Incoming

Graphic taken from the official Pitchfork Music Festival Facebook page.

The 2024 Pitchfork Music Festival takes place this weekend in Union Park, and as always, the schedule stretches across numerous genres, with major players from each one. Black Pumas, Jai Paul, Jamie XX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis Morissette, Grandmaster Flash, Jessica Pratt, De La Soul, and Brittany Howard are among the acts who’ll be performing. See the official website for the full lineup and ticket information.

It was great to see a message from Rod Argent on The Zombies’ social media sites and via email today. The founding member/songwriter/keyboards player was recently treated for a stroke in a London hospital, and though he was released the following day, we all know strokes are serious business.  “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has happened in response to the news of my having suffered a stroke three weeks ago,” Argent stated. “I have read every post, and have to thank you so much.” He’s announced his retirement from touring, and has some difficulty speaking, but plans to resume writing and recording, “after a couple months.”

The Northman Riverwalk continues to give tourists and locals an opportunity to enjoy a variety of live music and food outdoors with an impressive view of downtown Chicago. The Riverwalk Beats DJ Series presents DJ Virgil7 this Wednesday; and Americana artist Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends will perform songs from his debut album Just Fade Away on Thursday. Both shows start at 5:00 pm. Friday will find blues act Electric Brew starting at 6:00 pm; and Saturday will bring an afternoon set by Nova Scotia native and well-traveled singer-guitarist Mike Younger, and an early evening set by country music band Diamondback. The Northman Riverwalk is located on the Chicago River at 233 N. Riverwalk. 

Vocalist Billy J. Kramer, known for his string of hit singles during the 1960s, including some written by Lennon and McCartney, has an event titled Songs, Secrets and Stories With Billy J. Kramer coming up this Sunday afternoon at Blue Island Beer Company. Musicians Phil Angotti and Eric Howell—both well known on the Chicago music scene—will join Kramer for songs and conversation. The event, which is being billed as “a ticketed, seated, listening room show,” will also feature songs from Kramer’s new album Are You With Me? Blue Island Beer Company is located at 13357 Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island, IL.

 

You never know when these modern-day druid music makers might sneak up on you. Had I known earlier that whitewolfsonicprincess has an outdoor concert on July 16 (tomorrow) I would have mentioned it in last Friday’s Slumgullion column. The Chicago-based band, which describes its approach as having a “Chicago 21st Century Druid Music/Celtic Blues Vibe,” will perform as part of the Welles Park Tuesdays at The Gazebo series. The park is located at 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue on Chicago’s north side.

Chicago-based musician Matt Tiegler will likely showcase songs from his recent Hands Free Down Hill album when he’s part of a triple bill tomorrow night at Montrose Saloon. Penthouse Sweets singer-guitarist Andy Hansen will also perform, along with vocalist Donna Adler. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

The Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration takes place this Thursday through Sunday, with unique entertainment being staged each night. ¡Súbelo! will honor Latin culture via performances by Chuwi, Codigo FN, and Fruko y Sus Tesos on Thursday; the Grant Park Orchestra will perform Star Wars and other selections composed by John Williams on Friday; actor-musician Common will perform with the Grant Park Orchestra on Saturday; and The S&S Chicago Experience (Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas will delve into the history of House Music on Sunday.

CORRECTION: Contrary to what I posted in Slumgullion last Friday, Our House - The Music Of CSNY is coming to the Des Plaines Theatre in Illinois on August 3, not July 21. I’ve gone back and changed the date. Sorry for any confusion. Our House - The Music Of CSNY features musicians who are related to or have worked with David Crosby, Neil Young, and Graham Nash.