Saturday Slumgullion

The Chicago Reader’s annual Best Of Chicago issue came out last Friday, and as with past editions, this one will be stored in my archive of favorite newspapers and magazines. The Best of Chicago honors are spread across several categories. Here’s a sample of the winners: Best Record Store  - Reckless Records, runner-up Laurie’s Planet Of Sound; Best Local Label - Bloodshot Records; Best Rock Band - Wilco; Best R&B Artist - Jamila Woods; Best Punk Band - Rise Against; Best Established Theatre Company - Steppenwolf; Best Radio Station WBEZ, runner-up WXRT; Best Radio DJ Lin Brehmer; Best Outdoor Music Venue - FitzGerald’s; Best Advocacy Organization - My Block, My Hood, My City; Best Charity - Greater Chicago Food Depository; and Best Overall Best Athlete - Javier Baez. You can grab a copy of the Chicago Reader from one of the its boxes downtown and on the north side, and at assorted venues in those areas. The issue is also available online. 

The TheaterMania website ran an encouraging post recently stating New York City is planning to have Broadway and off-Broadway productions up and running by this fall. Dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sites and a mobile vaccination unit are coming, along with guidelines for keeping performers and audiences safe. While I was reading the post, a song from the Mr. McGoo Christmas special came to mind. 

In related news, Chicago Tribune theatre critic Chris Jones recently reported that Second City will reopen with live shows on May 7. Some of America’s best-known comedy performers got their first big break at Second City. 

The English Beat has relaunched its 40th Anniversary Tour, with several dates throughout the UK, starting late June.

Mars Williams, the saxophonist known worldwide for his work with acts such as The Psychedelic Furs, Jerry Garcia, Billy Squier, and Kurt Elling, also has a long history on the Chicago music scene. He recently released Lost Soul Vol. 1, a compilation of previously unreleased live and studio recordings by his long-running band Liquid Soul. The 10 adventurous tracks highlight the group’s freestyle approach, and there’s also an irresistible ska take on Herb Alpert’s “Lonely Bull.” The live tracks were recorded at The Double Door, Abbey Pub, and The Elbo Room.

Robyn Hitchcock has shown a knack for crafting intriguing if occasionally puzzling lyrics throughout his career. He’s now chosen 73 examples to be in a book coming out July 6 titled Somewhere Apart: Selected Lyrics 1977 - 1997. There will illustrations for 34 of those lyrics. The book is available for pre-order here. So that’s what “Balloon Man” looks like. 

Check out page 61 in the April edition of Chicago Magazine and you’ll find my nephew Joe Flamm serving up his recipe for Abruzzi Lamb Ragu With Bucatini. The Season 15 Top Chef Winner (as well as being my godson) is set to open his Rose Mary Italian/Croatian restaurant at some point in April, and customers will be able to make reservations starting March 31

If you haven’t seen U2: Live At Red Rocks, Denver, Colorado - USA 1983, the second installment of the four-week series U2 The Virtual Road - 4 Ground-Breaking Concert Films, you can still catch it on the U2 YouTube Channel.The two-hour show is a great opportunity experience the iconic Irish band in its youth, powering through classic songs such as “Out Of Control,” “I Will Follow,” and “New Year’s Day.” The other two remaining concerts in the series are Popmart - Live From Mexico City - Mexico 1997 on April 1; and iNNONENCE  + eXPERIENCE: Live in Paris - France 2015 on April 10.

The Fest For Beatles Fans offered another one of its Fab Friday concerts featuring Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti yesterday. You can still catch it via two posts on The Fest For Beatles Fans Facebook pages. Angotti concentrated on George Harrison this time.

Incoming

Congratulations to director Mary Wharton on winning the Audience Award at this year’s annual SXSW Festival for her Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free documentary. The 90-minute film features lost footage from the recording sessions for Petty’s 1994 Wildflowers album. (An expanded version, Wildflowers and All The Rest, including Petty’s previously unreleased version of his “Leave Virginia Alone," was released in 2020.) Wharton also directed the documentary Jimmy Carter: Rock And Roll President.

We’ve enjoyed his work as a musician, actor, radio host, and activist. And he’s pretty wicked at running a record label. Now, with his first ever memoir, we’ll see how Stevie Van Zandt does an author. Unrequited Infatuations is now available for preorder from Hachette Books in print, eBook, and audio formats.  I have a feeling Van Zandt could also craft a fun, hard-edged novel he set his mind to it.

This should make for a fun summer. The legendary FitzGerald’s Night Club in Berwyn recently announced it has already booked over 100 artists to perform on its patio.

The second installment of the four-week series U2 The Virtual Road - 4 Ground-Breaking Concert Films comes to YouTube tomorrow, Thursday, March 25. U2: Live At Red Rocks, Denver, Colorado - USA 1983 will feature remastered audio and enhanced visuals. The other two shows are Popmart - Live From Mexico City - Mexico 1997 on April 1; and iNNONENCE  + eXPERIENCE: Live in Paris - France 2015 on April 10.

Sweet Home Chicago Blues - Celebrating 50 Years Of Alligator Records is now streaming on YouTube and will be available to watch through April 11. The event features Billy Branch And The Sons Of Blues, along with special guests Shemekia Copeland; Toronzo Cannon; and Lil’ Ed Williams. 

Slumgillion

After reading Joe Marchese’s post on The Second Disc about the upcoming 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young from Rhino and Atlantic, I was drawn to the new CSNY50 website he mentioned. In addition to pre-ordering the box set, I also purchased a Déjà Vu t-shirt and mug. The online store also offers caps, hoodies, bandanas, tote bags, and rolling papers.

The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Déjà Vu offers 28 previously unreleased tracks, including demos of “Teach Your Children” by Graham Nash and David Crosby; “4 + 20” by Stephen Stills; “Almost Cut My Hair” by Crosby;  “Birds” by Neil Young and Nash; and “Our House” by Joni Mitchell and Nash. It’s available in a $249.98 DC2 Edition with five LPs and a hardcover book in a special box; and a $99.98 Deluxe Retail Edition with four CDs, one LP and a hardcover book. Both versions come with a download code.

Rock Cellar Productions has several well-known musicians and celebrities lined up for its All Together Now L.A. free livestream concert coming tomorrow night, Saturday, March 20. Performers include Nancy Wilson; Alyssa Milano; Jack Black; Sheila E; Paul Rodgers; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter;  Colin Hay and Cecilia  Noël; War; Jess Colin Young; Laurence Juber with T Bear and Tony Braunagel; Strawberry Alarm Clock; The Cowsills; The Empty Hearts and Bootsy Collins. A text-to-donate link will be available throughout the event, with 100% of proceeds going to help homeless families and support first responders, musicians, and venues affected by COVID-19.

It’s nice to see Chicago area music venues getting back in the swing of things. Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue, which has been surviving on outdoor gigs when the weather allowed, live stream concerts, pizza sales, and gofundme donations, recently posted the Facebook message “We are inching our way closer to reopening!” I’m looking forward to it.

Omnivore Recordings has a new release coming out on May 7 that should interest fans of The dB’s, Let’s Active, Don Dixon, and other acts associated with the legendary Winston-Salem, North Carolina indie rock scene. Yesterday’s Tomorrow offers 23 tracks recorded live by Mitch Easter, Chris Stamey, Peter Holsapple, Will Rigby, and Don Dixon under various band names in 2018 at the Ramkat Club in Winston-Salem. The setlist includes originals such a “Room With A View” and “Every Word Means No,” along with some inspired covers of songs originally done by The Electric Prunes, The Beatles and The Easybeats. The CD comes with a 24-page booklet with anecdotes and photos.

Supergrass has a gig coming up at the South London venue Crystal Palace Bowl on August 20, as part of South Facing Open Air Concert Series.

Wolf Alice has been in a sharing mood lately; releasing its first new song in four years, announcing the arrival of a full album on June 11, and earlier today, revealing the dates and cities for its UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2022. It kicks off on January 7 in Glasgow, and includes stops in Manchester, London, Liverpool, and Dublin. Wolf Alice will mostly likely showcase “The Last Man On Earth” and other tunes from Blue Weekend, as well as its previous two albums at these gigs. It would be great if they followed up with a tour of America.

Congratulations to Kate Lewis on being chosen to participate in the Chicago Cubs’ year-long series of collaborations with artists to create team-inspired, socially aware memorabilia. Lewis is the second artist to be involved, following Nikko Washington. Like Washington’s very cool Ernie Banks t-shirt, the long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts and poster Lewis created are available from the Chicago Cubs online Ivy Shop. All the proceeds from the sale of the Lewis items will go to Girls In The Game, a non-profit dedicated to helping young women develop athletic and life skills. 

A limited edition 180 gram translucent blue vinyl pressing of Donovan’s debut album What’s Bin Did And What’s Been Hid is now available on the Tower Records online store. It features his first hit single “Catch The Wind.” 

The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood has been extended through September 6. Organizers have social distancing, along with numerous other health and safety measures in place, so visitors can be surrounded by the world famous artist’s best works for a little over a half hour.

Assembly, a new compilation of Joe Strummer’s solo work, comes out next Friday, March 26 on the newly relaunched Dark Horse Records. The album features covers of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” and three efforts from his days with The Clash, along with some previously unreleased material. The 16 tracks were remastered by renowned musician/studio engineer Paul Hicks, whose Dad is guitarist Tony Hicks from The Hollies.

I received the BluRay/DVD of The Go-Go’s documentary I ordered and had a chance to watch it earlier this week. Directed by Alison Eastwood, it’s an honest portrait from the band’s early days on the Los Angeles punk scene to its recently released single “Club Zero,” an effervescent rock song that also serves as a politically charged protest. Former members are given a chance to express their sense of betrayal at being dumped, and we’re shown times when the core musicians struggled to get along. The film makes a compelling argument that The Go-Go’s should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. They’re still in fifth place in the 2021 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Voting. Fela Kuti is in first place, followed by Tina Turner, Iron Maiden, and Foo Fighters.

Incoming

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a live performance on YouTube by one of Ireland’s best rock groups. U2 The Virtual Road - 4 Ground-Breaking Concert Films is a four-week series that kicks off with U2 Go Home: Live From Slane Castle - Ireland 2001 tomorrow. Next Thursday, March 25 will bring U2: Live At Red Rocks, Denver, Colorado - USA 1983; followed by Popmart - Live From Mexico City - Mexico 1997 on April 1; and iNNOCENCE  + eXPERIENCE: Live in Paris - France 2015 on April 10. Each show will feature remastered audio and enhanced visuals. The series will also present an opening act each week, although these performances are unrelated to the original U2 concerts. For example, Dermot Kennedy’s performance tomorrow was recorded last week just outside Los Angeles.

Happy Birthday to Heart vocalist-guitarist Nancy Wilson. She and her sister Ann created several rock and roll classics, and made it possible for other women musicians to follow in their path. Nancy’s tuneful, acoustic single “You And Me,” which she describes as a tribute to her mother, just came out and it’s the title track of her upcoming solo album. She’ll be one of several well-known performers taking part in the All Together Now L.A. virtual charity event taking place this Saturday. A text-to-donate link will be available throughout the event, with 100% of proceeds going to help homeless families and support first responders, musicians, and venues affected by COVID-19.

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry will soon join together for a virtual discussion regarding the 5 CD, 2 seven-inch singles Super Deluxe Edition The Who Sell Out that’s being released on April 23. Fans can submit questions about the original album or the new box set, and some of those questions will be answered as part of the show. Maybe someone could ask what treasures will be found among the 47 previously unreleased tracks. The official Facebook page for The Who doesn’t mention a date yet for the Townshend-Daltry discussion, but the deadline for submitting questions is tomorrow, March 17 at 3:00 p.m. UK time.

More Slumgullion

There was still some Slumgullion left in the pot after last night’s serving.

The organizers of Record Store Day have opted to keep the more manageable RSD Drops format they implemented during 2020, as we gradually navigate our way out of the pandemic. There are two 2021 Drops scheduled so far; June 12 and July 17. Hopefully, we’ll see some RSD live performances by local bands at record stores on those days.

Rock Cellar Productions has several well-known musicians and celebrities lined up for its All Together Now L.A. free livestream concert coming next Saturday, March 20. Performers will include Nancy Wilson; Alyssa Milano; Jack Black; Sheila E; Paul Rodgers; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter;  Colin Hay and Cecilia  Noël; War; Jess Colin Young; Laurence Juber with T Bear and Tony Braunagel; Strawberry Alarm Clock; The Cowsills; The Empty Hearts and Bootsy Collins. A text-to-donate link will be available throughout the event, with 100% of proceeds going to help homeless families and support first responders, musicians, and venues affected by COVID-19.

A new exhibit titled Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes has opened at The Museum of Science and Industry. Fans of Iron Man, Spider Man, Black Panther, and other super heroes comics and films will find a lot to explore among the 300 items on display. Some Chicago-related heroes who will also be featured. Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes runs through October 24.

Author Maureen Johnson, who created two successful YA trilogies with the mysterious Truly Devious and the spooky Shades Of London, dives into Disney territory with her new Hello, Cruel Heart novel. The book was inspired by Cruella, a soon-to-be-released live action flick from Walt Disney Studios. Johnson takes readers back to the character’s less villainous but freewheeling teenage years and sets the action in 1960s era London. If that doesn’t intrigue you, no clever thing will.

The fifth annual Nowhere Else Festival  has been pushed back to Labor Day Weekend, after organizers Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler consulted with local health experts as well as the scheduled performers. Bergquist and Detweiler, founding members of the critically acclaimed alt rock/Americana band Over The Rhine, call the music and arts event An Extended Musical Family Reunion and stage it on their farm in Martinsville, Ohio. This year’s acts include Patty Griffin, Joe Henry, and Allison Moorer. In addition to live music, the Nowhere Else Festival will offer workshops, readings, and artists presenting their work. Over The Rhine frequently visits Chicago has several avid fans here.

Ska music is alive and well. The Specials have added two gigs to their 2021 U.K. tour; the new opening date on August 31 at Bristol 02 Academy and the September 21 concert at Reading Rivermead. Three of the date have already sold out.

Slumgullion

The Pink Floyd Exhibition - Their Mortal Remains will make its American debut at the Vogue Multicultural Museum at some point this year in Los Angeles. Fans won’t find many details on the Their Mortal Remains website yet but there is an option to join a mailing list. The exhibition has previously visited Madrid and London, and Wikipedia notes the artifacts include props from The Wall concerts and Syd Barrett’s bicycle.

Hot fun in the spring time. EXPO ’76 will be delving into its never predictable but always impressive repertoire of cover versions on the patio of FitzGerald’s in Berwyn at 7:00 p.m. on March 31.

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti has a live stream performance tomorrow night on Facebook at 7:00 p.m. CST. Angotti noted in a Facebook post that he also has some live gigs on the horizon. One of those will be at Montrose Saloon’s beer garden at 6:30 p.m. on April 1.

It’s great to see Montrose Saloon rocking again, with a bouquet of live shows in its outdoor beer garden to welcome the spring weather. The duo Marina will perform at 6:00 p.m. on April 2; and keyboards player Joey Chimes has a 2:00 p.m. gig on April 3, followed immediately by garage/rockabilly band Amazing Heeby Jeebies at 3:00 p.m.

Deepest condolences to everyone at radio station WXRT on the passing of long-time Music Director John Farneda. He was not as well known to listeners as the on-air personalities, but we can learn from the tributes offered today by DJs Lin Brehmer, Terri Hemmert, and Marty Lennartz how much he supported and inspired them. Farneda passed away after a year-long battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. In lieu of flowers, the station is asking for donations to the National MS Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Farneda’s honor.

The Who will release a Super Deluxe Edition of its album The Who Sell Out on April 23 that includes enough memorabilia to start a museum. In addition to 112 tracks on five CDs and two seven-inch singles, this edition features an 80-page hard cover book, rare posters, inserts, and stickers. It’s available for pre-order on The Who’s official website for the reasonable price of  $139. Fans willing to go higher than that can choose an option that includes a jacket and t-shirt.

Roll the dice for cool rock venue merchandise. (I wanted to use ‘Merchandise to di for’ but was afraid people would assume it’s a typo.) I’ve already purchased an artfully decorated 2021 calendar and a Christmas ornament from The Hideout’s online store and I just ordered a set of dice with The Hideout’s logo on them. There are a number of distinctive items available at The Hideout’s online store.

In other local venue news, Lincoln Hall will be offering items from Lincoln Hall and The Alley Dreams, a collection of mugs, t-shirts and other memorabilia created by muralist Mac Blackout. The merchandise will only be available for three weeks at the venue’s online shop.

 My nephew/godson Joe Flamm’s Italian/Croatian restaurant Rose Mary will open in mid-April at 932 W. Fulton in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Joe previously worked as Executive Chef at the critically acclaimed Spiaggia on Michigan Avenue and was the Season 15 champion on the Bravo Channel’s Top Chef program. He’s also aiming to bring his son Luka to a White Sox game now that limited seating will be available at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Incoming

Singer-guitarist Rhett Miller, who’s been impressive as a solo artist as well as a member of The Old 97’s, will be conducting an online class titled Songwriting Is Magic: The Rhett Miller Lyrics Workshop via The Old Town School Of Folk Music on March 24. According to an email from the Chicago venue, “He will discuss the lessons, theories. concepts, and ideas he’s learned in his three-plus decades of songwriting.” Not to mention he can easily switch from humor to heartfelt observations. Miller’s class is part of a virtual series that also includes lessons from banjo player Tony Trischka; Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington; and bluegrass fiddle player Amy Alvey.

Life is like a roomful of typewriters. You never know when you’ll donate one for a worthy cause. Writer Doug George had an article in Monday’s Chicago Tribune about the Chicago-based Shattered Globe Theatre Company’s online raffle to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Actor Tom Hanks has donated a typewriter from his collection to help out. The article explains how Shattered Globe Theatre would even be on the mega-star’s radar, and it’s a testament to the well-known amiable nature of Mr. Hanks. (He and Shattered Globe co-founder Joe Forbrich met ages ago while performing a Broadway play and have stayed friends.) The Shattered Globe raffle runs through March 8, and if you’re considering a bid on the Hanks typewriter, he also included a handwritten note with his donation.

As noted in an informative and entertaining article by Misha Davenport in today’s Chicago Sun-Times, a new exhibit titled Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes will open this Sunday, March 7 at The Museum of Science and Industry. Fans of Iron Man, Spider Man, Black Panther, and other super heroes comics and films will find a lot to explore among the 300 items on display. Davenport highlighted some Chicago-related heroes who will also be featured. Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes runs through October 24. I have no idea if there will be any Marvel-related items in the museum's gift shop, but that would be cool.

If you like those tuxedo t-shirts that mimic formal apparel, you’ll probably appreciate the  concept behind a new line of hoodie sweatshirts from GearPow inspired by Doctor Who. Especially if you’ve always wanted a less complicated way to dress up like your favorite variation of The Doctor. If I was inclined to wear hoodies, the Fourth Doctor (played by Tom Baker) hoodie would be my choice since it’s one of the most recognizable. It makes you look like you’re wearing a jacket, vest, ascot, and of course, that incredibly long scarf.