Slumgullion #81

Randee St. Nicholas photo of Heart in the studio from Heart’s Facebook page.

In Your Heart, You Know I’m Right. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame doesn’t give out those ‘I Voted’ stickers like you get in political elections, but if they did, I’d have one on right now. I went to the RRHOF website, where people can enter their choices for which five of the 2012 Nominees should be inducted. The full list is as follows: Beastie Boys, The Cure, Donovan, Eric B. & Rakim, Guns N’ Roses, Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Freddie King, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rufus With Chaka Khan, The Small Faces/The Faces, The Spinners, Donna Summer, and War.

As in previous years, people are taking to Facebook to lament overlooked artists, like Lou Reed, The Zombies, Cheap Trick, The Smithereens, Rush, Black Sabbath, The Buzzcocks, and The Moody Blues. You could make a solid case for any of the above, and as a power pop/1960s fanatic, I’d particularly recommend Cheap Trick, The Smithereens, and The Zombies. I won’t disparage any of this year’s nominees, which has also become an annual tradition.

Last year, I did a sort of American Idol thing and picked one favorite to be among the five chosen. For 2012, I’m going with Heart. Ann and Nancy Wilson blasted open doors for women in rock back in the mid-1970s, still kick butt in live performances, and released a strong new CD in Red Velvet Car. Last year, I picked Donovan as my RRHOF Idol. Not that it did him much good. But I think Heart has a great chance for 2012. And hopefully, Donovan as well.

I’m not sure if the popular vote on the website actually counts in the final decision. But if it does, Red Hot Chili Peppers, with 19.28% (as opposed to Nyro’s 0.87%), are a safe bet to be inducted. The Cure come next with 17.19%, while Heart is in fourth place at 9.68%.

Poi Dog Palatine. Durty Nellie’s kicks off October with a high energy show by the critically acclaimed, multi-cultural Poi Dog Pondering tomorrow night. The acoustic-based but kind of scary quartet The Damn Choir will be the opening act. Doors open at 8:00 PM, shows starts at 9:00 PM.

Transylvania’s Got Talent. And here’s some more fun you can have in my town. Having already successfully collaborated on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Theatre Nebula and Music On Stage are now joining forces to bring the Midwest Premiere of Dracula: The Musical to Palatine’s Cutting Hall.

The show, which features music by Frank Wildhorn, transplants the famous vampire to England, where he’s soon up to his usual hijinx. Don Black and Christopher Hampton wrote the lyrics and book, based on Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Dracula: The Musical runs from October 7th through November 6th, with shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

But All Good. The Second Disc, one of the best websites for keeping abreast of upcoming re-released material, reported in its September 26th online newsletter that R.E.M. has a pretty impressive compilation coming out on November 15th. The self-effacedly titled, Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage is a two-disc set that will cover the band’s entire career, and offer three new songs.

Old Man Take A Look At My Life. I’ll be portraying Fritz Willoughby, the cranky host of Old Days, this Sunday when the Internet show Sunday Morning Coffee With Jeff kicks off its fourth season. Host Jeff Kelley promises some interesting surprises.

As The Raven Walks. Occasional Sunday Morning Coffee With Jeff contributor and comic artist Dave Metzger will be one of the more than 200 artists taking part in the 10th Annual Ravenswood ArtWalk this weekend. Forty studios will be welcoming the public, and there will be live music, film screenings, food and Goose Island beer. Hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday, and 11:00AM to 6:00 PM Sunday. There is no admission charge.

Dolly Solo At Simon's. Singer-guitarist Steve Dawson, who fronts the alt rock/C&W outfit Dolly Varden with his wife Diane Christiansen, and has released some critically acclaimed solo recordings, will be performing at Simon’s Tavern on Chicago’s north side this Sunday night, October 2nd. Christiansen will be on hand to help out on vocals and guitar, along with musicians Jason Adasiewicz on accordion, Jason Roebke on bass, and Frank Rosaly on drums.