Incoming

Happy Birthday to vocalist-guitarist Jeff Murphy of Shoes, one of the earliest and still one of the best power pop bands around. My only cover story for the Illinois Entertainer was based on an interview with Jeff, his brother John, and Gary Klebe at their Short Order Recorder Studio is Zion, IL and a nearby restaurant. These guys were incredibly friendly, honest, and informative about their music.

Social Act, which might have been the first band I interviewed for the Illinois Entertainer back in the 1980s, have a rare live performance coming upon on December 13th at the Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. As noted in a recent Facebook post by music scene veteran Ellis Clark “I’ll be back in saddle again singing lead vocals with my original band.” Social Act’s performance will kick off at 7:30 PM and include the band’s new Christmas single “XMAS.” Personnel from WZRD Radio will be on hand, celebrating the station’s 50th anniversary.

Fans of Sunshine Boys will have an opportunity to hear impressive songs such as “Infinity Girl,” “Schoolyard Bully,” “Only A Million Miles” and “Questions” live again this Saturday night at the FitzGerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn, IL. The trio, with Chicago music scene veteran drummer Gerald Dowd now joining vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin and bassist-backup vocalist Jacqueline Schimmel, are back in action.

Things That Fly is among the four acts scheduled to perform this Thursday night at Montrose Saloon. The Chicago-based indie rock band, led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, offered clever and catchy tunes such as “Lucky Ones” and “Crunch Went The Snow” on their 2023 self-titled EP. Thursday’s lineup will also feature the original jazz of Trio Bien; School Of Rock Andersonville Adult Band, and Alter. 

An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine featuring the critically acclaimed Americana band from Ohio, will take place at the Old Town School Of Folk Music this Thursday night.

Congratulations and best wishes to my nephew/godson Chef Joe Flamm on the December 12 debut of his new restaurant il Carciofo in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. Reservations are now available for those looking to experience cuisine inspired by the restaurants and markets of Rome. Joe has already found success with his first venue Rose Mary, and was the winner of the 15th season of the Bravo channel’s Top Chef.