Slumgullion

There will be an evening of well-crafted power pop tomorrow night, November 7, when Van Go and Valley Downs perform at The Gallery Cabaret on Chicago's north side. I've praised both of these bands a number of times here at Broken Hearted Toy for their performances and CDs. The Facebook page for this event is called Fare Thee Well and hints that it might be the last time these two acts share a double bill.

The Mets may have lost the World Series but at least New Yorkers have International Pop Overthrow, which runs through Sunday at Bar Matchless. Dave Rave and the Lannie Flowers Band are among the acts scheduled for tomorrow night, and the festival goes out with a bang on Sunday, with Mark Crozer and The Rels, The Weeklings, and The Anderson Council.

Speaking of The Mets, Curtis Granderson, one of their more popular players and a native Chicagoan, is working with the Mariano's grocery chain to raise funds for the Greater Chicago Food Depository with the third annual Grand Giving Fundraiser.

Chicago's best-known tribute band Tributosaurus will be performing Murmur + R.E.M.'s greatest hits next Friday, November 13, at Metro on Clark Street as part of the venue's 33 1/3 Anniversary celebration. It should be interesting to hear how Tributosaurus handles the lyrics. It's likely even Michael Stipe didn't know what he was singing back in those early days. The 18 and older show kicks off at 8:00 PM.  

The list of vinyl treasures that will be available on Black Friday Record Store Day 2015 includes a live LP from The B-52's; a Garbage 20th Anniversary double album; a seven-inch "Sedona"single from Houndmouth with a cover of "Runaround Sue" on the B-Side; a Super Deluxe Gatefold edition of The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions; a pair of vintage seven-inch EPs from The Kinks; a 10-inch single of Spoon covering The Cramps' "TV Set," and The BBC Sessions double LP from The Zombies.

Hello, it's Todd Rundgren's Fundraiser. Todd Rundgren is looking to raise money for his Spirit Of Harmony Foundation with an online auction of some cool stuff. Fans can bid on a Beatles Shea Stadium jacket autographed by Rundgren; a Joan Jett Barbie doll in its original packaging; an original Hermit Of Mink Hollow store display; Utopia band member Kasim Sulton's black leather pants; and other items. The online auction runs through November 14.

Hard to say what color pants he'll be wearing, but Kasim Sulton will be performing with Ellis Clark (Epicycle, Social Act) at The Abbey Pub on Chicago's northwest side this Sunday night at 7:00 PM. Admission is $16.
 
Musician/artist Graham Elvis (The Elvis Brothers, Sgt. Popgrass) continues to make progress after his recent surgery. He's back home recuperating, according to updates posted by him and his wife on Facebook. Keep those good thoughts coming his way.

Milwaukee-based power pop masters Trolley have announced January 12, 2016 as the release date for their next CD Caught In The Darkness. I hope Little Steven Van Zandt has been notified. He certainly dug their last effort, and featured it on his Underground Garage syndicated radio show. 

Action And Heroes, the latest effort from Three Hour Tour, is now available. The band is lead by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Darren Cooper, and features Brad Elvis and John L. Richardson on drums, and Adam Schmitt on keyboards. I'll be posting a review of Action And Heroes in the near future.