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 (or albums) going on sale.

Depending on when you read this, you might be able to catch McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, continue its Thursday night residency at Montrose Saloon this very evening at 7:00 pm. Vinyl copies of McLuhan’s ground-breaking and recently re-released album Anomaly will be available for sale at the show.

The upcoming double vinyl album Pretenders Live - Kick ‘Em Where It Hurts! is now available to pre-order exclusively through The Pretenders’ official website. Recorded during the band’s 2024 tour, it’s a blend of newer songs and classics such as “Talk Of The Town,” “Private Life,” “Back On The Chain Gang,” “Time The Avenger,” and “Middle Of The Road.” The album, with its distinct Elvis Presley/The Clash inspired cover, is due out on June 13. The double LP can be purchased on its own or as part of a bundle with a Pretenders t-shirt; there doesn’t seem to be any mention of a CD or digital version.

The 93XRT Opening Day Celebration At Yak-Zies, a Chicago tradition that draws a packed house of Cubs/rock music fans to the Wrigleyville venue, will take place tomorrow. Doors open at 7:00 am; WXRT air personalities will start spinning tunes at 9:00 am; and there will be a set by local band Ratboys at noon.

Later on opening day, The Delmark All-Stars from Chicago blues label Delmark Records will perform at Wrigley Field/Gallagher Way, and guitarist Bob Stroger will throw out the first pitch.

Lovely Stuff, the first new studio album in seven years from the Chicago-based indie rock band Smoking Popes, and Tripla, the debut album from The Miki Berenyi Trio, are due out tomorrow.

The Michael Steven Cohen 100th Show Celebration takes place at Montrose Saloon this Sunday at 6:00 pm. As part of the festivities, Cohen will unveil a new version of The Everly Hillbillies duo with fellow musician Fred Morg. Montrose Saloon honcho/musician Eric Chial will be a special guest.

Veteran folk/country/rock singer-songwriter Kent Rosenwald will perform covers and originals at an 11:00 am solo show this Saturday at City News Cafe. The venue is located at 4018 N. Cicero Avenue in Chicago.

Phil Angotti is now bringing his Beatle Brunch show to FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL, with an all-ages one taking place this Sunday at noon. He’ll be joined by fellow musicians Casey McDonough, Tom Ryan, and Blair Holmes while performing Beatles songs and their various solo efforts.

The 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival opened today at the Landmark Century Centre Cinemas (2828 N. Clark Street) and will run through April 14. The festival will include 51 features and 30 shorts from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. There’s a feature story in today’s Chicago Sun-Times by staff reporter Ambar Colón that profiles some local productions that will be screened at the Chicago Latino Film Festival.

Singer-songwriter Steve Dawson has garnered praise for his work with the Dolly Varden indie rock/Americana band, as well as for his solo albums. Members of Dolly Varden—Diane Christiansen, Mike Bradburn, Matt Thobe, Alton Smith—will join Dawson onstage for his Annual Birthday Bash at Simon’s on Chicago’s north side this Sunday.

Alejandro Escovedo has shows coming up tomorrow and Saturday at City Winery Chicago. In addition to his roots rock solo career, Escovedo found success as a member of Rank And File and True Believers. The venue is located at 1200 W. Randolph Street in the West Loop area.

There will be a Muddy Waters Birthday Celebration! featuring performances by John Primer and The Real Deal Blues Band from 5:30 to 8:30 pm tomorrow night at The Walnut Room At Macy’s on State Street in Chicago. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so check to see if it’s still possible to attend.

Pravda recording artist Nathan Graham is known for mixing classic blues with Americana music, and he’ll likely showcase songs from his Saint Of Second Chances album during his gig tomorrow at the Thornton Distilling Co in Thornton, IL. Falling Stars, who gave us catchy indie rock songs on their recent Garden Variety EP, will be the opening act.