Slumgullion

Considering the success of their Play R.E.M.’s Murmur tour earlier this year, it’s no surprise Michael Shannon And Jason Narducy And Friends are planning to hit the road in tribute to another R.E.M. album. Tickets are already on sale for their Celebrate The 40th Anniversary of R.E.M.’s Fables Of The Reconstruction tour kicking off in Pioneertown, CA on Valentine’s Day 2025. Other cities on the tour include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Boston, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago. There will be two shows (2/27, 2/28) in Athens, GA, which is where members of R.E.M. dropped by during the Murmur tour. The Chicago date is March 14 at Metro. Dave Hill will be a special guest on the tour.

Roses For The Roches: A Tribute to Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy Roche, featuring critically acclaimed vocalists Nora O’Connor, Sima Cunningham, and Kelly Hogan will take place November 26 at Old Town School Of Folk Music on Chicago’s north side. Alex Grelle, a multi-faceted entertainer, will serve as the evening’s host.

Although we haven’t heard any new material from The Bangles since they joined forces with fellow Paisley Underground pioneers Rain Parade, The Three O’Clock, and The Dream Syndicate on the 3 x 4 album in 2019, Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, and Vicki Peterson have kept busy with other projects. The latest example comes from Hoffs, who will soon release a collection of songs she recorded in her garage back in 1999. Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s were there to help out, along with musicians Bill Bottrell, Brian MacLeod, and Dan Schwartz. The Lost Record will have 10 tracks, and is due out on October 18.

Here’s a Saturday night event I wasn’t aware of when I compiled yesterday’s Weekend Reminders post. Montrose Saloon has a four-act showcase starting at 7:30 pm. The lineup, listed in order of performing, comprises Modern Day Saints, Thrift Store Halo, The Bon Mots, and Brian Krumm And His Barfly Friends. All well-known acts on the Chicago club scene.

If you’re ever having a conversation with Smashing Pumpkins founder Billy Corgan and he calls you a Bozo, don’t be offended. According to Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Stefano Esposito’s article in yesterday’s issue, Corgan loved watching the Bozo’s Circus TV show as a child. He and his wife Chloe Mendel are planning a Bozo-themed festival on the weekend of October 18 – 20 at their Madame Zuzu’s restaurant in Highland Park, IL. Tickets are $8.50 for kids, and $14 for grownups.

Maybe Smashing Pumpkins fans should search for hidden Bozo messages on the band’s new album Aghori Mhori Mei. Staff writer Andy Deer gave it an 8 out of 10 rating in the September issue of the Illinois Entertainer.

Tall Poppy Syndrome has followed its March 2024 cover of The Kinks’ “This Time Tomorrow” with a version of the 1964 Brenda Lee hit “Is It True.” (Apparently, nobody liked question marks back then.) Guest vocalist Carla Olson of The Textones and solo career fame guarantees a faithful take, and Tall Poppy Syndrome regulars Paul Kopf, Vince Melouney, Jonathan Lea, Alec Palao, and Clem Burke provide a hard-edged backdrop. Surprisingly, the instrumentation on Brenda Lee’s original also had some bite to it.

 

This year’s Phil Angotti and Friends John Lennon Birthday Bash will take place next Saturday, October 5 at Martyrs’. Martyrs’ is located at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue. As in recent years, the event will be divided into an afternoon show and an evening show.

As noted in the Celebrities (from news services) column in today’s Chicago Tribune, The Cure have a new album, titled Songs For A Lost World, coming out November 1.

Reeling 2024 - The 42nd Chicago LGBTO + International Film Festival, a production of Chicago Filmmakers, this week and will run through October 6 at various venues around the city.

The forever-suave Roxy Music frontman and solo performer Bryan Ferry will release the 81-track Retrospective - Bryan Ferry 1973 – 2023 on October 25. Available on colored vinyl or as a 5-CD deluxe box set, it will include new and unreleased recordings, along with extensive liner notes and rare photography. It’s currently available for pre-order from his official website.

Congratulations to the always inventive PJ Harvey on selling out her September 30 concert at The Salt Shed here in Chicago. It’s her first American tour in quite a while.

Twisted Dream Machine - The Paisley Underground - California’s Psychedelic Renaissance: 1982-1986 is now available to preorder as a double-LP or CD Digipak from the Futurismo site. It’s the next volume in Futurismo's Altered Vision compilation series, and features tracks by The Three O’Clock, The Rain Parade, True West, The Bangles, Thin White Rope, Game Theory, The Dream Syndicate, The Long Ryders, Green On Red, 28th Day, The Pandoras, and Wednesday Week.

The Zombies’ 2024 Begin Here Festival, which takes place November 8 – 10 in St. Albans in the UK, will include a Tribute To Rod Argent on November 9. The longtime keyboards player/songwriter gave up live performances after recently experiencing a stroke, but will continue to record with the band. The tribute will include special guests Russ Ballard, Tanita Tikaram, Danny Mattin, Millies Riquelme, Hugh Grundy and Chris White.

 

As recently noted by Albert Williams on the Chicago, Theatre Capital of America: Past. Present. Future. Facebook page, Matt Fotis has just released his new book Fifty Key Improv Performers: Actors, Troupes, and Schools from Theatre, Film, and TV. Several key comedic/theatrical figures are covered, including Viola Spolin, Del Close, Charna Halpern Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mick Napier.

  

The Matthew Sweet Acoustic Trio tour begins October 1 in Des Moines, Iowa and will travel extensively around America and wrap up on November 16, with a show in Seattle. Sweet will be joined by Paul Chastain and Adrian Carter, who along with playing instruments, will join him for lots of three-part harmonies. For some of the dates, including October 6 in Chicago show, the trio will be opening for Hanson.

A new album titled Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969, which is being described as “a newly discovered multi-track recording,” will be released in CD and double LP formats on Oct. 25. It’s currently available to pre-order from Rhino Records. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969 will also be available in digital format.

Chicago: Home Of House, an exhibit honoring the city’s pivotal role in widespread success of house music over the past 40 years, runs through the end of October,at Navy Pier. 

Issue 19 of the very cool Pittsburgh-based alternative rock publication Second Scene can be purchased for $7 (plus shipping) on its Bandcamp page. This issue features stories on The Telescopes, Vince Melouney, Amy Rigby, and several other musicians.

Music industry veteran Dean Brownrout will have a book release party for his No Big Deal memoir at the Marble + Rye  bar/lounge in New York on September 30.

Thank You For The Days - Fans of The Kinks Share 60 Years Of Stories, a new book edited by Chris Kocher, will be available from Sonicbond Publishing in England on November 29, and in America on January 31. The collection includes a preface by band members Ray and Dave Davies and Mick Avory.

Monty Python members Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam have now raised £79,554 of the £120,000 they need in their GoFundMe campaign to finance an effort to erect a statue honoring late Python member Terry Jones on the promenade in his home town of Colwyn Bay in Wales. Those interested in helping “A Python On The Prom” campaign reach its goal can donate at the official GoFundMe page. 

Weekend Reminders

Today’s post is focused on events taking place this weekend that were previously mentioned here on Broken Hearted Toy. This gives readers an extra day’s notice, and since the events won’t be repeated in tomorrow’s Slumgullion, helps streamline Friday’s post. Slumgullion won’t be entirely new. I’ll keep mentioning upcoming events up to and including the Thursday prior to the weekend they take place.

But first, a reminder about tonight’s triple act showcase at the Hideout Inn on Chicago’s north side. Depending on when you see this, you can watch performances by vocalist-guitarist Lee Ketch from the indie rock band Mooner; Silje Sweets; and Prathloons. 

Also, Phil Angotti, Casey McDonough, and two other musicians (referred to as Todd and Blair on the Facebook post) will perform songs by Lovin’ Spoonful at Reggie’s (2105 S. State Street in Chicago) 7:30 pm tonight.

And now, on to the weekend:

The OHANA Festival takes place this weekend in Dana Point, CA. The impressive lineup includes Pearl Jam; Devo; Crowded House; Black Pumas; Jenny Lewis; Cat Power Sings Dylan 66; Alanis Morissette; The Breeders; and Kim Gordon. 

Material Issue (with the above-mentioned Phil Angotti as lead vocalist-guitarist) and vocalist-guitarist Tamar Berk will perform at Lincoln Hall on Chicago’s north side this Saturday night.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson’s current fall tour will bring him to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights, IL this Saturday night. He’ll likely highlight songs from his latest album Ghosts, as well as from earlier, likewise critically acclaimed albums.

The annual Irish American Movie Hooley film festival, once again organized by journalist/performer Mike Houlihan, runs this weekend at the Willamette Theatre in Willamette, IL.

The Marky Ramone Plays The Ramones Classics show at Bottom Lounge in Chicago’s West Loop will take place tomorrow night. Musician/author/media personality Marky Ramone played drums with The Ramones for 15 years after replacing original member Tommy Ramone, so there’s no doubt he knows their stuff.

The musical Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations runs through this Sunday at the CIBC Theatre in downtown Chicago.

The Chicago-based alt rock band Smoking Popes will release a Live-In-Studio 30th Anniversary vinyl edition of their second album Born To Quit tomorrow.

The Northman Riverwalk in downtown Chicago will stage the second of its two Oktoberfest Weekends this Friday through Sunday. The multi-faceted Die Musikmeisters will be back for another round of traditional German music (they also performed last weekend) tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Saturday will bring two sets (2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm) by The Paloma Band. These four guys have 46 years of performing experience, and thrive on audience participation. The six-piece, co-ed band Alpine Thunder will perform German/folk pop music on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The band’s vocalists are fluent in German and English.

Chicago punk band The Effigies will likely showcase songs from upcoming its fifth album, Burned tomorrow night at Red Rooster in Madison, WI, and on Saturday at Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL.

Chicago-based whitewolfsonicprincess, which describes its approach as 21st Century Druid Music, will perform tomorrow night at Montrose Saloon on the north side. It’s possible the band will preview a few songs from its new album Love Without Fear.

Jeff Lynne’s ELO The Over And Out Tour will drop by the United Center in Chicago tomorrow night and Saturday night.

Sixteen chefs from successful Chicago area restaurants will compete in the Hamburger Hop event taking place on the Harris Theater Rooftop tomorrow. A Judges’ Choice Award will be determined by a panel of eight judges; and there will also be a People’s Choice Award. Joe Flamm of Rose Mary restaurant, BLVD Steakhouse, and being my nephew fame will serve as host, along with James Beard Award nominated chef and cookbook author Adrienne Cheatham. Joe and Adrienne were finalists on season 15 of the Bravo series Top Chef, and are both very cool people. Hamburger Hop will also feature DJs, and a variety of spirits will be available.

Incoming

Chicago-based whitewolfsonicprincess daringly describes its approach as 21st Century Druid Music Celtic Blues and has been casting its spell via live performances and CDs for a while now. The band’s record release party for a new album titled Love Without Fear is scheduled, appropriately enough, on Halloween night at Evanston SPACE. Fans might hear some new material this Friday night when whitewolfsonicprincess performs at Montrose Saloon. Love Without Fear drifts seamlessly from slow, mysterious songs such as “Child Of The Revolution” and the title track to the hard-edged “Green Man” and “Revelation Blues.” The exotic “Gabriel’s Horn” adds an additional layer.

Depending on when you read this, you could catch a 12-act belated Elvis Costello 70th birthday celebration at Montrose Saloon tonight. Eric and Gus Chial, with Brian Stout and John Lewandowski; Ayme Frye; Brother Derek; Tony Nuccio; Phil Yates; Pierce Crask; Dave Sebastian; Brett Nevue with Rich Sparks; Michael Steven Cohen; Lee Samsami Stein with Mitch; Mark Vickery; and Blind Trust are the Chicago area performers who’ll bring Costello’s impressive songs to life. The tribute starts at 7:00 pm.

Meanwhile, Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will honor Elvis Presley, Chris Isaak, and Buddy Holly in the Sidebar at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn at 7:00 pm tonight.

The Northman Riverwalk in downtown Chicago will stage the second of its two Oktoberfest Weekends this Friday through Sunday. The multi-faceted Die Musikmeisters will be back for another round of traditional German music (they also performed last weekend) on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Saturday will bring two sets (2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm) by The Paloma Band. These four guys have 46 years of performing experience, and thrive on audience participation. The six-piece, co-ed band Alpine Thunder will perform German/folk pop music on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The band’s vocalists are fluent in German and English.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson’s current fall tour will bring him to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights, IL this Saturday night. He’ll likely highlight songs from his latest album Ghosts, as well as from earlier, likewise critically acclaimed albums.

Hideout Inn, at 1354 W. Wabansia on Chicago’s north side, has a tripl-act showcase coming up this Thursday night. Vocalist-guitarist Lee Ketch from the indie rock band Mooner will perform with his solo project band; Silje Sweets will present a string quartet take on their new album; and the guitar-oriented Prathloons will be the final act. 

Slumgullion

If your calendar is clear for May 2025 and you live in the UK or are able to travel there, you could catch one of the concerts on the Supergrass I Should Coco 30th Anniversary Tour. Here’s a sample of what I wrote in an Illinois Entertainer review of this album back when it was first released: Hailing from Oxford, England, the trio follows in the high-energy tradition of The Undertones and Buzzcocks. The album kicks off with a rollicking quest for a fun night out, “I’d Like To Know,” which features the highest harmony vocals this side of Lou Christie. Supergrass rips through a number of energetic gems, such as “Caught By The Law,” “Lose It,” “Strange Ones,” and “Lenny.” They cap off this flawless effort with “Time To Go,” an acoustic Syd Barrett style charmer that could become the ‘Last Call’ song for bars. Like a night spent in an English pub, I Should Coco is a blast of eccentric fun. 

Welcome to everyone who’s arrived in Chicago for Riot Fest this weekend. The annual indie rock music event wound up back at Douglass Park after all, and will feature several high-profile acts, such as St. Vincent; Spoon; The Hives; Pavement; Beck; Buzzcocks; Cypress Hill; Beach Bunny; Public Enemy; and The Dickies.

Jeff Lynne’s ELO The Over And Out Tour will make a stop next Friday and Saturday (September 27 and 28) at the United Center in Chicago. The tour will wrap up in California with shows on October 23 and 25 at Sacramento and Inglewood respectively.

There will be a double bill of Material Issue (with Phil Angotti as lead vocalist-guitarist) and Tamar Berk, along with a special appearance by Starball at the Chicago north side venue Lincoln Hall next Saturday night, September 28.

Chicago Live! will offer over 100 performances across five stages at Navy Pier tomorrow and Sunday and each one will be free to the public. Every imaginable genre will be represented, including Jeff Tweedy from Wilco; Chicago Sinfonietta; Chicago Repertory Ballet; Trinity Irish Dance Company; Porchlight Music Theatre; Black Ensemble Theater; Dee Alexander; Second City; Linda Clifford; Delmark Records All-Stars; Chicago Samba; Chicago Philharmonic; Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Teatro ZinZanni; Tellin’ Tales Theatre; Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre; Liquid Soul; DJ Readerz; and Chicago Children’s Theater. The entertainment starts at noon each day.

Congratulations to the always inventive PJ Harvey on selling out her September 30 concert at The Salt Shed here in Chicago. It’s her first American tour in quite a while.

Twisted Dream Machine - The Paisley Underground - California’s Psychedelic Renaissance: 1982-1986 is now available to preorder as a double-LP or CD Digipak from the Futurismo site. It’s the next volume in Futurismo's Altered Vision compilation series, and features tracks by The Three O’Clock, The Rain Parade, True West, The Bangles, Thin White Rope, Game Theory, The Dream Syndicate, The Long Ryders, Green On Red, 28th Day, The Pandoras, and Wednesday Week.

 

The World Music Festival opened today and will run through September 29 at various Chicago venues.

Monty Python members Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam have raised over half of the £120,000 they need in their GoFundMe campaign to finance an effort to erect a statue honoring late Python member Terry Jones on the promenade in his home town of Colwyn Bay in Wales. Those interested in helping A Python On The Prom campaign reach its goal can donate at the official GoFundMe page. Fans can also help the cause by purchasing a t-shirt.

This year’s Phil Angotti and Friends John Lennon Birthday Bash will take place at Martyrs’ on October 5. As in recent years, the event will be divided into an afternoon show and an evening show, with the total numbers of songs adding up to 84. Martyrs’ is located at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue.

The OHANA Festival takes place next weekend, September 27 – 29, in Dana Point, CA. The impressive lineup includes Pearl Jam; Garbage; Crowded House; Neil Young with Crazy Horse; Black Pumas; Jenny Lewis; Cat Power Sings Dylan 66; Alanis Morissette; The Breeders; and Kim Gordon.

 

Reeling 2024 - The 42nd Chicago LGBTO + International Film Festival, a production of Chicago Filmmakers, started last night and will run through October 6 at various venues around the city.

The Zombies’ 2024 Begin Here Festival, which takes place November 8 – 10 in St. Albans in the UK, will include a Tribute To Rod Argent on November 9. The longtime keyboards player/songwriter gave up live performances after recently experiencing a stroke, but will continue to record with the band. The tribute will include special guests Russ Ballard, Tanita Tikaram, Danny Mattin, Millies Riquelme, Hugh Grundy and Chris White.

The 10th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will run next weekend (September 27 – 29) at the Willamette Theatre in Willamette, IL.

A new album titled Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969, which is being described as “a newly discovered multi-track recording,” will be released in CD and double LP formats on Oct. 25. It’s currently available to pre-order from Rhino Records. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969 will also be available in digital format.

The new musical Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations will run September 24 – 29 at the CIBC Theatre in downtown Chicago.

Thank You For The Days - Fans of The Kinks Share 60 Years Of Stories, a new book edited by Chris Kocher, will be available from Sonicbond Publishing in England on November 29, and in America on January 31. The collection includes a preface by band members Ray and Dave Davies and Mick Avory.

As recently noted by Albert Williams on the Chicago, Theatre Capital of America: Past. Present. Future. Facebook page, Matt Fotis has just released his new book Fifty Key Improv Performers: Actors, Troupes, and Schools from Theatre, Film, and TV. Several key comedic/theatrical figures are covered, including Viola Spolin, Del Close, Charna Halpern Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mick Napier.

   

Issue 19 of the very cool Pittsburgh-based alternative rock publication Second Scene can be purchased for $7 (plus shipping) on its Bandcamp page. This issue features stories on The Telescopes, Vince Melouney, Amy Rigby, and several other musicians.

The Marky Ramone Plays The Ramones Classics show will take place at Bottom Lounge in Chicago’s West Loop next Friday, September 27. Musician/author/media personality Marky Ramone played drums with The Ramones for 15 years after replacing original member Tommy Ramone, so there’s no doubt he knows pretty their stuff.

Aussie garage rockers Hoodoo Gurus are currently touring the U.S.A., and they’re performing tomorrow night at the Gothic Theatre in Englewood, CO. Other cities left on the tour include Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The Chicago-based alt rock band Smoking Popes plan to release a Live-In-Studio 30th Anniversary vinyl edition of their second album Born To Quit on September 27. The Get Up Kids will be the opening act for a tour that wraps up with shows in Chicago at Metro on October 10 and 11.

The Matthew Sweet Acoustic Trio Tour begins October 1 in Des Moines, Iowa and will travel extensively around America through November 16, with a show in Seattle. Sweet will be joined by Paul Chastain and Adrian Carter, who along with playing instruments, will join him for lots of three-part harmonies. For some of the dates, including October 6 in Chicago show, the trio will be opening for Hanson.

Chicago’s iconic punk band The Effigies has a show coming up next Friday night, September 27th at Red Rooster in Madison, WI, followed by one on the next night at Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL. Their fifth album, Burned, which was recorded shortly before we lost founding member John Kezdy in a bicycle accident, has an October 25 release date. The hard-hitting single “Cede The City” is available as a preview on various streaming sites.

Trouser Press Books will offer new editions of two previously released rock and roll books on October 15. This Ain’t No Disco combines Roman Kozak’s prose with Ebet Robert’s photography to capture the unbridled atmosphere of the CBGB rock club. Robert Sellers and Nick Pendleton co-author a look at one of London’s most swinging music venues with Marquee. Both books will be available for pre-sale soon; see the official Trouser Press website for details.

 

The Fleshtones are coming to FitzGerald’s in Berwyn on November 8. The long-time, critically acclaimed garage rockers will no doubt feature songs from their latest supernatural-influenced album Face Of The Screaming Werewolf. That evening will also feature Chicago area favorites, New Duncan Imperials (celebrating their 35th year) and The Handcuffs.

Legendary rhythm and blues vocalist Mavis Staples has an 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration coming up on December 6 at The Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. That’s five months after her actual 85th birthday, but it’s not likely anyone will complain. The event is part of the 93XRT Fall Jam Series, and will feature special guest sets by Jackson Browne and Margo Price.

Congratulations to producers Judy Simonds and Clancy Carroll, and director/editor Doug LaValliere on the success of their Taking The City By Storm - The Birth Of Milwaukee’s Punk Scene. The limited-edition DVD has completely sold out, except for a few copies that will be available in select Milwaukee record stores.

Soundtrack Serenade, the self-described “Chicago-Based Eclectic Cover Band,” will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Pulp Fiction on October 22 at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side.

Music industry veteran Dean Brownrout will have a book release party for his No Big Deal memoir at the Marble + Rye  bar/lounge in New York on September 30.

Chicago: Home Of House, an exhibit honoring the city’s pivotal role in widespread success of house music over the past 40 years, runs through the end of October.

 

Steve Wynn from The Dream Syndicate is now also an author, with a memoir titled I Wouldn't Say It If It Wasn't True that’s available from Jawbone Press. Copies are available on Wynn’s Bandcamp page, which is also where you can pre-order his a new solo album Make It Right.

 

Sixteen chefs from successful Chicago area restaurants will compete in the Hamburger Hop event taking place September 27 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. A Judges’ Choice Award will be determined by a panel of eight judges; and there will also be a People’s Choice Award. Joe Flamm of Rose Mary restaurant, BLVD Steakhouse, and being my nephew fame will serve as host, along with James Beard Award nominated chef and cookbook author Adrienne Cheatham. Joe and Adrienne were finalists on season 15 of the Bravo series Top Chef, and are both very cool people. Hamburger Hop will also feature DJs, and a variety of spirits will be available.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child has started its run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in downtown Chicago, and will run through the beginning of February, 2025.

Weekend Reminders, Plus A Few New Listings

The Northman Riverwalk in downtown Chicago will stage the first of its two Oktoberfest Weekends this Friday through Sunday. Natalie Grana will perform at 5:30 pm tomorrow, and she’s bringing her alphorn with her. The Polkaholics, a comic and authentic trio that’s well known on the local club scene, will follow at 6:15 pm. On Saturday, the multi-piece Die Musikmeisters will play traditional German music from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and Sunday brings a double bill of The Dirndolls at 2:00 pm and The Deutsch Meisters at 5:00 pm. The former is a six-woman Alpine folk band; the latter has been performing together for decades, including shows at Six Flags Great America and Berghoff’s.

Reeling 2024 - The 42nd Chicago LGBTO + International Film Festival, a production of Chicago Filmmakers, started today and will run through October 6 at various venues around the city.

A recent Facebook post from Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti offered what he called an “early warning” regarding the Phil Angotti and Friends John Lennon 84th Birthday Bash coming to Martyrs’ on October 5. The annual tribute will once again feature local musicians performing a song for each year that has passed since Lennon’s October 9, 1940 birth, and be staged as two separate shows. The afternoon event starts at 3:00 pm, and the evening event starts at 8:00 pm. Angotti didn’t mention which friends will be joining in 2024, but those familiar with his previous John Lennon Birthday Bash celebrations have a pretty good idea who’ll be involved. Martyrs’ is located at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue.

The 10th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will run next weekend (September 27 – 29) at the Willamette Theatre in Willamette, IL. Entertainment columnist Rick Kogan had an interesting interview with Irish American Movie Hooley founder Mike Houlihan in a recent issue of the Chicago Tribune.

As noted by columnist Mary Houlihan in today’s edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, the new musical Ain’t Too Proud  - The Life And Times Of The Temptations will run September 24 – 29 at the CIBC Theatre in downtown Chicago.

Incoming

Twisted Dream Machine - The Paisley Underground - California’s Psychedelic Renaissance: 1982-1986 is now available to preorder as a double-LP or CD Digipak from the Futurismo site. It’s the next volume in Futurismo's Altered Vision compilation series, and features tracks by The Three O’Clock, The Rain Parade, True West, The Bangles, Thin White Rope, Game Theory, The Dream Syndicate, The Long Ryders, Green On Red, 28th Day, The Pandoras, and Wednesday Week. In a recent Facebook post, Michael Quercio of The Three O’Clock described Twisted Dream Machine as, “A virtual odyssey of incredible music. ...and yes, that's me being freaky and psychedelic on the cover.”

As recently noted by veteran theatre critic Albert Williams on the Chicago, Theatre Capital of America: Past. Present. Future. Facebook page, Matt Fotis has just released his new book Fifty Key Improv Performers: Actors, Troupes, and Schools from Theatre, Film, and TV. Several popular comedic/theatrical figures are covered, including Viola Spolin, Del Close, Charna Halpern, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mick Napier. 

  

The Zombies’ 2024 Begin Here Festival, which takes place November 8 – 10 in St. Albans in the UK, will include a Tribute To Rod Argent on November 9. The longtime keyboards player/songwriter gave up live performances after recently experiencing a stroke, but will continue to record with the band. The tribute will include special guests Russ Ballard, Tanita Tikaram, Danny Mattin, Millies Riquelme, Hugh Grundy and Chris White. 

Polka On The Water. The Northman Riverwalk in downtown Chicago will stage the first of its two Oktoberfest Weekends on September 20 – 22. Natalie Grana will perform at 5:30 pm this Friday, and she’s bringing her alphorn with her. The Polkaholics, a comic and authentic trio that’s well known on the local club scene, will follow at 6:15 pm. On Saturday, the multi-piece Die Musikmeisters will play traditional German music from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and Sunday brings a double bill of The Dirndolls at 2:00 pm and The Deutsch Meisters at 5:00 pm. The former is a six-woman Alpine folk band; the latter has been performing together for decades, including shows at Six Flags Great America and Berghoff’s.

The official Facebook page for The Hollies recently had a rather bewildering post involving a photo of Graham Nash taken in the mid-1960s. It was presented via an appealing graphic design that read:

The Hollies Digital Trading Cards  Graham Nash  No. 1 Of 1  62¢ 

After a brief description of Nash, the post states: “Share this card with the biggest Graham lover in your life.” I’m not sure why a price was involved or if No. 1 Of 1 means there won’t be any other Hollies Digital Cards. But it looked cool so I dragged a copy onto my desktop.

Slumgullion 9-6-24

A new album titled Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969, which is being described as “a newly discovered multi-track recording,” will be released in CD and double LP formats on Oct. 25. It’s currently available to pre-order from Rhino Records. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Live At Fillmore East, 1969 will also be available in digital format.

Congratulations to the always unconventional and frequently funny Chicago area covers band EXPO ’76 on its 15th Anniversary. The Chicago music scene veterans came together with the concept of performing their favorite songs regardless of era or genre, and as their Facebook page notes, “we’re still out there making it happen.” EXPO ’76 celebrated the occasion at its long-time home base Simon’s Tavern earlier this week.

Monty Python members Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam are hoping to raise £120,000 via a GoFundMe campaign to finance an effort to erect a statue honoring late Python member Terry Jones on the promenade in his home town of Colwyn Bay in Wales. Those interested in helping “A Python On The Prom” campaign reach its goal can donate at the official GoFundMe page.

The Chicago-based alt rock band Smoking Popes plan to release a Live-In-Studio 30th Anniversary vinyl edition of their second album Born To Quit on September 27. The Get Up Kids will be the opening act for a tour that wraps up with shows in Chicago at Metro on October 10 and 11.

Thank You For The Days - Fans of The Kinks Share 60 Years Of Stories, a new book edited by Chris Kocher, will be available from Sonicbond Publishing in England on November 29, and in America on January 31. The collection includes a preface by band members Ray and Dave Davies and Mick Avory.

The Fleshtones are coming to FitzGerald’s in Berwyn on November 8. The long-time, critically acclaimed garage rockers will no doubt feature songs from their latest supernatural-influenced album Face Of The Screaming Werewolf. That evening will also feature Chicago area favorites, New Duncan Imperials (celebrating their 35th year) and The Handcuffs.

Reeling 2024 - The 42nd Chicago LGBTO + International Film Festival, a production of Chicago Filmmakers, opens September 19 and will run through October 6 at various venues.

The Matthew Sweet Acoustic Trio tour begins October 1 in Des Moines, Iowa and will travel extensively around America through November 16, with a show in Seattle. Sweet will be joined by Paul Chastain and Adrian Carter, who along with playing instruments, will join him for lots of three-part harmonies. For some of the dates, including October 6 in Chicago show, the trio will be opening for Hanson.

 

As an avid alt-rock fan, I’m aware U2 lead vocalist Bono has a son named Eli Hewson who fronts the Irish band Inhaler. Check out this live clip of “Dublin In Ecstasy” to see them at their best. But until today’s Chicago Tribune picked up a piece by Nicole Sperling from The New York Times about actress Eve Hewson, I didn’t know Bono has a daughter who’s well on her way to major success after films such as Flora And Son and The Perfect Couple. Quite a talented family. 

Legendary rhythm and blues vocalist Mavis Staples has an 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration coming up on December 6 at The Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. That’s five months after her actual 85th birthday, but it’s not likely anyone will complain. The event is part of the 93XRT Fall Jam Series, and will feature special guest sets by Jackson Browne and Margo Price.

Issue 19 of the very cool Pittsburgh-based alternative rock publication Second Scene can be purchased for $7 (plus shipping) on its Bandcamp page. This issue features stories on The Telescopes, Vince Melouney, Amy Rigby, and several other musicians.

Soundtrack Serenade, the self-described “Chicago-Based Eclectic Cover Band,” will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Pulp Fiction on October 22 at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side.

Aussie garage rockers Hoodoo Gurus have returned to the U.S.A., and they’ll be performing in Nashville, Chicago (Thalia Hall on September 18), Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other cities. After treating American audiences to several of their classic tunes, the Hoodoo Gurus will return to their homeland for a series of shows starting on November 14.

Sixteen chefs from successful Chicago area restaurants will compete in the Hamburger Hop event taking place September 27 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. A Judges’ Choice Award will be determined by a panel of eight judges; and there will also be a People’s Choice Award. Joe Flamm of Rose Mary restaurant, BLVD Steakhouse, and being my nephew fame will serve as host, along with James Beard Award nominated chef and cookbook author Adrienne Cheatham. Joe and Adrienne were finalists on season 15 of the Bravo series Top Chef, and are both very cool people. Hamburger Hop will also feature DJs, and a variety of spirits will be available.

Trouser Press Books will offer new editions of two previously released rock and roll books on October 15. This Ain’t No Disco combines Roman Kozak’s prose with Ebet Robert’s photography to capture the unbridled atmosphere of the CBGB rock club, Robert Sellers and Nick Pendleton co-author a look at the famous Marquee club in swinging London. Both books will be available for pre-sale soon; see the official Trouser Press website for details. 

Congratulations to musician/author Freda Love Smith of Blake Babies and Sunshine Boys fame on being chosen as Bloom Magazine’s Inaugural In Residence. She’ll be working on her novel Daughter Universe at The Hundredth Hill Artist retreat center in Bloomington, Indiana.

 

Autographed copies of Neko Case's new memoir The Harder I Fight the More I Love You are available to pre-order from Premiere Collectibles. Case is a member of The New Pornographers indie rock band, as well as a successful solo artist.

Congratulations to producers Judy Simonds and Clancy Carroll, and director/editor Doug LaValliere on the success of their Taking The City By Storm - The Birth Of Milwaukee’s Punk Scene. The limited-edition DVD has completely sold out, except for a few copies that will be available in select Milwaukee record stores.

Music industry veteran Dean Brownrout will have a book release party for his No Big Deal memoir at the Marble + Rye  bar/lounge in New York on September 30.

Chicago: Home Of House, an exhibit honoring the city’s pivotal role in widespread success of house music over the past 40 years, runs through the end of October. 

Paul Weller + Special Guests, the renowned U.K. musician’s first US and Canada tour in seven years, is underway, and he’ll be at The Vic Theatre on Chicago’s north side tomorrow night (September 15). Most likely, Weller will showcase songs from his new full-length album 66. Other cities in September will include Brooklyn, Boston, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child has started its run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in downtown Chicago.

The forever-suave Roxy Music frontman and solo performer Bryan Ferry will release the 81-track Retrospective - Bryan Ferry 1973 – 2023 on October 25. Available on colored vinyl or as a 5-CD deluxe box set, it will include new and unreleased recordings, along with extensive liner notes and rare photography. It’s currently available for pre-order from his official website.

Steve Wynn from The Dream Syndicate is now also an author, with a memoir titled I Wouldn't Say It If It Wasn't True that’s available from Jawbone Press. Copies are available on Wynn’s Bandcamp page, which is also where you can pre-order his a new solo album Make It Right.  

Jeff Lynne’s ELO The Over And Out Tour throughout America is now under way and will wrap up in California with shows on October 23 and 25 at Sacramento and Inglewood respectively. Lynne will perform at the United Center in Chicago on September 27 and 28.

There will be a double bill of Material Issue (with Phil Angotti as lead vocalist-guitarist) and Tamar Berk, along with a special appearance by Starball at the Chicago north side venue Lincoln Hall on September 28.