Incoming

Graham Nash will likely perform some new songs on his 2023 spring and summer tour. In recent social media posts, he describes the upcoming full-length release Now as “the most personal album I’ve recorded.” That’s quite a statement considering most of his work has been of a personal nature. Now is due out on May 19, and can be pre-ordered in CD and vinyl formats on Nash’s official website . 

The first track, “Right Now,” has a guitar-driven Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young vibe, and is available for streaming on various sites. The autobiographical song “Buddy’s Back” will appear on Now as well as the upcoming I’ll Never Forget album from Allan Clarke. The two former Hollies members recorded it together, and have posted a fun video of it on YouTube. Graham Nash’s tour includes five shows at The Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago, starting on April 25. 

Chicago-based band Van Go, whose hard-hitting songs often pack a satirical wallop thanks to songwriter-vocalist Davey Sippel, will return to the local club scene this Friday, February 24 at Montrose Saloon. This is likely the first Van Go gig since bassist-vocalist Lou Galassini passed away. A post on the band’s Facebook page reveals the band debated changing its name but eventually decided to keep it. “So, you get the 4 Van Go guys sticking together, and carrying the spirit of Lou G with us wherever we go.” I think Lou, a terrific showman and one of the friendliest musicians I ever met, would agree.

Tickets are now on sale for EXTC at City Winery Chicago on March 23. The band features former XTC drummer Terry Chambers backed by veteran musicians. 

Ralph Covert and Steve Gerlach from The Bad Examples will join Michael Hartigan for a concert at The Venue in Aurora this Saturday, February 25. They’ll be backed by a string quartet.

The Record Store Day people have chosen Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires as their 2023 Ambassadors. The pair has put together a special RSD release titled The Sound Emporium EP. This year’s Record Store Day takes place on April 22, and the full list of limited edition vinyl releases is now available on the official website.

Around these parts, Record Store Day usually comes around the same time as International Pop Overthrow - Chicago. This year’s IPO - Chicago Bash (pun intended) runs from April 21 through April 29. The schedules haven’t been posted yet on the official website. 

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will be performing songs from his latest album of catchy power pop songs Once Around Again this Saturday, February 25 at FitzGerald’s Side bar in Berwyn. It’s one of his best efforts.

Congratulations to Elvis Costello on selling out his 100 Songs And More Over 10 Nights concert series at the Gramercy Theater in New York, NY this month. I mentioned this ambitious quest long before it started, but forgot about it until now. Looks like he did okay without me continuing to promote it.

The Chicago Independent Venue League’s CIVL Fest is wrapping up its 2023 run with the Roscoe Mitchell Trio with Junius Paul and Vincent Davis at the Promontory tomorrow; Keiyaa, Kara Jackson and Jada-Amina at Sleeping Village Friday; Moontype and Quinn Tsan at Hungry Brain Friday; Willie Fultz and Skinny Williams at the Quarry Event Center on Saturday; M.A.A.D. Rhythms: Tribute To Nina Simone, XTORMY and Cinnamon Spice at the Harold Washington Cultural Center on Sunday; and Dakhabrakha at Patio Theatre on Sunday. The event helps fund Venue Staff and Artist Mental Health Programs; Venue Safety Initiatives; and Equal Access And Equity Campaigns. See the official website for a full list of venues and performers.