Incoming

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.

 

Chicago singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album this Wednesday night at SPACE in Evanston. He’ll be joined by The Naughty Neighbors, which I suspect is one of those one-off band names various musicians pick when they get together for a tribute show. My sincere apologies if The Naughty Neighbors have been gigging around town for years.

English vocalist-guitarist Jonny Weathers once again joins forces with former Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook on the new album Dusted Radio. The nine-song effort also finds Phil Collen and Weathers sharing lead guitar duties. “Radio City,” “I Used To Have Possession,” and “Opium Fireworks” continue the hard rock approach Weathers and Cook offered on their previous collaboration, but there’s also more nuanced and impressive tracks like “Soulshine” and “Indian Rope Tricks” this time out. I’m hoping to do a full review in the near future.

I briefly mentioned in last Friday’s Slumgullion post that the Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum will present the American Writers Festival on May 15. More than 70 writers will be involved. Admission is free. There was much more extensive information on the American Writers Festival in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune, most of it reported by staff writer Christopher Borrelli. Check it out if you still have a copy around, or I’m sure you can find it online.

Tellin’ Tales Theatre hasn’t offered an in-person performance for a few years due to the pandemic, but will be back onstage this coming weekend at the Greenhouse Theater Center. The new production Voicing Our Truths is directed and produced by long-time member Tekki Lomnicki and includes solo performances by artists, writers, and advocates with disabilities. Greenhouse Theater is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. After the Friday-through-Sunday run is finished, Voicing Our Truths will continue as a live stream on Vimeo.

Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has an album release show this Saturday, May 14 at City Winery Chicago. What In The World actually came out in 2020, and those of us who heard the title track being played on WXRT definitely remember how McDermott set his razor-sharp observations to a rampaging arrangement. 

Checking out the singles scene. Red Spot Rhythm Section, the Chicago-based ensemble that gave us an adventurous 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.” Crown Vic Royal frontman Vincent Bruckert will be showcasing some solo work this Wednesday when he performs his new single, the melodic and mid-tempo “Secret Warnings,” at Montrose Saloon.

The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street, will host the third edition of Night Ideas this Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The free, international-themed event aims to bring together the academic, artistic, scientific and civic communities to share ideas.