Incoming

Happy Birthday to John Cowsill, who’ll be in the Chicago area this Friday night as the guest lead vocalist for The Smithereens when they perform at The Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL. He started his music career as a child in The Cowsills, and has performed and recorded with numerous acts ever since. Singing with The Smithereens has become a semi-regular gig for Cowsill, and this time, he’ll be joined by his wife, Bangles vocalist-guitarist Vicki Peterson. The duo released their debut effort Long After The Fire last September, and it would be nice to hear some songs from it this Friday at the Des Plaines Theatre.

The Smithereens are an impressive live act, with several albums to choose from and catchy rock gems such as “Blood And Roses,” “Behind The Wall Of Sleep,” “Only A Memory,” and “A Girl Like You.” In addition to their gig in Des Plaines this Friday, The Smithereens have upcoming shows with John Cowsill in Tucson, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Boca Raton, FL; Largo, FL; and Atlantic City, NJ.

The Oddball Art Labs will celebrate its 13th anniversary with a Year13 Opening Reception from 6:00 to 9:00 pm this Friday at the Side Street Studio in Elgin, IL. Oddball Art Labs is devoted to promoting the arts in Chicago area suburbs.

Chicago-based country and western performer Kent Rose has an 11:00 am – 1:00 pm performance coming up at the City News Cafe this Saturday, with percussionist David Sims as his special guest.