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.