Slumgullion

We had a super moon earlier this week and as always when there’s something going on with moon, my mind immediately goes to Off Broadway’s “Full Moon Turn My Head Around.” It’s from the Chicago band’s 1979 debut On, which is still considered a landmark album among power pop fans. Lead vocalist and chief songwriter Cliff Johnson often moved beyond the standard boy wants girl lyrics of power pop in favor of something more unusual and fun. Johnson will be performing the entire On album with The Raine at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn tomorrow night. Over the past few years, the guys in The Raine have proved to be a perfect match for Johnson’s catchy and energetic material. The Jay Geoppner Band, which performs an eclectic variety of classic rock, is also on the bill. The music starts at 8:30.

The Vulgar Boatmen, an Indianapolis-based band that has built a loyal following around the songwriting duo of Robert Ray and Dale Lawrence, is performing at Schubas on Southport tomorrow night. Their impressive 1989 debut You And Your Sister returned in a 25th Anniversary remastered edition in 2016 and featured classic indie rock songs like “Change The World Around” and “Drink More Coffee.” The coed alt rock duo KaiserCartel will be opening with songs that emphasize harmonies and strong melodies.

Bev Bevan of The Move and Electric Light Orchestra fame, is currently playing drums and co-writing with the band Quill. The work reunites him with former ELO Part 2 mate Phil Bates. The Quill Riding Rainbows tour kicks off on March 2 in the UK.

International Pop Overthrow has entered into a partnership with indie label Omnivore Recordings, according to a Facebook post from IPO honcho David Bash. Omnivore will release the IPO Volume 21 CD ater this year. Volumes three through 20 were released on Bruce Brodeen’s Not Lame label. Brodeen announced in 2017 that he was leaving the business.

The 11th Annual Ian’s Party snagged a cover story in this week’s edition of The Reader and a mention in the Chicago Tribune. Two venues—Subterranean and Chop House—are hosting year’s event today, tomorrow and Sunday, with 69 bands scheduled to perform. The lineup includes beastii, Mother Nature, The Brokedown, and Montrose Man. Links to all the bands can be found on the Ian’s Party website. Ticket prices ranging from $10 to $30.

Congratulations to my nephew Joe Flamm for making it through another week on Bravo’s Top Chef program.

The Chicago-based David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age has a show called The Berlin Years at Metro tomorrow night. With help from acclaimed actor Michael Shannon, they’ll perform Bowie’s Low, Heroes, and Lodger albums.

WXRT is holding its annual Listener Poll Gala on January 23 at City Winery Chicago. Tributosaurus will once again be providing live music, and the station’s DJs will announce listeners’ most-loved concerts, albums, local artists, etc. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. Those interested in attending can enter for a chance to win tickets on WXRT’s official website.

Band Called Catch celebrates its 10th anniversary with a show next Saturday, January 13 at Martyrs’. Past members are scheduled to join the party. The show will be preceded by sets from Laura Glyda, Buffalo Rose, and Todd Kessler.

Singer-guitarist John Petitt, formerly with the rock trio This Is This, is now performing with Big Brother’s Vinyl. The band plays songs from the 1960s and 1970s, and as Petitt explained, “Much of our repertoire is off road of Top 40 radio.” Big Brother’s Vinyl has a gig coming up next Saturday, January 13 at the Arlington Ale House (third floor) in Arlington Heights. The opening act that night Lizzy Petitt (John’s daughter, and a former member of Serendipity) and the Bandwagon plays a mix of 1960s and contemporary rock. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.