The 23rd annual International Pop Overthrow - Chicago kicks off this Friday for a nine-day run at Montrose Saloon on the city’s north side. See my April 13 and April 14 posts here on BHT for details on the Friday and Saturday lineups. All the acts below are from the Chicago area unless stated otherwise.
Sunday’s six-act showcase starts at 2:00 pm with a performance by LaRue DeVille. The band includes four members of The Red Wigglers, who ended their 25-year run a few years back. It will interesting to see if they carry on the original band’s emphasis on adventurous and often funny rock and roll with coed vocals and horn accompaniment. Singer-multi instrumentalist Joe Dilillo has released four singles and an EP since 2021, with last year’s “When It Comes To Us” being the latest. His approach tends toward heartfelt, melodic ballads. Satellite Union draws on the classic rock of years past for melodic and guitar-powered songs such as “Mix Tape,” “Dirt Road” and “Leave My Heart.” The band has been keeping busy, with the IPO gig being just one of their April shows.
Milwaukee-based power pop band Trolley makes a welcome return to International Pop Overthrow - Chicago this Sunday, and they have a long-awaited album to showcase. A Carnival Of Grey And White sports a catchy title track, as well as the Elvis Costello style “As Long As I Can Find You.” Trolley was recently featured in the U.K. rock magazine Shindig, where A Carnival Of Grey And White was given four-star album review. Elephonic, also from Milwaukee, crafts an appealing power pop sound by adding cello and violin to guitars and drums arrangements. Their 2023 self-titled debut album includes melodic gems such as “Until The Sound” and “Rapid Transit.” Longtime IPO fans will be interested to learn this band features guitarist-vocalist Mike Jarvis, formerly of the power pop masters The Lackloves. Things That Fly, the indie rock band led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, create clever and catchy tunes, such as “Lucky Ones” and “Crunch Went The Snow” on their 2023 self-titled EP.
Check the official International Pop Overthrow website for the full Chicago schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who’ll be participating in Chicago this year. Even if you can’t attend in person, it’s a great way to discover new music. Many of the acts have Bandcamp pages, so it’s possible to already have some favorite songs before you even see the band perform.
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