What I Like About The Upcoming Concert Scene In Chicago

The new Illinois Entertainer features Tom Lanham’s cover story on The Dum Dum Girls. His interview with Dee Dee Penny (AKA Kristin Welchez), the band’s not-so-dumb singer-guitarist covers her recent trouble with vocal-cord nodes and how she channels real life tragedies into her music. The Dum Dum Girls have sold out their March 31st gig at The Empty Bottle in Chicago. Lanham also has a piece on new wave singer Gary Numan, who performs at Metro on March 29th. Rick Kaempfer’s Media column offers a profile of WXRT’s morning news anchor Mary Dixon, who talks about her longtime friendly bond with morning DJ Lin Brehmer.

The March issue also includes my review of Too True, the new CD from The Dum Dum Girls, as well as my take on the Radio Ready: Wisconsin - Lost Power Pop Hits 1979-1982 various artists compilation.

A full-page ad for The Arcada in St. Charles heralds a number of upcoming concerts of interest to fans of vintage rock and roll or power pop. Some of these dates have been previously mentioned here on BHT, but they’re worth noting again: The Orchestra, featuring members of ELO, on March 16th; California Dreaming, a tribute featuring songs by The Beach Boys, The Mamas And The Papas, The Byrds, Crosby, Stills And Nash, and others, on April 1st; Paul Revere And The Raiders on April 13th; Mickey Dolenz and The Cowsills on May 3rd; Alan Parsons on May 11th; Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, with guests Jay And The Americans, on May 30th; The Yardbirds and Vanilla Fudge on June 27th; and Johhny Rivers on September 12th.

But October 10th is the date that really stands out on the Arcada ad. That’s when The Romantics (featuring Chicago’s own Brad Elvis on drums), The Smithereens, Tommy Tutone, and Marshall Crenshaw will all be on the same bill. This is great news for Chicagoans who have been insanely jealous of L.A. for its recent Wild Honey Revolver And Abbey Road all-star benefit, and New York, for its upcoming Brooklyn Power Pop Fest. It might even be a good idea to book a hotel and just stay in St. Charles overnight. The Arcada is located at 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles.