Incoming

The Toronto-based co-ed quintet Alvvays has released a 10th anniversary edition of its self-titled debut on Cerulean in Cloudy Clear vinyl that includes the previously unreleased track “Underneath Us.” The album also includes a poster print of hand drawn art by Canadian musician/artist Chad VanGaalen.

When I belatedly reviewed the Alvvays debut here on BHT back in 2015, I noted, “Lead singer-guitarist Molly Rankin’s ethereal vocals weave heartache within irresistible melodies and twangy guitars” and “Still, the best moments on this impressive first effort come when Rankin and her mates cut loose on the energetic ‘Next Of Kin’ and ‘Atop A Cake.’”

The 30th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival continues at the Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago and will run through this Thursday night.

Not to sound like I’m on their payroll, but The Rolling Stones have added even more items to their online store as the holiday season approaches. The new Paint It Black Collection of apparel, an umbrella, and a pillow isn’t particularly merry, but there’s likely something here for any Stones fans on your gift list.

Todd Leiter-Weintraub, a veteran of International Pop Overthrow - Chicago events with his quirky and catchy band Hop On Pop, will perform for the first time in a while this Wednesday night at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side.

The Fest For Beatles Fans 2025 NY Metro Fest will take place at The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on March 28 – 30, and special guests will include Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Colin Hanton from The Quarrymen. Performers on the Apple Jam Stage will include Phil Angotti from Chicago.

Meanwhile, Phil Angotti and Friends will continue their Beatles Brunch series at City Winery Chicago by performing acoustic renditions of Beatles hits songs on November 30.

The traveling indie rock/power pop festival International Pop Overthrow will wrap up its 2024 run on this weekend at The Painted Lady venue in Toronto. Previous IPO stops this year (there’s a different lineup for each city) included New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, Liverpool, and Chicago.

There will be a triple bill of Van Go, The Second Summer, and Dam Destroyers (formerly The Red Wigglers) on December 14 at The Gallery on December 14. Admission is free. All three acts have performed at International Pop Overthrow - Chicago, with The Second Summer making its debut at this year’s event. The band’s debut release undertow featured high-energy pop songs such as “The Reason” and “Invisible,” and they’ve been busy working on the follow-up. Of course, it’s always fun to see Van Go and Dam Destroyers back in action.