Weekend Reminders

Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating here in the United States. 

Recently, Thursday posts have focused on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention.

Ratboys, the Chicago-based indie rock band whose 2023 album The Window made quite an impression, will wrap up a busy November tour with a show tomorrow night in their hometown at Thalia Hall. Ducks Ltd., another local act with an impressive album (Harm's Way), will also be on hand. Ratboys and Ducks Ltd. have collaborated on a few songs in the studio. There’s a low ticket alert for this show.

Black Friday Record Store Day is tomorrow, and it’s always best to get to your favorite record store early since those limited-edition vinyl treasures go quickly. The list can be found on the official RSD website, and as usual, there’s something to please fans of just about every genre.

Also, the holiday shopping season has now officially begun. So, keep an eye out for special deals on various retail sites, as well as the websites of your favorite music acts and other creative types.

Phil Angotti and Friends (Casey McDonough, Tom Ryan, and Tony Richards this time out) will continue their Beatles Brunch series at City Winery Chicago with a special acoustic performance of Beatles hits songs this Saturday at noon.

Guitarist Muriel Anderson will stage her annual Thanksgiving weekend benefit concert at the First Congregational UCC of Downers Grove (1047 Curtiss St.) this Saturday at 8:00 pm. Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen from Dolly Varden will be her special guests. The event will benefit the Music for Life Alliance.

Lincoln Hall on Chicago’s north side will present a triple bill with renowned acid jazz band Liquid Soul as the headlining act this Saturday. Joe Marcinek’s Dead Soul Summit, which includes Howard Levy, Sharay Reed, Calvin Rodgers, and John Hanrahan; and The Tracy Silverman Project featuring Roy “Futureman” Wooten are also on the bill. The entertainment starts at 8:00 pm, and a recent Liquid Soul Facebook post promises “Lots of cool special guests.”

The BoDeans annual holiday shows at City Winery Chicago kicks off tomorrow night and will run through the weekend. The Wisconsin-based Americana rockers also have upcoming gigs at The Ames Center in Minneapolis, MN on December 26 and at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on December 28.

Reggie's Music Joint, at 2109 S. State Street in Chicago, is presenting a triple bill of Black Cat Heart Attack, Phil Yates and The Affiliates; and Sonny Veneer (with Scott Niekelski from Go Time! filling in on bass) tomorrow night. The doors open at 7:30 pm.