Incoming

Be sure to wear flowers in your hair if you’re going watch San Francisco Sounds: A Place In Time. As noted in journalist Mark Kennedy’s Associated Press article (picked up in today’s Chicago Tribune), the two-part documentary is now streaming on MGM+. It features interviews with and vintage performance footage of some of the best known acts from the city’s psychedelic heyday in late 1960s through the mid 1970s. San Francisco Sounds was created by Anoosh Tertzakian and Alison Ellwood, who previously gave us the Laurel Canyon documentary.

 

Tickets are now on sale today for Bob Dylan’s October 6, 7, and 8 concerts at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Dylan is currently in the midst of an epic tour titled Things Aren’t The Way They Were . . . “Rough And Rowdy Ways.”

If you’re looking to add a bit of Halloween spice to your Labor Day weekend, Amazing Heeby Jeebies, the Chicago-based garage rock and rockabilly outfit that conjures tales of werewolves, mummies, and other frightful creatures, will perform this Sunday, September 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at The Northman Riverwalk. It’s located at 233 E. Riverwalk in downtown Chicago.

This past Saturday, Durty Nellie’s in Palatine hosted the totally fun, nearly eight-hour Third Coast Surf Fest featuring Los Straitjackets and six other surf and 1960s acts. I miswrote in my preview that they would all play instrumental sets; Total Beaches and Roger That offered well-crafted vocals on their cover versions of major hits. Those that did go the instrumental also impressed, particularly OUTRONAUT, with its otherworldly sonic adventures. The critically acclaimed masked posse Los Straitjackets were a blast with their mix of humor and innovative musicianship. Their twangy take on The Hollies’ “Bus Stop” was my personal favorite.

Artists For Wildlife Conservation are holding a fundraiser this Wednesday at the City Winery in Boston featuring the work of rock and roll photographer Henry Diltz. The event offers a meet-and-greet with Diltz, who will be selling signed prints of his work. Proceeds will go toward elephant conservation in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

The Academy Award Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All At Once will be shown tomorrow night at 6:30 pm as part of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series. Admission is free.

The Cubby Bear, on north Clark Street just outside Wrigley Field, has a triple bill of The Spindles, Urban Twang, and Paige & The Kaisers coming this Friday.

Slumgullion

Skokie’s Backlot Bash, a beloved and respected annual celebration that takes place directly north of Chicago, kicks off today with performances on the Main Stage by Sponge and Blessid Union Of Souls. Tomorrow brings Architects Of Beauty, White Rabbit Object, The Handcuffs, and Eve 6; and Sunday’s festivities offer Montunos en el Jardin, Greg Jacks and Brother Help, and Tributosaurus Becomes The Doobie Brothers. In addition to live music, Skokie’s Backlot Bash will have carnival rides, food vendors, and an art fair.

He can save (and tour) the world. Having completed a successful series of concerts across America (I caught one of his sold-out shows in Chicago), Graham Nash will embark on a European trek that starts tomorrow in Denmark. The adventure continues through October 1, with stops in England, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland, France, Belgium, and Holland.

For those of us who weren’t able to attend WXRT’s Celebration Of Lin Brehmer last Saturday at Metro, the FM station will broadcast a recording of the event tonight at 9:00 pm. In addition to tributes to the late, great Lin Brehmer from the station’s on-air personalities Terri Hemmert, Marty Lennartz, Johnny Mars, and Ryan Arnold, there will be performances by The Limburgers, Los Lobos, and Bob Mould.

The graphic novel The Fifth Beatle - The Brian Epstein Story is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new, expanded edition that’s available for pre-order from Dark Horse/Random House. Written by Vivek J. Tiwary and illustrated by Andrew C. Robinson, Kyle Baker, and Steve Dutro, The Fifth Beatle celebrates Epstein’s essential role in The Beatles’ success. The anniversary edition features a new cover, created by Christopher Brunner and Rico Renzi. I’ve talked to Tiwary at Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago, and he’s a very friendly guy. He’s also a successful Broadway producer. 

Tributosaurus, one of Chicago’s best tribute acts, will Become The Beatles for the second show of a two-day run tonight at Martyrs’ on the north side tonight. The band will perform the entire Rubber Soul and Revolver albums, along with other material.

The Three O’Clock will re-release their Paisley Underground masterpiece Sixteen Tambourines album with a new cover and remastered tracks in vinyl, CD, and the stream formats on October 20. Some of the highlights include “Jet Fighter,” “Stupid Einstein,” “When Lightning Strikes,” the epic “A Day In Erotica,” and a cover of The Bee Gees’ “In My Own Time.”

Dan Navarro, the well-known singer-songwriter (and half of the duo Lowen and Navarro) performed last night at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, and will return for another show tonight.

All four members of Talking Heads will get together on September 11 at The Toronto International Film Festival. Noted director Spike Lee will conduct an interview with David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison regarding the newly restored in 4K, 40th Anniversary edition of Jonathan Demme’s amazing Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense. So far, it seems the four band members will not be performing at this event. The new Stop Making Sense film will be shown in theaters at the end of September. 

Missed it by that much. Sorry for not seeing this in time to promote it, but the first Beach Bunny Pool Party was held last night at the new Salt Shed concert venue in Chicago. In addition to headline/founder act Beach Bunny of “Prom Queen” fame, the event featured The Beths and Squirrel Flower. Best wishes to band members Lili Trifilio, Anthony Vaccaro, and Jon Alvarado  on establishing Pool Party as an annual event. I only learned of the inaugural staging via Mary Dixon’s interview with Trifilio in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times. I’m familiar with Dixon from her well-respected new reporting on WBEZ and previously WXRT, but this was the first time I’ve seen her dabble in print media.

This is also kind of late notice, but there’s still time to stop the world and melt with Modern English when they perform at SPACE in Evanston this Monday, August 28.

Tickets went on sale today for Bob Dylan’s October 6, 7, and 8 concerts at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in downtown Chicago. Dylan is currently in the midst of an epic tour titled Things Aren’t The Way They Were . . . “Rough And Rowdy Ways.”

Amazing Heeby Jeebies, Chicago’s rollicking garage rock and rockabilly outfit, will perform next Sunday, September 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at The Northman Riverwalk. It’s located at 233 E. Riverwalk in downtown Chicago.

The 38th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, on Dearborn between Polk Street and Ida B. Wells Drive. The festival features several guest speakers, and some will be of particular interest to those of us who follow the local entertainment scene. They include Freda Love Smith; Jon Langford; Mark Guarino; Dave Hoekstra; Rick Kogan; and Maureen Ryan; as well as Chicago’s first Poet Laureate avery r. young. See the official website for thumbnail sketches of all the speakers and the full schedule. Attendees will also find vendors selling new and antique books, as well as independent writers and small publishers promoting their work. Admission is free.

The Des Plaines Theatre in downtown Des Plaines directly across from the Metra station, will honor classic rock via three shows coming this fall: Supernatural - Santana Tribute on September 15; the Pink Floyd tribute Echoes Of Pompeii on September 28; and The Last Waltz, Tribute To The Band on November 24.

It will be an evening of hard-edged ‘rawk' when The Telepaths perform tomorrow at Phyllis’ Musical Inn, along with special guests The Rut (an offshoot of the Famous In The Future comedy group) and Nick Allen.

Los Straitjackets, a Nashville-based, masked posse of guitar slingers, will be the main attraction when the Third Coast Surf Fest takes place tomorrow at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine. These guys have backed Nick Lowe on tour, and have recorded their own twangy gems, as well as revved-up covers such as “Funk 49” by The James Gang, “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones, “Venus” by The Shocking Blue, and “Bus Stop” by The Hollies. Los Straitjackets will be preceded by six bands: The Breakers, 13 Tikis, Total Beaches, The Moonrays, OUTRONAUT and Roger That. I’m not familiar with five of the supporting acts, but I have downloaded songs by Chicago’s own OUTRONAUT, and they’re a blast. Third Coast Surf Fest promises a celebration of surf and ‘60s rock. The doors open at 1:00 pm; Los Straitjackets go on at 8:00 pm.

The Downtown Palatine Street Fest is taking place this weekend, so anyone who needs a bit of fresh air during the day-long Third Coast Surf Fest at Durty Nellie's can check it out. 

As noted by music writer Moira McCormick in a recent edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Hip Hop genre recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with LL Cool J’s The F.O.R.C.E. Live performance at the United Center in Chicago. A fitting location since Chicago is widely considered the birthplace of Hip Hop.

Chicago-based musician/playwright Matt Tiegler recently returned to the recording studio for the first time in a while, and has a new album on the way. Hands Free Down Hill, produced by singer-songwriter Tommi Zender, will be released on October 6. The catchy and emotionally complex first single “Dream (Reason For Living)” is currently available to download on Tiegler’s Bandcamp page. 

Not to be confused with the social media platform, the pioneering L.A. punk band X, featuring all four original members, will perform this Sunday and Monday at The Old Town School Of Folk Music.

CHIRP Radio 107.FM, Delmark Records, Burning Bush Brewery, and WDCB Public Radio 90.9 FM are among the sponsors of tomorrow’s Rockwell Blues And Jazz Street Stroll from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 4014 N. Rockwell Street in Chicago. By the way, Delmark Records’ 70th Anniversary Blues Anthology, featuring Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, T-Bone Walker, Jimmy Johnson, and others, is now available on vinyl and digital formats.

The Beggars Banquet Rolling Stones tribute band will perform tomorrow night at 8:00 pm at the Draft Picks venue at 912 S. Busse Road in Mt. Prospect.

Chicago-based power pop band The Spindles must like being part of three-band showcases. They’ll be at Heroes West in Lemont tomorrow night with Go Time! and Dead Freddie; and next Friday, they’ll rock the Cubby Bear near Wrigley Field, along with Urban Twang and Paige and The Kaisers.

The State Of Sound exhibit ends its run at Navy Pier this Sunday, Aug. 27. This is a pop-up version of the award-winning exhibition that was held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, and celebrates Illinois-based stars such as Muddy Waters; Material Issue; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; Chance the Rapper; Wilco; Shoes; and Cheap Trick.

Congratulations to the Ugly Things fanzine on four decades of supporting indie music. There’s a 40th Anniversary Weekender going on tonight and tomorrow at the Casbah and Whistle Stop venues in San Diego. 

More Incoming

Happy Birthday to Debbi Peterson from The Bangles. Back in 1988, I did a telephone interview with the drummer-vocalist for the Illinois Entertainer, regarding the band’s latest album Everything. She was very friendly and informative about songwriting, meeting expectations after the success of their previous effort Distant Light, and the band’s major influences. “Some Dream Come True,” which Peterson wrote with keyboards player Walker Igleheart, was one of the album’s best tracks. Like her sister Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs, Debbi is still actively involved with the music scene. Her most recent project was recording and performing with the band The No Ones. Check out the official Bangles Facebook page for a few video clips featuring Debbi Peterson.

For those of us who weren’t able to attend WXRT’s Celebration Of Lin Brehmer this past Saturday night at Metro, the Chicago FM station will broadcast a recording of the event this Friday night at 9:00 pm. In addition to tributes to the late, great Lin Brehmer from the station’s on-air personalities Terri Hemmert, Marty Lennartz, Johnny Mars, and Ryan Arnold, there will be performances by The Linburgers, Los Lobos, and Bob Mould.

It will be an evening of hard-edged ‘rawk' when The Telepaths perform this Saturday at Phyllis’ Musical Inn, along with special guests The Rut and Nick Allen. The venue is located at 1800 W. Division on Chicago’s north side.

Beatles fans can enjoy music from two of the group’s best albums played by one of the Chicago area’s best tribute acts when Tributosaurus Becomes The Beatles at Martyrs’ this Thursday and Friday nights. Tributosaurus will perform the entire Rubber Soul and Revolver albums both nights, along with other material. Looking a bit into the future, Phil Angotti will perform separate afternoon and evening shows as part of his John Lennon’s 83rd Birthday Bash on October 7.

Incoming

Los Straitjackets, that Nashville-based, masked posse of guitar slingers, will be the main attraction when the Third Coast Surf Fest is held at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine this Saturday. These guys have backed Nick Lowe on tour, and have recorded their own twangy gems, as well as revved-up covers such as “Funk 49” by The James Gang, “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones, “Venus” by The Shocking Blue, and “Bus Stop” by The Hollies. Los Straitjackets will be preceded by six bands: The Breakers, 13 Tikis, Total Beaches, The Moonrays, OUTRONAUT and Roger That. I’m not familiar with five of the supporting acts, but I have downloaded songs by Chicago’s own OUTRONAUT, and they’re a blast. Third Coast Surf Fest promises a celebration of surf and ‘60s rock. The doors open at 1:00 pm; Los Straitjackets go on at 8:00 pm.

In what’s surely one of the least expected entertainment developments of 2023, all four members of Talking Heads will get together on September 11 at The Toronto International Film Festival. Noted director Spike Lee will conduct an interview with David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison regarding the newly restored in 4K, 40th Anniversary edition of Jonathan Demme’s amazing Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense. So far, it seems the four band members will not be performing at this event. The new Stop Making Sense film will be shown in theaters at the end of September. 

Dan Navarro, the well-known singer-songwriter (and half of the duo Lowen and Navarro) has gigs coming up this Thursday and Friday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights.

As noted by music writer Moira McCormick in a recent edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Hip Hop genre celebrated its 50th anniversary with LL Cool J’s The F.O.R.C.E. Live performance at the United Center in Chicago. A fitting location since Chicago is widely considered the birthplace of Hip Hop.

Chicago-based musician/playwright Matt Tiegler recently returned to the recording studio for the first time in a while, and has a new album on the way. Hands Free Down Hill, produced by singer-songwriter Tommi Zender, will be released on October 6. The catchy and emotionally complex first single “Dream (Reason For Living)” is currently available to download on Tiegler’s Bandcamp page.

 

The pioneering L.A. punk band X, featuring all four original members, will perform on August 27 and 28 at The Old Town School Of Folk Music.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Goodman Theatre’s production of The Who’s Tommy has notched several nominations for this year’s Jeff Awards. Other nominees include Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Comedy Of Errors; Mercury Theater’s Clue; American Blues Theater’s Fences; Paramount Theatre’s Into The Woods; and Shattered Globe’s London Road.

CHIRP Radio 107.FM, Delmark Records, Burning Bush Brewery, and WDCB Public Radio 90.9 FM are among the sponsors of this Saturday’s Rockwell Blues And Jazz Street Stroll from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 4014 N. Rockwell Street in Chicago.

The Smoking Popes are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their impressive debut Get Fired with a special vinyl reissue that dropped last Thursday. They’ll have a brand new album in 2024, but the Chicago alt-rock band has already released a revved-up cover of The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” and a new single of their own titled “Madison.” The Smoking Pope’s current tour brings them to Riot Fest in Chicago this September.

The Beggars Banquet Rolling Stones tribute band will perform this Saturday night at 8:00 pm at  the Draft Picks venue at 912 S. Busse Road in Mt. Prospect.

Hats off to WXRT on its A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer doubleheader this past Saturday. I was at the daytime half that kicked off at 10:20 am just outside Wrigley Field and the Gallagher Way venue, and the positive vibe was amazing. It certainly didn’t hurt having access to watch Brehmer’s beloved Cubs triumph over the Royals. The night-time event featured WXRT DJs Terri Hemmert, Marty Lennartz, Annalisa, Ryan Arnold, Johnny Mars, and Frank E. Lee as hosts, and judging from social media posts, it was also fantastic. What a great way to honor the man who truly was our best friend in the whole world. Proceeds from the event will benefit the charity organizations Intonation and Nourishing Hope.

Binge Worthy

Over several years, WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer developed an avid following that stretched beyond the FM station’s listeners. Respected for his endless knowledge of rock and roll, he was also embraced for his sense of humor and a genuine quest to be everyone’s ‘Best Friend In The Whole World.” His other well-known catch phrase was, “It’s great to be alive!” Brehmer never stooped to the shock jock routines that are so often the bread and butter of a morning disk jockey. Instead, his Lin’s Bin on-air responses to listener questions ranged from laugh-out-loud observations to heartfelt emotions. His radio show resonated so well with his fans that when he passed away due to complications of cancer, it was like losing a member of your family.

So, it was no surprise when WXRT announced A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer set to take place at the Metro music venue, it quickly sold out. That event arrives tomorrow on what would have been his 69th birthday and will feature WXRT DJs Terri Hemmert, Marty Lennartz, Annalisa, Ryan Arnold, Johnny Mars, and Frank E. Lee as hosts. It should be noted that each of the above-mentioned on-air personalities follows the same blueprint that Brehmer did. WXRT has always emphasized thoughtful commentary over schtick and hype, which is why long-time listeners have remained faithful. Tomorrow night’s bash will feature live performances by Bob Mould, Los Lobos, Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan and Michael McDermott. Proceeds from the event will benefit the charity organizations Intonation and Nourishing Hope.

In addition to the evening tribute, there will be a gathering titled Lin’s Binge tomorrow at Wrigley Field and the nearby venue Gallagher Way. It kicks off at 10:20 am. Brehmer supported both of Chicago’s baseball teams, but there was no doubt he loved the Cubs more that he could ever love the White Sox. His opening day broadcasts each April were legendary. Noted chefs, including Paul Kahan, Beverly Kim, Tony Mantuano, Matthias Merges, and Tony Priolo will be on hand tomorrow; food vouchers can be purchased for $10 with proceeds benefiting Intonation and Nourishing Hope. There will also be live music at this day-time event.

On a related note, Lin Brehmer t-shirts are now available for $25 on the official WXRT website.

Incoming

It may sound like a mid-1960s espionage flick, but The Brad Elvis Conversation is an experimental, jazz-influenced quintet that will be performing from 5:00 to 7:00 pm tomorrow (August 17) at the Northman Riverwalk Beer And Cider Garden. In addition to veteran drummer Brad Elvis (The Handcuffs, The Elvis Brothers, The Romantics, and Screams), the Conversation will feature Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs on sax, bassist Charlie Short, sax player Chris Greene, and synth player Bill Higgnz. If I’m correctly understanding Brad’s Facebook post (you have to love the black and white graphics), this will be an instrumental outing. Admission for the all-ages show is free; The Northman Riverwalk is located at 233 E. Riverwalk in downtown Chicago.

The Ides Of March Featuring Jim Peterik have a concert tomorrow night at City Winery Chicago, and vocalist Bettye LaVette will be showcasing her latest album LaVette! at the venue this Sunday evening. Earlier, at noon on Sunday, Phil Angotti and Friends will continue their monthly Beatles Brunch series. 

 

Singer-songwriter Rob Schulz returns for another solo acoustic gig at Merkle’s Bar and Grill this Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The venue’s 3516 N. Clark location is within walking distance of Wrigley Field and the show starts immediately after the Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals game. 

Congratulations to The Goodman Theatre’s production of The Who’s Tommy on the various nominations it has received for the 55th Annual Jeff Awards. The categories include Production Of A Musical (Large); Ensemble For A Musical or Revue; Director Of A Musical (Large); Performer In A Principal Role - Musical: and Musical (Large) most liked by Terry Flamm. Just kidding about that last one.

Singer-guitarist Michael Steven Cohen will be performing Vintage Love Songs this Friday from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Tuscan Market And Wine Shop in Arlington Heights.

Slumgullion

The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66, located at 9 W. Cass Street in Joliet, has an impressive lineup of local acts scheduled for the September 16 VIP Pre-Party to its 3rd Annual Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 17. The Pre-Party takes place at The Forge venue, which at 22 W. Cass Street, is within walking distance of the Museum. The event will include Shoes, with special guest Leroy; and Phil Angotti from The Idea and Material Reissue playing as a trio with Casey McDonough from NRBQ and The Flat Five, and Brad Elvis from The Handcuffs, The Romantics, the Elvis Brothers and Screams.

Also appearing will be The One Of The Boyzz band featuring Dirty Dan Buck from The Boyzz; Ralph Covert from The Bad Examples and Ralph’s World with special guest Randy Riesen; and the Gen Fuze covers band. The evening will include a tribute to the late Cliff Johnson of Off Broadway, d’Thumbs, USSA, and Pezband fame at 10:00 pm. DJ Louzlounge will fill the time between sets with selections from Illinois-based power pop vinyl records.

There are just a few weeks left to check out the State Of Sound exhibit before its run at Navy Pier ends on Aug. 27. This is a pop-up version of the award-winning exhibition that was held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, and celebrates Illinois-based stars such as Muddy Waters; Material Issue; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; Chance the Rapper; Wilco; Shoes; and Cheap Trick.

The sad news that singer-guitarist Robbie Robertson from The Band has passed away brought several posts on social media from fans and musicians who admired his work and engaging personality. The 1978 Martin Scorsese documentary The Last Waltz brought widespread recognition for The Band, but they were critically acclaimed and widely admired by fellow musicians long before that. Rock In Paradise, Robbie.

City Winery Chicago has upcoming shows for The Ides Of March Featuring Jim Peterik on August 17; Bettye LaVette on August 20; Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues on October 22, and Justin Hayward from The Moody Blues on October 23 and 24.

Pictures Of You: A Compilation Of Covers Of Songs By The Cure, another ambitious multi-act tribute album from the UK record label and culture webzine God Is In The TV, is now available to download for a very low price on Bandcamp. The numerous highlights among the 45 tracks include "Let’s Go To Bed" by Hamish Brown and Andrew Eaton-Lewis; separate versions of "Just Like Heaven" by INVESTIGATOR and Kids Love Surf; "Primary" by Charley Stone; "In-between Days" by Good Grief; and "Fire In Cairo" by The Rhumcats.

FAN EXPO CHICAGO, an annual gathering of self-professed nerds, graphic novel readers, art lovers, and anyone who embraces the more adventurous paths of modern culture, returned to the Donald Stephens Center in Rosemont yesterday and will run through Sunday. This year’s celebrity guests include Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Susan Sarandon, Giancarlo Esposito, Henry Winkler, Barry Bostwick, and Katee Sackhoff.

The Tom Petty: Among The Wildflowers exhibit continues its six-month run at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, FL. It offers a 700 square foot collection of artifacts, including some from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and other exclusive memorabilia.

Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago kicked off at 6:00 pm today at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemeont and will run through Sunday evening. WXRT radio personality Terri Hemmert will once again serve as Master Of Ceremonies, and the special guests include Patti Boyd; Mark Rivera; Gregg Bissonette; and Lads From Liverpool (Joey Molland from Badfinger; Terry Sylvester from The Hollies and The Swinging Blue Jeans). Performances on the Main Stage include the Beatles tribute band Liverpool all three nights; The Weeklings on Saturday; and local acts My Sweet George and Phil Angotti and Friends tonight.

The documentary Have You Got It Yet? - The Story Of Syd Barrett And Pink Floyd is now being screened at theaters across America. Directed by Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgeson, it’s narrated by Jason Issacs and features new interviews with Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Nick Mason regarding their brilliant but troubled former band member.

The Printer’s Row Art Festival returns to the south end of downtown Chicago for its fifth year tomorrow and Sunday. 90 juried artists and artisans showcasing their work.

Neil Young’s Chrome Dreams, often described as his legendary lost album, came out today. 

Chicago-based instrumental band OUTRONAUT  will perform at State and Adams in downtown Chicago this Sunday at 2:00 pm.

The Ripleys will cover songs by well-known rock acts such as The Beatles, Cheap Trick, U2, Elvis Costello at a 9:00 pm Edison Park Fest After Show tomorrow at The Curragh at 6705 Northwest Highway.

The Ugly Things fanzine will celebrate four decades of supporting indie music with a 40th Anniversary Weekender at the Casbah and Whistle Stop venues in San Diego on August 25 and 26.

The Smoking Popes will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their impressive debut Get Fired with a special vinyl reissue to be released next Thursday, August 17. A new album is due out in 2024, and earlier this summer, the Chicago alt-rock band released a revved-up cover of The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” and a new single of their own titled “Madison.” The Smoking Pope’s current tour brings them to Riot Fest in Chicago this September.

Chicago radio station WXRT will honor the late Lin Brehmer with a special event at Metro next Saturday, August 19. A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer will feature WXRT DJs Terri Hemmert, Marty Lennartz, Annalisa, Ryan Arnold, Johnny Mars, and Frank E. Lee as hosts; and there will be live performances by Bob Mould, Los Lobos, Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan and Michael McDermot. Brehmer never sounded less than genuine while proclaiming he was everyone’s best friend in the whole world, and enjoyed a decades-long reign as one of the Chicago area’s most popular on-air personalities.

The Chicago Air And Water Show will be held along North Avenue Beach on next weekend, August 19 and 20.

Chicago-based power pop band Thrift Store Halo have just announced they’ll have a new six-song EP titled Back To Good coming out in November. There will be a record release show on December 7 at Ballydoyle in Downers Grove.

The Chicago-based power trio Triple will be among the performers when the 22nd Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is held next weekend, August 18 through August 20. Triple performs at 5:00 pm on Saturday. The event is free and will feature over 100 artists and live entertainment.

The pioneering L.A. punk band X, featuring all four original members, will perform on August 27 and 28 at The Old Town School Of Folk Music.

Los Straitjackets will be the main attraction when the Third Coast Surf Fest is held at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine on August 26. There will also be six local bands, including OUTRONAUT and Roger That.

Incoming

They would appear to be some type of performing bugs from earth, Captain. Most illogical. Rosemont, Illinois is the place to be this weekend whether you fancy Mr. Spock or the Fab Four. FAN EXPO Chicago, a celebration of sci-fi, horror, super heroes and villains, returned to the Donald Stephens Center today while Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago opens across the street tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. In previous years when these two events have coincided, I’ve sat on a bench between the two buildings, observing the culture clash while eating lunch.

FAN EXPO Chicago (AKA Wizard World) is a major attraction for self-professed nerds, graphic novel readers, art lovers, and anyone who embraces the more adventurous paths of modern culture. They’ll find aisle after aisle of corporate and independent vendors selling imaginative and fun merchandise. There’s also a masquerade ambience as people in elaborate costumes pose for strangers with cell phones and cameras. Where else are you going to see Batman and Princess Leia sipping 32-oz. Cokes together? This year’s celebrity guests include Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Susan Sarandon, Giancarlo Esposito, Henry Winkler, Barry Bostwick, and Katee Sackhoff.

Meanwhile, Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago will once again have WXRT radio personality Terri Hemmert serving as Master Of Ceremonies, along with special guests Patti Boyd, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette. Lads From Liverpool is the trio of Joey Molland from Badfinger; Terry Sylvester from The Hollies and The Swinging Blue Jeans; and Billy J. Kramer. They’re not to be confused with the band Liverpool, whose late night concerts on the Main Stage have been a top attraction at The Fest for years. After years of performing on the smaller Apple Jam Stage, local acts My Sweet George and Phil Angotti and Friends have earned a promotion, and will appear on the Main Stage tomorrow night.

Kaleidoscope Eyes, a band that has played Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago in the past, drew a packed house, or I should say a packed park last Friday night at the outdoor Fred P. Hall Amphitheater in Palatine. The Second Hand Soul Band, whose previous date was postponed due to rain, will perform at at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater tomorrow night from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Dead Letter Office - A Tribute To R.E.M. takes the stage at 8:00 pm tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Local power pop act The Embryos will be at the Northman Riverwalk Beer And Cider Garden tomorrow for a 3:00 to 5:00 pm gig. The venue, located at 233 E. Riverwalk in downtown Chicago, has been doing a great job of showcasing local rock and roll talent in a outdoor party setting.

The Printer’s Row Art Festival returns to the south end of downtown Chicago for its fifth year this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 90 juried artists and artisans will be showcasing their work.

Chicago-based instrumental band Outronaut will perform at State and Adams in downtown Chicago this Sunday at 2:00 pm.

The Ripleys will perform songs by The Beatles, Cheap Trick, U2, Elvis Costello, and other well-known rock acts at a 9:00pm Edison Park Fest After Show this Saturday at The Curragh at 6705 Northwest Highway.

Congratulations to Frank Carr and The Famous In The Future comedy group on serving up another successful YippieFest celebration of counter-culture entertainment this past weekend at PrideArtsChicago on Chicago’s north side. I was there for a few hours on Saturday, checking out some impressive performances and hanging out with long-time friends on the Chicago theater scene.

Slumgullion

Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band will return to Wrigley Field for concerts next Wednesday, August 9 and Friday, August 10. Springsteen is the subject of  writer/musician Warren Zanes’ recent book Deliver Me From Nowhere - The Making Of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. Zanes also wrote a fascinating cover story on Springsteen for the August issue of MOJO, which also features an article about Tina Turner and an extended review of P.J. Harvey’s new album I Inside The Old Year Dying. All of this reminds me I have to renew my subscription to MOJO. I love that magazine.

Neil Young’s Chrome Dreams album, often described as his legendary lost album, will be released next Friday, August 11. Other albums due out this month (as noted in the August Illinois Entertainer) include End Of World by Public Image Ltd.; The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons by The Hives; and Realms by Cindy Wilson from The B-52’s. Also in the current issue of I.E., publisher John Vernon gives Sleepwalker by Veruca Salt Member Louise Post an 8 out of 10 rating, critic Jeff Elbel was equally impressed with the 50th Anniversary Edition of Steely Dan’s Countdown To Ecstasy album.

City Winery Chicago now has tickets on sale for Justin Hayward’s October 23 and 24 shows and Southside Johnny And Asbury Jukes’ shows on December 11 and 12.

Lollapalooza opened yesterday and runs through Sunday in Grant Park. Tonight’s performers include Kendrick Lamar; Thirty Seconds To Mars; and The 1975. The Revivalists perform tomorrow, and Sunday’s lineup includes Red Hot Chili Peppers; Alvvays; Dehd; Mt. Joy; and Lana Del Rey. 

The Beatles tribute band Kaleidoscope Eyes will close out this year’s Palatine’s Sounds Of Summer series with an outdoor concert at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater at 7:30 pm. These guys don’t go in for costumes or accents, and have performed at Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago. 

 

Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago, with its mix of live music, celebrity guests, art, photography, contests, and merchandise, will return to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont next weekend, August 11 – 13. WXRT radio personality Terri Hemmert will once again serve as Master Of Ceremonies, and some of Chicago’s best local acts will be performing on The Apple Jam Stage and Main Stage.

As recently reported on the Theatre Mania website, performances of a new production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodeson, will start on Halloween night at the St. James Theatre in New York.

The Chicago-based indie label Pravda Records will showcase three of its acts tonight at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. The lineup features The Handcuffs, whose Burn The Rails was one of 2022’s best albums; Ivan Julian from Richard Hell And The Voidoids, along with Nicolas Tremulis; and Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends.

Congratulations to International Pop Overthrow founder David Bash on nearly a quarter century of showcasing power pop and indie rock. IPO - Los Angeles 2023 marks a return to the city of the festival’s birth with a nine-day run at the Redwood Bar in Los Angeles. Each night will offer at least five (more often six) acts. Some of the familiar names performing include The Jeremy Band; Rick Hromadka; Sparkle*Jests UK; and Plasticsoul. International Pop Overthrow has grown over the years to include stops in Chicago, Liverpool, Boston, San Diego, and other cities.

The Famous In The Future comedy group’s annual three-day celebration of counter-culture entertainment, YippieFest, kicks off today at PrideArtsChicago on Chicago’s north side. In addition to Famous In The Future, the performers will include Chicks With Picks; Rush Pearson; Dark Room Men; Industry Darlings; Collage Productions/Jeff Helgeson; David Drazin; Black Forest; Masters Of Sketch; Angie McMahon; Amber Nettles; Our Lake On The Ocean; Continuous Dream Theater; Noel and Mick D; Roberta Miles; John Francis Klingle; RPG-13; and El Bear.

As a former member of Famous In The Future, I’m going to aim for their sketch and song revue on Saturday evening of YippieFest. The timing works well since it’s right around the same time my fellow former Famous In The Future member David Drazin will be doing a standup comedy show, and Black Forest, whose founding members Carla Hayden and James Moeller are now better known for leading the alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, will be performing a short theatrical piece. I first met Carla and James back when Famous In The Future and Black Forest both performed as part of the Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins Festival. I’ve always admired the way they can simultaneously delight and mystify.

Ralph Covert will perform with a string quartet this Sunday night at at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. The show, which will include songs from Covert’s long career, starts at 7:00 pm. Next Wednesday, indie rockers The Figgs will be at Hey Nonny.

Pictures Of You: A Compilation Of Covers Of Songs By The Cure, another ambitious multi-act tribute album from the UK record label and culture webzine God Is In The TV, is now available to download on Bandcamp. I’ve been skimming through the 45 songs I downloaded and I can already tell there’s some real gems here.

The Dandy Warhols, who gave us the fabulous “Bohemian Like You” and several other catchy indie rock songs, have a gig coming next Wednesday at Metro in Chicago on August 9.

Chicago-based power pop band (and IPO - Chicago veterans) Thrift Store Halo have just announced they’ll have a new six-song EP titled Back To Good coming out in November. There will be a record release show on December 7 at Ballydoyle in Downers Grove.

The Chicago-based power trio Triple will be among the performers when the 22nd Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is held on the weekend of August 18 through August 20. Triple performs at 5:00 pm on Saturday. The event is free and will feature over 100 artists.

The Tom Petty: Among The Wildflowers exhibit continues its six-month run at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, FL. It offers a 700 square foot collection of artifacts, including some from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and other exclusive memorabilia.

FAN EXPO CHICAGO will be held at the Donald Stephens Center in Rosemont, IL on August 10 through 13. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Susan Sarandon, Giancarlo Esposito, Henry Winkler, Barry Bostwick, and Katee Sackhoff are among the many celebrity guests.

The State Of Sound exhibit, a pop-up version of the award-winning exhibition that was held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, continues its run at Navy Pier through Aug. 27. The exhibit celebrates Illinois-based stars such as Muddy Waters; Material Issue; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; Chance the Rapper; Wilco; Shoes; and Cheap Trick.

Printer’s Row is best known for its annual Lit Fest in September, but this south end area of downtown Chicago has also been staging its impressive Art Fest for five years. It returns on the weekend of August 12 and 13, with 90 juried artists and artisans showcasing their work.