Slumgullion

If you’ve got an extra $1450.00 to expand your rock and roll art gallery, artist-musician Ronnie Wood’s Official Online Shop will be offering three new limited-edition, personalized portraits starting June 1. One depicts Wood and Keith Richards jamming together; one focuses on Richards; and the other offers a close-up of Wood. All three are very cool and colorful.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson, whose work with Dolly Varden and Funeral Bonsai Wedding has frequently drawn critical acclaim, released a new single and video on Bandcamp today. Dawson plays all the instruments for the heartfelt, acoustic-based “Hard Time Friend,” with the exception of Alton Smith on piano. It’s the second single from Dawson’s upcoming album on Pravda Records, and he’ll likely be performing more of it at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on August 17. 

 

Hey Nonny has gone back to selling single tickets again, as opposed to the two-ticket minimum it temporarily employed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Upcoming shows include Dan Navarro, John San Juan, Sonic45 with Len Kasper, Liquid Soul, and Steve Dawson and Friends.

Congratulations to The Kooks on selling all the pre-sale tickets for their early 2022 Inside In/Inside Out U.K. Tour. The band will be performing its entire debut album Inside In/Inside Out, which was released 15 years ago, along with, as an Instagram post states, “some fan favourites as a thank you for all the love that’s kept the album alive.” Hopefully, the favourites will include “Initials For Gainsbourg” from The Kooks’ 2018 Let’s Go Sunshine album since it’s one of the most magnificent songs ever recorded. 

There are only a few days left to check out the Wolf Moon Pizza created by Patti Smith at Piece Pizza, in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. The restaurant is co-owned by Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen.

The Rolling Stones have released a five-song EP titled A Little Bang (Bigger Bang Tour EP) that will be available to stream through July 9. The EP features tracks from the band’s soon-to-be-released album A Bigger Bang - Live On Copacabana Beach.

The instrumental, guitar-fueled local band Outranaut will be performing at the Clark Street venue GMan tavern on August 13. As song titles like “Empirical Underworld Overture,” “Tempest Fugitive,” and “A Silent River Of Dogs” suggest, these guys are a blast.

Congratulations to Graham Nash on the 50th anniversary of the release of his solo debut Songs For Beginners. On a related note, I just received the copy I ordered of CSNY’s 50th Anniversary Deja Vu box set. I also bought a t-shirt, and I’m happy with both. 

The Illinois village of Long Grove is holding a Chicago Blues Fest tomorrow (Saturday) from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. It takes place at Brothers’ Field, which is located in the vicinity of the Chatter Box restaurant and Covered Bridge Creamery. Casey Lee, Nate Manos, Willie Buck, Pookie Sticks, and Nate Manos with Blue Line Blues Band will be performing, and admission is free

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Australia’s top-notch garage rockers Hoodoo Gurus have sold out their December 4 concert at the Sydney Hordern Pavilion, so another date has been add to the band’s 40th Anniversary Tour. There are also dates scheduled in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with The Dandy Warhols as special guests. Hoodoo Gurus have a new album coming out this year.

Tickets are now on sale for The Pink Floyd Exhibition - Their Mortal Remains being held at the Vogue Multicultural Museum in Los Angeles, CA from August 3 to November 23. The official website describes the exhibit as an “audiovisual journey through the extraordinary universe of one of most iconic and influential rock bands.” The Pink Floyd Exhibition has already made a few stops in Europe, so it would be nice if it did some traveling in the States.

Coke Belda - 5: A Tribute To The Bee Gees Vol. 2

The Bee Gees have a large fan base, even if there is a debate whether the band was better in its baroque pop era or after it started aiming songs toward the dance floor. Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Coke Belda, a native of Spain now residing in Pittsburgh, appealed to both factions on his 2017 album (3) Gs - A Tribute To The Bee Gees. He recently released 5: A Tribute To The Bee Gees Vol. 2 (available at Kook Kat Musik), and it’s another expertly rendered collection of deep tracks and Top 40 hits. Arriving around the same time as The Bee Gees - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart? documentary, it likewise showcases the band’s amazing versatility.

Belda totally gets that the early Brothers Gibb material was not only rare, precious, and beautiful, but also delightfully quirky. His take on “Craise Finton Kirk Royal Academy Of Arts,” is a comic portrait set to a dance hall arrangement. “Marley Purt Drive” describes a guy stuck with an orphanage full of kids via Belda’s intricately layered vocals. “Harry Braff” has a Beatles-like energy, and is one of the few pop songs that honors a race car driver.

Belda also succeeds with the later material on 5: A Tribute To The Bee Gees Vol. 2, particularly a light, acoustic take on “Too Much Heaven.” His appealing duet with Sara Depp is backed by a steady beat on the catchy “Islands In The Stream,” a Bee Gees composition that was a hit for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. “Omega Man” could be the album’s best cut, as Belda employs a guitar-driven power pop arrangement to propel the quick rhymes and clever wordplay. 

Incoming

Tickets are now on sale for The Pink Floyd Exhibition - Their Mortal Remains being held at the Vogue Multicultural Museum in Los Angeles, CA from August 3 to November 23. The official website describes the exhibit as an “audiovisual journey through the extraordinary universe of one of most iconic and influential rock bands.” The Pink Floyd Exhibition has already made a few stops in Europe, so it would be nice if it did some traveling in the States.

Piece Pizza, the Wicker Park restaurant co-owned by Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, has enlisted another rock star to create a limited-edition item for its menu. Patti Smith’s Wolf Moon Pizza will only be available through May 31, and $5 from each one sold will benefit the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL). The Wolf Moon includes prosciutto, but is also available in a vegetarian option.

Long Grove, the Illinois village that was once known for its antique shops and craft stores, has been reinventing itself as a destination for restaurants and cafes. During the warmer months, there’s often music involved and that will be the case over this Memorial Day weekend. A Chicago Blues Fest will take place on Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at Brothers’ Field, which is located in the vicinity of the Chatter Box restaurant and Covered Bridge Creamery. Casey Lee, Nate Manos, Willie Buck, Pookie Sticks, and Nate Manos with Blue Line Blues Band will be performing, and admission is free.

It’s good to see the Hey Nonny music venue in Arlington Heights has gone back to selling single tickets again, as opposed to the two-ticket minimum it temporarily employed due to COVID-19 restrictions. And there are definitely some shows coming up at Hey Nonny worth checking out. Dan Navarro, John San Juan, and Sonic45 with Len Kasper have gigs there in June; Pino Farina, Liquid Soul, and Dee Alexander with The Metropolitan Jazz Octet are coming in July. August brings shows by Steve Dawson and Friends, Jeffrey Gaines, and Rachael Kilgour and Grace Pettis.

Saturday Slumgullion

The Zombies Live From Studio 2 - A Worldwide Streaming Event From Abbey Road Studios will take place at 3:00 pm EDT on September 18. A recent Facebook post states, “The Zombies will play one concert this year, and for the first time ever, we can perform for all our fans across the globe.” Tickets can be purchased at Veeps and there are options available that include a Livestream Q and A afterward with journalist David Fricke, as well as a concert-related t-shirt and poster. Studio 2 is where The Zombies recorded their groundbreaking Odessey and Oracle album over 50 years ago. 

On a more mysterious note, the official Facebook page for The Hollies recently posted a photo of the band’s long-time drummer Bobby Elliott standing outside Abbey Road Studios with the caption, “Bobby back in Abbey Road Studios last week.”

The Who continue to offer some of the coolest official memorabilia in rock and roll. Their recently released Super Deluxe Edition Box Set of The Who Sell Out is a treasure chest of goodies; and their website offers tons of cool souvenirs. The Who is offering fans a chance enter its The Who Sell Out Merch Prize Pack Sweepstakes by becoming email subscribers.

Whoa, Nellie. Palatine music venue Nellie’s has an impressive booking coming up on June 11 with a double bill of The Nielsen Trust (featuring legendary Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen) and the Philadelphia-based band Nick Perri And The Underground Thieves. Nellie’s ditched the ‘Durty’ portion of its name as a part of recent rebranding, but has been a first-rate place to experience live music for several years. I once saw The Zombies there as part of a Little Steven’s Underground Garage showcase. It’s quite capable of showcasing national acts and should do so more often.

Song lyrics by the Hoodoo Gurus have been known to pack a punch, and that’s definitely the case on the Aussie band’s new single “World Of Pain.” Set to a guitar-driven, catchy arrangement, it’s a tale of recovering from a bar fight and features lead vocalist-guitarist Dave Faulkner singing, “Your fist smashes my face, chairs fly all over the place.” As the song progresses, we learn such encounters happen frequently for this guy. The morning after brings the questions, “How did I get home, and where is my phone?” “World Of Pain” is a preview of a album (to be named later) by the Hoodoo Gurus coming out in October. It will be their first full-length effort in 10 years.

As noted on The Second Disc website, the digital edition of Standing In The Doorway, Chrissie Hynde’s Bob Dylan tribute album is now available on streaming services. It will be released on CD and vinyl August 20.

The new CIVL Situation Chicago 2 compilation came out yesterday, and it’s available in digital and vinyl formats. It features 14 tracks by locals acts, including Mirrors, Imperial Boxmen, The Avondale Ramblers, Erin McDougald, and Adem Dalipi. Proceeds from the record will go the CIVL SAVE Emergency Relief Fund.

The original motion picture soundtrack for the Disney film Cruella is now available, with tracks by Florence + The Machine; The Bee Gees; Supertramp; The Doors; Nina Simone; Ohio Players; Ike and Tina Turner; Electric Light Orchestra; Queen; Blondie; The Clash; Georgia Gibbs; Ken Dodd; and John McCrea. The film takes place in London during the late 1970s.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Phil Angotti has an album release party for his 2020 effort Top Tunes and Real Grooves coming up next Saturday, May 29 at 7:00 pm on the patio at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. The event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19,  and he says on his Facebook page, “I’m so happy to finally get to do this!” Admission is free, but it certainly would be a good idea to buy his album—an engaging collection of vintage material and brand new songs— while you’re there.

If you missed the festive 50th Anniversary Tribute to the Paul McCartney and Wings album Ram Angotti performed with fellow Chicago musicians last week, it’s still available for viewing on the Fulton Collective YouTube Channel.

Karen Gillan, of Doctor Who, Jumanji, and Guardians Of The Galaxy fame, fires two pistols while looking mighty cross in a short promo for the upcoming new action film Gunpowder Milkshake. The impressive cast also includes Angela Bassett, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, and Paul Giamatti. Navot Papushado directed the film, which is due out July 14.

Actress Alex Kingston, who portrayed Gillan’s daughter on Doctor Who, has now written a novel. The Ruby’s Curse is an adventure based on Kingston’s River Song character from the sci-fi show. For those of us who watched Kingston bring the always industrious River Song to life on TV, this all makes perfect sense.

Z2 Comics continues its series of music-related graphic novels with upcoming editions on Joan Jett and Freddie Mercury. Other acts that have been covered include The Doors, Blondie, Grateful Dead, Cypress Hill, Elvis Presley, and Beethoven.

It’s great to see art fairs returning this year. The Barrington Art Fair in suburban Barrington takes place next weekend, and the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Fair (I always think of these as siblings although they’re not related) take place the weekend of June 12 and 13. The Gold Coast Art Fair comes August 21 and 22, and the West Loop Art Fest is slated for September 18 and 19.

Saturday Slumgullion

The 50th Anniversary edition of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s Déjà Vu album was released yesterday. It’s a treasure chest for the group’s fans, with 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 also comes with a book filled with rare photos. I went the pre-order route a while back, so I’m hoping to get my copy in the mail soon, along with the Déjà Vu t-shirt and coffee mug I also purchased from the CSNY50 online store.

Congratulation to The Go-Go’s, Tina Turner, Foo Fighters, Carole King, Jay-Z, and Todd Rundgren on being chosen as The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame’s 2021 inductees. I’m happy to say four of my choices—The Go-Go’s, Tina Turner, Carole King, and Todd Rundgren—made the cut. (Kate Bush was my other pick.) In addition to the acts chosen for the Performers Category; LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhodes were given the Musical Excellence Award;  Kraftwerk, Charley Patton, and Gil Scott-Heron were given the Early Influence Award; and Clarence Avant was given the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Congratulations to Bruce Springsteen on being named as the 2021 Woody Guthrie Prize recipient. There was an exclusive virtual event on May 13 for Woody Guthrie Center members.

The online music publication Rock Cellar recently posted a video of Crowded House performing “Playing With Fire.” It’s not a cover of the Rolling Stones song, but a new original that will be among the 12 tracks on the band’s Dreamers Are Waiting album coming out on June 6. It will be the first new album from Crowded House in over ten years.

Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms, and Jeff Tweedy are the headline acts for the Long Play Music Fest taking place July 1 – 4 at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, IL. Catfight and Off Broadway are also among the acts scheduled to appear. General Admission and VIP tickets are  now available. Cheap Trick will no doubt be showcasing songs from its impressive new album In Another World.

Richard Roeper, film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, had an interesting interview with Chance The Rapper in yesterday’s edition. The two discussed Magnificent Coloring World, the brand new film Chance is sharing with Chicago audiences at the AMC River East 21 this weekend before it becomes available to the rest of the country. Chance was particularly interested in explaining the difference he sees between “a filmed concert and a concert film.”

Paul Myers and S.W. Lauden hosted a virtual book party on Facebook this past Tuesday to celebrate the release of Go Further - More Literary Appreciations Of Power Pop. Like their 2019 book Go All The Way, it’s a collection of essays from respected journalists (along with a few fans and musicians) reflecting on iconic bands of the power pop genre. This time out, they give us profiles on XTC, Shoes, The Records, Squeeze, Material Issue, The Replacements, and others. The very entertaining Facebook event included interviews and live performances.

Judy Collins; Willie Nelson and Family; Gladys Knight; Andrew Bird; Train; John Hiatt; Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco; King Crimson and The Zappa Band; and Ziggy Marley will be among the acts performing live concerts at Ravinia this summer.

The Narcotix are a Brooklyn-based duo whose new album Mommy Issues features art folk music with West African influences. It’s due out in July, but the exotic tune “John/Joseph” can be heard now as a preview.

The Posies have a live gig coming up on July 18 at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. It’s part  of a series curated by FM radio station KEXP, and will be the band’s first concert in almost two years.

When I saw a post on The BeeGees 1967 Instagram page about the band’s “Whisper Whisper” being featured in the upcoming Disney move Cruella, it added to my mistaken belief that the film is set in London circa 1967. It does take place in London, but during the 1970s punk era. My confusion also came from reading author Maureen Johnson’s latest novel, Hello, Cruel Heart—from Disney Press—which takes place amid the excitement of The Beatles releasing their Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band LP. Both the flick and book are origin stories of Cruella De Vil from the 1961 movie 101 Dalmatians. So far, Johnson’s book is pure fun, and if the book follows the same pattern albeit in a different decade, I’ll be eager to see it.

The Monkees Farewell Tour will make a stop at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, IL on November 5. Tickets are now on sale. In related news, Michael Nesmith’s Video Ranch official online store has his new CD Different Drum: The Lost RCA Victor Recordings on sale, along with t-shirts. buttons, and stickers. Micky Dolenz Sings Nesmith, the first solo effort from Dolenz in nine years, comes out next Friday.

Go Further For Fun

As I’m posting this, Paul Myers and S.W. Lauden—each an author and musician—are hosting a virtual book party to celebrate the release of Go Further - More Literary Appreciations Of Power Pop. If you click on the Discussions tab on the “Go Further” - Power Pop Book Party event on Facebook you can watch for free. As on their 2019 effort Go All The Way, Myers and Lauden present a collection of essays from respected journalists (along with a few fans and musicians) about iconic bands of the power pop genre. This time out, they give us 20/20, XTC, Shoes, The Records, Squeeze, Material Issue, The Replacements, and others. There’s also a piece combining The Archies and The Ramones.

Tonight’s virtual bash has John M. Borack, a member of The Armoires as well as a contributing editor for Goldmine magazine, and Mary E. Donnelly, who co-wrote (with Moira McCormick) a terrific book about the terrific band Shoes with Boys Don’t Lie - A History Of Shoes, as special guests. Also, there will be songs performed by Steve Allen from 20/20; Mike Randle from Baby Lemonade; Dave Hill from Valley Lodge; Brian Vander Ark from The Verve Pipe; Christina Bulbenki and Rex Broome from The Armoires; and Bill Demain from Swan Dive.

Saturday Slumgullion

A Different Compilation by The Buzzcocks will be part of this year’s RSD treasures.

Vinyl fanatics will have to wait another year before Record Store Day is fully back to normal. The strategy of holding smaller RSD Drops instead of the traditional big event on the third Saturday in April was a sensible response to the pandemic in 2020. It still allowed us to purchase limited-edition records but in a far less crowded atmosphere. So, it’s no surprise the RSD Drops are back for 2021 as we tiptoe toward normalcy. There are two scheduled for this year so far; June 12 and July 17. Both lists are shown together on the official Record Store Day site, so be sure to check the date on any records you’re planning on buying on June 12.

The Old Town Art Fair, one of Chicago’s best known art events, is taking place June 12 and 13, so that could make for a busy weekend if you’re like me and enjoy art as well as vinyl. Usually, the Printer’s Row Lit Fest happens right about that same time, but this year it’s been pushed to the weekend of September 11 and 12.

Henry Diltz, the photographer who created iconic portraits of bands from the mid to late 1960s, posted on Facebook and Instagram that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young are signing limited-edition prints related to his work for their Deja Vu album. The CSNY Official Store doesn’t mention anything about this, but hopefully we’ll found out soon if and when these prints are going on sale. The 50th Anniversary Box Set for Deja Vu is due out May 28.

The family of the late Richard Wright is putting together a website featuring stories, film, and photos about the Pink Floyd co-founder and keyboards player.

The May issue of the Illinois Entertainer, with a cover story on the recently back-in-auction Del Amitri, is available on the publication’s website. In addition to Tom Lanham’s feature story on Del Amitri, the issue has Jeff Elbel’s positive reviews of The Who Sell Out Super Deluxe box set (a must for dedicated fans of The Who); Liquid Soul’s Lost Soul Volume 1 (praised here on an earlier post); Pink Floyd’s Live At Knebworth 1990;  and former lead singer for The Tubes Fee Waybill’s Rides Again. Elbel also gives an 8 out of 10 rating to the recent re-release of God Bless The Go-Go’s, which is considerably more generous than the review I.E. gave the album when it first came out in 2001. (It wasn’t by me, although I was a staff writer at the time. I would have given it an 8 as well.)

Albums coming out this month (using the May I.E. as a cheat sheet) include You And Me by Nancy Wilson from Heart, When God Was Great by The Mighty Mighty BossTones, and Van Weezer by Weezer on 5/7; Blood by Juliana Hatfield, Fat Pop Vol. 1 by Paul Weller, Daddy’s Home by St. Vincent, Delta Kream by The Black Keys, and Scatterbrain by The Chills on 5/14; Intruder by Gary Numan, Micky Dolenz Sings Nesmith by Micky Dolenz, and American Quilt by Paula Cole on 5/21; and makeover by k.d. lang and Reprise by Moby on 5/28.

Musician/artist Ronnie Wood recently announced that he is now an ambassador for the Turn Up For Recovery organization, which helps addicts recover through the power of music.

 

While reading an article about the resurgence of ska music on the Stereogum website, I was intrigued by the name Catbite and checked out the Philadelphia-based band’s Bandcamp page. A quick spin through the eight catchy tracks of their 2019 self-titled debut was enough to make me buy it. “Midnight Eyes” and “Scratch Me Up” were particularly good.

Summer Of Soul (. . . Or When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised), a new documentary created by Questlove from The Roots, will be released in movie theaters and on Hulu July 2. The footage is from the 1969 six-week Harlem Cultural Festival but most of it never made it to the general public before. Summer Of Soul includes performances by Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Sly And The Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, and B.B. King.

A savvy veteran has been added to the already impressive team of musicians and sports figures Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons have assembled this year’s Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser virtual event. Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam will join Yo-Yo Ma, Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, Juliana Hatfiled, Bernie Williams, Kay Hanley and other surprise guests on May 18. Admission charges range from a $10 Single Ticket to the $1,000 Grand Slam, depending on how much you’re willing to donate. 100% of the proceeds go to The Foundation To Be Named Later, the charity organization founded by Theo Eptein and his brother Paul and The Peter Gammons College Scholarships.

Tickets are now on sale for The Art Of Banksy, coming to Chicago on July 1. The exhibition is described by its production company Starvox Exhibits as the world’s largest collection of privately owned work by the mysterious English street artist.

Saturday Slumgullion

There’s a virtual tribute to the late Adam Schlesinger coming up next Wednesday, May 5 at 8:00 pm EST on the Rolling Live Studios site. Schlesinger, a founding member of the bands Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy, as well as a prolific composer for movie soundtracks, passed away last year due to complications from COVID-19. Featured guests include Peter Buck from R.E.M. and Scott McCaughy from The Minus Five; Fred Armisen; Micky Dolenz from The Monkees; Sean Ono Lennon; Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze; Courtney Love from Hole; Drew Carey; Chris Carrabba from Dashboard Confessional; Britta Phillips; Peter Himmelman; Patrick Carney from Black Keys and Michelle Branch; James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins; Ben Lee; and Taylor Hanson from Hanson and Tinted Windows. Tickets are $20. Proceeds for the event, which is being organized by Jody Porter from Fountains Of Wayne, will go to MusiCares and the New York venue The Bowery Electric.

As mentioned in an earlier post here, several recording artists have joined forces on a tribute album for Adam Schlesinger titled Saving For A Custom Van. The 3-LP set on pink vinyl is due out in September on Vinyl Me Please and will feature cover versions of Schlesinger compositions by Tanya Donelly and Gail Greenwood; Kay Hanley; Nada Surf; Rachel Bloom; Ted Leo; and others.

Summer Of Soul (. . . Or When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised), a new documentary created by Questlove from The Roots, will be released in movie theaters and on Hulu July 2. The footage is from the 1969 six-week Harlem Cultural Festival but most of it never made it to the general public before. Summer Of Soul includes performances by Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Sly And The Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, and B.B. King.

This year’s Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser will once again be a virtual event, taking place on May 18, starting at 7:00 pm EDT. Organizers Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons have assembled another winning lineup of popular athletes and musicians; this time featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, Juliana Hatfield, Bernie Williams, Kay Hanley and surprise guests. Admission charges range from a $10 Single Ticket to the $1,000 Grand Slam, depending on how much you’re willing to donate. 100% of the proceeds go to The Foundation To Be Named Later, the charity organization founded by Theo Eptein and his brother Paul and The Peter Gammons College Scholarships.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Lou Heneise goes for a traditional folk sound on her debut Trial and Error and succeeds nicely. The four tracks feature Heneise up front on her acoustic guitar, with a boost from drummers Sarah Neczwid and Eric Mahle, and bassist/guitarist/producer Eric Block. Heneise’s clear, pretty vocals help sell the imaginative romantic fantasy of “Bad Day,” and the satirical lust (‘And I’m using boys like chewing gum./But ain’t a girl supposed to have her fun?”) of “Red Lights.”

The Art Of Banksy, which is billed by its production company Starvox Exhibits as the world’s largest collection of privately owned work by the mysterious English street artist, will be visiting Chicago at some point in the near future. Sign up for information on the official site to be given first access to tickets.

The Go-Go’s are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their underrated God Bless The Go-Go’s album by releasing a version on 140GM blue vinyl. There will also be a special edition with two extra tracks exclusively on CD and digital platforms. The release date for these versions is May 14, and they are already available for pre-order. 

The Love For Gravy - Celebrating Wavy Gravy’s 85th Birthday virtual event running May 14 – 16 will feature songs, tributes and stories from an impressive group of performers that includes Graham Nash; Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne; Joan Baez; Buffy Sainte-Marie; Michael Franti; Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks; Bob Weir and Wolf Bros; Ani DeFranco; Steve Earle; Chris Robinson and Los Hermanos; Ben Harper; Jorma Kaukonen; and Mara Muldaur. The event is a benefit for Seva, a charitable organization that provides sight-saving surgeries, eyeglasses, and other eyecare services to under-served communities.

I used to think the only thing actor George Wendt from Cheers and I have in common is that everyone yells my name whenever I go into a bar. Actually, nobody does that. But I learned from a copy of Chicago magazine that came with last Sunday’s copy of the Chicago Tribune that Wendt’s colorful resume includes a stint of working as a proofreader. I’ve been a proofreader for decades. Back in 1966, he occasionally helped the proofreading staff at the Daily News. In the magazine monthly Backroom feature, Wendt also recalls his early days at Second City and performing as Edna Turnbland in Hairspray on Broadway.