Weekend Reminders

Today’s post is focused on events taking place this weekend that I’ve mentioned previously on Broken Hearted Toy. This gives readers an extra day’s additional notice, and since the events won’t be repeated in tomorrow’s Slumgullion, helps streamline my Friday 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, Happy Birthday to Tammi Sonnen, an avid supporter of Chicago’s vibrant music scene, and someone I’ve enjoyed speaking with a few times at International Pop Overthrow showcases. Have a fun time celebrating.

The Hopscotch Music Festival opens tonight in Raleigh, NC and will run through Saturday. The extensive list of scheduled performers includes St. Vincent; The dB’s (kicking off their reunion tour); Ducks Ltd.; Guided By Voices; Chicano Batman; and Ty Segall (solo acoustic). The event will also feature comedy acts, local vendors, and VIP parties. 

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson will start a fall tour in support of his latest album, Ghosts, on Saturday in St. Louis, MO. He’ll perform in his home town on September 15 and nearby Arlington Heights, IL on September 28.

 

The 39th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest will take place from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm this Saturday and Sunday on south Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street. Over 200 presenters and 100 exhibitors will be on hand, with six stages to accommodate various forms of entertainment. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet/U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith will be the headliner, and several familiar names from the media will appear. See the official website for thumbnail sketches of all the speakers, the full schedule, and other information. Attendees will also find vendors selling new and antique books, as well as independent writers and small publishers promoting their work. Admission is free.

Even though the first days of September seem to signal the end of summer, there are still a few more weeks to enjoy live music outdoors at the Northman Riverwalk in downtown Chicago. Tomorrow night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, visitors can enjoy watching The Lizard Kings blend blues and psychedelic rock. The Northman Riverwalk is located on the Chicago River at 233 N. Riverwalk. 

Bandcamp Friday returns tomorrow, which means the music site waives its revenue share and allows the funds to go directly to artists & labels. It's a great way to download your songs by your favorite bands.