Incoming

Graham Nash will receive the John Lennon Real Love Award from the nonprofit organization Theatre Within at a presentation taking place this Saturday, December 2 at the John Lennon Tribute at Town Hall in New York. This is the 43rd year Theatre Within has staged the tribute, and Yoko Ono has been involved for much of that time. Her cooperation resulted with the Real Love Award being established in 2014. According to the official website, the award acknowledges performers for “for their creative excellence, positive social impact and support of charitable causes.”

The English Beat, whose 2-LP I Just Can’t Stop It (Expanded) was one of the most tempting choices offered via this year’s Black Friday Record Store Day, will be performing on Sunday, December 3 and Monday, December 4 at City Winery Chicago.

Christmas Time Is Here Again. Earlier on that December 3rd Sunday morning at City Winery Chicago, Phil Angotti and Friends will present a Beatle Brunch Xmas Spectacular version of their monthly Beatles Brunch. These guys always put on a great show, so you know the holiday version will be a blast.

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame has announced its nominees for 2024, and the Performing Songwriters category includes Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke from Blondie; Tracy Chapman; George Clinton; Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart; Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe from R.E.M.; and Donald Fagen and Walter Becker from Steely Dan.

Scott Niekelski, lead vocalist-guitarist for the hard-edged power pop band Go Time!, has also been doing well as a solo performer on the Chicago area club scene. He’ll be at Rosie O’hare’s at 3 Michigan Avenue in East Dundee this Saturday night.

Mark Roberts, the creative force behind the Mike & Molly TV sitcom, will celebrate one of his other projects with a recording event on December 8 at VSOP Studios in Chicago. Bad Mule, Inc., billed as an all-ages multi-media playground, will present Bad Mule Rag Live with poetry by Roberts and music by drummer Gina Schock from The Go-Go’s. Proceeds from the release of the Bad Mule Rag Volume 2 Live album will be donated to Literacy Chicago. VSOP Studios is located at 1552 W. Chicago Avenue; RSVP via Info@BADMULEINC.COM

Dead Freddie, The Spindles, and Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club comprise the potent lineup of bands performing punk pop, power pop, and indie rock respectively, at Outta Space in Berwyn this Friday night, December 1st. It will be a Record Release Event for Dead Freddie, who will get things rocking at 8:00 pm.

The Holiday Edition of the Chicago Artisan Market takes place this Sunday at 401 N. Morgan Street from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Over 100 artisans will be on hand, offering a variety of food, fashion, art, and gift items. Admission is $8 for one person, $20 for four people.