Incoming

Illinoise, the new musical inspired by the Sufjan Stevens 2005 album with that name, opened yesterday and immediately drew positive review in today’s Chicago newspapers. Steven Oxman in the Chicago Sun-Times gave it four stars, and Chris Jones in the Chicago Tribune gave it three and a half stars. Illinoise runs through February 18 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Congratulations to Stevens, Justin Peck, and Jackie Sibbles Drury for bringing the critically acclaimed album to stage.

Reading the reviews for Illinoise, and hearing that the run has almost sold out brought to mind how well The Who’s Tommy was received when it ran at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago last summer. Let’s keep those rock and roll theatrical productions coming.

Congratulations to Elton John and Bernie Taupin on being awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. They’ll be honored during a tribute concert being held in Washington, D.C. on March 20.

Bang A Gong will present a four-act evening of live rock this Thursday night at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side. The Real Time; whitewolfsonicprincess; Thomas Pace Band, and No Hero will be performing. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

While reading Eric M. Shade’s new book All Over The Place - The Rise Of The Bangles from the L.A. Underground, I was pleasantly surprised to see at least three references in the first chapter about how teenage Debbi and Vicki Peterson preferred The Hollies over many of the rock acts in the 1970s. (The Peterson sisters were even more obsessed with The Beatles.) I’ve never heard The Bangles cover a Hollies song, although Vicky Peterson recorded a version of “I Can’t Let Go” for the Sing Hollies In Reverse tribute album as a member of The Continental Drifters. The next chapter is devoted to Bangles bassist Michael Steele, and that’s sure to be interesting as well.

With Valentine’s Day coming up next week, the Chicago Artisan Market, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, seems like a good place to find that special gift. It’s taking place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. The event’s Facebook post promises over 100 of the city’s best artisans in food, fashion, home, and art will be on hand, along with wine and beer vendors.