Incoming

As The Rolling Stones continue to rock the world with their new Hackney Diamonds album, it’s Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! week on the Chicago club scene. This Thursday, Great Moments In Vinyl—a rotating collection of local musicians—will honor The Rolling Stones with a Hits And Highlights From The Past 20 Years show starting at 7:30 at Martyrs’ at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue. On Friday, Androgynous Mustache will present the Keith Richards 80th Birthday Bash at Reggies Music Joint with Phil Angotti And The Naughty Neighbors. The venue is located at 2101 S. State Street.

The Lemonheads’ December 29 and 30 shows at SPACE in Evanston, in which they’ll celebrate their It’s A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads albums respectively, have sold out. Tickets are still available for their New Year’s Eve Extravaganda gig at the venue. SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. In other Lemonheads news, lead vocalist-guitarist Evan Dando will be selling his paintings during the Got A Black Marker! series at Liar's Club December 27 through December 31. The first night will feature a reception with cocktails. There will also be live music by Dorian Taj, Taylor Morse, and other guests. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton on Chicago’s north side.

As recently reported by Inside Publications, the legendary blues label Alligator Records will stage A Blues Christmas Concert this Friday starting at 6:00 pm at Navy Pier, which is serving as a co-sponsor. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom, and feature performances by Toronto Cannon, Shemekia Copeland, and Billy Branch.

Michael McDermott’s Mischief and Mistletoe show takes places on December 21, 22, and 23 at City Winery Chicago.

Nelikona Cafe, a new venue in my cozy hometown of Palatine, has two holiday events this weekend. On Saturday, it’s the Mini Christmas Market and Bake Sale from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, with live music, candles, jewelry, pastry and cookies; and on Sunday, it’s the Christmas Carols And Live Music And Sing-Along from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Nelikona Cafe is located at 45 N. Bothwell Street in Palatine. Note: the venue doesn’t have its new sign up yet.

The December issue of longtime free publication Newcity is devoted to the Chicago music scene, in all its numerous genres and facets. In addition to spotlighting 45 individuals for their accomplishments, there’s an extensive profile by John Moss of The Old Town School Of Folk Music that’s enhanced by Donald Colley’s terrific illustrations. Newcity is available in news boxes and retail stores in the downtown and north side areas.