Slumgullion

Photo from Rich Cotovsky’s Facebook page.

At this point, it’s too late to catch tonight’s performance of The Little Mermaid by the Illinois Youth Dance Theatre at the Lake Zurich Performing Arts Center. But there are a pair of shows tomorrow afternoon, at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Alt rock/avant garde band Whitewolfsonicprincess has a “Western” theme in mind for the two sets it will be performing at the UnderGround Bar (710 N. Clark Street) tomorrow night. Mosey on over around 9:00 PM. 

Congratulations are in order for the Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rich Cotovsky. As reported by theatre critic Chris Jones in this past Wednesday's edition of the Chicago Tribune, Cotovsky, who has been with the cutting-edge storefront company from the very start, will receive a special Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) Award this year. Having performed with the Famous In The Future comedy group at the Mary-Arrchie's annual Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins festival for 20 years, I’ve developed an admiration for Cotovsky both as an actor and as an avid supporter of the local theatre scene. Plus, he’s very funny. Cotovsky will receive his award when The Jeff Awards are held at the Park West on June 3rd.

Alt rock/country band Dolly Varden has created an official video for vocalist-guitarist Steve Dawson’s autobiographical “Saskatchewan To Chicago.” The song is from Dolly Varden’s latest CD, For A While.

Metropolly, led by singer-guitarist Holly Senchak, will be one of six acts on the bill when Urban Gateways and New Arts Forum presents Rock For Arts at Reggie’s next Saturday night. Ovadya, American Musk Ox, Newburys, Sam Vicari and Lonesome Still will also be performing. The $25 admission price covers the music, Goose Island beer from 7 - 8:00 PM, and a buffet from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. Urband Gateways and New Arts Forum provide arts educations programs for children.

Young At Heart Pet Rescue is holding From Wags To Wishes, a benefit for homeless senior pets, on June 22nd at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. In addition to dinner and drinks, there will be a silent auction involving over 400 items. My wife Pam and I were highly impressed with Young At Heart when we adopted a nine-year old cat from them a while back.

Plastiscine Faux Pas? Fans of The Plastiscines have been pining for new material for years, but now that the three remaining members have posted “Coming To Get You” on YouTube, there's been a bit of a backlash.

“Damn it! This is awful!,” read one comment. “Where is THAT cool rock 'n' rolling?” A woman named Alex asked, “How was [it] that great music became Pop trash?” Another suggested, “I guess when [guitarist] Marine Neuilly quit the band she took the rock and roll with her.” Normally I'm not one to engage in piling on, but the disgruntled fans have a point. The really interesting aspect of The Plastiscines was how and why these young Parisian women became so adept at crafting authentic 1960s style garage rock. “Coming To get You,” by comparison, is an overtly commercial stab at current techno pop. Still, it’s only one song. Hopefully, the band will go back to rocking out on the next one.