent album Bringing It Back earned praise here on BHT for its catchy, energetic arrangements and clever lyrics, has a free, all-ages show tomorrow at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie.

The 1st Annual South Loop Neighbors Holiday Walk will take place in Printers Row (Dearborn and Clark streets just south of Ida B. Wells Drive) tomorrow from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The flyer I picked up in Sandmeyer’s Bookstore today promises holiday decorations and special offers from local businesses. Admission is free.

Incoming

Graham Nash has announced he’ll follow his USA spring tour next year with a series of concerts across Europe in the fall. Tickets for the UK stops on that tour, including Liverpool, London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, go on sale this Friday. I can’t help hoping Nash will check in with his former mates in The Hollies, at least for some tea and sharing memories.

As noted on the Powerpopalooza Facebook page, the The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party by various artists is now available on the Futureman Records Bandcamp site. The 25-track effort draws from the three Hi-Fi Christmas Party CDs that were released on the indie Vandalay label in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The artists on this new Best release include The Jellybricks; Andrea Perry; Don Dixon; Phil Angotti; Jeremy; The Bradburys; Jigsaw Seen; The Elvis Brothers, Grip Weeds; Husky Team; and The Spongetones. 100% of the proceeds from The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party are being donated to the Versiti Blood Research Institute (formerly The Blood Center) in Milwaukee, WI.

Joel Paterson’s Hi-Fi Christmas (no relation to the above-mentioned compilation) will take place at 6:00 pm this Sunday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. Patterson is well known on the Chicago music scene for his expertise in performing jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing instrumentals. 

It’s still a gift even if it’s not seasonal. Aussie musician Joe Algeri has been sending people around the globe a new song each December for 24 years. Often, they take an unusual view of the holiday season, but this year’s free download “Are You Ever Coming Back” is a guitar-driven garage rocker about a busted relationship. Algeri is joined by his international crew of bassist-backup vocalist Herb Eimerman, drummer Stefan Johansson, lead guitarist Lars Brussel, and lead guitarist Andy J. Prinllila. “This year, we’ve all got fuzz pedals and bowl haircuts,” Algeri explains on his Bandcamp page.  “Just think of it as a gift in time for the holiday season.” Thanks again, Joe.

Don’t worry, you won’t smell like Wild Horses. The Rolling Stones are introducing RS No. 9 Eau De Parfum, which is designed to transport the wearer back to “London’s Soho in 1962 as a group of young men step on stage at the legendary Marquee Club and begin their journey to superstardom.” 

Since my wife Pam and I visit Long Grove, IL on a weekly basis, I was happy to see reporter Erica Thompson’s article in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times concerning the number of movies being filmed there. Mostly ones like the currently released Once Upon A Christmas Wish with Mario Lopez, that have holiday themes. We’ve talked to merchants in town, particularly at the Blu Fig and Long Grove Coffee cafes, and hear how much they appreciate the attention these films are bringing. It’s also nice to see retailers returning to Long Grove, joining the cafes and restaurants. 

Incoming

Happy Birthday to vocalist-guitarist Jeff Murphy of Shoes, one of the earliest and still one of the best power pop bands around. My only cover story for the Illinois Entertainer was based on an interview with Jeff, his brother John, and Gary Klebe at their Short Order Recorder Studio is Zion, IL and a nearby restaurant. These guys were incredibly friendly, honest, and informative about their music.

Social Act, which might have been the first band I interviewed for the Illinois Entertainer back in the 1980s, have a rare live performance coming up on December 13th at the Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. As noted in a recent Facebook post by music scene veteran Ellis Clark “I’ll be back in saddle again singing lead vocals with my original band.” Social Act’s performance will kick off at 7:30 PM and include the band’s new Christmas single “XMAS.” Personnel from WZRD Radio will be on hand, celebrating the station’s 50th anniversary.

Fans of Sunshine Boys will have an opportunity to hear impressive songs such as “Infinity Girl,” “Schoolyard Bully,” “Only A Million Miles” and “Questions” live again this Saturday night at the FitzGerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn, IL. The trio, with Chicago music scene veteran drummer Gerald Dowd now joining vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin and bassist-backup vocalist Jacqueline Schimmel, are back in action.

Things That Fly is among the four acts scheduled to perform this Thursday night at Montrose Saloon. The Chicago-based indie rock band, led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, offered clever and catchy tunes such as “Lucky Ones” and “Crunch Went The Snow” on their 2023 self-titled EP. Thursday’s lineup will also feature the original jazz of Trio Bien; School Of Rock Andersonville Adult Band, and Alter. 

An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine featuring the critically acclaimed Americana band from Ohio, will take place at the Old Town School Of Folk Music this Thursday night.

Congratulations and best wishes to my nephew/godson Chef Joe Flamm on the December 12 debut of his new restaurant il Carciofo in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. Reservations are now available for those looking to experience cuisine inspired by the restaurants and markets of Rome. Joe has already found success with his first venue Rose Mary, and was the winner of the 15th season of the Bravo channel’s Top Chef.   

Saturday Slumgullion

Cheers, Mate.

Here’s another holiday idea for those who fancy a gift from the rock and roll world. The Kinks are offering a “brand new bespoke tea collection,” which means fans can buy loose leaf tea in decorative canisters inspired by the band’s songs. I chose the Victoria blend.

Some bands are much better at stocking their online shops than others. If you have a fan of The Beatles; The Who; The Rolling Stones; Tom Petty; The Kinks; The Zombies; or David Bowie on your gift list, you’ll find plenty to choose from. I’ll sprinkle in a few other gift ideas throughout this post.

Pravda Records has a 40th Anniversary Showcase and Whiskey Rye Release event coming up on December 7 at the Judson & Moore venue. Pravda label mates Steve Dawson and The Handcuffs will share a bill that kicks off at 8:00 pm. Judson & Moore is located at 3057 N. Rockwell in Chicago.

Jack White will start his massive 2025 Canada/USA/Japan No Name Tour on February 6 in Toronto, and he’ll have dates at The Salt Shed in Chicago on April 10 and 11. 

Legendary rhythm and blues vocalist Mavis Staples has an 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration coming up on December 6 at The Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. The event is part of the 93XRT Fall Jam Series, and will feature special guest sets by Jackson Browne and Margo Price.

NRBQ has six east coast performances coming up, starting with The Warehouse FTC in Fairfield, CT on December 11. The other stops are in Norfolk, CT; Fall River, MA; Shirley, MA; New York, NY; and Northampton, MA.

The always authentic and impressive tribute band Tributosaurus will become David Bowie on December 5 and 6 at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, and will hold The Christmas Spectacular on December 21 at SPACE in Evanston.

Subscriptions can also be a fun option for gift giving. I subscribe to MOJO, and order special editions of Shindig and Goldmine. Supporting local publications, such as The Reader in Chicago, is another creative option. Issues of Second Scene, the Pittsburgh-based based indie rock paper, can be purchased on its Bandcamp page.

An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine featuring the critically acclaimed Americana band from Ohio will take place at the Old Town School Of Folk Music on December 5.

Chicago area glam rockers The Artist Formally Known As Vince, or TAFKAVince as they’re more commonly known, have just released “a new homemade low budget video” for their hard-hitting and adventurous song “A Problematic Opera.”

Singer-guitarist Joe Di Zillo, whose recent album Bringing It Back earned praise here on BHT for its catchy, energetic arrangements and clever lyrics, has a free, all-ages show coming up on December 6 at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie.

Fans of the adventurous prog rock UK label Fruits de Mer Records regularly releases should check out the 53-minute Custard Flux - Live at the 20th Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival that’s now available on Bandcamp. The festival is a yearly event in Cardigan,Wales created by Fruits de Mer; hosted by the Sendelica band and the Cellar Bar; and sponsored by Record Collector magazine. Custard Flux is a Yank band that makes the trek overseas, and this new effort features songs such as “Burning In The Sun,” “Transmutation,” and “Right Now Here In Time.” All for just $10.

Andrew Robert Palmer, who has released solo albums as ARP! and with his sister Becca Palmer as the Chicago alt rock duo Mother Z’s, has a new solo EP titled Letters to the Moon coming out on January 13. The four-track effort (two power pop/two acoustic) will be available on his Bandcamp page. In the meantime, you can check out the previous releases he’s posted there.

The Fest For Beatles Fans 2025 NY Metro Fest will take place at The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on March 28 – 30, and special guests will include Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Colin Hanton from The Quarrymen. Performers on the Apple Jam Stage will include Phil Angotti from Chicago. Congratulations to Phil on his first time being invited out to the Big Apple Fest.

Lee Ketch from the Chicago-based indie rock band Mooner has just released more solo material on his Bandcamp page. This time out, he covers a pair of songs originally recorded by one of his favorite groups, Office Culture. “A Word” and “Was I Cruel” are engaging, acoustic-based ballads. Proceeds will be donated to Nourishing Hope Food Pantry, Chicago, IL.Ketch has a gig coming up at Constellation on January 9.

So, how about some reading material for that special person this holiday? Trouser Press Books offers The Best Of Trouser Press Magazine - 1974 – 1984; This Ain’t No Disco, which captures the unbridled atmosphere of New York’s CBGB rock club; and Marquee, a look at one of swinging London’s most famous clubs. Other options include Neko Case's new memoir The Harder I Fight the More I Love You; music industry veteran Dean Brownrout’s No Big Deal; journalist/public relations specialist Cary Baker’s Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music; The Flip Side: Where Chicago Rocked, which delves into the history of the retail chain; and Mark Guarino's Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival.

Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve have a 15-date In Concert Tour USA 2025 kicking off on February 19 in Easton, PA. The tour wraps up in Chicago on March 11, 12, and 14. Those three shows at the Park West will features Costello and Nieve joined by a full band.

There will be a triple bill of Van Go, The Second Summer, and Dam Destroyers (formerly The Red Wigglers) on December 14 at The Gallery on December 14. Admission is free. All three acts have performed at International Pop Overthrow - Chicago.

Former Chicago area and now Greenville, SC musician Chris Cerasoli has found success this past year with a pair of melodic, indie rock singles he released as The chrisVandalay Project. His most recent, “Your Favorite War,” is included on the multi-track Caverns of Gold compilation, which benefits Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Other artists involved include Left Over Salmon: R.E.M.; North Mississippi Allstars; Luscious Jackson; The Mekons; BoDeans; and The Feelies. The chrisVandalay Project’ earlier release was “Better Than Before.” Both The chrisVandalay Project songs are available on various streaming sites.

The Mekons recently released a new song titled “You’re Not Singing Anymore” and they have an extensive tour coming in 2025 that will include performances at the Square Roots Festival in Chicago and at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL.

Chicago guitarist-vocalist Dag Juhlin The Slugs, Sunshine Boys, EXPO ’76, Sonic45, etc, now has Bandcamp page that’s dedicated to his solo recordings. The 27-track situations digital album is described as, “written, performed and recorded by Dag Juhlin.” The other six digital albums on Juhlin’s Bandcamp page are pretty much just him, with an occasional musician helping out.

The Toronto-based co-ed quintet Alvvays has released a 10th anniversary edition of its self-titled debut on Cerulean in Cloudy Clear vinyl that includes the previously unreleased track “Underneath Us.” The album also includes a poster print of hand drawn art by Canadian musician/artist Chad VanGaalen.

Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich, IL will offer live music by the Face N Time band on December 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Shindig, the British magazine that does a fab job looking back at everything people loved about the 1960s (or would have loved if they had lived through them) has another Montage Collector’s Edition issue on the way. This one’s titled The American Psychedelic Explosion 1965 – 71, and offers a 128-page “carefully curated collection of articles originally published between 2010-2017.”

Chicago: Home Of House, an exhibit honoring the city’s pivotal role in the widespread success of house music, has been extended on Navy Pier through December 15. Admission is free.

The Spindles will perform at the Des Plaines Theatre’s on December 17 as part of the venue’s new Indie Rock Night series. The Arcada in St. Charles, IL will also have Indie Rock nights.

Vocalist Kate Fagan’s long career on the Chicago alt rock scene started with BB Spin although she’s better known for fronting the ska band Heavy Manners. She also recorded the popular single “I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool.” She’s still active these days, as demonstrated by her latest release “2 Good 2 B True.” Co-written by Fagan and guitarist Jeremy Joyce, the song sets reflections on a romance gone sour to an engaging, mid-tempo arrangement.

Weekend Reminders

Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating here in the United States. 

Recently, Thursday posts have focused on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention.

Ratboys, the Chicago-based indie rock band whose 2023 album The Window made quite an impression, will wrap up a busy November tour with a show tomorrow night in their hometown at Thalia Hall. Ducks Ltd., another local act with an impressive album (Harm's Way), will also be on hand. Ratboys and Ducks Ltd. have collaborated on a few songs in the studio. There’s a low ticket alert for this show.

Black Friday Record Store Day is tomorrow, and it’s always best to get to your favorite record store early since those limited-edition vinyl treasures go quickly. The list can be found on the official RSD website, and as usual, there’s something to please fans of just about every genre.

Also, the holiday shopping season has now officially begun. So, keep an eye out for special deals on various retail sites, as well as the websites of your favorite music acts and other creative types.

Phil Angotti and Friends (Casey McDonough, Tom Ryan, and Tony Richards this time out) will continue their Beatles Brunch series at City Winery Chicago with a special acoustic performance of Beatles hits songs this Saturday at noon.

Guitarist Muriel Anderson will stage her annual Thanksgiving weekend benefit concert at the First Congregational UCC of Downers Grove (1047 Curtiss St.) this Saturday at 8:00 pm. Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen from Dolly Varden will be her special guests. The event will benefit the Music for Life Alliance.

Lincoln Hall on Chicago’s north side will present a triple bill with renowned acid jazz band Liquid Soul as the headlining act this Saturday. Joe Marcinek’s Dead Soul Summit, which includes Howard Levy, Sharay Reed, Calvin Rodgers, and John Hanrahan; and The Tracy Silverman Project featuring Roy “Futureman” Wooten are also on the bill. The entertainment starts at 8:00 pm, and a recent Liquid Soul Facebook post promises “Lots of cool special guests.”

The BoDeans annual holiday shows at City Winery Chicago kicks off tomorrow night and will run through the weekend. The Wisconsin-based Americana rockers also have upcoming gigs at The Ames Center in Minneapolis, MN on December 26 and at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on December 28.

Reggie's Music Joint, at 2109 S. State Street in Chicago, is presenting a triple bill of Black Cat Heart Attack, Phil Yates and The Affiliates; and Sonny Veneer (with Scott Niekelski from Go Time! filling in on bass) tomorrow night. The doors open at 7:30 pm.