Slumgullion

For events taking place this weekend, check out my previous post titled Weekend Reminders.

As noted by writer Mike Duquette on The Second Disc website this past Wednesday, Patti Smith will release a Horses (50th Anniversary Edition) via Legacy Recordings on October 10. In addition to the original tracks, it will offer “nine alternate versions and outtakes from the album sessions.” Duquette also points out that Smith will release a memoir titled Bread Of Angels in November. As I’ve mentioned in the past, The Second Disc is an extremely informative source regarding upcoming album releases.

The Lakeview East Festival Of The Arts returns for its 20th year on September 13 and 14, taking place on Broadway, between Belmont and Hawthorne. Over 120 artists will display their work, and performances on the two stages will include Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen; Gerald Dowd; Gerald McClendon; The Band Calderisi; and Kent Rose And The Remedies.

The Who - The Song Is Over - The North American Farewell Tour is underway, including recent stops in Wantagh, NY and Boston, MA. The band has concerts scheduled at the United Center in Chicago on September 7 and 9. Other upcoming dates include Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle, and Las Vegas. 

The latest edition of Second Scene, the Pittsburgh-based print publication that covers indie rock, is now available for $7 plus shipping on its Bandcamp page. Issue #21 features articles on Jah Wobble, Heavenly, The Laissez Fairs, Philip Parfitt, and several acts. If past issues are an indication, there will be colorful graphics to go with the copy. 

Roger McGuinn, whose guitar playing with The Byrds has inspired countless musicians for decades, will perform on September 10 at The North Shore Center in Skokie, IL.

Wolf Alice will kick off its North American tour in support of its recently released album The Clearing on September 10 in Atlanta. The London-based indie rock band will return to Chicago with a sold-out show at The Vic on September 26; other stops include Washington, DC; Philadelphia; Boston; Montreal; Toronto; Dallas; Denver; and Los Angeles.

The Woggles, the garage rock specialists championed by Little Steven and his Wicked Cool record label, recently embarked on a world tour. One of those dates will bring them to Reggies in Chicago on September 11, with hometown heroes The Handcuffs serving as the opening act.

Tickets are now available for Marshall Crenshaw’s 40+ Years In Showbiz! show with James Mastro at City Winery Chicago on September 14. Crenshaw has given us several irresistible songs, such as “Someday, Someway,” “Cynical Girl,” and “Whenever You’re On My Mind.”

Long-time entertainment writer Mark Caro (Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, etc.) has talked with several indie rock musicians on his Caropop podcast, and just started making some of those interviews available on his YouTube channel. Caro has an easy-going, knowledgeable style that leads to fascinating conversations with his guests. The recently posted Caropop episode with singer-songwriter Sam Phillips is a prime example.

Cheap Kiss Records is currently offering a limited edition compilation titled A Blast From The Cellar! - Lost Gems From The 60s Chicago Garage Rock Explosion. Available on vinyl only, the album is inspired by the legendary Arlington Heights, IL teen club that booked several of that era’s world famous bands. As stated in its title, this collection focuses on Chicago-area acts that also performed at The Cellar, and includes songs by The Mauds; The Same; Boston Tea Party, and The Huns.

Duets Special - Chrissie Hynde And Pals, an album featuring The Pretenders lead vocalist pairing up with Lucinda Williams; Julian Lennon; Shirley Manson; k.d. lang; David Gahan; Debbie Harry; Brandon Flowers; Rufus Wainwright and other well-known performers, is due out on October 17. It’s currently available to pre-order from various sites.

Three Chicago area recording artists with loyal followings on the club scene will join forces at QBar in Darien, IL on September 13. Fans can expect an evening of live power pop and indie rock during separate sets by The Embryos, The Spindles, and Go Time! Doors will open at 7:30 pm.

Cheap Trick’s new album All Washed Up is due out November 14, and the group has posted a video on YouTube for the first single from it. “Twelve Gates” finds an animated version of the guys rocking a mid-tempo arrangement powered by guitars and layered vocals. A promising start. 

Singer-guitarist Terry White has a record release party with The Loaded Dice, Cannonball, and other special guests coming up on October 2 at Fitzgerald’s in Berywn, IL. The album is due out on September.

The Replacements have a deluxe edition of their 1984 groundbreaking album Let It Be coming out in 4-LP, 3CD, and digital formats on October 24 via Rhino Records. A recent post on the band’s Facebook page states there will also be a “special bonus 10-inch vinyl, and T-Shirt mercy option.”

Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band’s 2025 Tour will include a show at the Chicago Theatre on September 10. Starr’s latest album, Look Up, finds him working in a Country and Western vein, but it’s likely he and his mates will be covering all kinds of music, including Beatles tunes.

Autographed copies of Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill’s album Long After The Fire can now be ordered via the TalkShopLive website. The duo will be joined by special guest Michael Moulder for a concert at the Brown County Playhouse in Nashville, IN on September 5.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy recently released the new album Ain’t Done With The Blues, and it’s now available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats on Amazon and other sites. 

The Magnolia Pictures documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is now available in digital format from Apple TV, Fandango, Prime Video, and other sources. In Chicago, the 28th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute will be held on November 16 and 17 at Uncommon Ground Lakeview. 

Material Issue, the Chicago power pop trio that scored MTV hits such as “Valerie Loves Me” and “Diane” back in the early 1990s, and later returned with new vocalist-guitarist Phil Angotti, have a show coming up at the north-side venue Schubas on September 17.

The Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome single “Is It True,” which was released in digital format in 2024, is now available as a Deluxe CD + download on Bandcamp. The song offers a 1960s arrangement with a harder edge, and features Olson, Clem Burke, Vince Melouney and Jonathan Lea.

High Moon Records, which is known for its adventurous series of reissues, has released Sly And The Family Stone - The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967. Available in CD or LP format, it includes a deluxe booklet, interviews with Stone and original band members, rare photos, and memorabilia.

Parody Of Pleasure, the debut solo album from Lydia Night is now available, and finds the former leader of The Regrettes exploring a variety of musical approaches. Night describes her new music as “a window into my weird little brain” and promises to be out on tour soon.

Weekend Reminders

Sorry for the late arrival. The wifi in our house was out for several hours last night.

Weekend Reminders posts focus 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, or concert tickets going on sale.

First, a champagne toast to Oasis, who rocked Soldier Field on Chicago’s lakefront last night. We were one of the three U.S. cities included on the reunion tour. There was an inspiring Oasis photo in Wednesday’s Chicago Sun-Times (taken by Sammy Kogan of The Canadian Press) of Liam and Noel Gallagher arriving onstage together last Sunday in Toronto.

The Chicago Jazz Festival, a longtime favorite event in this city, returned to Millennium Park yesterday and will run through Sunday. The headliners are Esperanza Spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, and Eliades Ochoa. Admission to the festival is free; other performers scheduled include Sarah Marie Young, Silvia Marque, Ari Brown, and Patricia Barber.

Northside venue Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue has an eclectic triple bill coming up this Saturday. McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, will showcase music from its critically acclaimed and recently re-released album Anomaly. This might also be a good time to watch McLuhan perform their new “King Bizzzarroo” single, a cautionary tale set to an ominous arrangement. Chicago club scene veterans The Hurtin’ Kind can tap into the Americana songs on their 2023 debut It Won’t Happen That Way; and the Americana/garage rock band Hitchcock Brunettes will likely offer material from their upcoming debut.

Nowhere Else Festival, the annual concert event staged by Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler from the critically acclaimed Americana band Over The Rhine, will take place this weekend in Martinsville, OH. In addition to Over The Rhine, the performers will include Amy Helm, John Paul White, Joy Clark, and The Newbees.

FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL is presenting a guitar-oriented event called Puttin’ On The Gretsch on its Patio Stage this Saturday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The event will feature musicians Tim Menard, Andon Davis, Chloe Orwell, Jim O’Donnell, Phil Angotti, Devin Nowakowski, Paul Divans, and Michael Krayniak. Attendees can enter a $10 ticket raffle for a chance to win a Gretsch guitar.

The alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, purveyors of what they call “21st Century Druid Music/Celtic Blues,” will perform with All Days and Victor Sanders this Saturday at Jarvis Square Pottery on Chicago’s far north side. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

Irish Days will offer a variety of Celtic music and fun in downtown Long Grove, IL this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Performers include Academy Of Irish Music; McNulty School Of Irish Dance; Shannon Rovers Pipe Band; The Larkin And Moran Brothers; and Trinity School Of Dance. There will be food and beverage vendors, or visitors can check out some of the various restaurants or cafes in downtown Long Grove. If you go to Blu Fig, tell them the ‘hot chai latte guy” sent you. 

Another VU, the Chicago-based band that performs 1969-era Velvet Underground songs, will perform at Montrose Saloon tomorrow night, along with Love Story In Blood Red; Nad Navillus Duo; and French Casino.

The International Pop Overthrow - Vancouver music festival is taking place through Sunday at the Lana Lou’s venue. Six acts performed on Thursday and Friday; seven will rock Lana Lou’s on Saturday. Check out the official IPO website for the full schedule.

Incoming

Depending on when you see this, you could catch Decoy Prayer Meeting (starting at 7:00 pm) tonight at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. If not tonight, the band—which that specializes in rockabilly and vintage Country and Western music—will return to that same venue on September 22.

The Chicago Jazz Festival, a longtime favorite event in this city, will be held in Millennium Park this Thursday through Sunday. The headliners are Esperanza Spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, and Eliades Ochoa. Admission to the festival is free; other performers scheduled include Sarah Marie Young, Silvia Marque, Ari Brown, and Patricia Barber.

Space in Evanston will wind up its Singer-Songwriter Shows series in August with a performance by bilingual cellist/vocalist Helen Gillet tomorrow night.

Nowhere Else Festival, the annual concert event staged by Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler from the critically acclaimed Americana band Over The Rhine, will take place this weekend in Martinsville, OH. In addition to Over The Rhine, the performers will include Amy Helm, John Paul White, Joy Clark, and The Newbees.

Tickets are now available for Marshall Crenshaw’s 40+ Years In Showbiz! show with James Mastro at City Winery Chicago on September 14. Crenshaw has given us several irresistible songs, such as “Someday, Someday,” “Cynical Girl,” and “Whenever You’re On My Mind.”

The alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, purveyors of what they call “21st Century Druid Music/Cetic Blues,” will perform with All Days and Victor Sanders this Saturday at Jarvis Square Pottery on Chicago’s far north side. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

North side venue Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue has an eclectic triple bill coming up this Saturday. McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, will showcase music from its critically acclaimed and recently re-released album Anomaly. Chicago club scene veterans The Hurtin’ Kind can tap into the Americana songs on their 2023 debut It Won’t Happen That Way; and the Americana/garage rock band Hitchcock Brunettes will likely offer material from their upcoming debut.

Irish Days will offer a variety of Celtic music and fun in downtown Long Grove, IL this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Performers include Academy Of Irish Music; McNulty School Of Irish Dance; Shannon Rovers Pipe Band; The Larkin And Moran Brothers; and Trinity School Of Dance. There will be food and beverage vendors, or visitors can check out one of the various restaurants or cafes in Long Grove.

FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL will host a Beatles Brunch w/ String Session at noon on September 7. Phil Angotti and Friends, whom I’ve often lauded on this blog for their musical expertise, will be performing,  along with the string session.

Pravda Records artists The Imperial Sound, with special guests the Total Pro Horns and singer-songwriter Rachel Drew, will bring their original soulful rock to The Hideout in Chicago on September 4. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

The first of three upcoming shows by NRBQ in the Chicago area will take place at Lincoln Hall on September 4. The Facebook post from band members Scott Ligon and Casey McDonough quotes the lyrics from The Youngbloods’ hit single “Get Together” with the promise of “100% guaranteed to make you smile on your brother.”

Another VU, the Chicago-based band that performs 1969-era Velvet Underground songs, will perform at Montrose Saloon this Friday, along with Love Story In Blood Red; Nad Navillus Duo; and French Casino. 

The International Pop Overthrow - Vancouver music festival takes place up north this Thursday through Sunday at the Lana Lou’s venue. Six acts will perform on Thursday and Friday; seven will rock Lana Lou’s on that Saturday. Check out the official IPO website for the full schedule.

Slumgullion

Cheap Trick’s new album All Washed Up is due out November 14, and the group has posted a video on YouTube for the first single from it. “Twelve Gates” finds an animated version of the guys rocking a mid-tempo arrangement powered by guitars and layered vocals. A promising start.

The Replacements have a deluxe edition of their 1984 groundbreaking album Let It Be coming out in 4-LP, 3CD, and digital formats on October 24 via Rhino Records. A recent post on the band’s Facebook page states there will also be a “special bonus 10-inch vinyl, and T-Shirt mercy option.” 

McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, has added an August 30 performance at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue to its busy schedule. CD copies of McLuhan’s ground-breaking, re-released album Anomaly is now available through the Think Like A Key Music site.

The latest edition of Second Scene, the Pittsburgh-based print publication that covers indie rock, is now available for $7 plus shipping on its Bandcamp page. Issue #21 features articles on Jah Wobble, Heavenly, The Laissez Fairs, Philip Parfitt, and several acts. If past issues are an indication, there will be colorful graphics to go with the copy.

Long-time entertainment writer Mark Caro (Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, etc.) has talked with several indie rock musicians on his Caropop podcast, and just started making some of those interviews available on his YouTube channel. Caro has an easy-going, knowledgeable style that leads to fascinating conversations with his guests. The recently posted Caropop episode with singer-songwriter Sam Phillips is a prime example.

Duets Special - Chrissie Hynde And Pals, an album featuring The Pretenders lead vocalist pairing up with Lucinda Williams; Julian Lennon; Shirley Manson; k.d. lang; David Gahan; Debbie Harry; Brandon Flowers; Rufus Wainwright and other well-known performers, is due out on October 17. It’s currently available to pre-order from various sites.

Chicago’s beloved and frequently funny covers band EXPO ’76 will perform at Fuller’s Pub on the north side for the very first time on September 6. The venue is located at 3203 W. Irving Park Road. In related news, EXPO ’76 with the Total Pro Horns will release an album titled Hot In The Dark on October 24. 

High Moon Records, which is known for its adventurous series of reissues, has released Sly And The Family Stone - The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967. Available in CD or LP format, it includes a deluxe booklet, interviews with Stone and original band members, rare photos, and memorabilia.

Three Chicago area recording artists with loyal followings on the club scene will join forces at QBar in Darien, IL on September 13. Fans can expect an evening of live power pop and indie rock during separate sets by The Embryos, The Spindles, and Go Time! Doors will open at 7:30 pm.

The Woggles, the garage rock specialists championed by Little Steven and his Wicked Cool record label, recently embarked on a world tour. One of those dates will bring them to Reggies in Chicago on September 11, with hometown heroes The Handcuffs serving as the opening act.

Autographed copies of the Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill’s album Long After The Fire can now be ordered via the TalkShopLive website.

Chicago’s beloved and frequently funny covers band EXPO ’76 will perform at Fuller’s Pub on the north side for the very first time on September 6. The venue is located at 3203 W. Irving Park Road. In related news, EXPO ’76 with the Total Pro Horns will release an album titled Hot In The Dark on October 24. 

Three Chicago area recording artists with loyal followings on the club scene will join forces at QBar in Darien, IL on September 13. Fans can expect an evening of live power pop and indie rock during separate sets by The Embryos, The Spindles, and Go Time! Doors will open at 7:30 pm.

Chicagoans who enjoyed the Magnolia Pictures documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley will be happy to learn the 28th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute will be held on November 16 and 17 at Uncommon Ground Lakeview. 

Cheap Kiss Records is currently offering a limited edition compilation titled A Blast From The Cellar! - Lost Gems From The 60s Chicago Garage Rock Explosion. Available on vinyl only, the album is inspired by the legendary Arlington Heights, IL teen club that booked several of that era’s world famous bands. As stated in its title, this collection focuses on Chicago-area acts that also performed at The Cellar, and includes songs by The Mauds; The Same; Boston Tea Party, and The Huns.

The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest has announced the full schedule of events that will take place on the weekend of September 6 and 7 on South Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street. The outdoor event always exudes a friendly, creative vibe and will feature over 150 exhibitors, as well as authors and presenters. Admission is free.

Parody Of Pleasure, the debut solo album from Lydia Night is now available, and finds the former leader of The Regrettes exploring a variety of musical approaches. Night describes her new music as “a window into my weird little brain” and promises to be out on tour soon.

The annual Doctor Who convention Chicago TARDIS recently announced that actor Christopher Eccleston will be among the celebrity guests when the event takes place at the Westin Lombard Yorktown in November. Eccleston was pivotal in the success of the British sci-fi program’s 2005 rebirth when he portrayed The Doctor in that first year.

Tickets are now on sale for the Mark Guarino produced Old No. 1 at 50 – A Celebration of Guy Clark featuring Robbie Fulks, John Abbey, Janet Beveridge Bean, Steve Dawson, Josh Caterer, and Naomi Ashley. The event  takes place at Evanston SPACE on October 5.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy recently released the new album Ain’t Done With The Blues, and it’s now available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats on Amazon and other sites.

The Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome single “Is It True,” which was released in digital format in 2024, is now available as a Deluxe CD + download on Bandcamp. The song offers a 1960s arrangement with a harder edge, and features Olson, Clem Burke, Vince Melouney and Jonathan Lea.

Another VU, the Chicago-based band that performs 1969-era Velvet Underground songs, has gigs lined up at Montrose Saloon on August 29 and September 20; and on November 23 at Simon’s Tavern.

The Lakeview East Festival Of The Arts returns for its 20th year on September 13 and 14, taking place on Broadway, between Belmont and Hawthorne. Over 120 artists will display their work, and performances on the two stages will include Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen; Gerald Dowd;Gerald McClendon; The Band Calderisi; and Kent Rose And The Remedies.

Trolley will release A Carnival Of Black And White, its first new album in five years on October 3. In the meantime, the Milwaukee-based power pop band released the catchy title track, and more recently gave us “As Long As I Can Find You.” The latter mixes a hint of Elvis Costello with mid-1960s British rock.

Several well-known acts will perform at the Evanston Folk Festival when it’s held September 6 and 7 at Dawes Park in Evanston, IL. Iron And Wine; Tune-Yards; Margo Price; Loudon Wainwright III; Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen; The Milk Carton Kids; and Ezra Furman are among the scheduled acts. The festival will include three aftershows in nearby locations: Ani DiFranco with special guest Hurray for the Riff Raff at Cahn Auditorium on September 5; Songs Of Bob Dylan featuring Nora O’Connor, Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Gerald Dowd, and others at SPACE on September 6; and Roseanne Cash at Cahn Auditorium on September 7.

Material Issue, the Chicago power pop trio that scored MTV hits such as “Valerie Loves Me” and “Diane” back in the early 1990s, and later returned with new vocalist-guitarist Phil Angotti, have a show coming up at the north-side venue Schubas on September 17.

Weekend Reminders

Thursday posts focus 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, or concert tickets going on sale.

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Hometown Celebration: A Benefit for The Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund is being held tonight at Metro on north Clark Street. Various musicians will perform, and the station’s on-air personalities will also be join in the tribute. On the following night at 9:00 pm, the WXRT Live From The XRT Concert Archives series will broadcast the first Celebration For Lin Brehmer that took place at Metro in 2023. Whether you met him in person or only knew him from his years on the air, Lin will always be our Best Friend In The Whole World.

Wolf Alice will release its latest album, The Clearing, tomorrow. The UK band has been offering  impressive previews by posting videos of the singles “The Sofa,” “Wild Horses,” and “Bloom, Baby, Bloom”via social media.

The Chicago House Music Conference and Festival returned to Chicago today and will run through Sunday, with events scheduled at Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and the Riverwalk. As noted on the Chicago Latino Network Facebook page, the festival will include DJs, live music, dance lessons, and panel discussions. Admission is free.

Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s will be among the special guests at the Musack Rock n’ Roll Carnival taking place this Saturday in Los Angeles. The exact address will only be revealed to those who purchase tickets. As stated on its official website, “Musack’s mission is to give kids and teens a voice through music by providing guitars, drums, and support for music teachers  wherever the need arises.”

CHIRP Radio 107 FM will present the Chicago Independents’ Day - A Celebration Of Chicago’s Independent Culture event at the Athenaeum Center this weekend. Attendees will find an Independent Label And Vinyl Market, a Craft And Vintage Market, Panel Discussions, Comedy, Film, and Food. The Athenaeum Center is located at 2936 N. Southport Avenue; the event opens at noon Saturday and Sunday, with admission starting a $10.38.

United Kingdom fans of The Hollies will be able to see the band’s lead vocalist Peter Howarth in concert this Saturday at The Exchange venue in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. In addition to Hollies songs, the show will include selections from Only The Lonely - The Roy Orbison Story, a recent stage production in which Howarth played the starring role.

Chicago power pop band The Spindles will perform songs from their two albums, along with other tunes, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Shannon’s Deli in Lombard tomorrow night. The headliners, Saddleman, will play original country music from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Smithereens, with John Cowsill as guest lead vocalist, will continue their mini tour of the U.S. with a show at the Music Box venue in Cleveland tomorrow night.

Vinyl And Vittles, which describes itself as “A Record Fair And Food Market Collective,” will continue its series with an event this Sunday at the Charis Listening Bar. It takes place from 1:00 to 6:00 pm; Charis Listening Bar is located at 3317 S. Morgan Street in Chicago.

Acclaimed country singer-songwriter and actor Lyle Lovett, whose 2022 album 12th Of June, was his first in 10 years, has a concert coming up at The Old Town School Of Folk Music this Saturday.

The Empty Corner, at 214 E. Grove Street in Arlington Heights, IL, will host an AHML Vinyl Listening: The Amazing 80s event from 7:00 to 8:30 pm tomorrow night. Guests are encouraged to bring a record with an 1980s song to share, but need to register in advance at the venue’s website.

Congratulations to Maple Mars on its 25th Anniversary. The Los Angeles band, a favorite on the power pop/psychedelic scene, will celebrate with a 7:00 pm show this Saturday at SIR Studios in Hollywood. Maple Mars will release two new songs, “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” and “Tidal Wave” on Big Stir Records tomorrow.

Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side will be rocking tomorrow night with sets by Pierce Crask; Big Hair Big Trouble; Falling Martins; Jimmy Tin; and Amazing Heeby Jeebies. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

Dan Navarro will perform tonight, Friday, and Saturday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, IL. The singer-songwriter, whose music has been covered by several big names, will be joined by Jesse Lynn Madera for the Friday and Saturday gigs.

Sydny August will perform at at Space in Evanston tomorrow night as part of the venue’s Singer-Songwriter Shows series in August.

The Chicago-based act Phil Angotti and Friends have staged a few Beatles tributes over the years, and they’ll be at it again this Saturday with their Ob-La-Di Beatles Night at the Venue in Aurora. The show goes on at 8:00 pm.

This year’s Bucktown Arts Fest will take place at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Avenue in Chicago) this Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, and as it has done for decades, the Fest will feature artists, photographers, and live music. The enchanting alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, whom I’ve mentioned here several times, will perform from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on August 23. Other live acts include Jared Rabin Band; The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Jazz Combo; Hope Arthur: Ragtime Piano; Daisychain; and Caught Steelin.

Free spirits can bask in some genuine counter-culture vibes via the Tributosaurus Becomes Woodstock concert coming to FitzGerald’s Outdoors in Berwyn this Saturday. Utilizing a rotating roster of local musicians, Tributosaurus has been one of the Chicago area’s best known tribute acts for several years.

Incoming

Duets Special - Chrissie Hynde And Pals, an album featuring The Pretenders lead vocalist pairing up with Lucinda Williams; Julian Lennon; Shirley Manson; k.d. lang; David Gahan; Debbie Harry; Brandon Flowers; Rufus Wainwright and other well-known performers, is due out on October 17. It’s currently available to pre-order from various sites.

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Hometown Celebration: A Benefit for The Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund will take place at Metro this Thursday. The Linburgers, featuring Tributosaurus members Matt Spiegel and Curt Morrison, along with Heather Lynne Horton, Scott Lucas, Michael McDermott, and Eddie “King” Roeser, will perform, and the station’s on-air personalities will also be on hand. Brehmer will always be remembered by his many fans as our “Best Friend In The Whole World.” Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark Street.

Wolf Alice has kept busy with live performances around the globe while fans wait for the UK band’s latest album The Clearing to drop this Friday. Upcoming shows in North America are starting to sell out, including in Washington, DC;  Brooklyn; Toronto; and Chicago (The Vic, September 26).  Autographed copies of The Clearing are available on vinyl and CD on the official Wolf Alice website.

The Chicago House Music Conference and Festival returns to Chicago this Thursday through Sunday, with events scheduled at Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and the Riverwalk. As noted on the Chicago Latino Network Facebook page, the festival with include DJs, live music, dance lessons, and panel discussions. Admission is free.

Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s will be among the special guests at the Musack Rock n’ Roll Carnival taking place this Saturday in Los Angeles. The exact address will only be revealed to those who purchase tickets. As stated on its official website, “Musack’s mission is to give kids and teens a voice through music by providing guitars, drums, and support for music teachers - wherever the need arises.”

Space in Evanston will continue its Singer-Songwriter Shows series throughout this month, with performances by Sydny August this Friday and Helen Gillet on August 26.

The Smithereens, with John Cowsill as guest lead vocalist, will continue their mini tour of the U.S. with a show at the Music Box venue in Cleveland this Friday night. Other upcoming shows will take place in  Ferndale, MI; Brookville, NY; Old Saybrook, CT; Richmond, VA; and East Greenwich, RI.

Autographed copies of the Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill’s album Long After The Fire can now be ordered via the TalkShopLive website.

This year’s Bucktown Arts Fest will take place at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Avenue in Chicago) this weekend. Admission is free, and as it has done for decades, the Fest will feature artists, photographers, and live music. The enchanting alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, whom I’ve mentioned here several times, will perform from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on August 23. Other live acts include Jared Rabin Band; The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Jazz Combo; Hope Arthur: Ragtime Piano; Daisychain; and Caught Steelin.

The Woggles, the garage rock specialists championed by Little Steven and his Wicked Cool record label, recently embarked on a world tour. One of those dates will bring them to Reggies in Chicago on September 11, with hometown heroes The Handcuffs serving as the opening act. I’m pretty sure the first time I met Handcuffs drummer Brad Elvis was when I noticed him in the audience at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine, IL back when The Woggles were part of a Little Steven’s Underground Garage Tour along with The Zombies, Gore Gore Girls, and other acts. I worked up the nerve to introduce myself as a writer for the Illinois Entertainer. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to Brad, who has also performed with Big Hello, The Romantics, The Elvis Brothers, and Screams, several times since then.

Free spirits can bask in some genuine counter-culture vibes via the Tributosaurus Becomes Woodstock concert coming to FitzGerald’s Outdoors in Berwyn this Saturday. Utilizing a rotating roster of local musicians, Tributosaurus has been one of the Chicago area’s best known tribute acts for several years.

United Kingdom fans of The Hollies can see Peter Howarth, who’s done a splendid job as The Hollies’ lead vocalist since 2004, in a show this Saturday at The Exchange venue in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. In addition to Hollies songs, the show will include selections from Only The Lonely - The Roy Orbison Story, a recent stage production in which Howarth played the starring role.

The Chicago Jazz Festival will be held in Millennium Park on the long weekend of August 28 – 31. This year’s headliners are Esperanza Spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, and Eliades Ochoa. Admission to the festival is free, and other performers scheduled include Sarah Marie Young, Silvia Marque, Ari Brown, and Patricia Barber.

Congratulations to Maple Mars on its 25th Anniversary. The Los Angeles band, a favorite on the power pop/psychedelic scene, will celebrate with a 7:00 pm show this Saturday at SIR Studios in Hollywood. Maple Mars will release two new songs, “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” and “Tidal Wave” on Big Stir Records this Friday.

Chicago’s beloved and frequently funny covers band EXPO ’76 will perform at Fuller’s Pub on the north side for the very first time on September 6. The venue is located at 3203 W. Irving Park Road. In related news, EXPO ’76 with the Total Pro Horns will release an album titled Hot In The Dark on October 24. 

Three Chicago area recording artists with loyal followings on the club scene will join forces at QBar in Darien, IL on September 13. Fans can expect an evening of live power pop and indie rock during separate sets by The Embryos, The Spindles, and Go Time! Doors will open at 7:30 pm.

Weekend Reminders

Photo of The Rachel Drew Band from their official Facebook page.

Thursday posts focus 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, or concert tickets going on sale.

Depending on when you read this, you could still catch Alice Peacock tonight at SPACE in Evanston, as part of the venue’s Singer-Songwriter Shows series throughout August.

Another option for tonight is a free concert by The Rachel Drew Band at 6:30 pm in the Clark Street Sports parking lot on the city’s north side. The address is 4506 W. Lawrence, and anyone interested in attending should bring a chair or blanket. Food and drink is BYO, or can be purchased at the nearby No Pasa Nada.

The 10th Annual International Pop Overthrow - San Diego music festival takes place at the Black Cat Bar tomorrow and Saturday, with six acts performing each night.

Alternative rock veterans The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse will share a double bill at The Salt Shed Fairgrounds in Chicago this Saturday, with local buzz band Friko as the opening act.

The Smithereens with John Cowsill will kick off a mini tour of the U.S. tomorrow with a show at Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati, OH. The other dates are in St. Louis, MO; Cleveland, OH; Ferndale, MI; Brookville, NY; Old Saybrook, CT; Richmond, VA; and East Greenwich, RI.

The Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge: Yes We Are Tour will make a stop at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago this Sunday. Upcoming locations on this extensive tour, which runs through October 12, include Milwaukee, Detroit, New York, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Nashville, and Phoenix.

The Wild Honey Foundation will screen a special sneak preview of director Justin Fielding’s long-awaited Power Pop Movie this Saturday at the Wild Honey Backyard Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Musicians featured in the documentary include Marshall Crenshaw, Jody Stephens, Vicki Peterson and the late John Wicks. The Derrick Anderson Combo will perform a set at 7:00 pm before the film is screened.

Dave Suh and The Dirty Wings, the Americana/grunge trio, have a release party for their 10-track album Set To Begin tomorrow at Montrose Saloon. Cisco Pike, Bad Candy and recording artists The Bon Mots will also perform at the venue that night.

Long-time Chicago comedy group Famous In The Future will perform its new revue titled Snowflakes In Hell at 8:30 pm this Saturday, as it hosts YippieFest 2025 at Chopin Theatre over the weekend. While checking out the descriptions of the various acts involved on the YippieFest 2025 Facebook page, I was reminded of the days when I performed with Famous In The Future at the Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s annual Abby Fest. As former FIF member/one of this year’s YippieFest performers David Drazin would say, “That was a long time ago, dearie.” Admission is $20 per day and $30 for the weekend; with all proceeds going to Deborah’s Place, Howard Brown Health, and Northwestern Settlement. Those interested in attending YippieFest 2025 can find the full schedule on the official website.

Incoming

Cheap Kiss Records is currently offering a limited edition compilation titled A Blast From The Cellar! - Lost Gems From The 60s Chicago Garage Rock Explosion. Available on vinyl only, the album is inspired by the legendary Arlington Heights, IL teen club that booked several of that era’s world famous bands. As stated in its title, this collection focuses on Chicago-area acts that also performed at The Cellar, and includes songs by The Mauds; The Same; Boston Tea Party, and The Huns.

The Smithereens, with John Cowsill as guest lead vocalist, will kick off a mini tour of the U.S. this Friday with a show at Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati, OH. The other dates are in St. Louis, MO; Cleveland, OH; Ferndale, MI; Brookville, NY; Old Saybrook, CT; Richmond, VA; and East Greenwich, RI.

Billy Idol’s latest album Dream Into It gives him new songs to perform on his current series of concerts, along with “White Wedding,” Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and other hits. It’s A Nice Day To . . . Tour Again! with Special Guest Joan Jett, has been visiting major cities, and will  drop by The Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL tomorrow night.

The Magnolia Pictures documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley recently opened in theaters around the country. The screening is being immediately followed by 26 minutes of previously unseen footage showing Buckley performing at The Middle East venue in Cambridge, MA on February 19, 1994. Buckley passed away at the age of 30 in 1997.

On the Chicago club scene, artist submissions are now being accepted for the 28th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute taking place on November 16 and 17 at Uncommon Ground Lakeview. A July 12 Facebook post by Uncommon Ground Lakeview directs musicians interested in taking part to “email EPK and Buckley song demo to: BUCKLEY@UNCOMMONGROUND.COM”. The post also states, “Fun folks & special guests will be flying in!!”

The Wild Honey Foundation will screen a special sneak preview of director Justin Fielding’s long-awaited Power Pop Movie this Sunday at the Wild Honey Backyard Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Musicians featured in the documentary include Marshall Crenshaw, Jody Stephens, Vicki Peterson and the late John Wicks. The Derrick Anderson Combo will perform a set at 7:00 pm before the film is screened.

The Rachel Drew Band, featuring the Chicago-based singer-songwriter, will perform a free concert at 6:30 pm this Thursday in the Clark Street Sports parking lot on the city’s north side. The address is 4506 W. Lawrence, and anyone interested in attending should bring a chair or blanket. Food and drink is BYO, or can be purchased at the nearby No Pasa Nada.

PureSoul will present a tribute to Aretha Franklin at City Winery Chicago this Saturday. The brunch performance starts at noon, doors open at 10:30 am. On Sunday, City Winery Chicago will host a Prince tribute titled The Purple Madness. Vocalist-guitarist Bobby Miller leads The Prince Tribute Band, which also features dancers. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

Space in Evanston will continue its Singer-Songwriter Shows series throughout this month, with performances by Alice Peacock this Thursday; Sydny August on August 22; and Helen Gillet on August 26.

Dave Suh and The Dirty Wings, the Americana/grunge trio, have a release party for their 10-track album Set To Begin coming up this Friday at Montrose Saloon. Cisco Pike, Bad Candy and recording artists The Bon Mots will also perform at the venue that night.

Long-time Chicago comedy group Famous In The Future will have an all-new revue ready to perform when it hosts YippieFest at Chopin Theatre on this weekend. The freewheeling festival of the performing arts is inspired by the Abby Fest that was staged for many years by the Mary-Arrchie Theatre company. FIF’s revue is titled Snowflakes In Hell. Admission is $20 per day and $30 for the weekend; with all proceeds going to Deborah’s Place, Howard Brown Health, and Northwestern Settlement. The full schedule is available on the official YippieFest website.

Slumgullion

Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s will be among the special guests at the Musack Rock n’ Roll Carnival taking place on August 23 in Los Angeles. The exact address will only be revealed to those who purchase tickets. As stated on its official website, “Musack’s mission is to give kids and teens a voice through music by providing guitars, drums, and support for music teachers - wherever the need arises.”

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Hometown Celebration: A Benefit for The Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund will take place at Metro on August 21. The Linburgers, featuring Tributosaurus members Matt Spiegel and Curt Morrison, along with Heather Lynne Horton, Scott Lucas, Michael McDermott, and Eddie “King” Roeser, will perform, and the station’s on-air personalities will also be on hand. Brehmer will always be remembered by his many fans as our “Best Friend In The Whole World.” Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark Street.

The Magnolia Pictures documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley opened in theaters around the country today. The screening is being immediately followed by 26 minutes of previously unseen footage showing Buckley performing at The Middle East venue in Cambridge, MA on February 19, 1994. Buckley passed away at the age of 30 in 1997.

The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest has announced the full schedule of events that will take place on the weekend of September 6 and 7 on South Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street. The outdoor event always exudes a friendly, creative vibe and will feature over 150 exhibitors, as well as authors and presenters. Admission is free.

Parody Of Pleasure, the debut solo album from Lydia Night came out today, and finds the former leader of The Regrettes exploring a variety of musical approaches. Night describes her new music as “a window into my weird little brain” and promises to be out on tour soon.

PureSoul will present a tribute to Aretha Franklin at City Winery Chicago on August 16. The brunch performance starts at noon, doors open at 10:30 am. On August 17, City Winery Chicago will host a Prince tribute titled The Purple Madness. Vocalist-guitarist Bobby Miller leads The Prince Tribute Band, which also features dancers. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

The annual Doctor Who convention Chicago TARDIS recently announced that actor Christopher Eccleston will be among the celebrity guests when the event takes place at the Westin Lombard Yorktown in November. Eccleston was pivotal in the success of the British sci-fi program’s 2005 rebirth when he portrayed The Doctor in that first year.

Tickets are now on sale for the Mark Guarino produced Old No. 1 at 50 – A Celebration of Guy Clark featuring Robbie Fulks, John Abbey, Janet Beveridge Bean, Steve Dawson, Josh Caterer, and Naomi Ashley. The event  takes place at Evanston SPACE on October 5.

The Smithereens with John Cowsill will kick off a mini tour of the U.S. on August 15 with a show at Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati, OH. The other dates are in St. Louis, MO; Cleveland, OH; Ferndale, MI; Brookville, NY; Old Saybrook, CT; Richmond, VA; and East Greenwich, RI.

Autographed copies of the Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill album Long After The Fire can be preordered via the TalkShopLive website. The album will ship on August 18.

Steven Delisi, a founding member of the Chicago-based power pop band The Thin Cherries, recently released a new single on his Bandcamp page. The catchy indie rocker “When You Say” finds Delisi once again getting solid support from local musicians John Abbey, Gerald Dowd, and Mike Hagler.

The latest issue of Vive Le Rock! chooses the 250 Greatest Punk Songs Ever! Judging from the cover, The Damned, Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones, and The Ruts are included. It’s available to order on the counter culture magazine’s website for £6.50 GBP.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy released a new album last Friday. The 18-track Ain’t Done With The Blues is available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats on Amazon and other sites.

The Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome single “Is It True,” which was released in digital format in 2024, is now available as a Deluxe CD + download on Bandcamp. The song offers a 1960s arrangement with a harder edge, and features Olson, Clem Burke, Vince Melouney and Jonathan Lea.

Another VU, the Chicago-based band that performs 1969-era Velvet Underground songs, has gigs lined up at Montrose Saloon on August 29 and September 20; and on November 23 at Simon’s Tavern.

The Wild Honey Foundation will screen a special sneak preview of director Justin Fielding’s long-awaited Power Pop Movie on August 17 at the Wild Honey Backyard Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Musicians featured in the documentary include Marshall Crenshaw, Jody Stephens, Vicki Peterson and the late John Wicks. The Derrick Anderson Combo will perform a set at 7:00 pm before the film is screened.

This year’s Bucktown Arts Fest will take place at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Avenue in Chicago) on the weekend of August 23 and 24. Admission is free, and as it has done for decades, the Fest will feature artists, photographers, and live music. The enchanting alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, whom I’ve mentioned here several times, will perform from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on August 23. Other live acts include Jared Rabin Band; The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Jazz Combo; Hope Arthur: Ragtime Piano; Daisychain; and Caught Steelin.

Billy Idol’s latest album Dream Into It gives him new songs to perform on his current series of concerts, along with “White Wedding,” Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and other hits. It’s A Nice Day To . . . Tour Again! with Special Guest Joan Jett, has been visiting major cities, and will  drop by The Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL on August 14.

Dave Suh and The Dirty Wings, the Americana/grunge trio, have a release party for their 10-track album Set To Begin coming up August 15 at Montrose Saloon. Cisco Pike, Bad Candy and recording artists The Bon Mots will also perform at the venue that night.

United Kingdom fans of The Hollies will be able to see three of the band’s most recent members in concert next month. Peter Howarth, who’s done a splendid job as The Hollies’ lead vocalist since 2004, has a show on August 23 at The Exchange venue in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. In addition to Hollies songs, the show will include selections from Only The Lonely - The Roy Orbison Story, a recent stage production in which Howarth played the starring role.

A week later, Rob Davis and Ray Stiles, the surviving members of MUD, will reunite to perform songs by that band at The Exchange. They’ll be joined by Pete Phipps, Keith Read, and Ian Parker. Stiles and Parker are both Hollies veterans.

Long-time Chicago comedy group Famous In The Future will have an all-new revue ready to perform when it hosts YippieFest at Chopin Theatre on the weekend of August 15 – 17. The freewheeling festival of the performing arts is inspired by the Abby Fest that was staged for many years by the Mary-Arrchie Theatre company. FIF’s revue is titled Snowflakes In Hell. The full schedule is available on the official YippieFest website.

High Moon Records, which is known for its adventurous series of reissues, has released Sly And The Family Stone - The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967. Available in CD or LP format, it includes a deluxe booklet, interviews with Stone and original band members, rare photos, and memorabilia.

Space in Evanston will continue its Singer-Songwriter Shows series throughout August, with performances by Alice Peacock on August 14; Sydny August on August 22; and Helen Gillet on August 26.

Free spirits can bask in some genuine counter-culture vibes via the Tributosaurus Becomes Woodstock concert coming to FitzGerald’s Outdoors in Berwyn on August 23. Utilizing a rotating roster of local musicians, Tributosaurus has been one of the Chicago area’s best known tribute acts for several years.

Weekend Reminders

Thursday posts focus 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, or concert tickets going on sale.

International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles continues its 2025 run with a five-act showcase tonight at the Redwood Bar. The action switches to the Escondido venue tomorrow night with a six-act showcase and returns to the Redwood Bar for six-act afternoon showcases on Saturday and Sunday. The full schedule can be found on the festival’s official website. The next stop for International Pop Overthrow is San Diego on August on 15 and 16 at the Black Cat Bar.

Depending on when you read this, you could catch the Great Moments In Vinyl Performing Songs By The Police show at at 7:30 pm tonight at SPACE in Evanston. Great Moments In Vinyl is a rotating collection of Chicago area musicians focused on honoring classic rock and roll LPs.

Singer-guitarist Mike Cohen has brought back Everly Hillbillies, the Everly Brothers tribute band he founded with singer-guitarist Jeff Janulis over a decade ago. Now working with Fred Morg, Tim Feil, and Mike Conroy (Janulis is currently leading The Spindles), Cohen will perform the timeless songs of Phil and Don at an outdoor show this Saturday in downtown Arlington Heights. The music starts at 7:00 pm outside the Tuscan Market & Wine Shop, and there is no cover charge.

The 49th Annual Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago starts tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and will run through Sunday night. WXRT DJ Terri Hemmert will once again serve as MC; and this year’s special guests include drummer Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Free; Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Renaissance; and British Invasion hit maker Billy J. Kramer. 1960s model/author Jenny Boyd and author Yvonne Innes, whose Dip My Brain In Joy: A Life With Neil Innes celebrates her marriage to the late writer-musician-actor, will also be on hand. There will be performances by Liverpool; The Weeklings; The Taxmen; Phil Angotti And Friends, and other bands.

Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse, the venue and art space run by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife Chloe Mendel, will present this month’s Songwriters In The Round event on Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. With Stephen Kohler serving as host, local musicians Ian Wisniewski, Jenny Bienemann, Jim Gary, and Neal Rosner will take part in what’s billed as a “stadium-like showdown to play new and original music.” Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse is located in Highland Park, IL and in addition to serving as a cafe, is a vinyl record store.

St. Divine will likely showcase songs from its latest album you can’t go forward and you can’t go back when it performs as part of a particularly adventurous triple bill at The Hideout in Chicago this Saturday. The New York City quintet states its music “blurs the edges of punk, Americana, and garage rock,” which should fit perfectly with the other two acts performing that night. Pravda Records indie/glam rockers The Handcuffs will have vinyl copies of their latest album Burn The Rails for sale, and will likely perform material from all four of their releases, as well as new material. Steve Silver, a writer whose numerous years covering the rougher edges of the local music scene no doubt fueled his upcoming book F*ck You, We’re From Chicago, will be the opening act.

New Orleans vocalist Kate Fagan returns to her former hometown of Chicago for an in-store appearance this Saturday at Bric-A-Brac Records, and a performance at the Empty Bottle on Sunday. Fagan is still highly regarded here for her previous work with BB Spin and Heavy Manners. She’ll be at Bric-A-Brac Records from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, and on Sunday, she’ll take part in a showcase of women artists that also features Clickbait, Beastii and DJ Modern Girl. Fagan will likely perform some vintage material, as well as her latest single releases.

Incoming

The latest issue of Vive Le Rock! chooses the 250 Greatest Punk Songs Ever! Judging from the cover, The Damned, Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones, and The Ruts are included. It’s available to order on the counter culture magazine’s website for £6.50 GBP.

Death Cab For Cutie will perform at the Chicago Theatre tomorrow and Wednesday. The band is currently on a limited tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of it debut album Plans.

Pravda Records artist singer-songwriter Nathan Graham is known for mixing classic blues with Americana music, and he’ll likely showcase songs from his Saint Of Second Chances album when he performs at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights tomorrow night. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Guitarist-vocalist Dave Davies has a signing event for the recently released album The Kinks - The Journey Vol. 3 coming up at the Barnes & Noble store at 555 Fifth Avenue in New York this Thursday at noon.

Indie Rock Night returns to The Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL tomorrow night, and will include singer-songwriter AJ Rosales. He’ll likely perform some of the well crafted, acoustic songs from his new album Phasedrift.

On Thursday night at The Des Plaines Theatre, Moody Blues bassist-vocalist and solo artist John Lodge will perform on the main stage.

The 49th Annual Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago takes place this weekend at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. WXRT DJ Terri Hemmert will once again serve as MC; and this year’s special guests include drummer Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Free; Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Renaissance; and British Invasion hit maker Billy J. Kramer. 1960s model/author Jenny Boyd and author Yvonne Innes, whose Dip My Brain In Joy: A Life With Neil Innes celebrates her marriage to the late writer-musician-actor, will also be on hand. There will be performances by Liverpool; The Weeklings; The Taxmen; Phil Angotti And Friends, and other bands.

St. Divine will likely showcase songs from its latest album you can’t go forward and you can’t go back  when it performs as part of a particularly adventurous triple bill at The Hideout in Chicago this Saturday. The New York City quintet states its music “blurs the edges of punk, Americana, and garage rock,” which should fit perfectly with the other two acts performing that night. Pravda Records indie/glam rockers The Handcuffs have four well-crafted albums to draw material from, as well as new songs that will be on their next release. Steve Silver, a writer whose numerous years covering the rougher edges of the local music scene no doubt fueled his upcoming book F*ck You, We’re From Chicago, will be the opening act.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collection of area musicians devoted to honoring some of the best LPs in rock history, will be performing songs by The Police this Thursday at SPACE in Evanston.

New Orleans vocalist Kate Fagan returns to her former hometown of Chicago for an in-store appearance this Saturday at Bric-A-Brac Records, and a performance at the Empty Bottle on Sunday. Fagan is still highly regarded here for her previous work with BB Spin and Heavy Manners. She’ll be at Bric-A-Brac Records from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, and on Sunday, she’ll take part in a showcase of women artists that also features Clickbait, Beastii and DJ Modern Girl. Fagan will likely perform some vintage material, as well as her latest single releases.

International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles kicked off last Friday, and will run through August 10 at the Redwood Bar; with one showcase being held at the Escondido venue on August 8. IPO founder David Bash has posted a description of each of the 60-plus acts that are taking part in the festival; you can find them on the festival’s official website.

I was saddened to read in today’s newspapers that actress Loni Anderson has died. As an avid fan of WKRP In Cincinnati back when it aired in the late 70s and early 80s, I liked the way the sitcom flipped the dumb blond stereotype by making Anderson’s radio station secretary character Jennifer Marlowe quick-witted and competent. Several years ago, I had a chance to talk to Anderson at what was then called (I believe) Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago. I mentioned that her character was the smartest one on the show. She smiled, and said, “Yes I was, wasn’t I?”

Saturday Early Evening Post

St. Divine will likely showcase songs from its latest album you can’t go forward and you can’t go back  when it performs as part of a particularly adventurous triple bill at The Hideout in Chicago on August 9. The New York City quintet states its music “blurs the edges of punk, Americana, and garage rock,” which should fit perfectly with the other two acts performing that night. Pravda Records indie/glam rockers The Handcuffs have four well-crafted albums to draw material from, as well as new songs that will be on their next release. Steve Silver, a writer whose numerous years covering the rougher edges of the local music scene no doubt fueled his upcoming book F*ck You, We’re From Chicago, will be the opening act.

The 60 Years Of Ronnie Wood Fearless Anthology will include his solo work as well as the time he’s spent performing with Rolling Stones, The Faces, Jeff Beck Group, The Birds, The Creation, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Lane. Available as two LPs or two CDs, it’s due out September 26.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collection of area musicians devoted to honoring some of the best LPs in rock history, will be performing songs by The Police on August 7 at SPACE in Evanston.

Mud Morganfield, son of blues icon Muddy Waters and a respected artist in his own right, has a CD release party coming up at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on September 27.

New Orleans vocalist Kate Fagan will return to her former hometown of Chicago for an in-store appearance at Bric-A-Brac Records on August 9, and a performance at the Empty Bottle on August 10. Fagan is still highly regarded here for her previous work with BB Spin and Heavy Manners. She’ll be at Bric-A-Brac Records from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, and on the following night, she’ll take part in a showcase of women artists that also features Clickbait, Beastii and DJ Modern Girl. Fagan will likely perform some vintage material, as well as her latest single releases. 

Space in Evanston will continue its Singer-Songwriter Shows series throughout August, with performances by Jill Andrews on August 4; Alice Peacock on August 14; Sydny August on August 22; and Helen Gillet on August 26.

Free spirits can bask in some genuine counter-culture vibes via the Tributosaurus Becomes Woodstock concert coming to FitzGerald’s Outdoors in Berwyn on August 23. Utilizing a rotating roster of local musicians, Tributosaurus has been one of the Chicago area’s best known tribute acts for several years.

Several well-known acts will perform at the Evanston Folk Festival when it’s held September 6 and 7 at Dawes Park in Evanston, IL. Iron And Wine; Tune-Yards; Margo Price; Loudon Wainwright III; Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen; The Milk Carton Kids; and Ezra Furman are among the scheduled acts. The festival will include three aftershows in nearby locations: Ani DiFranco with special guest Hurray for the Riff Raff at Cahn Auditorium on September 5; Songs Of Bob Dylan featuring Nora O’Connor, Nathan Graham, Steve Dawson, Gerald Dowd, and others at SPACE on September 6; and Roseanne Cash at Cahn Auditorium on September 7.

Tickets are now on sale for the Mark Guarino produced Old No. 1 at 50 – A Celebration of Guy Clark featuring Robbie Fulks, John Abbey, Janet Beveridge Bean, Steve Dawson, Josh Caterer, and Naomi Ashley. The event  takes place at Evanston SPACE on October 5.

City Winery Chicago has a Prince tribute coming on August 17 with The Purple Madness. Vocalist-guitarist Bobby Miller leads The Prince Tribute Band, which also features dancers. The music starts at 7:00 pm.

Material Issue, the Chicago power pop trio that scored MTV hits such as “Valerie Loves Me” and “Diane” back in the early 1990s, and later returned with new vocalist-guitarist Phil Angotti, have a show coming up at the north-side venue Schubas on September 17.

The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest will take place on the weekend of September 6 and 7 on South Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street in the south end of downtown Chicago. The event will feature over 200 presenters, 70 programs, and 150 booksellers and exhibitors. Admission is free.

Slumgullion

Graphic from the official Fest For Beatles Fans Facebook page.

The 49th Annual Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago takes place next weekend at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. WXRT DJ Terri Hemmert will once again serve as MC; and this year’s special guests include drummer Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Free; Jim McCarty from The Yardbirds and Renaissance; and British Invasion hit maker Billy J. Kramer. 1960s model/author Jenny Boyd and author Yvonne Innes, whose Dip My Brain In Joy: A Life With Neil Innes celebrates her marriage to the late writer-musician-actor, will also be on hand. There will be performances by Liverpool; The Weeklings; The Taxmen; Phil Angotti And Friends, and other bands.

Pravda Records artist singer-songwriter Nathan Graham is known for mixing classic blues with Americana music, and he’ll likely showcase songs from his Saint Of Second Chances album when he performs at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights this coming Tuesday. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

The Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome single “Is It True,” which was released in digital format in 2024, is now available as a Deluxe CD + download on Bandcamp. The song offers a 1960s arrangement with a harder edge, and features Olson, Clem Burke, Vince Melouney and Jonathan Lea.

Another VU, the Chicago-based band that performs 1969-era Velvet Underground songs, has gigs lined up at Montrose Saloon on August 29 and September 20; and on November 23 at Simon’s Tavern.

Billy Idol’s latest album Dream Into It gives him new songs to perform on his current series of concerts, along with “White Wedding,” Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and other hits. It’s A Nice Day To . . . Tour Again! with Special Guest Joan Jett, has been visiting major cities, and will  drop by The Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL on August 14.

As noted by Mary Houlihan in her column yesterday in the Chicago Sun-Times, Death Cab For Cutie will perform at the Chicago Theatre next Tuesday and Wednesday. The band is currently on a limited tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of it debut album Plans.

This year’s Bucktown Arts Fest will take place at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Avenue in Chicago) on the weekend of August 23 and 24. Admission is free, and as it has done for decades, the Fest will feature artists, photographers, and live music. The enchanting alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess, whom I’ve mentioned here several times, will perform from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on August 23. Other live acts include Jared Rabin Band; The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Jazz Combo; Hope Arthur: Ragtime Piano; Daisychain; and Caught Steelin.

The Wild Honey Foundation will screen a special sneak preview of director Justin Fielding’s long-awaited Power Pop Movie on August 17 at the Wild Honey Backyard Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Musicians featured in the documentary include Marshall Crenshaw, Jody Stephens, Vicki Peterson and the late John Wicks. The Derrick Anderson Combo will perform a set at 7:00 pm before the film is screened.

Dave Suh and The Dirty Wings, the Americana/grunge trio, have a release party for their 10-track album Set To Begin coming up on August 15 at Montrose Saloon. Cisco Pike, Bad Candy and recording artists The Bon Mots will also perform at the venue that night.

Guitarist-vocalist Dave Davies has a signing event for the recently released album The Kinks - The Journey Vol. 3 coming up at the Barnes & Noble store at 555 Fifth Avenue in New York at noon on August 7th. 

The Lakeview East Festival Of The Arts returns for its 20th year on September 13 and 14, taking place on Broadway, between Belmont and Hawthorne. Over 120 artists will display their work, and performances on the two stages will include Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen; Gerald Dowd; Gerald McClendon; The Band Calderisi; and Kent Rose And The Remedies. 

United Kingdom fans of The Hollies will be able to see three of the band’s most recent members in concert next month. Peter Howarth, who’s done a splendid job as The Hollies’ lead vocalist since 2004, has a show on August 23 at The Exchange venue in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. In addition to Hollies songs, the show will include selections from Only The Lonely - The Roy Orbison Story, a recent stage production in which Howarth played the starring role. 

A week later, Rob Davis and Ray Stiles, the surviving members of MUD, will reunite to perform songs by that band at The Exchange. They’ll be joined by Pete Phipps, Keith Read, and Ian Parker. Stiles and Parker are both Hollies veterans. And for something completely different, Monty Python founding member John Cleese will appear at The Exchange on August 8.  

High Moon Records, which is known for its adventurous series of reissues, has released Sly And The Family Stone - The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967. Available in CD or LP format, it includes a deluxe booklet, interviews with Stone and original band members, rare photos, and memorabilia. 

Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne will kick off his massive Who Is The Sky? Tour with a show in Providence, RI on September 14. The North American dates include October 28, 29, and 31 at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, as well as stops in Pittsburgh; Washington, D.C.; New York; Toronto; Denver; Dallas; and Miami Beach. After a few months off, Byrne will launch a series of European concerts on February 12, 2026. His new album Who Is The Sky? will be available in various formats on September 6. 

Indie Rock Night returns to The Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL on August 5, and will include singer-songwriter AJ Rosales performing songs from his new album Phasedrift. Rosales specializes in well crafted, melodic acoustic songs. 

Random House will publish a book of personal photographs George Harrison took of his fellow Beatles in the years 1963 –1969. It’s titled The Third Eye and will arrive a little over a year from now. Over 250 color and black and white photographs are being compiled and curated by Olivia Harrison, who will also contribute an essay to her late husband’s book. The website describes the photos as “of the Beatles at work and at play, from Liverpool to Shea Stadium to Adelaide to India, all taken by Harrison.” 

Long-time Chicago comedy group Famous In The Future will have an all-new revue ready to perform when it hosts YippieFest at Chopin Theatre on the weekend of August 15 – 17. The freewheeling festival of the performing arts is inspired by the Abby Fest that was staged for many years by the Mary-Arrchie Theatre company. FIF’s revue is titled Snowflakes In Hell. The full schedule is available on the official YippieFest website. 

Trolley will release A Carnival Of Black And White, its first new album in five years on October 3. In the meantime, the Milwaukee-based power pop band released the catchy title track, and more recently gave us “As Long As I Can Find You.” The latter mixes a hint of Elvis Costello with mid-1960s British rock.

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Hometown Celebration: A Benefit for The Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund will take place at Metro on August 21.The Linburgers, featuring Tributosaurus members Matt Spiegel and Curt Morrison, along with Heather Lynne Horton, Scott Lucas, Michael McDermott, and Eddie “King” Roeser, will perform, and the station’s on-air personalities will also be on hand. Brehmer will always be remembered by his many fans as our “Best Friend In The Whole World.” Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark Street.

Weekend Reminders

Photo from Buddy Guy’s official Facebook page.

Thursday posts focus 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, or concert tickets going on sale.

I was just about to post this edition of Weekend Reminders when I heard WXRT radio personality Andy Chanley mention that the Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy has a new album coming out tomorrow. The 18-track Ain’t Done With The Blues will be available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats on Amazon and other sites. Best wishes to Buddy Guy, who turned 89 yesterday, on continued success.

Depending on when you read this, you might be able to catch The Return Of The Cover Roulette event at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. The featured performers are Ryan Joseph Anderson, Phil Angotti, Naomi Ashley, Casey McDonough, Rachel Swain, and Linda Weseman, with special guest MC Donnie Biggins. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

Tomorrow night, you can catch Phil Angotti, Casey McDonough, Tom Ryan, and Blair Holmes at the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, MI. They’ll be performing love songs by The Beatles.

Lollapalooza returned to Grant Park today and will run through this Sunday with headliners that include Tyler, The Creator; Olivia Rodrigo; Korn; and Sabrina Carpenter. Other notable acts would be Cage The Elephant; Ratboys; Foster The People, and Chicago Youth Symphony.

Multiple award-winning actor Morgan Freeman will appear onstage and via film as his traveling show Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience visits the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL tomorrow night. He’ll be joined by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he explores the history of blues in America.

On Saturday night, the San Francisco alternative rock band Train, whose hits include “Meet Virginia” and “Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)” will perform at Ravinia, along with special guest singer-songwriter Edwin McCain.

In addition to being the first day of August, tomorrow marks the return of Bandcamp Friday. That’s when Bandcamp waives its revenue and, as stated in a recent email, “More of what you spend goes straight to the artists and labels you care about.”

Over The Rhine, the critically acclaimed Americana band led by Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler, will perform this Sunday in their home state of Ohio at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus.

The Color Purple - The Musical will wrap up its successful, critically acclaimed run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago this Sunday.

International Pop Overthrow returns to Los Angeles—the city of its birth—for the 26th year tomorrow. The festival will feature over 60 acts and run through August 10 at the Redwood Bar; with one showcase being held at the Escondido venue on August 8. IPO founder David Bash has posted descriptions for all the acts on the festival’s official website.

Steven Delisi, a founding member of the Chicago-based power pop band and International Pop Overthrow - Chicago veterans The Thin Cherries, has a new single coming out tomorrow. The catchy indie rocker “When You Say” will be available on his Bandcamp page, and finds Delisi once again getting solid support from local musicians John Abbey, Gerald Dowd, and Mike Hagler.

McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, will share an afternoon double bill with Esmeralda’s Boys this Sunday at Montrose Saloon. The music starts at 2:00 pm. You can now purchase CD copies of McLuhan’s ground-breaking and recently re-released album Anomaly via the Think Like A Key Music site.

Congratulations to vocalist Gerald McClendon, who’s receiving the Bobby Blue Bland Award this very night as the 25th Annual Jus’ Blues Foundation holds its Night Of The Living Legends event on July 30 in Biloxi, Mississippi.