Incoming

Pete Townshend will be a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tomorrow, and he’s bringing the cast of The Who’s Tommy with him. The latest staged version of Townshend’s rock opera is now in previews at The Nederlander Theatre in New York, after a sold out run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago last year. Here’s a snippet of my July 11 Broken Hearted Toy review: “The ensemble brings the title character’s traumatic childhood and eventual redemption to life through first-rate renditions of The Who’s iconic rock songs. Broadway veteran Lorin Latarro’s imaginative choreography consistently embellishes the narrative. The stunning presentation of “Pinball Wizard” just prior to intermission provides a quick peek at the production’s [mostly off stage] top notch live band.”

Girlschool, the English all-women hard rock band that was one of the first of its kind back in 1978 and still shakes the rafters, will perform at Thalia Hall next Tuesday, April 2. The Chicago appearance is part of the Girlschool’s Final North American Tour. Upcoming stops include Columbus, OH; Pittsburg, PA; Detroit, MI; and London, Ontario.

Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti has done tributes to a wide range of recording artists over the years, but I think his show with Josh Piet and Jason Batch at Outta Space in Berwyn this Wednesday might be the first time he honors Chris Isaak. The Blue Lorraine Trio will be the opening act; the music begins at 7:00 pm. Angotti is also known for crafting his own engaging indie rock songs, particularly on his most recent album, Once Around Again.

 

Laurie Kaye’s recently released memoir Confessions Of A Rock ’N’ Roll Name Dropper - My Life Leading Up To John Lennon’s Last Interview focuses on the earliest portion of her decades-long career in the entertainment industry. Back when her role as a writer/radio personality/producer for the RKO Network included meeting Paul McCartney, The Ramones, George Harrison, George Martin, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Grace Slick. Confessions includes her interviews with these and other popular music icons. Sadly, her favorite interview—with John Lennon at the Dakota apartment building in New York—came just hours before he was murdered. Kaye would move on to a career in television as a producer and writer, but understandably, she was most affected by that day with John Lennon.

WXRT will continue its tradition of cheering the Chicago Cubs on to another major league season by hosting the 93XRT Opening Day Celebration At Yak-Zies on April 1. The radio station also once had a tradition of elaborate April Fools’ Day tricks, but the Opening Day event is the real thing. Yak-Zies is located at 3710 N. Clark Street, just down the street from Wrigley Field. The doors open at 8:00 am, and the next five hours will feature radio personalities Frank E. Lee, Johnny Mars, Ryan Arnold, and Terri Hemmert spinning their favorite vinyl tracks. The event will wrap up with a live performance by up-and-coming Chicago-based rockers Brigitte Calls Me Baby, and the Opening Day Benediction presented by The Regular Guy. I’m willing to bet that the late, great Lin Brehmer, my (still) best friend in the whole world, will be there in spirit.