Incoming

Graham Nash has announced he’ll follow his USA spring tour next year with a series of concerts across Europe in the fall. Tickets for the UK stops on that tour, including Liverpool, London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, go on sale this Friday. I can’t help hoping Nash will check in with his former mates in The Hollies, at least for some tea and sharing memories.

As noted on the Powerpopalooza Facebook page, the The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party by various artists is now available on the Futureman Records Bandcamp site. The 25-track effort draws from the three Hi-Fi Christmas Party CDs that were released on the indie Vandalay label in 2002, 2006, and 2010. The artists on this new Best release include The Jellybricks; Andrea Perry; Don Dixon; Phil Angotti; Jeremy; The Bradburys; Jigsaw Seen; The Elvis Brothers, Grip Weeds; Husky Team; and The Spongetones. 100% of the proceeds from The Very Best Of Hi-Fi Christmas Party are being donated to the Versiti Blood Research Institute (formerly The Blood Center) in Milwaukee, WI.

Joel Paterson’s Hi-Fi Christmas (no relation to the above-mentioned compilation) will take place at 6:00 pm this Sunday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. Patterson is well known on the Chicago music scene for his expertise in performing jazz, blues, rockabilly, country and western swing instrumentals. 

It’s still a gift even if it’s not seasonal. Aussie musician Joe Algeri has been sending people around the globe a new song each December for 24 years. Often, they take an unusual view of the holiday season, but this year’s free download “Are You Ever Coming Back” is a guitar-driven garage rocker about a busted relationship. Algeri is joined by his international crew of bassist-backup vocalist Herb Eimerman, drummer Stefan Johansson, lead guitarist Lars Brussel, and lead guitarist Andy J. Prinllila. “This year, we’ve all got fuzz pedals and bowl haircuts,” Algeri explains on his Bandcamp page.  “Just think of it as a gift in time for the holiday season.” Thanks again, Joe.

Don’t worry, you won’t smell like Wild Horses. The Rolling Stones are introducing RS No. 9 Eau De Parfum, which is designed to transport the wearer back to “London’s Soho in 1962 as a group of young men step on stage at the legendary Marquee Club and begin their journey to superstardom.” 

Since my wife Pam and I visit Long Grove, IL on a weekly basis, I was happy to see reporter Erica Thompson’s article in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times concerning the number of movies being filmed there. Mostly ones like the currently released Once Upon A Christmas Wish with Mario Lopez, that have holiday themes. We’ve talked to merchants in town, particularly at the Blu Fig and Long Grove Coffee cafes, and hear how much they appreciate the attention these films are bringing. It’s also nice to see retailers returning to Long Grove, joining the cafes and restaurants.