Slumgullion

Today was the official release date for Steve Dawson’s new album At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree. It’s available on LP, CD (with two bonus tracks) and on streaming services. He’s having a record release party at 1:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 17) at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. Dawson, a veteran singer-guitarist who’s performed with Stump The Host, Dolly Varden, and Funeral Bonsai Wedding, as well as a solo act, is already racking up rave reviews for his latest effort. It’s a collection of heartfelt songs that taps into soul, light jazz, and acoustic rock. I’m hoping to post a full review in the near future.

Malcolm C. Searles, the British author who’s already written books about The Beach Boys, Bread, and The Association, announced today that his 600-page biography The Hollies  - Riding The Carousel is now available for sale through his Dojotone Publications website. The book covers the band’s complete history, from the very earliest days in the late 1950s to the current lineup (which still includes founding members Bobby Elliott and Tony Hicks). This will be a limited first run, so fans should act fast if they want a copy. As an added incentive, the first one hundred people who order a copy will also get a set of postcards free. Author-musician Ken Sharp, who interviewed members of The Hollies for his book Play On! Power Pop Heroes Volume No. 1, posted a note of congratulations on Searles’ Facebook page, and that’s solid endorsement. Needless to say, I’ve already ordered my copy.

The Handcuffs will be performing on the Community Stage at 4:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 17) as part of the Belmont/Sheffield Music Fest. The Chicago-based quintet has three albums (with a fourth on the way) filled with energetic glam/indie rock originals to choose from, such as “Dirty Glitter,” “Vinyl Isabella,” and “Gotta’ Problem With Me.”

Record Store Day RSD Drop #2 takes place tomorrow (Saturday, July 17),  with limited edition vinyl offerings from The Allman Brothers Band; The Clash; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; The Cure; Dave Davies; Miles Davis; The Dirty Knobs; Bob Dylan; John Fogerty; Aretha Franklin; The Monkees; Pearl Jam; John Prine; Richard Pryor; Suzi Quatro; Queen; The Ramones; Lou Reed; The Rolling Stones; The Sweet; Ultravox; War; and Amy Winehouse.

Van Go has an afternoon gig at Montrose Saloon this Sunday at 3:00 pm. The band’s energetic power pop often packs a satirical punch, thanks to frontman Davey Sippel’s consistently clever way with words.

Chicago-based ska band Heavy Manners recently released a “Fresh Mix” version of its 1982 hit “Flamin’ First” that’s now streaming on YouTube. Anyone who experienced the north side of Chicago’s vibrant club scene back in the late 1970s and early 1980s likely has fond memories of Heavy Manners and its irresistible exotic beat. Led by Kate Fagan on vocals and keyboards, the quintet channeled the sound of The English Beat and The Selector. In addition to “Flamin’ First,” Heavy Manners was known for it comic song “Taking The Queen To Tea.” Two new books—In Defense Of Ska by Aaron Carnes and Skaboom! An American Ska and Reggae Oral History by Marc Wasserman—take note of the role Heavy Manners played in bringing ska to the United States.

The Millennium Art Festival at Lake Street and Michigan Avenue takes place tomorrow, so if you check out the RSD Drop #2 at Reckless Records, you can then head just a few blocks over to take in some paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The Millennium Art Festival is one of the smaller annual art fairs, so you could even work in a few other activities, like checking out the recently reopened Chicago Cultural Center on Washington Street.

Chicago jazz scene veterans Liquid Soul have a gig at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights tomorrow night, Saturday, July 17. On July 20, Hey Nonny’s staff gets to put on a show, starting at 7:30 pm. Other upcoming events at Hey Nonny include a Blues Brunch With Li’l Ed on July 24; Steve Dawson and Friends on August 17; and Jason Narducy on August 25.

The Copernicus Center, which is within walking distance of the Jefferson Park bus and Blue Line hub, has started a new outdoor concert series that will run on Saturday nights through July and August. (The exception will be July 31, due to Jeff Fest taking place that night. The scheduled acts include festival regulars 7th Heaven; Wedding Banned, and Breakfast Club; as well as Think Floyd; Tributosaurus Becomes The Rolling Stones; Heroes David Bowie Tribute Band; Trippin Billies. Tickets are $10 for each event, the full schedule at the Copernicus Center website. https://copernicuscenter.org/summer-concert-series-july-17/ Keep in mind that the Copernicus Center also offers indoor concert events; including Gordon Lightfoot on July 24, Air Supply on October 15, Sparks on March 19, 2022, and Robin Trower on April 9, 2022.

There will be a Fox Fest Benefit Concert for Chicago bass player Tim Fox at Martyrs’ on July 25. The entertainment will be Tributosaurus Becomes Steely Steely Dan, as well as Chris Siebold and Psycles.