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It's Johnny's Birthday. John Lennon would have turned 83 today, and as any number of posts across social media clearly illustrate, his legacy still resonates within popular music and culture.

It also fueled the joyous vibes of the ambitious birthday tribute Phil Angotti And Friends staged at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue this past Saturday. I caught the afternoon half of that celebration, and was impressed with the variety of material and how well it was presented. The three-hour set, featuring Angotti, Casey McDonough, John San Juan, John Perrin, Carolyn Englemann, Tom Ryan, Tony Richards, and Rich Parenti in various combinations, kicked off with vintage rhythm and blues hits The Beatles performed on BBC radio shows in the 1960s but never officially recorded. Several early Beatles classics followed before things wrapped up with Sgt. Pepper and White Album masterpieces, as well as Lennon’s emotionally charged solo efforts. I have no doubt the evening half was every bit as impressive.

Fans of The Cars will get just what they need this Friday night at Martyrs’ when Tributosaurus plays the many irresistible hits of the Boston-based new wave band.

Actor/director Rich Cotovsky’s many fans were no doubt delighted when he recently announced on social media that he’ll be involved with the City Lit Theater adaption of the 1955 film noir classic Night Of The Hunter coming up at the end of this month. Cotovsky was the Artistic Director at the Mary-Arrchie Theater for several years, and hosted its annual Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins Theatre Festival.

Graham Nash recently joined the over 500 musicians who have partnered with Soundwavesart to offer limited-edition artwork inspired by their music. British artist Tim Wakefield started the charitable foundation in 2005 after developing a multimedia process that customizes recorded sound waves to produce to unique artwork. Wakefield, who now resides in Austin, TX, uses Soundwavesart to help worthy causes. As for Nash, proceeds from the “Our House” and “Teach Your Children” artwork will benefit Children In Conflict. Prices are $75 for unsigned prints; $320 for signed prints; and $2,000 signed originals.

Lucinda Williams will bring her Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart Tour, named after her most recent album, to the Riviera Theatre this Friday night.

Jon Langford and His Fancymen, along with special guests Sally Timms and Dennis J. Leise will perform at A Benefit For Kidney Research at The Hideout on Chicago’s north side tomorrow night. Langford and Simms are well known for their work as members of The Mekons; Leise is a singer-guitarist whose latest collection of satirical country rock tunes Fightstarter came out earlier this month.

As noted by Associated Press writer Maria Sherman (picked up in today’s Chicago Tribune), Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein will release a new Sleater-Kinney album titled Little Rope on January 19.

Expo ’76 returns to Simon’s Tavern, where everybody knows their names, this Wednesday night.

The Zombies’ North American Different Game Tour brings them to The Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago this Sunday.

Lit And Luz: Reencounters/Reencuentros will run from October 13 through 29 at 1929 S. Halsted in Chicago  . It’s being sponsored bt Chicago Art Department and other local arts groups.