Slumgullion

Shopping Spree: I took a short break from compiling info for today’s post to purchase a few music-related items online.

First, I dropped by Bandcamp to download a pair of new—and unfortunately—final tracks from the Chicago-based trio Sunshine Boys. Considering this act was only around for what seemed like a couple years (two albums and a few singles), a line from “The Beginning” really hits home: “This story ends at the beginning.” It’s only fitting that “The Beginning” and “Underwater” find Sunshine Boys at the top of their game; putting incisive lyrics to engaging melodies. A fond farewell to Dag Juhlin, Freda Love Smith, and Jackie Schimmel. I’m sure you’ll move on to new and exciting creative endeavors.

Once the above mentioned two songs were placed in my Bandcamp cart, I added the CD version of Burn The Rails, the fourth album from The Handcuffs. I already have the download, which fueled the positive album review I recently posted here, but for special releases, I need a physical copy as well. The Handcuffs have been impressive all along, but this is a particularly strong effort from them.

Following my Bandcamp shopping, I wandered over to Amazon to purchase the CD and vinyl versions of the latest Graham Nash release Live Songs For Beginners, Wild Tales. The album brings back fond memories for those of us who’ve caught Nash’s live shows with Shane Fontayne and Todd Caldwell in recent years. It also showcases the strength of his first two solo efforts.

The Chicago Gospel Festival takes place tomorrow, June 4, from 3:00 to 9:00 pm in Millennium Park.

Matt Damon, the actor who stood just a few feet away from me talking on his phone during a break in the filming of Contagion, will receive The Gene Siskel Film Center’s Renaissance Award on June 25. As an extra on the movie, I made no effort to talk to Damon, but I heard from other extras afterward that he was very friendly toward them and signed autographs once the filming was done for the day.

The 50th Anniversary Edition of Elton John’s fourth studio album Madman Across The Water is coming out June 10 in Super Deluxe 3 CD/1 Blu-Ray/ 4 LP/2CD/Digital formats. Of course, for several people, this will bring to mind how Phoebe on the Friends sitcom insisted one of the song lyrics was, “Hold me closer, Tony Danza.”

The 75th Annual 57th Street Art Fair takes place this Saturday and Sunday in Hyde Park. The event will feature close to 200 artists, live music presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends club, and a food court presented by Ray School PTA.

The Shakespeare Project Of Chicago will offer a special presentation titled 50-Minute Hamlet at the Library Plaza outside the Des Plaines Public Library on June 27 at 7:00 pm. The event, sponsored by Friends of the Library, was adapted and directed by Jeff Christian and stars Kayla Carter and Shane Kenyon. Seating is limited, so those interested in attending need to register via the Des Plaines Library website. 

 

Mud Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters, has a performance coming up at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights tomorrow night, June 4. By the way, Arlington Heights has become a festive destination for nightlife in the summertime. A few strategically placed street closings create an open and festive area for pedestrians to enjoy the sights and sounds of restaurants and venues.

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

Musician Rob Schulz will perform a solo acoustic show tomorrow, June 4 at Merkle’s Bar And Grill at 3516 N. Clark St. Schulz will be playing from 3 to 6 pm, which puts him in the middle of a Cubs doubleheader taking place within walking distance of the venue. 

WGN morning host Bob Sirott will serve as emcee when the 2nd Annual Illinois Rock And Roll Museum on Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet this Sunday, June 5. The doors open at 4:00 pm. The following are this year’s inductees: Band/Solo Artist Styx, Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Dan Fogelberg, and The New Colony Six; Songwriter Jim Peterik and Dennis DeYoung; DJ John Records Landecker; Radio Station WXRT FM; and Record Label Mercury Records. The late Gary Loizzo from The American Breed will be inducted by Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon. Tickets are $48.50, $58.50, and $68.50.

 

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 Chicago Writing Workshop will once again be in a virtual format when it takes place on the weekend of June 11 and 12.

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative has VIP World Theatrical Premiere events coming up at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10.

The Chicago Blues Festival takes place next weekend, June 9 through 12. This year’s lineup includes Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, and several other blues acts.

The Chicago Guitar Festival 2022 takes place June 9 – 12 at the Roosevelt University Chicago College Of Performing Arts. The event will feature performances, competition, master-classes, and workshops. Freed Haque and Paul Wertico are among the special guests.

 

There will be an East Stage and a West Stage when the Do Division Street Fest takes place this weekend on Division between Damen and Leavitt. The headline acts are NNAMDÏ and Oso Oso tonight; Tune-Yards and Ric Wilson tomorrow; and Torres and Smoking Popes on Sunday. Admission is $10, see the official website for more information and the full schedule. 

Chicago area Anglophiles might want to make a trek to the far north side this 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.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collective of Chicago area musicians who pay tribute to famous rock and roll albums, will be doing just that at City Winery Chicago this Sunday, June 5 with a performance of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s self-titled debut release. The show starts at noon.