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Photo from the Frisbie Facebook page.

He’s not a million miles away, he’s right here in Chicago. Peter Case, a founding member of The Nerves and The Plimsouls, is performing tonight in Szold Hall at The Old Town School Of Folk Music.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago wraps up its 2018 run at the Heartland Café Bar with showcases tonight, tomorrow afternoon, and tomorrow evening. Please see yesterday's post for more information.

Tickets went on sale today for My Bloody Valentine at The Riviera Theatre on July 27, and Garbage at that same venue on October 17. Other shows now on sale include Toots And The Maytals at Thalia Hall on August 8 and Simple Minds at Chicago Theatre on October 15. And Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to The Chicago Theatre on October 15.

The Buddy Holly Story kicks off a month-long run tonight at the American Blues Theater. Lili-Anne Brown directs the Alan Janes play; with music directed by Michael Mahler.

Chicago-based power pop band Frisbie will celebrate its 20th anniversary in style tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. The band has opened for Matthew Sweet, Big Star, Cheap Trick, and other big names on the power pop scene. Their first album The Subversive Sounds Of Love is still considered a classic of the genre. The Sunshine Boys haven’t celebrated their first anniversary yet, but their years of experience in other bands no doubt helped them create Blue Music, which is sure to be one of the best albums of 2018. They’re also on the bill at Martyrs’ tonight, as well as The Plutonians.

There will be a Van Go Concert! tomorrow night at Phyllis’ Musical Inn on Division Street. The Chicago-based band, which has a flair for energetic, catchy songs that frequently pack a satirical punch, will be showcasing its upcoming album. Deadly Bungalows and Trita, and are also on the bill tomorrow night.

Independent Bookstore Day, a national celebration of the cool and courageous retailers who still stock books, takes place tomorrow. Some stores will offer special events and snacks for patrons. The official website can tell where these magical places can be found in your area.

The Ides Of March will be at City Winery Chicago next Thursday; Suzanne Vega has shows coming up there next Saturday and Sunday, and Graham Parker with James Maddock, performs on May 10. Later at City Winery, The Cathy Richardson Band will be headline at a benefit for the Olivia Newton John Cancer Center. That event is on May 23.

The Breeders will be performing with special guests Melkbelly on May 8 at The Vic, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre will be at that same venue on May 11.

Issue number 6 of The Seen – Chicago’s International Journal of Contemporary and Modern Art is now available for free in newspaper boxes in the downtown Chicago area. Stephanie Cristello is Editor-In-Chief.

The more the merrier. 33 To Nothing, at least the fourth play based on rock and roll to be staged in Chicago during the past few months, runs through May 27 at A Red Orchid Theatre. Aaron Holland plays the lead vocalist of band that’s coming undone due to emotional struggles among its members. The Grant James Varjas play unfolds in real time in director Tyrone Phillips’ production.

Get your paws off my popcorn! There will be a Special Wednesday Night Screening of the original Planet Of The Apes at The Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge on May 16. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the film. Tickets for the Pickwick screening are $10/$8 Advance, and there will be prelude music provided by Jay Warren. Who is an ape. Just kidding about that last part.

Art Encounter, a nonprofit art education organization, is hosting an event to honor gallerist William Lieberman on Sunday, May 6 at the Evanston Women’s Club.

The weather outside is frightful, but one sure sign warmer temperatures are on the way is the annual festival guide in the RedEye free weekly newspaper. Each year, I rip out these pages and save them through the end of September. As usual, the latest version includes street fests, art fests, film fests, charity events, and concerts taking place around the Chicago area over the spring and summer. RedEye is available in boxes around downtown and northside neighborhoods.

Birdland, writer Simon Stephens’ musical about the chaotic life a rock and roll superstar, continues its run at Steep Theatre through May 12. Joel Reitsma has been getting a lot of praise from local critics for his work as the lead character. Jonathan Berry is the play’s director.

There will be an opening reception on May 12 for the Tony Fitzpatrick: The Secret Birds at the DePaul Art Museum. On May 23, Fitzpatrick will have a conversation with Chicago Tribune writer Rick Kogan from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

This Weekend At IPO

Photo from Jay Goeppner’s Facebook page.

International Pop Overthrow Chicago wraps up its 2018 run at the Heartland Café Bar with showcases this Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. You’ll find links to all of the acts on the official IPO website, although there are still a few TBAs. Once again, I’m more familiar with some of these acts than others, and if I had to pick a favorite, it would be The Jay Goeppner Band at 11:45 tomorrow night. Like his pal and sometime bandmate Phil Angotti, Goeppner lives and breathes the 1960s and chooses the best bands to cover. I’m assuming he’ll do some originals too.

Some other recommendations would be Michael Steven Cohen, who formed three very good bands—The Abbeys, Pop Dollys, The Everly Hillbillies—and is an engaging solo performer. He kicks things off at 2:00 pm. on Saturday. The always fun Mike Vanderbilt And The Suburban Garage Sound go on at 5:00 p.m. The Queue has gone through some personnel changes over the years, but founder Sean Michael Mulligan can always be counted on for a good show. The band goes on at 8:45 on Saturday. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club just keeps releasing one good album after another, and they were impressive at a Power Pop Shoppe Showcase I caught a while back.

Several IPO regulars will be on hand; including Waiflike, The Joy Poppers, The Cells, Freetoed, and Too Much Saturn. You’ll also find Jason Batchko, The Mixture, Blameless Lake, Gal Gun, and Young Distractions. At this point, the very last act of the fest is a mystery.

IPO Thursday Night Preview

There are three days and four showcases left for this year’s International Pop Overthrow - Chicago run at the Heartland Café Bar on the north side. It’s easy to get a preview all of the acts who’ll be performing because IPO Founder/CFO David Bash provides links to most of them on the official website. I’m more familiar with some of these acts than others, but here’s a quick rundown.

Thursday night’s showcase opens with singer-guitarist Josefina. Her evocative vocals are well suited for Americana and alt-country, plus she delves into funk and rock, all backed by a four-piece band. Power pop band The Spindles are veterans of this festival, and vocalist-guitarist Jeff Janulis is also a founding member (with Michael Steven Cohen) of IPO favorites The Abbeys. As demonstrated on their upcoming album, The Spindles are experts at spinning 1960s pop into appealing power pop music. In addition to catchy originals like the “Young Heart,” they impress with covers of The Hollies and The Elvis Brothers. Look for a review of that album here soon.

Thrift Store Halo recently returned from hiatus with a new album filled with radio-friendly alt rock songs. It’s a different approach from the power pop of their earliest efforts, but fans of catchy tunes with harmony vocals will be onboard. The new “Every Time With You”/”Concrete” CD single is also available to download on their website. If you go, ask Thrift Store Halo if you can have one of their very cool new buttons. Seven-piece band The Red Wigglers describe their unique sound as “indie rock with horns.” Led by vocalist Megan Tormey, these IPO veterans have a loyal following on the local music scene. Drew Neely And The Heroes feature singer-guitarist Neeley performing original rock and roll, backed by three other musicians.

A Planet Of RSD Fun And More IPO To Come

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago continues its 2018 run of multi-band showcases through this Saturday night at the Heartland Café Bar on the north side. A hectic schedule has kept me from providing as much support as I’d like to, but it’s still easy to get a preview of all of the acts who’ll be performing. The links IPO Founder/CFO David Bash provides on the official website often include a Bandcamp page.

Tonight’s five-act showcase gives us Larry O. Dean, a singer-songwriter with biting humor; power pop singer-guitarist Mark Watson and his band; rock and roll quartet Blind Trust; seven-piece rock and funk ensemble The King Of Mars; and indie rock quintet soft candy. Tomorrow, IPO has Phil Yates and The Affiliates; Tony Calderisi Band; Packy Lundholm Band; Claire and The Bears, and The Pickpockets.

Congratulations to Laurie’s Planet Of Sound Records on Lincoln Avenue for another festive Record Store Day bash this past Saturday. It has become a must-attend part of this annual celebration of vinyl. I arrived in time to catch the last half of Tommi Zender and Natalie Galey performing Joni Mitchell songs. “Help Me” from Mitchell’s Court And Spark album was a particular highlight.

Phil Angotti worked as a solo act, covering all the wry and catchy songs from the The Kinks’ Something Else album, as well as a bonus song the band originally released as a B-side of a single. The Census Takers remained appropriately anonymous behind masks as they paid homage to The Residents. The Handcuffs closed out the afternoon’s entertainment with a rousing mix of material from their three albums, brand new songs, and covers of Mott The Hoople, Dave Mason, Sweet and The Who.

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Photo from The Baseball Project’s Facebook page. 

This is my second post today. See the earlier one for information on Record Store Day, International Pop Overthrow, and All Things BBC!.

Depending on what time you read this, there might still be time to catch the Flirting With Disaster Neil Young Tribute at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn tonight. The always adventurous cover band EXPO ’76 will be performing in the Side Bar at FitzGerald’s.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago kicked off tonight and will run through next Saturday, April 28 at the Heartland Cafe Bar, with multiple band showcases each night.

Tomorrow will your last chance to check out A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Punchline, an exhibit on comics, at the Chicago Literary Alliance.

Tickets went on sale today for Baseball Project at SPACE in Evanston on August 4. Hopefully, by that time the Cubs and the White Sox will be sitting comfortably atop their respective divisions. Previous shows by the national pastime inspired all-star band have included Mike Mills and Peter Buck from R.E.M.; Scott McCaughey from Young Fresh Fellows and Minus 5; Steve Wynn from The Dream Syndicate; and drummer Linda Pitmon.

Tickets also went on sale for New Pornographers at Thalia Hall on June 21.

Marshall Crenshaw and The Bottle Rockets will be performing two shows at The Old Town School Of Folk Music tomorrow night; one at 5:00 p.m. and one ar 8:00 p.m. Next Friday, April 27, Peter Case of The Plimsouls and The Nerves, will playing Szold Hall at The Old Town School Of Folk Music.

There will be an opening reception on May 12 for the Tony Fitzpatrick: The Secret Birds exhibit at the DePaul Art Museum. On May 23, Fitzpatrick will have a conversation with Chicago Tribune writer Rick Kogan from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the museum.

The Chicago Toy Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles this Sunday for the first of its two events there in 2018. In addition to collectibles, action figures, Matchbox cars, and Star Wars treasures, the show also offers a fair amount rock and roll memorabilia.

The Buddy Holly Story kicks off a month-long run next Friday, April 27 at the American Blues Theater. Lili-Anne Brown will direct the Alan Janes play; with music directed by Michael Mahler.

Chicago-based power pop band Frisbie will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a gig at Martyrs next Saturday. The Sunshine Boys, who haven’t celebrated their first anniversary yet but have years of experience in various other bands, are also on the bill that night.

There will be a Van Go Concert! Event next Saturday at Phyllis’ Musical Inn on Irving Park Road. The Chicago-based band, which has a flair for energetic, catchy songs that frequently pack a satirical punch, will be showcasing its upcoming album. Deadly Bungalows, Trita, and Kosi and the Thomas Matecki Trio are also on the bill that night.

A Charlie’s Angels graphic novel series will make its debut in June. I wonder if the artists will break from the 1970s TV drama by actually drawing Charlie.

My nephew Joe Flamm, who won this past season’s Top Chef honors on the Bravo Channel, will be throwing out the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game this Sunday.

Record Store Day, IPO, BBC And Other Fun

Photo from The Handcuffs Facebook page.

It’s only fitting that one of the events I plan to attend tomorrow, April 21 is sponsored in part by the people who put together the annual Chicago TARDIS convention. There’s so much going tomorrow in Chicago, you’d need a TARDIS to get around to all of it. For those not familiar with Doctor Who terminology, a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) is the police box-shaped device The Doctor uses to travel around the universe to any point in time he chooses. Let’s step inside it now for a preview of all April 21 has to offer.

Since it’s Record Store Day, let’s start with the vinyl fanatics who’ll get up extra early to stand in line outside the record store of their choice. There’s often a sense of camaraderie as people compare their wish lists and even share Dunkin Donuts or other snacks.

And then there are the RSD in-store performances. Vintage Vinyl, at 925 Davis Street in Evanston will have alt rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess performing at 11:00 a.m. Val’s halla Records in Oak Park has Farewell Captain at 11:00 a.m.; Two Guitars And A Tuba at noon; Matt Lenny and Elm City Council at 1:00; Ginger at 2:00; The Frantastic Sound System at 3:00; and the Gino and Friends Jam at 4:00.

Chicago rock station WXRT will celebrate Record Store Day by playing full album sides on vinyl, starting at noon. Long-time fans will no doubt be reminded of the early 1970s, when the only thing the station played were vinyl records. They’ll also probably recall when those records skipped or got stuck.

Bloodshot Records will have a Record Store Day Pop-Up Shop at its headquarters at 3039 W. Irving Park Road from noon to 5:00 p.m. On its Facebook page, the Chicago-based indie label promises “unique items, test pressings, signed stuff, out-of-print stuff, new releases and just regular stuff.” Laurie’s Records on Lincoln Avenue will have Sonny Mountain at noon; Tommi Zender with Natalie Galey performing Joni Mitchell at 1:00; Phil Angotti, following his set at International Pop Overthrow the night before, will perform The Kinks at 2:00; The Census Takers will be performing The Residents at 3:00; and The Handcuffs will perform their catchy indie rock at 4:00. This is always a fun bash and the owners and employees at Laurie’s are great hosts. (The Handcuffs and Phil Angotti will be playing at Quenchers Saloon later tomorrow night, along with The Embryos, who are having a record release party.) 

Reckless Records will have in-store performances by Intentionally Left Banke, a Left Banke cover band (2:00) and synth player Bill Vermette (3:30) at its Broadway location; and Mukqs (2:30) and RYLR (4:00) at its Milwaukee Avenue location.

The 8th Annual Numero Group Pop-Up Store will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Comfort Station at 2579 N. Milwaukee. These guys have their own take on RSD, and offer, “new and used LPs, CDs, dingers, tapes, tees, tests, and other weirdness from our warehouse.”

International Pop Overthrow, which returns to The Heartland Cafe Bar in Chicago tonight, will offer afternoon and evening showcases tomorrow. (Separate admission for each.) The earlier event starts at 2:00 p.m. and offers short sets by The Francos; Love Lies Bleeding; The Jades; The Long Lost, and an act to be announced later. The music resumes at 8:00 p.m. with a showcase of Phil Ajjarapu; Rainy Day Crush; The Devonns; The Lilacs; Rosa Cora Perry and the Truth Untold; and The Stick Arounds. Avid fans of power will no doubt notice The Lilacs in that schedule. The quartet formed in 1990, reunited in 2016 with the Rise Above The Filth album, and performed a powerful concert at Metro. If you like what you see on Saturday, IPO founder/CFO/host David Bash will be bringing his showcases of power pop and indie rock to The Heartland Cafe Bar through next Saturday night.

If playing vinyl feels like something from your past, imagine what you could accomplish as an actual time traveler. Chicago TARDIS, in conjunction with Happy Fish Parties, has an afternoon of non-Record Store Day fun planned with its All Things BBC! event. It’s being held at the Red Lion Tap on Lincoln Avenue, and celebrates English television shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Merlin. Incidentally, when Chicago TARDIS holds its annual convention at The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center November 23 through 25, actress Pearl Mackie from Doctor Who will be one of the featured guests. She did some amazing acting in her final episodes with Peter Capaldi’s version of The Doctor.

For more Record Store Day ideas, check out this week’s issue of the RedEye free paper. It has a full page titled Where to be a music nerd on RSD. It lists the DJs and music acts that will be doing in-store performances at 606 Records; Bric-a-Brac Records; Bucket O’Blood Records; Joyride Records; Laurie’s Planet Of Sound; Shuga Records; and other locations.

With all of the vinyl activity going on this Saturday, Lumpen Radio’s decision to schedule its Spring Record Swap at Co-Prosperity Sphere at 3219 S. Morgan on Sunday was either foolhardy or a stroke of genius. At any rate, if you haven’t busted your budget and you’re not too tired, Lumpen will have records on hand for your post-RSD perusing.

International Pop Overthrow Returns To Chicago

Photo from Phil Angotti’s Facebook page.

It’s always a pleasure to welcome David Bash back to Chicago. Although he’s a West Coast native, he knows our local music scene by heart. That’s because he’s been bringing his International Pop Overthrow festival here for several years. In fact, Chicago was one of the first cities Bash put on his itinerary, following its debut in Los Angeles. IPO now visits New York, Detroit, Toronto, London, Liverpool, and other cities. Each has its own collection of performers—mostly local, along with a few out-of-town acts who travel the circuit.

Kalamazoo, Michigan native Jeremy Morris, one of the artists that follows Bash from location to location, opens IPO-Chicago’s 2018 nine-day run at The Heartland Cafe Bar tomorrow night. He’s an innovative guitarist who’s been known to blow the four walls down with his original psychedelic rock. Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti is another IPO standout, and he was at the very first International Pop Overthrow in Los Angeles with his band at that time, The Idea. In addition to performing tribute shows to 1960s acts, he’s a first-rate songwriter whose latest album Such Stories is filled with acoustic gems.

Rob Schultz has a knack for putting political and social satire to catchy melodies. It’s likely this IPO veteran will have something to say about the current political climate. His most recent album came out last July. Ginger Records recording artists Weekend Vinyl formed in 2005 and have a number of IPO gigs under their belt. They recently released their latest album of power pop, Beguile Me.

The local quintet Bad Bad Meow has had success with the singles “Freak Flag” and “Hear You,” and recently released the full-length effort Fake News! Tomorrow night’s final act Kurt Michaels Continuum has shared gigs with Denny Laine from Wings and The Moody Blues. Their latest effort is titled Soaring Back To Earth. Check out the official International Pop Overthrow website for the full schedule and links to most of the bands.

A Book, An Album, And A Touching Tribute

Chris Stamey, who’s been a driving force on the alternative rock scene for decades with The dB’s as well as a solo artist, just released an autobiography. A Spy In The House Of Loud - New York Songs and Stories is now available via the University Of Texas Press, and according to publisher’s website covers the origins of punk in the late 1970s. I would guess it also includes his remembrances of Alex Chilton, since the two musicians worked together on various projects. At any rate, it’s bound to a fascinating addition to your rock and roll library, and received a rave review on the Popdose website.

Universal Love, an album that was released in digital form last week, will be available on vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day. The concept behind Universal Love is to flip the pronouns in popular songs in order to send a message of inclusion and diversity. Bob Dylan, Kesha, St. Vincent, Benjamin Gibbard fron Death Cab For Cutie; Valerie June; and Kele Okereke from Bloc Party are the artists involved. 

Reporter Maureen O’Donnell offered an informative and touching tribute to music marketer Mike Egan in a recent edition of the Chicago Tribune. For decades, Egan was a familiar face at local record stores, and helped visiting bands (such as U2 before they were huge) navigate the city. He was an avid supporter of new wave, house music, and Japanese anime.

Record Store Day Advice

Record Store Day, the annual celebration of vinyl in all its 7, 10, and 12 inch glory, returns this Saturday, April 21. The number of recording artists participating has grown over the years, and many record stores now entice customers with live entertainment, and in some cases, food and beverages. Collectors hoping to snag some of those limited edition or colored vinyl releases will need to get up  early and stand in line outside the record store of their choice. There’s a complete rundown of all the one-time treasures being offered this year on the official Record Store Day website. Just about every genre is represented, including hip hop, country, blues, jazz, and numerous variations of rock and roll.

Once you’ve studied the website and compiled your wishlist, here are a few pointers.

There are a lot of Chicago area stores to choose from. Pick up a copy of this month’s Illinois Entertainer for an extensive list. Keep an out for pop-up stores like Numero Uno in the Logan Square neighborhood.

Bring a written list of the records you want, showing the title, artist, and vinyl format. (7-inch single; 12-inch single; 10-inch EP; LP; double-LP, box set, etc.) The stores I’ve been to keep all the records behind the counter, and they like to keep the line moving. They will not look at a list on your smart phone, and definitely don’t want to hear you trying to remember what you want.

Be prepared for sticker shock. I’ve haven’t been able to find anyplace online that lists prices, so you won’t know how much these records cost until the clerk places them in front of you. Some will be relatively cheap, while others can get expensive.

Here’s a sampling of RSD in-store events.

Laurie’s Planet of Sound - 4639 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago:
1:00 p.m. Tommi Zender and Natalie Galey covering Joni Mitchell; 2:00 p.m. Phil Angotti covering The Kinks; 3:00 p.m. The Census Takers covering The Residents; 4:00 p.m. The Handcuffs

Val’s halla Records - 239 Harrison St., Oak Park:
11:00 a.m. Farewell Captain; noon Two Guitars And A Tuba; 1:00 p.m. Matt Lenny and Elm City Council; 2:00 p.m. Ginger; 3:00 p.m. The Frantastic Sound System; 4:00 p.m. Gino and Friends Jam

Vintage Vinyl - 925 Davis Street, Evanston:
11:a.m. whitewolfsonicprincess (alt rock band)

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The annual CHIRP Record Fair and Other Delights, always one of the best things about April in Chicago, takes place tomorrow at the Local 130 Plumbers Union Hall at 1340 W. Washington. An amazing selection of records, CDs, DVDs, posters, books, and other rock and roll related merchandise will on sale from vendors; and the entertainment includes live music and DJs. Admission from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is $8, and early admission from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. costs $25. The first 500 attendees will get a free tote bag that includes the download code for the CHIRP Record Fair Local Label Sampler.

Tickets went on sale today for the premiere of the Andrew Bird film Blue Heart at Thalia Hall on May 9. Other shows now on sale include Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues at City Winery Chicago on August 26; Dave Alvin of The Blasters and Americana artist Jimmie Dale Gilmore at The Old Town School Of Folk Music on September 8; Rufus Wainwright at The Vic on November 20; and the Willy Porter Band at City Winery Chicago on September 28.

Big Suit, the Chicago Talking Heads tribute act, performs at Park West tomorrow night.

Phil Angotti, with special guest Cliff Johnson, will be performing his monthly Beatle Brunch this Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Reclaimed Bar and Restaurant. Both of these guys are veterans of the Chicago power pop scene, so they practically have 1960s hits flowing through their veins. In addition to his solo work and tribute shows around town, Angotti was a member of the band The Idea. Johnson currently performs with The Raine and is best known as the lead vocalist for Off Broadway. Reclaimed Bar and Restaurant is located at 3655 N. Western Avenue.

Later that same day, you can catch Tommi Zender, with special guest Steve Dawson, at Wishbone North from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Zender is a veteran of the Chicago scene and a frequent participant in tribute shows; Dawnson is a solo artist as well as a member of the critically acclaimed alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago, starts Friday, April 20 and runs through Saturday, April 28 at the Red Line Tap, with multiple band showcases each night.

I was happy to see Jeff Elbel’s article in today’s Chicago Sun-Times about The Smithereens performing on April 19 at The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Robin Wilson from The Gin Blossoms will be serving as lead vocalist. It was no doubt a difficult decision to continue on after Pat DiNizio passed away last December, but I would agree with what a lot of fans are saying, which is The Smithereens’ power pop music should continue to be performed live. The Smithereens will be opening for Dave Davies of The Kinks at The Genesee.

Elbel also mentioned the new Covers album being released by The Smithereens, which features several cover versions recorded by DiNizio and the band over the years.

Head Over Heels, the new musical based on songs by The Go-Go’s, began previews earlier this week at the Curran in San Francisco. Tickets for Broadway previews, which starts in New York on June 23, are now on sale. Here’s hoping Head Over Heels comes to Chicago at some point.

Factory Theater’s production of Carrie J. Sullivan’s grunge rock play The Next Big Thing runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through April 21.

The 34th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival runs through April 19 at AMC River East 21 at 322 E. Illinois.

The Asian American Showcase runs through April 18 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Punchline, an exhibit on comics, runs through April 21 at the Chicago Literary Alliance.

Colin Blunstone of The Zombies will embark on a U.K. tour before rejoining the band later this year for another tour. According to a post on the Essentially Pop website, Blunstone is also busy recording his next solo album.

The Posies’ 30th Anniversary Tour now includes dates in the U.K. (It arrives at Park West in Chicago, with Material Reissue as the opening act, on June 23.)

Chicago-based psychedelic band Secret Colours has created a fun and eye-catching video for its song “Dream Dream.”

Four very good songs by The Valley Downs, one of Chicago’s best but not altogether busy bands, can now be heard on Spotify.

Art Encounter, a nonprofit art education organization, is hosting an event to honor gallerist William Lieberman on Sunday, May 6 at the Evanston Women’s Club.

The Chicago Toy Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles on April 22 for the first of its two events there in 2018. In addition to collectibles, action figures, Matchbox cars, and Star Wars treasures, the show also offers a fair amount rock and roll memorabilia. There are vendors offering vintage publcations, records, CDs, and even music-related toys. I’ve purchased a car imprinted with the Beatles Revolver allbum cover, and a semi trailer showing Cheap Trick. Admission The Toy Show is &10, hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Real Pretenders, a Pretenders tribute takes place at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn on April 19.

Flirting With Time: A Tribute To Neil Young takes place at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn on April 20.

The reunited L7 at performs at Metro on April 20.

Define American Film Festival (DAFF), organized by writer/filmmaker Joes Antonio Vargas, takes place on April 20 through 22 at Venue Six10 on Michigan Avenue.

There will be a screening of the film Concert For George – Celebrating the Life and Music of George Harrison on May 16 at the Music Box. The 2002 concert brought together Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Ravi Shankar, Tom Petty, Monty Python, and other to honor Harrison.

Wolf Alice - Visions Of Life

Back when I reviewed Wolf Alice’s full-length debut My Love Is Cool in 2016, I imagined how interesting it would be to see lead vocalist-guitarist Ellie Rowsell bring the various genres and personas from that that album to a live performance. The English band’s followup Vision Of Life is no less adventurous despite a persistent obsession with death. Rowsell can evoke an angel, a street fighter, or an alluring hipster, depending on the song. And once again, the well-crafted arrangements flip from pristine to overpowering in a matter of moments.

The intro to “Heavenward” could turn any church choir green with envy, and Wolf Alice drifts into a symphony before eventually bringing on the heavy metal thunder. Meanwhile, the lyrics focus on celebrating someone close who has died and looking forward to seeing that person again in the afterlife. “St. Purple And Green” has a similar approach and seems to specifically mourn a grandmother. The straight-up techno rock of “Space And Time” exudes a fear of losing control, and on the gorgeous folk ballad “After The Zero Hour,” a woman refuses to die, and embarks on an adventure instead.

Visions of Life offers other outlooks as well. Rowsell sounds like she’s ready to rip somebody’s head off in the careening “Yuk Foo,” while the light and poetic “Sad Boy” is about a guy who “thinks too much.” The impossibly catchy “Formidable Cool” depicts a villain who uses his position of power to seduce women and leave them feeling used. On “Sky Musings,” a jet flight triggers a series of emotions from the fear of crashing to regrets over not having taken a chance on a relationship. Wolf Alice is less direct but still enticing on the playful “Beautifully Unconventional” and the sci-fi adventure “Planet Hunter.”

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Now it’s time to say good knight. Tickets for the September 22 concert at Chicago Theatre featuring the recently knighted Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band went on sale today. This time around, he’ll be joined by Steve Lukather; Colin Hay; Gregg Rolie; Graham Gouldman; Warren Ham; and Gregg Bissonette. There’s no doubt Ringo means it when he says “peace and love.” If only enough people would take that message to heart.

Other shows that went on sale today are Jayhawks at Thalia Hall on July 13; New Pornographers at Temperance Beer Company on June 22; Mavis Staples at Canal Shore Golf Club on July 27; and Dar Williams at City Winery Chicago on September 16.

The tribute act Fleetwood Mac Mania has sold out its show tomorrow night the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights. Tapestry: The Carole King Concert Experience comes to the Metropolis on April 24.

Happy Birthday to Allan Clarke, who served as lead vocalist of The Hollies for decades and was one of the major reasons for their distinctive and effervescent sound.

C2E2 - The Chicago Comic and Entertainment EXPO landed at the South Building of McCormick Place today and will stay through Sunday. The annual pop culture event offers high-tech promotions and exhibits, celebrity guests, and loads of people in sci-fi, superhero, ultra villain, monster, and sexy costumes. Rows of vendors offers comics, t-shirts, games, action figures, and all sorts of imaginative memorabilia. Local artists and writers get their shot at selling stuff too.

The Bad Examples will be performing at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn tomorrow night.

Repertory Ballet is presenting Modern Motions today and tomorrow at The Atheanaeum Theatre on Chicago’s north side.

The English Beat, one of the best ska revival bands that sprang up in the UK in early 1980s, will be ranking full stop at City Winery Chicago tonight and tomorrow.

There are still some tickets left for The Best Of Tellin’ Tales Solo - A New Kind Of Spring Benefit, which will be held this Sunday at The Edge Theatre at 5451 N. Broadway.

SummerFest has announced its full schedule. Here are some of the best reasons for traveling up to Milwaukee to see a concert: Cheap Trick; Matthew Sweet; The Posies; Spoon; Gin Blossoms; and Nick Lowe featuring Los Straitjackets.

The Chicago Toy Show returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles on April 22 for the first of its two events there in 2018. In addition to collectibles, action figures, Matchbox cars, and Star Wars treasures, the show also offers a fair amount rock and roll memorabilia. There are vendors offering vintage publications, records, CDs, and even music-related toys. I’ve purchased a car imprinted with the Beatles Revolver album cover, and a semi trailer showing Cheap Trick. Admission The Toy Show is $10, hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

September 22 is the day your life will surely change for The The fans in the Chicago area. The band—Matt Johnson, really— will be at The Riviera Theatre on that night. In addition to “This Is The Day Your Life Will Surely Change” and other techno pop gems, The The also gave us the masterpiece “Uncertain Smile” on a 12-inch single.

The 34th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival kicked off yesterday and will run through April 19 at AMC River East 21 at 322 E. Illinois. Over 100 films from Spain, Latin America, Portugal, Canada, and America will be screened.

Factory Theater’s production of Carrie J. Sullivan’s grunge rock play The Next Big Thing runs on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through April 21.

Aimee Mann and This Is The Kit will be performing at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on July 30. Indie rockers The Sea And The Cake and Moonrise Nation will perform at the outdoor venue on August 16.

Congratulations to Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich on 40 years of writing reviews for the paper. Reich listed his top 40 favorite shows in an article this past Wednesday. Among the iconic acts he’s seen, enjoyed, and shared with his readers are Dizzy Gillespie; Cassandra Wilson; Kurt Elling; Dave Brubeck; Miles Davis; and Tony Bennett.

Incoming

Cheap Trick; Matthew Sweet; Buddy Guy; The Posies; James Taylor; Pixies; Foster The People; Janelle Monae; Jethro Tull; Spoon; Social Distortion; Mayer Hawthorne; Gin Blossoms; Michael Franti and Spearhead; and Nick Lowe featuring Los Straitjackets are among the acts that will be performing at SummerFest in Milwaukee this year. The annual festival runs from June 27 to July 1, and the July 3 to July 8.

C2E2 - The Chicago Comic and Entertainment EXPO returns to the South Building of McCormick Place this weekend, celebrating every imaginative form of pop culture. It’s always a fascinating event to take in high tech promotions and exhibits, celebrity guests, and loads of people in sci-fi, superhero, ultra villain, monster, and sexy costumes. Rows of vendors offers comics, t-shirts, games, action figures, and all sorts of imaginative memorabilia. Local artists and writers get their shot at selling stuff too. This year’s guests include musician/spoken word artist Henry Rollins; Caity Lotz and Dominic Purcell from DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow, Charlie Cox from Daredevil; Daphne Zuniga from Melrose Place; Gina Torres from Firefly; Khary Payton from The Walking Dead; former White Sox star Ron Kittle; and Svengoolie.

The Bad Examples perform at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn this Saturday night. Lead vocalist-guitarist Ralph Covert (of Ralph’s World fame) often calls to mind Squeeze with his vocal style on The Bad Examples’ catchy pop tunes.

Chicago Repertory Ballet is presenting Modern Motions at The Atheanaeum Theatre on tomorrow, April 6 and Saturday.

The English Beat, one of the best ska revival bands that sprang up in the UK in early 1980s, will have people up and dancing at City Winery Chicago tomorrow, April 6 and Saturday.

The Early Bird Gets The RPM

This year’s Record Store Day takes place on April 21 and the massive list of limited-edition, one-day only vinyl releases can be found on the official website. Just about every genre is represented, including hip hop, country, blues, jazz, and numerous variations of rock and roll. There are seven-inch singles, ten-inch EPs, single albums, double albums, even quadruple albums. This month’s issue of the Illinois Entertainer also has the list, as well as an index of local retailers who are taking part.

The charm—or curse—depending on your point of view, is the old school method RSD employs. In order to have the best shot at purchasing these records, shoppers have to get up early on that Saturday morning, make their way to their chosen record store, and wait in an extended line outside until the store opens. Of course, some of these releases will eventually wind up on eBay, but if you really want a particular title, you’re taking a risk by going that route. Plus, the old school way is more fun, especially if you celebrate your acquisitions afterward over a bowl of hot rum punch (or at Starbucks) and check out some of the in-store live performances.

Here’s a sampling of the artists who have releases coming out on Record Store Day.

B-52’s; The Kinks; Belly; Chuck Berry; The Regrettes; Cypress Hill; Steve Earle And The Dukes; David Bowie; The Flaming Lips; Jeff Buckley; Circle Jerks; Sun Ra; Living Colour; Johnny Cash; The Cure; Grateful Dead; Jimi Hendrix; Eric Clapton; MC5; Duran Duran; Albert Hammond Jr.; Led Zeppelin; Lou Reed; U2; Tom Waits; The Stooges; Prince; The Smithereens; Tangerine Dream; Question Mark and The Mysterians; Wilco; Dickey Betts; The Police; Marvin Gaye; Small Faces; The Who; Ella Fitzgerald; Air; Dr. Dre; John Coltrane; The Residents; Arthur Lee and Love; Jeff Beck; The Rolling Stones; Neil Young; Jethro Tull; Pink Floyd; and The Ramones.

By the way, Record Store Day is also held in other countries, and they each have their own list of releases. That’s where eBay comes into play. Unless you’re planning a trip to London.

Did Rumors of Pious Behavior Keep Scenesters From Buying Lolla Passes?

For the first time in anyone’s memory, four-day passes for Lollapalooza did not immediately sell out this year. There are various social and economic theories as to why this happened, but the most likely one involves the fear of God. Lolla veterans have never worried about incurring eternal damnation, but apparently they thought The Almighty might be there this time around. At least in spirit.

Shortly before this year’s passes went on sale, a rumor erupted on Twitter that Educational Media Foundation, the Christian broadcast company that converted long-time Chicago hard rock station The Loop into a K-Love format, had also bought out Lollapalooza. Several #Holy-palooza tweets sparked visions of performers singing “Kumbaya” and sensibly attired millennials roasting s’mores over a campfire. In other words, activities more in line with Jerry Falwell than Perry Farrell.

The release of this year’s schedule was enough to reassure fans who attend Lollapalooza to see their favorite acts that the rumors were unfounded. But it wasn’t much help for scenesters who don’t know any bands and are only interested in partying. They were still sitting on the sidelines while actual music fans snapped up the remaining passes. There’s a chance the party types might catch on before the single-day passes sell out, but a lot of Lollapalooza regulars are praying then don’t.

The above article is not true and is only intended for satirical purposes.