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.