Rock And Roll Holiday Gift Guide

This boxed set from The Pretenders is available as part of Black Friday Record Store Day.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who reads my blog. Even if you’re not located in the U.S., it’s never a bad idea to take a few moments to consider the things you’re grateful for.

It’s also that time of year when indie newspapers and major publications offer holiday gift guides. Their choices are usually demographically inclined toward their readership, but you will discover items you won’t encounter in your local department store. With that goal in mind, here’s the somewhat annual (I’ve missed a few years) Broken Hearted Toy Rock And Roll Holiday Gift Guide.

You might notice I’ve tried to repair certain format issues affecting BHT, applying my non-existent tech knowledge as best as I can. I apologize for it still not being up to snuff, but hopefully, it’s not as obnoxious as it had become in recent weeks.

For the vinyl lovers in your life, choose from the limited-edition releases coming to record stores tomorrow only for Black Friday Record Store Day. It’s not as massive as the April version, but there are lots of choices in every imaginable genre. Keep in mind, the earlier you get there, the better the selection. Also, most record stores prefer you hand them a list that includes the title, artist name, and format (seven-inch single, 10-inch EP, LP, double LP, boxed set, etc.) for each record you’re hoping to buy.

The Beatles’ Abbey Road album is now available in various 50th Anniversary editions that include alternative takes and other bonus stuff, depending on how much you want to spend.

Don’t forget to support your local bands. There are a lot of options for live entertainment this weekend and if you discover a new favorite, be sure to check their website to see if they have music you can download or order through the mail. Buying one of the band’s t-shirts is another option.

The Chicago Museum of Broadcast Communications on State Street has another winning exhibit with Stay Tuned - Rock On TV. It originated at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and features the 1933 style Ford that ZZ Top used in a series of popular videos in the 1980s. Treat a friend for the holiday, and you’ll also encounter videos and memorabilia from The Hollies, The Animals, Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, and several other artists who performed on TV shows from American Bandstand to Saturday Night Live.

The Royal Mint has added Wallace and Gromit to its collection of cartoon characters it has chosen to be honored. The human/canine duo, created by the clever and very British artists at Aardman Studios, are featured on coins that will soon be available to order for from the Royal Mint’s website. Also new this year, is a trio of coins depicting The Snowman from the Academy Award nominated short animation. Prices for each of these range from £10.00 for an uncirculated coin to £980.00 for a limited edition gold proof coin.

Rock and roll books are always a great choice, and since they’re often visually oriented, you’ll want to give the real thing and not a Kindle version. Here are a few recommendations;

For David Bowie fans, Insight Comics offers a 160-page hardcover graphic novel titled Bowie - Stardust, Rayguns and Moonage Daydreams that’s now available for preorder on Amazon. Steve Horton and Michael Allred are the writers, Laura Allred is the illustrator, and the foreword is written by Neil Gaiman. The book is due out January 7.

Another good choice along those lines is Bowie: An Illustrated Life, which combines Maria Hesse’s art with copy by Fran Ruiz. The book is told from Bowie’s point of view and covers ups and downs of his entire career.

Power pop fans will surely love reading Go All The Way: A Literary Appreciation Of Power Pop from start to finish. The book features a number of writers waxing nostalgic about their favorite albums from the genre, as well as quotes from artists such as Debbi Peterson from The Bangles, Kim Shattuck from The Muffs, and Gary Klebe from Shoes. It’s available on Amazon.

Also, be sure to check out Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as websites of your favorite artists for exclusive music, apparel, and other items. Record label websites like Bloodshot, Yep Roc, Mega Dodo, American Laundromat, Kool Kat Musik; and Fruits de Mer are always worth shopping, and The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame website has lots of inductee and exhibit memorabilia. Pledge Music, Go Fund Me, and other crowd funding sites are a good way to support your favorite artists and pick up autographed items. And you never know what rare treasures you’ll discover on eBay.

Oh, You’re A Holiday

An older poster of The Safes, with that cool illustration.

To paraphrase the Bee Gees, there’s something I think worthwhile if a four-day weekend makes you smile. Especially one that kicks off the Christmas season. Some people will be out partying four nights in a row. Here are a few suggestions for where to celebrate over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Starting on a more serious note, this Saturday night’s three-band showcase at Martyrs’ will be a fundraiser for teenage musician Rylan Wilder. Wilder’s band Monarchy Over Monday was scheduled to perform at the Lincoln Avenue venue that night, but he was wounded when he was caught the crossfire of a shootout between the police and a robbery suspect a week ago. Wilder was working in the Upbeat Music and Arts store on Irving Park Road at the time of the incident. Proceeds from this Saturday’s show will go towards helping him cover his medical bills. Those interested in helping out but unable to make it to Martyrs’ can contribute directly at the Help Rylan Play Music Again GoFundMe page, which has already raised over $51,000.

Chicago-based alt-rock band The Safes are combining their 16th annual Black Wednesday bash with a record release party at Beat Kitchen on Belmont tomorrow night. Band member Frankie O’Malley describes the new effort Winning Combination as a “crazy album,” and they’ve been touring the country since mid-September in support of it. Shindig, the U.K. magazine every fan of 1960s and 1960s-influenced rock should be reading, gave it four stars, and other reviews have been positive. The ornate 1960s Brit pop approach on Winning Combination marks a new approach for The Safes, and it’s highly effective. The Safes also have some cool t-shirts, particularly one with an illustration of the band members. Maybe they’ll have some on sale at Beat Kitchen. The Differents, The Sonnets, and The Marcatos are also performing at Beat Kitchen tomorrow night. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Damn right, I’ve got the drumstick. Sopro Music’s Annual Thanksgiving Blues Revue Concert has been held in numerous venues over the years, and the 37th version takes place at the Cheers Nightclub in Midlothian this Saturday night. Long-time Sopro favorites such as The Chicago Horns—a first-rate jazz quartet—and acclaimed jazz-blues vocalist Deb Seitz will be on hand. Other musicians participating include vocalist-guitarist Joey Drada, bassist John Falstrom, drummer Scott Bonshire, and guitarist-vocalist Frank Anastos. Along with all that blues, there will be prize giveaways.

Beggars Banquet, a tribute band that’s been performing Rolling Stones music for close to 15 years, has a gig at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue tomorrow night. In addition to playing all those great Rolling Stones hits, members of Beggars Banquet dress the part, appearing in full costume.

Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park will close at the end of this month, ending a 47-year run that attracted legions of loyal followers. Fans can honor the store’s legacy, as well as its late owner Val Camilletti, at a Black Friday bash being hosted there by the Ellis Clark/Ary Paloma Jeebie led band Big Hair Trouble. The Amazing Heebie Jeebies, Phil Angotti, Mark Panick, Gerald McClendon and The Soulkeepers, Phoenix, Frankie B, Hannah Frank, and John Kimsey will also be performing.

Chicago-based alt-rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess will be performing at Montrose Saloon this Friday night. In addition to being musicians, vocalist Carla Hayden and guitarist-vocalist James Moeller are also the founding members of the Black Forest theatre group, and it’s fascinating to see and hear how they incorporate elements of that experience into their music. Flapunco, led by singer-photographer Lisa Zane, and International Pop Overthrow veterans Rollo Time are also on the bill. The music starts at 9:00 p.m.

Slumgullion

Here’s a Broken Hearted Toy welcome to Elvis Costello and The Imposters, who are in town for a gig at the Chicago Theatre tonight.

Depending on what time you see this, you might still be able to catch The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, LovePunch, and Dirty Blond performing songs from Twice Removed by Sloan and Blue by Weezer at Montrose Saloon. It’s the 25th anniversary for both of those LPs.

Tickets went on sale today for Black Crowes at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on August 15; Cornerstones Of Rock with The Buckinghams, Ides Of March, New Colony Six, Cryan’ Shames, and Shadows Of Knight at The Arcada on November 30; The Sea and Cake at The Empty Bottle on February 29; and Vulgar Boatmen and Sunshine Boys at Schubas on January 11.

The Chicago-based U2 tribute band Without U2 joins forces with New York’s Dead Letter Office R.E.M. tribute band tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.

Shindig, the U.K. magazine that celebrates 1960s era rock and roll, has a special edition coming out just in time for holiday gift giving. A recent social media post promises, “Rare, In-Depth Adventures from the Shindig Archives” regarding Donovan, The Hollies, The Rolling Stones, Sweet, Mott The Hoople, The Monkees, The Kinks, and other acts. It’s available from the Silverback Publishing website. 

The Court Theatre’s production of Oedipus Rex continues its run through December 8.

Bobby Elliott, who started drumming for The Hollies back in the early 1960s and still performs with them, has an autobiography titled It Ain’t Heavy It’s My Story – My Life And The Hollies’ coming out via Omnibus Press on April 2, 2020.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues its run through December 8 at the Broadway Playhouse. The show combines film and photos with a live band to present the folk rock duo’s rise to becoming one of America’s most popular acts. Broadway Playhouse is located at 175 E. Chestnut Street, at Water Tower Place.

Fathom Events continues its series of limited-run screenings of concert films at movie theatres with INXS: Live Baby Live on December 9.

Reason number 4,786 why I want to visit England again: The Camden area of London now has a Music Walk Of Fame inspired by the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in the USA. This one will be devoted entirely to music; highlighting acts that either emerged from Camden or staged a performance there at an early point in their careers. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry of The Who unveiled the first commemorative stone, which honors their band’s accomplishments. According to NME online, Amy Winehouse and Madness will be next in line for The Music Walk Of Fame.

I just received my copy of Julianna Hatfield’s tribute album to The Police, and it’s every bit as fun as I hoped it would be. She takes a raw approach on her versions, and apart from getting tangled up in “Roxanne,” she consistently succeeds. In addition to the autographed CD, sticker, and button, there was a postcard advertising an upcoming covers album by Tanya Donelly and The Parkington Sisters. Like Hatfield’s effort, it will be available from American Laundromat Records in signed copies, colored vinyl, and special bundles. Donelly and the Parkington sisters will cover songs by The Go-Go’s, Wings, Split Enz, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Pretenders, and other notable acts. The album will be available for pre-order starting in January.

The world premiere of The First Deep Breath by Lee Edward Colston II continues its run at the Victory Gardens Theatre on Lincoln Avenue through December 22. Steve H. Broadnax III directs the intense family drama,

Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, who front the alt rock/country band Dolly Varden and have numerous solo projects, are scheduled for a gig the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights on January 17. Singer-guitarist Chris Rawlins Cialdella will be their special guest.

The entertainment world has lost two iconic photographers in the past week; first with Robert Freeman (see last Friday’s Slumgullion) and the more recent passing of Terry O’Neill. Like Freeman, O’Neill may be best remembered for a Beatles pic, this one taken outside the EMI Studios on Abbey Road for The Daily Sketch newspaper. As related by obituary writer Harrison Smith in the Washington Post, O’Neill’s editor then asked him to photograph some of The Beatles’ contemporaries. When O’Neill came back with a photo of The Rolling Stones, the editor thought they looked like “prehistoric monsters” so a photo of The Dave Clark Five was added to show rock and roll had a nice side as well as a rough one.

SHE (Sisters Helping Elevate The Arts) is presenting The Holidays, a new play written and directed by Katrina V. Miller, from December 8 through December 22 at The Frontier on Chicago’s north side. Miller’s goal is to help bring awareness to help end Alzheimer’s disease, and a portion of the opening night performance will benefit Alz.org. The Frontier is located at 1106 W. Thorndale Avenue, tickets are available via the SHE website.

When Black Friday Comes

You don’t have to be nestled all snug in your bed to have visions of limited-edition Black Friday Record Store Day releases. The colder weather and an already established tradition of consumers stampeding toward department stores usually makes Black Friday RSD less popular than the April version, but it’s still advisable to get out there early. For most stores, you won’t have any way of knowing how much these records cost ahead of time, so be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

The list of high-caliber artists involved this year once again sweeps across all genres, including records by Louis Armstrong; Bad Company; Chuck Berry; Beck; James Brown; Jeff Buckley; Jackson Browne; Cheap Trick; Alex Chilton; Eric Clapton; Patsy Cline; Alice Cooper; Devo; Miles Davis; Thomas Dolby; The Doors; Aretha Franklin; Jimi Hendrix; The Kinks; Madonna; The Marshall Tucker Band; Paul McCartney; The Monkees; Willie Nelson; Katy Perry; The Pretenders; Elvis Presley; Lou Reed; The Regrettes; Rodrigo Y Gabriela; The Runaways; Todd Rundgren; Buffy Saint Marie; Joe Satriani; Frank Sinatra; Steppenwolf; Benmont Tench; They Might Be Giants; U2; and a number of various artists compilations. See the full list on the official RSD site.

Number one on my wish list is Three by U2. This 12-inch record is a reincarnation of the three-song EP the Irish band released back in 1979, with “Out Of Control,” “Stories For Boys,” and “Boy-Girl.” Aside from that, all my other choices involve seven-inch vinyl. Such as the U.K. Singles 1979 – 1981 boxed set from The Pretenders. It includes “Stop Your Sobbing,” “Kid,” “Brass In Pocket,” and five other seven-inch records. Next up is Cheap Trick’s cover of the John Lennon song “Gimme Some Truth,” with a B-Side live version of Wizzard’s “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” featuring one of Cheap Trick’s all-time heroes Roy Wood. Also in the holiday vein is The Peter Holsapple Combo’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight”and The Regrettes’ "Holiday-ish.” Rounding out my list are The Kinks’ “Arthur” single; and Nick Lowe with Wilco performing “Cruel To Be Kind.” My selections are likely to expand by the time I walk up to the counter at the Reckless Records downtown location.

Best of luck in nabbing the exclusive releases on your wish list. Afterwards, you can celebrate your successful hunt over a hot beverage (in my case, a chai tea latte) at a nearby Starbucks, Argo, or Dunkin Donuts.

Incoming

Chicago area fans will have an opportunity to catch one of punk’s first and most influential acts when Elvis Costello and The Imposters bring their Just Trust tour to the Chicago Theatre this Friday night.

Sounding just like “Buddy Holly.” Three local bands have a 25th anniversary celebration planned for a pair of beloved power pop albums coming up this Friday night at Montrose Saloon. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, who have released some impressive albums themselves, along with grunge/riot grrl quartet LovePunch and the coed power pop quintet Dirty Blond, will be performing songs from Twice Removed by Sloan and Blue by Weezer. The music starts at 8:30 and it will probably a perfect night for wearing a sweater. Montrose Saloon is located at 2933 W. Montrose Avenue.

Congratulations to Sir Paul McCartney on being chosen as the headline act at the 50th Annual Glastonbury Festival coming up in England on June 27, 2020. Diana Ross has also signed on to perform, and several other acts will be announced soon. Loyal fans of the festival can now purchase the Glastonbury 50 book by Micael Eavis and Emily Eavis via Rough Trade, Waterstones, WHSmith, and Book Depository.

It’ll be Automatic Baby all over again. The Chicago-based U2 tribute band Without U2 joins forces with New York’s Dead Letter Office R.E.M. tribute band this Saturday at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. That’s a lot of awesome music for one evening. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.

The Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights has booked another first rate act from the Chicago music scene. Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen of Dolly Varden are scheduled for a gig on January 17. Singer-guitarist Chris Rawlins Cialdella will be their special guest.

Last Thursday at the Reckless Records on Madison, I bought a copy of a booklet titled Fireside Fury On Fullerton Stories - Chicago’s D.I.Y. Punk Venue - A Retrospective. It features contributions from members of the bands The Methadones, Boris The Sprinkler, The Bollweevils, No Empathy, and Oblivion. Their memories of performing at Fireside Bowl in the 1990s are fascinating, and the booklet is only $3.00.

It Ain’t Heavy, And It Will Fit In Your Library

According to a post on the official website for The Hollies, drummer Bobby Elliott has penned an autobiography titled It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Story – My Life And The Hollies’ that will be released by Omnibus Press on April 2, 2020. Elliott wasn’t with the band from the very start, but his arrival came close enough that we can call him a founding member. He still tours extensively and records the occasional album with the group, along with fellow original member, guitarist Tony Hicks.

Like The Hollies themselves, Elliott tends to not get the credit he deserves from the general public. But his innovative style (which incorporates elements of jazz) has drawn praise from fellow musicians and he’s usually included when music magazines compile a list of the best rock and roll drummers. Back in 2010, The Hollies received a long overdue induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

It Ain’t Heavy won’t be the first time Elliott has reflected on his life with The Hollies. Back in 2010, he put together an amazing tour book titled The Hollies Through The Ages that featured loads of photos of the band in its early days. A limited number of copies were available on the official website. It’s not likely Elliott will come to the States on a book tour—none of the current Hollies have been here since 2002—but hopefully there will be autographed copies available through their website.

Slumgullion

Welcome to everyone who’s come to Chicago this weekend for the grand opening of the Starbucks Reserve Chicago Roastery; AKA the world’s largest Starbucks. You’ll find it at 646 N. Michigan Avenue in the building that once housed a Crate And Barrel store. While you’re in town, be sure to take in some of our local entertainment.

If you’re intrigued by the recently released Arthur50 box set from The Kinks, but weren’t aware of the album when it was originally released, a recent article by Geoff Edgers in The Washington Post (picked up by the Chicago Tribune) offers some helpful information. Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire) is often cited as the first rock concept album, but in the article, Ray Davies tells Edgers it’s more like “a documentary album.” Davies notes that Arthur still has relevance to today’s world. Edgers also interviewed Dave Davies and Mick Avory, as well as John Dalton, who replaced original bassist Peter Quaife. A limited-edition seven-inch single of “Arthur” will be available as part of this year’s Black Friday Record Store Day releases.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story opens next Tuesday, November 19 and will run through December 8 at the Broadway Playhouse. The show combines film and photos with a live band to present the folk rock duo’s rise to becoming one of America’s most popular acts. Broadway Playhouse is located at 175 E. Chestnut Street, at Water Tower Place.

Over 125 artists and several small independent presses—some from other countries— will showcase their work at the third edition of the Chicago Art Book Fair this weekend at the Chicago Athletic Association at 12 S. Michigan Avenue. The networking event is open to the public free of charge.

Robert Freeman, the photographer who gave the world (and history) the riveting black and white cover shot for the 1963 With The Beatles album (Meet The Beatles in the U.S.), passed away earlier this week. An obituary by Washington Post writer Matt Schudel explained the surprisingly simple lighting and background approach Freeman used in capturing John, Paul. George, and Ringo for generations to come. He also took the psychedelic cover shot for The Beatles’ Rubber Soul album. Rock In Paradise, Mr. Freeman.

Both nights are now sold out for the 22nd Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute event taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Uncommon Ground’s Lakeview location.

Bridge, a literary publication that enjoyed a short run around the turn of this century, is making a comeback as a hardcover journal, thanks to a small group of creative individuals. A relaunch event is taking place at 7:00 p.m. this Sunday night at SITE/less at 1250 W. Augusta Blvd. in Chicago. Following the official relaunch, there will be a Bridge After Party at Montrose Saloon featuring The Thomas Comerford Band, Danny Black, and Eric Chial from The Bon Mots, and Decoy Prayer Meeting. It kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Montrose Saloon is located at 2933 W. Montrose.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s holiday concert scheduled for the Chicago Theatre tomorrow night has been canceled, due to lead vocalist-guitarist Brian Setzer having tinnitus.

Heritage Rockfest, a four-act concert event, takes place tomorrow night at the Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side. The lineup includes the AC/DC tribute band TNT-Chicago, punk/heavy metal outfit Pipe, the high-energy rock of Vicious Circle, and the blues/hard rock band Midnight Road. Admission for the 17 and older show is $10; the music starts at 7:00 p.m.

Chicago-based power pop band The Collectors have changed their name to The Walkdown and have added vocalist Erica Loftus to their lineup. Loftus has made guest appearances with the Mike Mazza led group (as well as with Van Go) in the past and also sings lead for The Right Tidys. The Walkdown’s new Facebook page has racked up 100 likes so far.

Sonic Youth founder Thurston Moore’s new group has a pair of gigs coming up at The Empty Bottle on December 12 and 13.

The world premiere of The First Deep Breath by Lee Edward Colston II opened tonight at the Victory Gardens Theatre on Lincoln Avenue. Steve H. Broadnax III directs the intense family drama, which runs through December 22. The November issue of Chicago Social magazine has an interview by writer Jaclyn Jermyn with Colston.

According to a recent article by Nina Metz in the Chicago Tribune, there will a documentary about Chicago-based improve pioneers Del Close and Charna Halpern. Former Second City member and now successful director/screenwriter Kay Cannon is the creative force behind the film.

Amy Gore’s new garage rock band The Rosalyns are one of the American acts scheduled to join the international lineup at the Purple Weekend on December 4 in Leon, Spain. Australia’s awesome power pop band The Hoodoo Gurus are the headliners. The Rosalyns have a record release party coming up on November 29 at Casbah San Diego.

Tickets are have sold out for Velvet Underground John Cale’s concert at the Art Institute of Chicago on January 26. The performance ties in with the museum’s current exhibition Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again.

We are definitely amused. The Royal Mint has added Wallace and Gromit to the collection of cartoon characters it has chosen to be honored. The human/canine duo, created by the clever and very British artists at Aardman Studios, are featured on a coin that’s available to order for from the Royal Mint’s website. Also new this year, is a trio of coins depicting the characters from The Snowman, the Academy Award nominated short animation. Prices range from £10.00 for an uncirculated coin to £980.00 for a limited edition gold proof coin.

The Court Theatre’s production of Oedipus Rex continues its run through December 8. Oedipus Rex is the first installment of the Sophocles trilogy, which Court Theatre will continue with a production of The Gospel at Colonus next May and a production of Antigone next Fall. Court Theatre is located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue in Hyde Park.

Incoming

The tall guy in the middle is celebrating his birthday.

Chicago-based singer-guitarist Dag Juhlin is celebrating his birthday a day early by performing tonight with EXPO ’76—one of the several hundred bands he’s a member of—at Simon’s Tavern on Clark Street. EXPO ’76 features Juhlin and other veterans of the Chicago music scene playing an amazingly eclectic and always fun selection of cover versions. Admission for tonight’s show is free. Happy Birthday, Dag.

Over 125 artists, along with several small independent presses, will be showcasing their work when the third edition of the Chicago Art Book Fair takes place this weekend at the Chicago Athletic Association at 12 S. Michigan Avenue. The networking event is open to the public free of charge.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s annual holiday tour has been canceled due to lead vocalist-guitarist Setzer having tinnitus. That wipes out the gig scheduled for this Saturday night at the Chicago Theatre, but at least fans can listen the Orchestra’s Christmas albums, which offer original and standard holiday tunes souped-up with catchy, old-time rock and roll arrangements.

Over the years, my wife Pam and I have seen a lot of talented Irish acts perform at the Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side. The live entertainment takes a different turn this Saturday night at the Center with the Heritage Rockfest. The lineup includes the AC/DC tribute band TNT Chicago, punk/heavy metal outfit Pipe, the high-energy rock of Vicious Circle, and the blues/hard rock band Midnight Road. Admission is $10; the music starts at 7:00 p.m.

The 22nd Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute event will take place at Uncommon Ground’s Edgewater location at 1401 W. Devon Avenue in Chicago on November 17 and 18.

Reading And Writing And Rock And Roll

Insight Comics is releasing a 160-page hardcover graphic novel titled Bowie - Stardust, Rayguns and Moonage Daydreams that’s now available for preorder on Amazon. Steve Horton and Michael Allred are the writers, Laura Allred is the illustrator, and the foreword is written by Neil Gaiman. Laura Allred employs a colorful, realistic style that brings Bowie’s career, personality, and fellow musicians to life in a consistently appealing fashion. The book is due out January 7.

Chicago Tribune writer Debbie Carlson reviewed another hardcover David Bowie book in last Sunday’s Life+Travel section. It’s titled Bowie: An Illustrated Life and combines Maria Hesse’s art with copy by Fran Ruiz. Carlson described the book as being told from Bowie’s point of view and added that readers “meet many of the famous musicians he interacted with, including Iggy Pop, Brian Eno, Freddie Mercury and others.” Hesse takes a whimsical and fun approach to rendering Bowie’s story. It’s available on Amazon.

And if acquiring both of the above-mentioned Bowie books puts you in the mood to see some of his music performed live, Sons Of The Silent Age have a Ziggy Meets The Duke show coming up on January 11 at Metro. The critically acclaimed Bowie tribute band will be performing Ziggy Stardust and Station To Station in their entirety. The Queen tribute band The Ready Freddies will be the opening act.

Freelance writer Allison Stewart had an intriguing feature story about comedian/author Jenny Slate in last Friday’s Chicago Tribune. Slate was in town for a show at The Vic Theatre, and her new book Little Weirds has been picking up critical acclaim. Stewart describes it as “an abstract memoir-like collection of short pieces.” Slate currently has a standup show titled Stage Fright on Netflix,

Bridge, a literary publication that enjoyed a short run around the turn of this century, is making a comeback as a hardcover journal via a small group of creative individuals. Its mix of art, poetry, fiction, and essays draws inspiration from vintage periodicals like Tristan Tzara’s literature magazines and Wyndham Lewis’ Blast. The relaunched Bridge will have a freewheeling publishing cycle, based on when its creators feel they have the right amount of material to go to press. There will be a relaunch event for Bridge this Sunday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. SITE/less at 1250 W. Augusta Blvd. in Chicago. Following the official relaunch, there will be a Bridge After Party at Montrose Saloon featuring The Thomas Comerford Band, Danny Black, and Eric Chial from The Bon Mots, and Decoy Prayer Meeting. It kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Montrose Saloon is located at 2933 W. Montrose.

On a personal note, I recently finished writing my fourth novel. It’s a Young Adult/rock and roll/romance/paranormal—hopefully funny—effort inspired by musicians like Alex Chilton and Steve Winwood who were already accomplished vocalists in their teenage years. My previous efforts (none published yet) are a suspense/satire novel based on Chicago’s punk rock scene in the mid-1980s, a Middle Grade fantasy/holiday novel, and a sequel to the Middle Grade fantasy. Three literary agents at a writers convention I attended last June liked my pitch and gave me the green light to submit my latest novel to them.

One of the requests literary agents often make is that writers provide examples of published (and successful) novels that are similar to the submission. It was during that quest that I discovered Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious, a thoroughly enjoyable Young Adult/Paranormal/Mystery with a hint of romance and lots of clever humor. For its main character, Truly Devious gives us Stevie, a teenage girl who’s unique, funny, inquisitive, and at times, overwhelmed and frightened, the way any teenager would be at a new far-from-home school with a history of unsolved murders. I can’t wait for the second book of this trilogy to come out next month.

Finally, aspiring writers looking to connect with an agent or publisher should consider Chris Roerden’s Don’t Murder Your Mystery. An acquaintance highly recommended this writing guide so I recently bought a copy. Roerden has a decades-long career as an editor and offers essential tips from an insider’s point of view on how avoid common mistakes while submitting your manuscript. I’ve just started reading it can already tell it’s going to be extremely helpful.

Slumgullion

Tickets are now on sale for The Pretenders and Journey at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on July 3; Jon Langford and Sally Timms at The Hideout on January 19; Silver Suns and Tommi Zender at Martyrs’ on November 14; and Social Act and Nicholas Barron at Martyrs’ on December 13.

The above gig information comes from this week’s edition of The Chicago Reader. For the full list, pick up a copy from local venues or a Reader box in the downtown area.

This week’s Chicago Reader is its Best Of Chicago issue. The honors are divided into several categories across entertainment, sports, politics, restaurants, businesses, stores, and events. Reckless Records was named best record store, with Laurie’s Planet Of Sound coming in second; Women and Children First was the best independent bookstore, with Book Cellar coming in second; WBEZ was best radio station, with WXRT coming in second; and Terri Hemmert was voted as best DJ, with Lin Brehmer coming in second.

The third edition of the Chicago Art Book Fair, a networking event for local artists, will be held next weekend, November 15 – 17 at the Chicago Athletic Association at 12 S. Michigan Avenue.

The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts is holding its annual Fall Clearance sale today, with a massive selection of art and sculptures available at reduced prices. Palette and Chisel is located at 1012 N. Dearborn, just north of downtown.

The world premiere of The First Deep Breath by Lee Edward Colston II opens next Friday at the Victory Gardens Theatre on Lincoln Avenue. Steve H. Broadnax III directs the intense family drama, which runs through December 22.

Tickets have sold out for Velvet Underground founding member John Cale’s concert at the Art Institute of Chicago on January 26. The performance ties in with the museum’s current exhibition Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again.

The Grand Rapids Comic-Con takes place this weekend at The DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event will include celebrity guests, artists, and authors.

The 22nd Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute event will take place at Uncommon Ground’s Edgewater location at 1401 W. Devon Avenue in Chicago on November 17 and 18.

The Chicago TARDIS convention is being held November 29 – December 1 in Lombard have been announced. The special guests include Paul McGann, who played The Doctor in an American TV movie version of the U.K. sci-fi series, and had a pivotal cameo the 50th Anniversary short clips. Tosin Cole, Greg Austin, Vivian Oparah, and Sophie Hopkins will also be there.

Stop In The Name Of Rock

Nine east coast bands that feature women musicians have joined together and will hit the road in early 2020 as The WhistleStop Tour. The press release describes the lineup of Justine And The Unclean, The Chelsea Curve, Cold Expectations, Field Day, Heather Rose In Clover, Kid Gulliver, The Knock Ups, Powerslut, and Tiger Bomb as “New England Power*Pop*Punk Queens.” The first date is at the Askew Prov in Providence, RI on January 11, and it will be followed by gigs in Somerville, MA, Salem, MA and Portland, ME.

The Somerville show will be a record release party for PowerSlut. So far, the tour appears to be locked in on the east coast, with other regional dates to be announced. Special guests will join in the fun at each location; Lockette and The Shang-Hi-Los have already signed on. It would be nice to see a Midwest version of this tour, and of course, WhistleStop is welcome to visit the Chicago area anytime.

Incoming

We lost Ric Ocasek a while back but his presence will surely be felt tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. That’s when Tributosaurus, one of the city’s best known tribute bands, will become The Cars. It’s hard to imagine new wave catching on as well as it did back in the 1970s without the nocturnal ambience of Cars songs such as “Just What I Needed,” “Bye Bye Love,” and “Moving In Stereo.” The band was justifiably inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last year.

Americana singer-guitarist Margo Price has been added to the musicians performing on The Last Waltz Tour, a tribute to The Band’s 1976 farewell concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The Last Waltz Tour, with headliners Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, John Medeski, and Don Was, comes to the Chicago Theatre on November 21.

A feature-length documentary about Ronnie Wood titled Somebody Up There Likes Me is set to open in theaters around Ireland and the U.K. on November 26. It will include vintage footage of his days with The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces, and The Rolling Stones. Hopefully, it will open in the States some time in the near future.

Slumgullion

The Got It Covered - BBC Children In Need charity album, which features cover versions of popular songs performed by Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Himesh Patel, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, and other noted British actors, is now available on Amazon and other sites.

Today is release day for From Out Of Nowhere by Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Two weeks from now, we’ll see Juliana Hatfield Sings The Police from Juliana Hatfield; and November 22 brings Hyperspace from Beck, Losst and Founnd by Harry Nilsson; Thanks For The Dance from Leonard Cohen, and Who by The Who.

A big welcome to Jerry Seinfeld, who’ll be performing stand-up comedy tonight at the Chicago Theatre. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Countless television viewers can recite catch phrases (and probably entire scenes) from Seinfeld’s eponymous sitcom. But he was already a legendary stand-up comedian for his clever and imaginative takes on everyday things like doing laundry or the way a dog reacts when its human returns from even the shortest time away. His current TV project Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee offers fascinating and funny insight on how comedians create and regard their work. By the way, I wore a puffy shirt the other day, but it wasn’t because I wanted to look like a pirate. It was part of my vampire costume for our company’s Halloween party.

Social Act will be showcasing “Time” and other songs from their new album, Innocence In Time tonight at Montrose Saloon tonight. Icebox and Steve Karras are also on the bill. The music starts at 9:00 p.m. Tomorrow night at Montrose Saloon, it’s Go Time, The Spindles and 45 Souls.

Tickets went on sale today for Peter Asher at City Winery Chicago on January 3; Chicago at the Rialto Square Theatre on April 7; Juliana Hatfield at SPACE on January 16; NRBQ at Chop Shop on November 27; and Sons Of The Silent Age and Ready Freddies at Metro on January 11.

Next Saturday, November 9, QUAD CON will arrive in Burlington, IA the fourth destination on its quest to bring toys, comic books, art, and games to cities in the Midwest. Admission is free. QUAD CON will hit Rockford, IL on November 17.

Chicago-based power pop band The Collectors are changing their name to The Walkdown and have officially added vocalist Erica Loftus to their lineup. Loftus has made guest appearances with the Mike Mazza led group (as well as with Van Go) in the past and also sings lead for The Right Tidys. All of the above-mentioned acts are well-known to regular attendees of International Pop Overthrow - Chicago.

We lost Ric Ocasek a while back but we’ll never forget his contributions to cutting-edge music. You can appreciate the nocturnal allure he crafted with his songs when Tributosaurus becomes The Cars next Wednesday, November 6 at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue.

Progressive rock fans should flock to The Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake on Saturday, November 23. The six-member band Prognosis will be performing Six Of The Best, a tribute to Peter Gabriel; Genesis; Jethro Tull; Emerson, Lake, and Palmer; King Crimson; and Yes.

The Grand Rapids Comic-Con takes place November 8 – 10 at The DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event will include celebrity guests, artists, and authors.

The Music On Stage theater group will present Annie The Musical from November 16 through December 1 at Cutting Hall in Palatine. In 2020, Music On Stage will be presenting The Sound Of Music and The Wizard Of Oz.

Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell TV show, is coming to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL on January 17. Don’t look for me to make any jokes about my cats being from hell. They’re both perfect angels.