Saturday Slumgullion

Sunshine Boys drew a packed house for their first-ever show at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights last night, drawing from the two albums they released over the past four years. Through two sets of about 10 songs, vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin, bassist-backing vocalist Jacqueline Schimmel, and drummer Freda Love Smith were obviously having a great time. As in past Sunshine Boys shows, Juhlin offered a wry sense of humor with his between-song comments, but was on fire during the politically charged “Schoolyard Bully” and “The Serpent In Spring.” “I just came here to sing the headlines back to you, folks,” he quipped to an appreciative crowd.

The feminist superhero tale “Infinity Girl” and the band’s revved-up take on the traditional protest song “Joe Hill” were also rendered with force and conviction. Sunshine Boys don’t often perform cover versions, but their rollicking take on R.E.M.’s “Moral Kiosk” suggests they could easily add a few more to their live sets. The evening included a pair of new songs soon be released as digital singles, and ended on a powerful note with “Only A Million Miles.”

Jim Belushi made a surprise appearance at the annual My Sweet George George Harrison tribute at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue last night. The actor/musician joined Ellis Clark, Ken Mottet, Phil Angotti, and The Pepperland Rockestra for some energetic harmonica playing on “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby.” Other highlights included an epic “Bangladesh” featuring lead vocals from Gerald McClendon. This might sound like I was able to visit Martyrs’ as well as Hey Nonny last night, but alas, public transportation wouldn’t enable me to accomplish that. I saw the Belushi and McClendon clips on Facebook. Maybe a few more clips will show up in the next few days. At any rate, I’m sure the evening was a total success.

Singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn of “If I Had A Rocket Launcher” fame will bring his 50th Anniversary Tour to the Old Town School Of Folk Music on March 10 and 11. Other concerts coming up at the venue include Todd Snider on March 19; Ladysmith Black Mambazo on March 20; David Bromberg on April 2; and Robin Hitchcock April 21.

Women Of Soul continues its run at the Mercury Theater on Chicago’s north side through March 6.

One of Chicago’s most ambitious art shows, EXPO CHGO - The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, comes to Navy Pier April 7- 10.

The Dropkick Murphys will bring their St. Patrick’s Day celebration to the world via a free live stream performance at the House Of Blues Boston. The concert starts at 9:00 pm EST, and will find the band entertaining the hometown crowd with songs from their latest album, Turn Up That Dial. Fans can show their appreciation by making donations to The Claddagh Fund. 

Brothers’ Field in Love Grove, IL will present Fire And Ice, a choreographed music event featuring the Lake County Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and professional dancers, on March 12. The 90-minute show will be held in the main ballroom at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Tickets are available at the Brothers’s Field website.

 

Tickets are now on sale for the Chicago Soul Doubleheader featuring vocalists Gerald McClendon and Theo Huff on March 18 at SPACE in Evanston.

Tickets are also available for the EXTC - XTC’s Terry Chambers And Friends show on March 30 at City Winery Chicago. Chambers was a founding member of the eccentric and beloved British band, and he’s backed by veteran rockers Steve Tilling, Steve Hampton, and Matt Hughes.

Australia’s veteran garage rock/power pop band Hoodoo Gurus will release their 10th full-length album, Chariot Of The Gods, on March 11. There will be a global e-stream preview the night before at 8:00 pm AEDT / WST / PST / EST / GMT) that will also allow fans to talk to band members online. Tickets for the preview event are $8 in American money and can be purchased from the emusic website. 

My Sweet Lord Returns To Martyrs'

Chicago area Beatles fans will gather at Martyrs’ at 7:00 pm this Friday, February 25 to honor and celebrate what would have been George Harrison’s 79th birthday. The multi-act My Sweet George Birthday Tribute Concert had become an annual event at the Lincoln Avenue music venue before COVID-19 interfered, so it’s good to see it back home again. Ellis Clark from the alt rock band Social Act and Ary Paloma Jeebie from the garage/rockabilly band Amazing Heeby Jeebies will once again share hosting duties. (They also perform on the club circuit as the retro rock duo Big Hair Big Trouble.)

Other performers scheduled to perform include Clar Monaco/Sandalwood Sitar; Phil Angotti Band; The Pepperland Rockestra; Tommy Klein; The New Heartaches; Naomi Ashley Band; The Fluffers; Twisted Rootz; Help Desk; Scott Williams; Pierce Cask; and Ken Mottet. In addition to hearing an amazing selection of George Harrison songs, it’s also a kick to watch musicians from various bands performing together. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on the Martyr’s website or at the door. I would recommend buying in advance because this event always drawn a huge crowd. 

The Songs Of XTC And A Sunshine Boys Show

Tickets are now on sale for the EXTC - XTC’s Terry Chambers And Friends show on March 30 at City Winery Chicago. Chambers was a founding member of the eccentric and beloved British band, and he’s backed by veteran rockers Steve Tilling, Steve Hampton, and Matt Hughes. According to the gig description on the City Winery Chicago website, EXTC has the blessing of XTC guiding light Andy Partridge. If it gives avid fans an opportunity to enjoy clever gems like “Making Plans For Nigel,” “Senses Working Overtime,” and “Life Begins At The Hop” performed live, it will be well worth checking out.

Speaking of musicians performing XTC-related songs, fans might also be interested in the indie rock tribute album Garden Of Earthly Delights - An XTC Celebration available from Futureman Records. The 49-track compilation has numerous highlights, including “Everything Will Be Alright” by The Corner Laughers; “Don’t Lose Your Temper” by Derrick Anderson; “Respectable Street” by Dot Dash; “Your Gold Dress” by Hollywood Props; and “Where Did The Ordinary People Go?” by Danny Wilkerson.

I’m also reminded of an XTC tribute show staged by Dag Juhlin at a Chicago venue a number of years ago, and the clever video he posted online to promote it. It involved him operating a fictitious XTC Tour Info Hotline and fielding calls from people confusing the band name with several acronyms, including STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). The bottom line was there wasn’t much hope of an actual XTC tour happening so fans should come and see his show. 

I’ve joked about Juhlin being in hundreds of bands (The Slugs, Poi Dog Pondering, EXPO ’76, Sonic45, etc.) but surely one of his best is Sunshine Boys. The trio, which also includes Freda Love Smith from Blake Babies and Jacqueline Schimmel from Big Hello, has released two superb albums, filled with melodic indie rock songs and compelling lyrics. Sunshine Boys will be at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights this Friday night. The first of their two sets starts at 7:30 pm; doors open at 6:30 pm. 

Sunday Papers

Australia’s veteran garage rock/power pop band Hoodoo Gurus will release their 10th full-length album, Chariot Of The Gods, on March 11. There will be a global e-stream preview the night before at 8:00 pm AEDT / WST / PST / EST / GMT (I’m copying these letters from the press release) that will also allow fans to talk to band members online. Tickets for the preview event are $8 in American money and can be purchased from the emusic website. The Hoodoo Gurus have disappeared at various times over the decades, but then will magically return with another album of catchy, fun, and occasionally angry rock and roll.

I started following the Hoodoo Gurus in 1984 after purchasing a copy of their debut effort Stoneage Romeos based on a recommendation from the now well-known power pop connoisseur Boris Boden. Back then, he and I would occasionally compare notes on power pop and garage rock artists while hanging out at the Haywires rock club on Chicago’s southwest side.

The Chicago-based band Off Broadway, whose 1979 debut album On remains one of the classics of the power pop genre, has a gig coming up next Friday, February 25 at Reggies Rock Club, located just south of downtown Chicago. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, another local band known to record catchy power pop, are also on the bill, along with punk/power pop band Dead Freddie. Yesterday was Off Broadway lead vocalist Cliff Johnson’s birthday, so here’s a belated Happy Birthday to him.

Abbey Road Recording Studio in London is sponsoring a global 2022 Music Photography Awards (MPA) 2022 event as part of its 90th Anniversary. Created in partnership with the Hennessy Cognac company, it’s being promoted as “the first ever awards to celebrate the art of music photography.” The judging panel will be led by the single-named photographer/film director/publisher Rankin and be divided into nine categories. Photographers interested in competing can enter as the official MPA website. 

Gregory Alexander (AKA Professor Moptop), the Beatles author who’s also a regular contributor to the Terri Hemmert-hosted Breakfast With The Beatles program on WXRT, has a virtual presentation coming up this Wednesday, February 23 via the Des Plaines Library. Get Back To Let It Be will focus on The Beatles’ 1969 studio work, as well as their Rooftop Concert. Fans can find the Zoom link on the library’s website. 

Sunshine Boys, who grabbed the number five spot for Best Big Beat Chicago Artist on WXRT’s Annual Listeners Poll, will perform two sets at the Hey Nonny club in Arlington Heights on Friday, February 25.

This year’s My Sweet George George Harrison Birthday Tribute will be held on Friday, February 25 at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. The multi-act event is once again being organized and hosted by Ellis Clark and Ary Paloma, who will also perform throughout the evening. They’ll be joined by several local performers, including Clar Monaco/Sandalwood Sitar; Phil Angotti Band; The Pepperland Rockestra; Tommy Klein; The New Heartaches; Naomi Ashley Band; Frankie B.; and Ken Mottet. In addition to hearing an amazing selection of George Harrison songs, it’s also a kick to see musicians from various bands performing together. 

 

The Pino Farino Band returns to Durty Nellie’s in Palatine for the first time in 15 years next Friday night, February 25. (They were known as Punsapaya back then.) The group will be showcasing its new Daisies EP.

Fans of vintage films and the piano music that often accompanied them will want check out pianist Dave Drazin's upcoming silent film series at the Chicago Park District’s Indian Boundary Cultural Center.  His first gig there is next Friday, March 25, when he’ll provide accompaniment for the 1923 Buster Keaton comedy Our Hospitality.

Tickets are now on sale for the Chicago Soul Doubleheader featuring vocalists Gerald McClendon and Theo Huff on March 18 at SPACE in Evanston. I’ve seen McClendon perform “My Sweet Lord” as part of the annual George Harrison Tribute at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue and he’s amazing.

Ralph Covert will be joined by Steve Gerlach, Michael Hartigan, and An Amazing String Quartet on Sunday, February 27 at SPACE in Evanston. It’s a release show for Covert’s solo effort Eat At Godot’s. Covert is well known for his songwriting skills as the lead vocalist-guitarist for The Bad Examples, as well as for his work in kid rock with Ralph’s World.

The Smithereens, with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw, will be performing at the Northern Lights Theater at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, WI on March 3.

As I stated in a post here on Friday, I’m looking forward to International Pop Overthrow - Chicago and Record Store Day being back to their regular selves again in mid-April. Here’s hoping some record stores will have live in-store band performances the way Laurie’s Planet Of Sound, Val’s Halla, and Reckless Records have done in the past.

 

Wilco will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album with a 2022 tour that includes shows on April 22 and 23 at the elegant Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

Sonic Youth vocalist-guitarist Kim Gordon’s upcoming No Home Tour has seven American stops (including Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.) throughout the month of March before she hops over the Atlantic for 10 concerts across Europe in May.

The Second City, Chicago’s legendary skit, song, and comedy showcase, is presenting The Super Afro Wavy Drippy Extra Brilliant Dope Show - A Celebration Of Second City’s Black Excellence through February and on to March 9.

Buddy Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks will share a bill at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on Saturday, February 26.

The Subscribe: Artists And Alternative Magazines, 1970 – 1995 exhibition runs through May 2 at the Art Institute Of Chicago. As noted in the Chicago Tribune, it’s as a collection of rare, alternative publications, including Out/Look, i-D, The Face, and Thing.

The musical tribute Women Of Soul continues its run at the Mercury Theater on Chicago’s north side through March 6.

The traditional Irish music band Dervish will perform at the Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side on February 27.

The 10th annual Chicago Theatre Week continues to offer several live performances around the city and suburbs through next Sunday, February 27. Well-known companies such as Victory Gardens Theater; The Second City; A Red Orchid Theatre; Northlight Theatre; Theater Wit; Drury Lane Theatre; Metropolis Performing Arts Centre; and the Paramount Theatre are taking part, and there are several smaller, indie companies involved as well. See the website for the complete list. 

April, Rock She Will (The Return)

It seems like ages since I’ve mentioned International Pop Overthrow - Chicago and Record Store Day in the same post. Back in a less complicated time, both events took place around mid-April, possibly along with C2E2, CIMMFest, and the CHIRP Record Fair. IPO - Chicago is returning after a two-year hiatus, and while there were RSD Drops in 2020 and 2021, they were smaller and less attended affairs than the traditional Record Store Day that’s coming back to us on April 23. If some record stores add live in-store band performances the way Laurie’s Planet Of Sound, Val’s Halla, and Reckless Records have in the past, that will be icing on the cake. 

The list of limited-edition vinyl releases for RSD 2022 is available on the official website and the first thing regulars will notice is that it’s a full seven pages. There will also be an RSD Drop on June 18, and those releases are in the same list with the April ones. Keep that in mind when you’re making a wish list or you might end up asking for a record that won’t be available for a couple more months. Prime example: The Kinks’ Waterloo Sunset 12-inch EP (which I absolutely want) comes out on June 18. As always, RSD offers spruced-up rereleases and never-before-available items in pretty much every genre—rock, soul, country, hip hop, blues, classical, and jazz.

Looking through the April releases, the ones that immediately jump out at me are the Sunday Girl seven-inch EP by Blondie; Wireless World by Nick Lowe; Spirit, Power and Soul by Johnny Marr; New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos by The Muffs; Explosions In The Glass Palace by The Rain Parade; More Hot Rocks (Big Hits And Fazed Cookies - 50th Anniversary) by The Rolling Stones; At Home (The Singles) by Shocking Blue; and the benefit album Portraits Of Her by various artists.

David Bash, the founder and CFO of International Pop Overthrow (named in honor of Material Issue’s stellar debut album), brings his annual multi-act festival to various cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, London, and Liverpool. It’s been staged in numerous venues around Chicago for years. Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side will serve as the 2022 home base from April 22 through April 30, with 65 acts slated to perform.

Looking at the schedule, it’s obvious several long-time participants were eager to join in the fun again. Go Time!; The Spindles; The Queue; The Unswept; Penthouse Sweets; The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club; Catherine Tecktiel; Vee Sonnets; The Walkdown; Thrift Store Halo; Rob Schultz Band; The Red Wigglers; The Artist Formally Known As Vince; The Bon Mots; Too Much Saturn; Michael Steven Cohen; The Jeremy Band; Phil Angotti; The Valley Downs; Three Hour Tour; and King Mixer could all be called veterans.

I believe Sunshine Boys, one of the best acts to emerge from Chicago in recent years, will be making their IPO debut when they perform at 8:00 pm on April 27. I’m tempted to say the acclaimed Saratoga, NY trio The Figgs are also newcomers, but I’m not totally sure. Also keep in mind that discovering a new favorite band is always a distinct possibility at an International Pop Overthrow event. The Chicago schedule on the IPO site provides links to every act involved, so you can do some extensive research in advance. 

Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend

Wolf Alice returned last year with its first album since Visions Of Life was released in 2017. The English quartet’s 2016 debut My Love Is Cool brought international success, thanks in part to the hit single “Bros.” As on those earlier efforts, Wolf Alice fills Blue Weekend with gorgeous techno ballads, as well as high-energy tracks that seem on the verge on careening out of control. Fans of the latter approach might be a bit disappointed since there’s less firepower this time out, although most of these songs have bursts of energy. Plus, it’s a consistently engaging effort that explores the perils of romantic entanglements.

Although all four band members are listed as songwriters, it’s a safe bet lead vocalist-guitarist Ellie Rowsell crafted the lyrics. Most are from a female point of view, and Rowsell delivers them in a variety of ways. “Delicious Things” is a tale of an aspiring starlet navigating her first Hollywood party set to a slinky arrangement. “I’m no longer pulling pints, I’m no longer cashing tills,” Rowsell observes in a playful whisper. “I’m alive I feel like Marilyn Monroe.” Still, the predatory nature of the coke-snorting film producer making moves on her causes to feel “I don’t belong here.”

None of the relationships depicted on Blue Weekend seem to be beneficial, from the woman willing to welcome back her two-timing stud on “Lipstick On The Glass” to the self-centered guy on “The Last Man On Earth.” The delicately beautiful “No Hard Feelings” strikes the most optimistic note, as two lovers agree to part as friends. “And for everything that ends/Something else must begin/No hard feelings honey/And we both will take the win.” The hard-edged “Smile” mixes guitars and synthesizers as Rowsell strikes a defiant pose. “And your choice to call me cute has offended me/I have power there are people who depend on me.” For those of us always eager to hear Wolf Alice totally cut loose, the energetic and irresistibly catchy “Play The Greatest Hits” provides a thrilling ride.

Incoming

Wilco will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its turbulent Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album with a 2022 tour that includes shows on April 22 and 23 at the elegant Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

Now that we have the new Chicago Not In Chicago ad campaign to promote our city’s cultural events, maybe we can get the rock duo Was Not Was to compose a theme song.

Relative, the latest film from director Michael Glover Smith and White City Cinema, will have its world premiere at the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa, FL next month. Smith will be at the event, along with members of the cast and crew.

The 10th annual Chicago Theatre Week kicks off this Thursday, February 17 and will offer several live performances around the city and suburbs. Well-known companies such as Victory Gardens Theater; The Second City; A Red Orchid Theatre; Northlight Theatre; Theater Wit; Drury Lane Theatre; Metropolis Performing Arts Centre; and the Paramount Theatre are taking part, and there are several smaller, indie companies involved as well. See the Choose Chicago website for the complete schedule.

Contrary to a statement I made here on this past Saturday’s post, there will be a Chicago date on this year’s The Who Strikes Back! Tour. It’s October 12 at 7:30 at the United Center. 

Van Morrison, whose soulful music (particularly “Down To Joy”) played an important role in the Oscar-nominated film Belfast, will be coming here on May 7 and 8 for shows at the Chicago Theatre.

Women Of Soul continues its run at the Mercury Theater on Chicago’s north side through March 6. I saw a terrific version of Spamalot at this venue a few years back. As Kris Vire noted in a highly favorable review in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times, Women Of Soul was originally created and performed at the Black Ensemble Theater in 2018.

No Way - - - Wayback Machine. A week ago in the Sun-Times, film critic Richard Roeper offered a well-researched nostalgic look at Wayne’s World. The film sprang from a recurring skit on Saturday Night Live, and for me, the funniest TV moment was when Aerosmith paid a visit to Wayne’s Aurora, IL home.

Saturday Slumgullion

The Who Hits Back! Tour kicks off in Hollywood, FL on April 22, followed by dates in 14 other American cities. So far, Chicago is not among them. The Who has also reactivated its fan club; offering members pre-tour access, a 10% discount on the band’s official online store, exclusive Wholigan merchandise; and exclusive news and content.

Off Broadway, whose 1979 debut album On remains one of the classics of the power pop genre, has a gig coming up on Friday, February 25 at Reggies Rock Club, located just south of downtown Chicago. The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, another local band known to record catchy power pop, are also on the bill, along with punk/power pop band Dead Freddie. Note: The Handcuffs were initially scheduled to be part of this show, but a message on their Facebook page states they decided to opt out.

The full Get Back documentary series that ran on Disney+ is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD. The iconic hour-long Rooftop Concert by The Beatles is being shown in theaters this weekend.

Congratulations to Sunshine Boys on nabbing the number five spot for Best Big Beat Chicago Artist on WXRT’s annual Listeners Poll. The number one through four slots went to Local H, Beach Bunny, Liquid Soul, and Jon Langford, respectively. Sunshine Boys will perform two sets at the Hey Nonny club in Arlington Heights on February 25. Hey Nonny is your best bet to catch some of the Chicago area’s best acts in a northwest suburban location.

As recently reported on The Second Disc website, Legacy Recordings has released a soundtrack to The Summer Of Soul documentary. There will also be a 2-LP vinyl edition released in June.

Chicago-based power pop band Thrift Store Halo has a new release, and it’s the first with original lead guitarist Brent Seatter onboard since 1998. Titled Enemies With Benefits, the three-song EP is on the Pravda label. Other releases coming soon from Pravda include ones from The Handcuffs, The Trypes, and Susan Voelz. 

 

The Second City, Chicago’s legendary skit, song, and comedy showcase, is presenting The Super Afro Wavy Drippy Extra Brilliant Dope Show - A Celebration Of Second City’s Black Excellence through February and on to March 9.

Southside Johnny has a pair of shows at City Winery Chicago coming up this summer, on June 27 and 28.

Buddy Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks will share a bill at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on February 26.

Oui, the first album from the Chicago-based band Urge Overkill in 12 years, came out on CD, LP, and digital yesterday, February 11. It features the single “How Sweet The Light.

Vocalist Lee Ketch took a short break from his band Mooner during the pandemic to record Someone/Anyone, his first solo effort. It’s due out on March 11 and there will be a release show at the Golden Dagger venue in Chicago. The first single is “Falling On A Field.”

This year’s My Sweet George - George Harrison Birthday Tribute will be held on February 25 at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. Once again organized and hosted by Ellis Clark and Ary Paloma, the multi-act event will feature them, as well as other local performers.

The Chicago-based band Cosmic Bull has an EP titled 27X2 with six quirky and catchy songs composed and sung by Mark Vickery coming out on March 4. The percussion-propelled “Joe Namath Moment” has been picking up airplay on local radio stations.

Nicholas Tremulis And The Prodigals will be performing at SPACE in Evanston on January 21.

The traditional Irish music band Dervish will perform at the Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s north side on February 27.

The Subscribe: Artists And Alternative Magazines, 1970 – 1995 exhibition runs through May 2 at the Art Institute Of Chicago. As noted in the Chicago Tribune, it’s as a collection of rare, alternative publications, including Out/Look, i-D, The Face, and Thing.

Gee, But It’s Great To Be Back Home

Broken Hearted Toy - The Swimsuit Issue.

NOTE: SATURDAY SLUMGULLION WILL APPEAR SOON AFTER THIS POST.

Broken Hearted Toy was on hiatus for the past few weeks while my wife Pam and I visited the Hawaiian Islands. We usually make our own travel arrangements but this time, we let American Classic Tours handle everything. We were part of a group of 18 people from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota that included married couples and friends leaving a blizzard behind to share a tropical adventure. Though several of us had never met before, there was almost an immediate sense of camaraderie.

 

American Classic Tours assigned an employee named Jaimie to meet us at O’Hare Airport, and from there, she expertly and benevolently guided us through a series of flights, hotels, and shuttle rides. There were several natural and cultural highlights throughout the tour, along with a successful whale watching voyage. Pam and I did some serious bird watching during our free time. Another major perk of traveling with Jaimie was having a pro navigating us through COVID-19 restrictions, which can be completely different from one location to the next, even within the same state.

 

Here are a few rock and roll related notes about our tour. As we approached the Sheraton Hotel in Honolulu, I was glad to see a Hard Rock Café was only a few blocks from where we would be staying for the next few days. I have a collection of Hard Rock Café pins from cities I’ve visited, including Nashville; Orlando; Washington, D.C.; New York; Dublin; and Munich. After Pam and I had settled into our room and enjoyed dinner at the Rumfire restaurant, we walked over to the Hard Rock Café, where I picked out a Honolulu pin and a Hard Rock Café keychain. The young guy behind the counter, like so many people we met in Hawaii, was helpful and friendly.

 

Traveling on a tour bus does mean you can’t stop at every store or venue you would if you were on your own. I could only gape in disappointment as we sped by a comic book/record store on Maui. That same feeling crept over me when I discovered Fleetwood’s, (a restaurant owned by Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac that has partnered with the Morrison Hotel Gallery) in Lahaina opens daily at 5:00 pm, which didn’t fit into our early afternoon window of opportunity. While in town, I picked up the February issue of Maui Times to add to my collection of free indie newspapers from around the world.

Like most people, Pam and I went to Hawaii to experience the amazing scenery, culture, and weather. On that criteria, our trip was definitely a rousing success.