Weekend Reminders

Photo from Official Ann Wilson 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 see this, you could still catch the latest edition of the Dolph Chaney and the Phins residency at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side tonight. The power pop recording artists will be joined by local trio The Dry Look and the quartet Brother Derek. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Happy Birthday to Heart’s dynamic singer Ann Wilson, who along with her guitar-wielding, fellow songwriter sister Nancy, inspired other women rockers to follow in her path. Several years ago, I interviewed Ann Wilson and guitarist Howard Leese after a Heart concert at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin. Despite the band’s PR person suspecting the free paper I wrote for was about to go bust, Ann and Howard were incredibly nice. The free paper did implode, but luckily, a professional photographer was able to land my piece in the more respectable paper The Prairie Sun.

Also, a belated Happy Birthday to Paul McCartney, who continues to astound audiences and fans with his talent, stamina, and benevolent nature. When I finally had a chance to see him perform live six years ago, it made for one of my best birthdays ever.

Still on the subject of birthdays, best wishes to NRBQ musician and Chicago music scene all-star Casey McDonough, as well as the multi-talented illustrator-writer Terri Murphy.

The Color Purple - The Musical opens this Saturday at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The production will be directed by Lili-Anne Brown, with book by Marsha Norman, and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Alee Willis, and Stephen Bray.

When Scottish rockers Simple Minds perform at Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island tomorrow, the audience will likely be treated to hits such as “Don’t You Forget About Me,” “Alive And Kicking,” and “Sanctify Yourself.”

Forever Now - A Post Punk, One Day Festival will take place this Sunday at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes. Participating acts in this celebration of “alternative culture, post-punk music, fashion, and literature” include The The; Johnny Marr; Billy Idol; Kraftwerk; Psychedelic Furs; Berlin; The Motels; and Chameleons.

The always intriguing alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will be looking to “send some gold vibrations out across the planet” during a Solstice Celebration at Picnic Wine And Provisions on Chicago’s far north side tomorrow. Smokin’ J’s are also on the bill; the music starts at 6:00 pm.

Michael Steven Cohen will perform songs from the Great American Songbook this Saturday night at the Chicago Prime restaurant in Schaumburg.

PureSoul Presents will offer A Tribute To Chicago Soul with performances of songs by Sam Cooke; Chaka Khan; Donny Hathaway; Curtis Mayfield; Staple Singers; Tyrone Davis and other acts this Sunday.

There’s still a chance to check out the Jason Narducy and Dag Juhlin Celebrate Pete Townshend’s (Belated) Birthday performance at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, IL this Saturday. Some tickets are still available for the show the 9:30 pm show; the 7:00 pm show is sold out.

The Smithereens, with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw, have a summer-opening gig at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ this Saturday. It’s part of the N2S North To Shore Festival.

Corky Siegel has been a long-time favorite on the Chicago folk rock scene, and he’s also adept at blending his harmonica playing within classical music. He has a Chamber Blues event coming up this Sunday at City Winery Chicago.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter AJ Rosales will release his Phasedrift album tomorrow on Bandcamp. Rosales specializes in melodic acoustic songs with well crafted, introspective lyrics reminiscent of vintage Neil Young.

A Day For Country Music at City News Cafe will feature musician Kent Rose performing from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm this Sunday. City News Cafe is located at 4018 N. Cicero.