The Handcuffs - Burn The Rails

Burn The Rails, the long-awaited fourth album from The Handcuffs, will be available this Friday, June 3 on Bandcamp. The Chicago-based indie rock quintet led by drummer Brad Elvis (The Romantics, The Elvis Brothers, Screams) is justifiably praised for its expertise in channeling 1970s glam rock. But that’s just part of the story. As on their previous release, Waiting For The Robot, the new Burn The Rails successfully explores a variety of approaches.

Some of these tracks, such as the glam rockers “Big Fat Mouth Shut” and “Pretty Pretty” will be familiar to fans since The Handcuffs have been performing them at gigs over the past few years. Lead vocalist-guitarist Chloe F. Orwell always delivers this kind of material with an entertaining sense of fun and bravado. The ribald “She Ain’t No Fluffer,” which features Mott The Hoople veteran Morgan Fisher on synthesizer, and the energetic “Love Me While You Can” were released as a double single in 2021. Still, it’s good to have them included in this new collection.

“Dancing With The Dandies,” which kicks off with Brad Elvis pounding away on drums, finds The Handcuffs again in glam rock territory. The playful “I’m Happy Just To Dream With You,” by comparison, has a hint of vaudeville accented by Fisher’s energetic piano work. “The Ballad Of  Fritz And Zoom” pulls us into the eye of a psychedelic hurricane with an energetic arrangement reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” “I Cry For You,” the most recent single release from The Handcuffs, could be the best track on the album. An enticing mix of acoustic and electric guitars, along with Orwell’s dreamy vocals, creates a mystical allure worthy of Patti Smith.

Other noteworthy change-of-pace efforts this time out include the romantic fantasy “Let’s Name Our Children” and the intriguing “Come On Hey Hey.” “The End Of The Party” has a theatrical ambience and just might be a political fable. The Handcuffs will no doubt be performing a number of these songs during their set at PravdaFest, which takes place on the weekend of  June 24 and 25 at the Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie.

June Will Rock Us Soon

Although summer doesn’t officially start until three weeks into the month, June always seems to herald the arrival of the season. It’s also one of Chicago’s busiest months for inside and outside fun and entertainment. Here are just a few suggestions for your consideration:

The Chicago-based indie rock band The Handcuffs has a new album titled Burn The Rails coming out on June 3.

Mud Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, has a performance coming up at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on June 4. 

 

Chicago area Anglophiles might want to make a trek to the far north on Sunday, June 5 for the Platinum Jubilee Street Party in Jarvis Square. The Queen Elizabeth inspired event kicks off at 3:00 pm, and participants are encouraged to wear costumes. Mind Games, a new Beatles and British Invasion tribute band from Ary Paloma and Ellis Clark of My Street George, will be performing. The Jubilee is being sponsored by R Public House, at 1508 W. Jarvis Avenue.

It’s getting to the point where tribute bands love covering Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collective of Chicago area musicians who pay tribute to legendary rock and roll albums, will be doing just that at City Winery Chicago on June 5 with a performance of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s self-titled debut release. The show starts at noon. On June 9, Tributosaurus Becomes Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. That event starts at 7:00 pm.

Prince: The Immersive Experience will open at The Shops At North Bridge In Chicago on June 9. The official website promises 10 multidimensional spaces, and an opportunity to “step inside the iconic Purple Rain album cover.” All ages are welcome.

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative will have VIP World Theatrical Premiere events at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10. The film stars Wendy Robie of Twin Peaks fame, and concerns the complications that arise at a family get-together for a college graduation. Including the graduate bringing a last-minute date. Smith specializes in exploring personal relationships, with touching and humorous results.

The world-famous Chicago Blues Festival takes place on the weekend of June 9 through 12, featuring Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, and several other blues acts.

Australia’s politically minded rockers Midnight Oil will be performing at The Riviera on June 10.

This year’s Andersonville Midsommarfest will take place on the weekend of June 10 – 12 in the Andersonville area on Chicago’s far north side. Several bands, curated by Rattleback Records, are scheduled to perform.

Shout! - The Mod Musical continues its run at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights through June 11.

The Chicago Writing Workshop will once again be in a virtual format when it takes place on the weekend of June 11 and 12. It’s a great resource for those of us who yearn to get a book published since the Workshop also offers a number of informative seminars. For an extra charge, participants can schedule a 10-minute virtual pitch to a literary agent of their choosing.

 The Old Town Art Fair has a well-established reputation for attracting some of the country’s best artists and it takes place in a scenic neighborhood on Chicago’s north side. For many of us, it’s become a summer highlight. This year’s event will feature over 200 participants on the weekend of June 11 and 12.

 

The Wells Street Art Festival takes place that same weekend, and since it’s only a few blocks south of The Old Town Art Fair, a lot of people take in both events. Wells Street Art Festival definitely has a different ambience though; attracting a younger, party-oriented crowd.

 

The Chicago Writers Bloc New Plays Festival continues its run at the Raven Theatre through June 14. Tickets are $10.

Two Trains Running, the 1960s segment of August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, runs through June 12 at the Court Theatre. It’s directed by Ron OJ Parson, and drew considerable praise from the Chicago Tribune and The Reader.

Backdated, the covers band fronted by Jay Goeppner, will perform a number of rock and roll hits from the 1960s at 7:00 pm on June 17 as part of Taste Of Des Plaines. The event will run all weekend.

So far, April 23 was the only Record Store Day scheduled for 2022, but vinyl collectors can check out a smaller, summertime version dubbed RSD Drop on June 18. This is a day before Father’s Day, so anyone with a vinyl-collecting Dad should be able to find a special gift regardless of what genre he favors. Check with your local record store to see if they’re participating.

The Gold Coast Art Fair, another long-time summer tradition for creative-minded Chicago residents, takes place on June 18 and 19 in Grant Park.

Los Bitchos, a four-woman band from England that plays quirky instrumentals with a Latin flair, will be performing, along with Rudy De Anda, at Empty Bottle on June 22.

Ain’t no Sunshine when they’re gone. Sunshine Boys will perform their final show ever on June 23 at SPACE in Evanston. During their short time together, the Chicago-based trio of Dag Juhlin, Freda Love Smith, and Jacqueline Schimmel recorded two albums and a handful of singles. They crafted irresistible melodies with thoughtful lyrics that could touch your heart one moment and raise your consciousness in another. Sunshine Boys will release two new songs on various streaming services this month.

 

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin will rock House of Blues on June 24.

Pravdafest, a concert event featuring Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs, takes place on the weekend of  June 24 and 25 at the Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. The event marks the 38th year of Pravda Records releasing groundbreaking indie music albums.

A number of local bands will be performing at the annual Strawberry Fest when it’s held in Long Grove on the weekend of June 24 – 26.

 

Phil Angotti And Friends will present Beatles Love Songs as part of a Beatles Brunch being staged at City Winery Chicago on Sunday, June 26. Doors open at 11:00 am and the event starts at noon. General Admission with Brunch is $37; General Admission without Brunch is $12.

The Deer Park Art Show, taking place at the Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park on June 25 and 26, will feature 70 artists and live music.

 

Modern English will perform at the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake on June 26.

Waco Brothers will close out this busy month in their typically energetic fashion with a show at SPACE in Evanston on June 30. 

Slumgullion

Chris Connelly from Sons Of The Silent Age channels David Bowie.

That rescheduled Sons of the Silent Age David 75: The Stellar Stages Of A Future Legend David Bowie birthday show takes place tomorrow night, May 28 at Metro on Chicago’s north side. Tickets are still available for this event, which will also feature acclaimed Chicago-based actor Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy paying tribute to T-Rex. Proceeds from this show will benefit cancer patients at NorthShore University Healthsystem Integrative Medicine.

The Regrettes have announced new dates for their Further Joy Tour now that vocalist-guitarist Lydia Night has recovered from her appendix troubles. The dates start with a 7/23 concert in Salt Lake City and end with an 8/20 date in San Francisco. Notably missing from the list is a new date for Chicago, but there is a note at the bottom of a recent email from the band: “As for Chicago, we will be back soon for our headline show and promise to keep you posted. (*we will refund all tickets previously purchased for the Metro at point of purchase).”

Phil Angotti’s record release bash for his new album Once Around Again at Martyrs last night drew a good-sized crowd that included a number of local musicians. As often happens with Angotti’s shows, a rotating cast of special guests joined him onstage. His new songs had immediate appeal, especially the hard-driving “Priscilla” and melodic “Mystery Street.” “Mr. Harris Tweed,” an obvious nod to one of Angotti’s favorite acts—The Bee Gees—offered some irresistible fun.

The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago lineup has been revealed. This year’s featured guests are Gregg Bissonette; Peter Asher; Billy J. Kramer; Chris O’Dell; Laurence Juber; the Beatles Tribute band Liverpool; and The Weeklings, which is an offshoot of Liverpool. Jeff Lubin and Cellophane Flowers will make their Chicago debut via the Apple Jam Stage on Friday night. I could swear I’ve seen a band named Cellophane Flowers in Chicago before but maybe that was a different Cellophane Flowers. Phil Angotti And Friends will be performing on the Main Stage on Friday night.

Chicago area Anglophiles might want to make a trek to the far north side next Sunday, June 5 for the Platinum Jubilee Street Party in Jarvis Square. The Queen Elizabeth inspired event kicks off at 3:00 pm, and participants are encouraged to wear costumes. Mind Games, a new Beatles and British Invasion tribute band from Ary Paloma and Ellis Clark of My Street George, will be performing. The Jubilee is being sponsored by R Public House, at 1508 W. Jarvis Avenue.

Beatles fans in Manhattan, NY can check out the Wonderwall Communications production of I’ve Got A Feeling: A Celebration Of The Beatles’ Rooftop Concert on June 5 at The Cutting Room. The all-woman tribute band Magical Mystery Girls will be performing.

The music documentary Fanny - The Right To Rock opened today in theaters around the country. Directed by Bobbi Jo Hart, it honors the groundbreaking, hard-rocking all-woman band from the 1970s. Hart mixes vintage footage and recent interviews with the band members, as well as clips of current rock stars explaining how they were influenced by Fanny.

Chicago-based power pop band The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club has released another single on Bandcamp as a preview of their upcoming album Please Stand By. The four-minute “Fifty Foot Woman” is a harder-edged effort from these guys, with bratty vocals and extended, guitar-fueled jamming.

Burn The Rails, the long-awaited fourth album from The Handcuffs is available for pre-order on Bandcamp. While the Chicago alt rock band has been justifiably praised for tapping into 1970s glam rock (particularly Mott The Hoople), that ability is just a fragment of The Handcuffs’ repertoire. As on their previous release, Waiting For The Robot, the new Burn The Rails offers a variety of approaches. There’s a hint of vaudeville on the playful “I’m Happy Just To Be With You,” while the recently released single “I Cry For You” recalls vintage Patti Smith.

The Telepaths and whitewolfsonicprincess will be sharing a double bill at the SaveMore Lounge on Lincoln Avenue tomorrow night. The music starts at 9:00 pm.

Michael Steven Cohen and MC5 will be performing at Montrose Saloon this Sunday, May 29 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

The Famous In The Future comedy group will host an in-person return of the three-day performing arts festival YippieFest at The Den Theatre in August. I'll have more details soon.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collective of Chicago area musicians that pays tribute to famous rock and roll albums, will perform the debut effort from Crosby, Stills and Nash at City Winery Chicago on June 5 at noon.

Beatles fans will finally be able to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of director Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Get Back now that whatever issues were complicating things have been worked out. The release date is July 12.

 

The House Theatre Of Chicago’s presentation of The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre finishes its run this Sunday, May 29.

Kevin Lee and The Kings, a veteran Chicago act, released the five-song EP Lightning Strikes on May 6. It offers more of the hard-edged but melodic rock sound Lee has specialized in throughout his career. The seductive “Ruby Red Lips” has a tribal beat, while the energetic “Smashed To Pieces” and “Best Is Yet To Come” calls to mind Cheap Trick.

The Chicago Writers Bloc New Plays festival continues its run at the Raven Theatre through June 14. Tickets are $10.

The Writing Workshop Of Chicago will once again be in a virtual format when it takes place on the weekend of June 11 and 12. The Workshop offers a number of informative seminars, and participants can also schedule one-on-one meetings with literary agents. 

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative will have VIP World Theatrical Premiere events at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10. The film stars Wendy Robie of Twin Peaks fame, and concerns the complications that arise at family get-together for a college graduation. Including the graduate bringing a last-minute date. Smith specializes in exploring personal relationships, with touching and humorous results. 

Pop Aid, the 3-CD benefit album featuring new and previously unreleased tracks from an international cast of power pop bands, will be coming out soon. The album will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to feed people in the Ukraine.

Incoming

The music documentary Fanny - The Right To Rock will open in theaters around the country this Friday. Directed by Bobbi Jo Hart, this film festival favorite for the past year honors the hard-rocking all-woman band from the 1970s. Hart mixes vintage footage and recent interviews with the band members, as well as clips of current rock stars explaining how they were influenced by Fanny.

The Coco And Blu Cafe in Arlington Heights is staging a Trivia And Concert event with live music and trivia tomorrow night, May 25 at 7:00 pm. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go to help an employee who is undergoing cancer treatment. The venue is always good for people-watching (lots of hip and creative-looking types), and probably especially so tomorrow night.

 

Phil Angotti has a record release bash for his new album Once Around Again coming up at Martyrs this Thursday, May 26. Judging from his previous releases, it will be another collection melodic pop songs with keen observations on human emotions. Joining Angotti and his special guests onstage will be a series of paintings and illustrations created by local artists for each song.

Michael Steven Cohen and MC5 will be performing at Montrose Saloon this Sunday, May 29 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Relic, an art exhibition that ‘explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will finish its run at Arts Incubator  (301 E. Garfield Blvd.) this Friday, May 27.

The Josh Caterer Trio and Hushdrops will share a double bill this Friday, May 27, at The Venue in Aurora.

I felt elated while reading Amy Tara Koch’s New York Times article (picked up by the Chicago Tribune for its Sunday Travel section), describing how England is welcoming U.S. tourists again. Of course, the fear of a COVID-19 relapse still hovers, like a ghost in a mirror in some horror flick. But as Koch described Heathrow Airport filled with passengers; new cafes, museums, and a revitalized West End theatre scene, her enthusiasm was, well, contagious. I’m still hoping that someday we’ll be able to make that trip to London, Manchester, Liverpool, and York my wife Pam and I had all planned for 2020 but needed to cancel due to the virus.

Rich Cotovsky, the Artistic Director for Chicago’s critically acclaimed Mary-Arrchie Theatre before it closed a few years back, can be seen in a minor role on a few episodes of The Shining Girls on AppleTV. Cotovsky has appeared in a number of films, TV shows, and commercials.

 

I caught two sets by alt rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess last Sunday afternoon at the Sketchbook Brewing Company venue in Skokie. I’ve known vocalist Carla Hayden and guitarist-vocalist James Moeller for several years, having first met them when their theatre group Black Forest performed at the above-mentioned Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s annual Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins festival. (Rich Cotovsky always did a great job of impersonating Hoffman.)

I was a member of the Famous In The Future comedy group back then and we were also Abbie Fest regulars. So, it was no surprise when Frank Carr, who’s still part of Famous In The Future, showed up at Sketchbook, along with fellow cast member Michael Hora. Carr and I reminisced about past FIF revues and former cast members, and I was glad to hear this year’s YippieFest will be a live event this year. Carrying on the AbbieFest tradition, this three-day celebration of performing arts will be held at The Den Theatre in August. I’ll have more details on YippieFest in the near future. 

Slumgullion

Blues great Mavis Staples will headline the Chicago edition of this year’s Hot Stove Cool Music benefit concert event at Metro on July 1. (The Boston version was held earlier.) Other performers scheduled include Juliana Hatfield; Ted Leo; Scott Lucas from Local H; baseball star/guitarist Bernie Williams; broadcaster Peter Gammons; producer/musician Will Dailey; the Chicago and Boston Hot Stove All Stars; Red Sox organist Josh Kantor; and the Chicago Children’s Choir. WXRT air personality Lin Brehmer will once again serve as MC, along with actor Joel Murray. 100% of the proceeds will go to The Foundation To Be Named Later College Scholarships.

Beatles fans will finally be able to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of director Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Get Back now that whatever issues were complicating things have been worked out. The release date is July 12.

Chicago-based alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will be performing its mysterious but always engaging indie rock from 3:00 to 5:00 pm this Sunday at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. Band member James Moeller posted on Facebook that there may also be a few surprises at this gig.

The long-running British sci-fi TV show Doctor Who has been treating fans to major announcements lately. First, we learned actor Ncuti Gatwa was chosen to portray The Doctor after Jodie Whittaker wraps up her tenure in the role, and more recently, there were Instagram posts showing former Doctor Who stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate filming scenes for a 60th Anniversary special.

Congratulations to Chicago author Dawn Turner on being awarded the Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award by the Newberry Library. Turner received the honor for her Three Girls From Bronzeville novel, which is about two sisters and their friend growing up on Chicago’s south side in the 1970s. This is the first year the Newberry Library has given the Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award.

Tori Amos will no doubt be performing songs from Little Earthquakes during her concert at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago next Wednesday, since 2022 marks what she’s calling “the 30th birthday” of that landmark album. She’s also joined forces with Z2 Comics for a limited-edition graphic novel with 24 stories inspired by Little Earthquakes. It’s due out in September.

The Coco And Blu Cafe in Arlington Heights is staging a Trivia And Concert event with live music and trivia next Wednesday, May 25. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go to help one an employee who is undergoing cancer treatment. 

Phil Angotti has a record release bash for his new album Once Around Again coming up at Martyrs next Thursday, May 26. Judging from his previous releases, it will be another collection of melodic pop songs with keen observations on human emotions. Joining Angotti and his special guests onstage will be a series of paintings and illustrations created by local artists for each song.

Kevin Lee and The Kings, another veteran Chicago act, also have a new release. The five-song EP Lightning Strikes dropped on May 6 and offers more of the hard-edged and melodic rock sound Lee has specialized in throughout his career. The seductive “Ruby Red Lips” has a tribal beat, while the energetic “Smashed To Pieces” and “Best Is Yet To Come” call to mind Cheap Trick.

Relic, an art exhibition that ‘explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will run through May 27 at Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. in Chicago. Curated by Ciera Alyse McKissick, it features the work of six artists.

Get ready for sugar kisses. Tickets are now on sale for the Echo And The Bunnymen - Celebrating 40 Years Of Magical Songs event at The Vic Theatre on September 7.

 

Little Steven Van Zandt recently announced that Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and The Raiders has been named as the host of the American Revolution radio program on Underground Radio on the Sirius Radio.

The House Theatre Of Chicago is presenting The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre through May 29. The play features original text by Aimé Césaire and is directed by Lanise Antoine Shelley.

As mentioned in The Mix column in a recent edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Writers Bloc New Plays festival opens this Monday, May 23 at the Raven Theatre and runs through June 14. Tickets are $10.

As noted by long-time Chicago Tribune theatre critic Chris Jones on Facebook, the Court Theatre in the Hyde Park neighborhood just won a Regional Theatre Tony Award. Congratulations.

Pravdafest, a concert event featuring Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs, takes place on the weekend of  June 24 and 25 at the Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. The event marks the 38th year of Pravda Records releasing indie music albums, and the label released  a new 38-track compilation on Bandcamp that offers material by the above-mentioned acts, plus The Farmers, New Duncan Imperials, The Trypes, The Melismatics, The Goldstars, Susan Voelz, The Lilacs, Sunshine Boys, The Flat Five, The Imperial Sound, Chamber Strings, Jason Batch, and others. The original release dates for these tracks range from 1986 to 2022. All for only $10.

The Chicago Writing Workshop will once again be in a virtual format when it takes place on the weekend of June 11 and 12. I’ve attended live and virtual versions of this annual event, and while I prefer pitching my novel to literary agents in person, the virtual meetings have also been helpful. Wish me luck on finally snagging a deal with an agent. The Workshop also offers a number of informative seminars.

 

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative should make quite an impression in his hometown next month, with VIP World Theatrical Premiere events at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10. The film stars Wendy Robie of Twin Peaks fame, and concerns the complications that arise at family get-together for a college graduation. Including the graduate bringing a last-minute date. Smith specializes in exploring personal relationships, with touching and humorous results. He says people have been telling him this is his best work yet, and he feels that way as well.

The Chicago Blues Festival takes place on the weekend of June 9 through 12, featuring Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, and several other blues acts.

The annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival takes place tomorrow with performances by 1980s tribute band Sixteen Candles, 1990s tribute band How Rude, along with other acts. It’s always nice to see events going on in the Long Grove Shopping area. The once-bustling retail area has been making a comeback, mostly via popular restaurants and coffee places. 

Pop Aid, the 3-CD benefit album featuring new and previously unreleased tracks from an international cast of power pop bands, will be coming out soon. The album will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to feed people in the Ukraine. Thrift Store Halo and The Walkdown are among the Chicago acts taking part, and there will also be contributions from Arvidson And Butterflies; Jamie Hoover; Joey Molland from Badfinger; Jeremy (with Ken Stringfellow); and several other acts. Look for it to be released on Kool Kat Musik.

The Webstirs - The Webstirs

Arriving over five years after their masterful Now You’ve Really Done It, this self-titled, sixth album from The Webstirs proves they can still be counted on for clever lyrics set to catchy arrangements. It also confirms their long-time symbiotic relationship with producer Matt Allison. As with their fellow Chicagoans The Bad Examples, these guys seem to draw inspiration from Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook’s well-crafted compositions for Squeeze.

Guitarist-vocalist Preston Pisellini and keyboards player-vocalist Mark Winkler traditionally handle the songwriting chores for The Webstirs, but now they have an additional collaborator with guitarist-vocalist Doug Bobenhouse from the band The Sun Sawed In Half. He was credited with “additional vocals” on Now You’ve Really Done It, and joins Pisellini and Winkler on harmonies here as an official member. Bass player Gregg Juhlin from The Slugs is another new addition; drummer Jordan Kozer from The Redwalls, came onboard in 2009.

“Ordinary Shapes,” the third single from the album, is a prime example of The Webstirs’ knack for well-crafted pop. With trumpet playing by guest musician John Hagstrom, the energetic power pop arrangement is also notable for how well all three voices come together. “Should Be Letting Go,” a look at ending a relationship, kicks off the album with its driving beat, while the gorgeous “All Is Not Lost” strikes a more optimistic note.

“Not Coming Back” is a gospel song with a non-gospel message, while the slower “Lowest Of The Low” offers a thought-provoking change of pace. The defiant “(I Don’t Want You To) Show Me The Way” rocks to a suitably punchy arrangement. This collection lacks a truly quirky gem such as “Maurice Klybatzia” on their 1994 album Smirk (re-released in 2011) but it’s still a worthy new edition from this consistently inventive band.  

Incoming

Get It Now. Beatles fans were supposed to have been able to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of director Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Get Back a few months ago, but due to certain complications, the release date was indefinitely postponed. All those issues seemed to have been worked out, because a new release date of July 12 has been announced. I found out via an email from The Fest For Beatles Fans website, and immediately ordered one. If all goes well, I’ll have my copy in time to watch on my birthday. 

On a related note, Phil Angotti And Friends will present Beatles Love Songs as part of a Beatles Brunch being staged at City Winery Chicago this Sunday. Doors open at 11:00 am and the event starts at noon. General Admission with Brunch is $37; General Admission without Brunch is $12. It looks like Angotti will be back at this venue with more Beatles Brunches on June 26 and July 24.

The Coco And Blu Cafe in Arlington Heights is staging a Trivia And Concert event with live music and trivia next Wednesday, May 25. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go to help an employee who is undergoing cancer treatment. CoCo and Blu has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a friendly staff. My wife Pam and I have been regular customers pretty much since it opened a few years ago.  

Tickets are now on sale for a double bill of Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction at the United Center on November 5. Smashing Pumpkins will be a month into their Spirits On Fire Tour at that point.

The Chicago Blues Festival takes place on the weekend of June 9 through 12, featuring Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, and several other blues acts.

The annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival takes place this Saturday with performances by 1980s tribute band Sixteen Candles and 1990s tribute band How Rude. I hate to think what a 2020s tribute band will be called some day in the future. At any rate, it’s always nice to see events going on in the Long Grove shopping area. The once-bustling retail area has been making a comeback, mostly via popular restaurants and coffee places.

 

Pop Aid, the 3-CD benefit album featuring new and previously unreleased tracks from an international cast of power pop bands, will be coming out soon. The album will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to feed people in the Ukraine. Thrift Store Halo and The Walkdown are among the Chicago acts taking part, and there will also be contributions from Arvidson And Butterflies; Jamie Hoover; Joey Molland from Badfinger; Jeremy (with Ken Stringfellow); and several other acts. Look for it to be released on Kool Kat Musik.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

We’ll be going to 11 in 2024. According to the Celebrities column in today’s Chicago Tribune, Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer have signed on to do a long-awaited sequel to their hilarious and spot-on 1984 rock and roll documentary satire Spinal Tap. It’s scheduled to arrive two years from now. 

Looks like there’s going to be a 60th Anniversary special for the long-running British sci-fi TV show Doctor Who, and former stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate have already agreed to be part of it. (You can even catch new scenes with them on Instagram.) Tennant played a major role in the 50th Anniversary special, alongside Matt Smith, who had replaced him in the role of The Doctor. The two of them were so much fun, I suggested at the time that they make an action comedy together. It will be interesting to see if any other former cast members come onboard the TARDIS for the 60th Anniversary special, which is slated to air in 2023.

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative should make quite an impression in his hometown next month, with VIP World Theatrical Premiere events at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10. The film stars Wendy Robie of Twin Peaks fame, and concerns the complications that arise at a family get-together for a college graduation. Including the graduate bringing a last-minute date. Smith specializes in exploring personal relationships, with touching and humorous results. He says people have been telling him this is his best work yet, and he feels that way as well.

Slumgullion

Book it, Bono. First, a happy belated birthday to Bono from U2. There was an announcement earlier this week that he has a memoir titled Surrender coming out via Penguin Books on November 1. Based on a really cool animated promo on the band’s Facebook and Instagram pages, this is going to be an interesting story. I’ve never shared this before, but back in the 1980s, whenever I was feeling particularly stressed, I would put U2’s debut album Boy on the record player, plug in my headphones, and play it at full volume. That always helped.

It was great to hear Richard Milne back in his early morning shift at WXRT this week. Welcome back, Richard.

Pravdafest, a concert event featuring Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs, takes place on the weekend of June 24 and 25 at the Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. The event marks the 38th year of Pravda Records releasing indie music albums, and the label released a new 38-track compilation on Bandcamp today that offers material by the above-mentioned acts, plus The Farmers, New Duncan Imperials, The Trypes, The Melismatics, The Goldstars, Susan Voelz, The Lilacs, Sunshine Boys, The Flat Five, The Imperial Sound, Chamber Strings, Jason Batchko, and others. The original release dates for these tracks range from 1986 to 2022. All for only $10.

The Regrettes show scheduled for tonight at Metro in Chicago has been postponed due to vocalist-guitarist Lydia Night needing emergency surgery for her appendix following a recent concert in Toronto. According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Night is doing much better, but all Further Joy Tour dates through May 24 will have to be rescheduled. 

Tellin’ Tales Theatre is staging live performances for the first time in a few years this weekend. Voicing Our Truths opens tonight at the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Avenue) and will run through Sunday. Directed and produced by long-time member Tekki Lomnicki, the show features solo performances by artists, writers, and advocates with disabilities. After Sunday, Voicing Our Truths will continue as a live stream on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Ncuti Gatwa on being chosen as the next actor to portray The Doctor on the long-running British sci-fi television program Doctor Who. I’m not familiar with his work, but then I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors who have taken on the lead role. And I enjoyed each of them.

Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has a release show for his latest album What In The World tomorrow, May 14, at City Winery Chicago.

The Pier Head building, where people in Liverpool board Mersey Ferries, has been renamed The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry in honor of the late lead vocalist for British Invasion band Gerry And The Pacemakers. The band scored an international hit in 1964 with “Ferry Across The Mersey.”

 

The Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum will present the American Writers Festival this Sunday, May 15. More than 70 writers will be involved. Admissions is free.

Chicago-based alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will perform an afternoon set at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie on May 22.

Journalist Caryn Rose takes an extensive look at one of rock’s most revolutionary performers in her book Why Patti Smith Matters, due out on May 31 from University of Texas Press. Described as, “A meditation on the artistry and influence of Patti Smith,” the book taps into numerous reliable sources, including an interview with Bruce Springsteen, who co-wrote “Because The Night” with her. Rose’s credentials include contributing to Pitchfork, Billboard, and the Village Voice.

Relic, an art exhibition that ‘explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will run through May 27 at Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. in Chicago. Curated by Ciera Alyse McKissick, it features the work of six artists.

UPDATE: I’VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE FOLLOWING EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THE LIAR’S CLUB HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR LATER THIS SUMMER. Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics has a solo gig coming up on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

The House Theatre Of Chicago is presenting The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre through May 29. The play features original test by Aimé Césaire and is directed by Lanise Antoine Shelley.

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights next Thursday, May 19.

Chicago-based musician Ellis Clark has embarked on a project where he’ll be looking back at some of the best songs he’s created throughout his career, and posting them on YouTube. One of the first was a cover of David Bowie’s “Rubberband” he recorded with his brother when they were in one of Chicago’s first punk bands, Epicycle.

Tori Amos recently announced on Instagram that she’ll be bringing a special guest Companion when she performs at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on May 25.

Red Spot Rhythm Section, the Chicago-based ensemble that gave us an imaginative collection of Tom Petty covers last August, returns with a double single of 1980s U.K. new wave. Each track features a different lead vocalist; Claire Liparulo on a funky take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Erthe St. James on a ska-flavored version of The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry.”

I spent some earlier this week picking out three literary agents from the list of those who will be participating in the Chicago Writing Workshop on the weekend of June 11 and 12. I’ll be pitching my YA Paranormal/Romance/Rock and Roll/Comedy novel in the hope of getting it published. I already have quite a few ideas and an almost complete outline for a sequel.