Saturday Slumgullion

Yesterday afternoon found WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer doing his last broadcast for a while. As he announced earlier this week, Brehmer will need an extended break from his daily shift to undergo chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Prior to yesterday’s show, he predicted no one would guess the final song he picked for the broadcast, and he was probably right. It was “All For The Love Of Rock And Roll” by Tuff Darts, featuring Robert Gordon on vocals. A great song, but I have to admit I never heard it before. Best wishes to Lin for a successful treatment and speedy return to doing what he loves.

Happy Birthday to guitarist-vocalist Mike Skill, a founding and still active member of The Romantics. Skill has a solo gig coming up at Liar’s Club in Chicago on August 13. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantics member Brad Elvis (who also drums for The Handcuffs) and Ricky Rat of Trash Brats. The Tall Doug band and The Alright Maybes are also on the bill.

The Handcuffs and Poison Boys are throwing a record release show and party at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side next Friday, July 23. The Artist Formally Known As Vince band is also on the bill.

The Chicago-based The Alright Maybes, in addition to opening for Mike Skill, recently released the catchy and playful new song “Gone” on Soundcloud. It combines Angela Riehnhart’s evocative vocals with a catchy, guitar-driven arrangement, similar to the approach the band used on its four song 2021 EP Always Almost.

International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles kicked off this past Thursday at Redwood Bar and will continue through Saturday, July 23 with showcases at that venue and Molly Malone’s, as well as a Sunday evening (July 17) Big Stir Records Night at Trip in Santa Monica. I have to think this fest will bring back loads of fond memories for founder David Bash since L.A. was where the very first IPO  took place all those years ago. The participating acts this year include The Jeremy Band; The Armoires; Lannie and Danny, and Turning Violet.

IPO - Chicago veterans The Spindles will be performing their original power pop gems on July 23 at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

Adrian Belew has a pair of gigs coming up at City Winery Chicago this Monday and Tuesday, July 18 and 19.

Sonic45, the relatively new band led by former Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper, will return to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights next Thursday, July 28. In addition to featuring Kasper on guitar, Sonic45 boasts an impressive lineup of Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs); Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks); Liam Davis (Frisbie, Justin Roberts); and Matt Spiegel (Brother Brother, Tributosaurus). Jennifer Hall, who recently released her latest single “Belonging Forever,” will be a special guest that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the music starts at 7:30 pm.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 

Women Who Rock is now available to view on the Epix entertainment website. Directed by Jessica Hopper, the four-part docuseries features several well-known musicians sharing their stories about succeeding in the male-dominated music industry. Sheila E.; Chaka Khan; Nancy Wilson from Heart; St. Vincent; Mavis Staples; Joan Jett; Norah Jones; Kate Pierson from The B-52’s; Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles; Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads; Aimee Mann; Tori Amos; and Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth are among the stars who were interviewed. Footage of several other performers is featured in the series as well.

Psychedelic Furs, who gave us new wave classics such as “Love My Way” and “Heartbreak Beat,” will bring their Made Of Rain tour to Chicago next Friday, July 23 at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. Los Angeles punk pioneers X will be the opening act.

Local band Outronaut will be cranking out original, fun, and adventurous rock instrumentals free of charge at Elmhurst Hall in suburban Elmhurst on August 13.

whitewolfsoniceprincess and SPACE seem to like each other. The alt-rock band has another gig coming at the Evanston venue on next Wednesday, July 20.

The 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will kick off with a fundraising screening featuring the Preston Sturges written-and-directed political satire The Great McGinty next Sunday, July 24 at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There will be cocktails at Victory Italian afterward. The suggested donation is $100. The festival itself will run Sept. 16 – 18 at Classic Cinema’s Lake Theatre in Oak Park, and then Sept. 23 – 25 at The Wilmette Theatre in Wilmette.

Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition officially opens at the Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL on July 17. The exhibition promises to bring 70 of the iconic Paris museum’s masterpieces to life “in an enchanting, 360-degree experience.”  Admission is $32.90 for adults; $22.90 for children, and $25.40 for senior, student or military.