Incoming

There’s no chance I’ll be misunderstood when I wish Eric Burdon of The Animals (and briefly War) a Happy Birthday. The iconic British vocalist was a master at conveying the deepest of emotions on songs such as “House Of The Rising Son,” “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place,” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” as well as on the irresistible hippie fantasy “Spill The Wine.”

The Ivy - Traces Of You - 2026 Tour, named after a 2025 album of previously unreleased Ivy songs recorded by band members Adam Schlesinger, Andy Chase, and Dominique Durand between 1995 and 2012, comes to the Park West in Chicago this Thursday. Hopefully, the current version of Ivy will also perform songs from the band’s studio albums, such as Long Distance; guestroom; and realistic. The other venues on the Traces Of You Tour are Sony Hall in New York City on May 21; the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles on May 27; and the Schellraiser Humboldt Hideaway venue in Wells, NV on May 30. Sadly, we lost Adam Schlesinger to COVID-19 in 2020.

Four Chicago area music acts will perform at the Concert For A Cause event at The Outta Space venue in Berwyn, IL this Saturday. It’s a Benefit for sarah’s inn, an organization whose mission is “to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations.” Big Hair Big Trouble, Phil Angotti, The Nobodies, and Torpedo Los will provide the entertainment. Admission is a donation at the door, or you can use the barcode on The Outta Space social media post.

Phil Angotti And Friends have performed a number of Beatles Brunches at City Winery Chicago and they’ll be back there at noon this Sunday for Hit Songs And Other Goodies By The Beatles.

The Zombies’ lead vocalist Colin Blunstone still draws rave reviews 60+ years after the band emerged from the British Invasion scene. He’ll likely find more critical acclaim during his UK Believe In Miracles Tour, which continues this week with shows at Milton Keynes; Manchester; Stroud; Gateshead; and Glasgow. The tour runs through May 28.

Mike Campbell And The Dirty Knobs are coming to The Vic in Chicago on July 9 with special guest Sarah Lee Guthrie. It’s the second date on an upcoming tour that starts two days earlier in Minneapolis. The band has a new album titled Mission Of Mercy coming out on June 12.

International Pop Overthrow regulars (in Chicago and elsewhere) Kerosene Stars will share a triple bill with Kenneth Scott Peters and Lonefeather at the Dan Electro’s venue in Houston, TX on June 6. Kerosene Stars have been releasing power pop albums since their 2014 self-titled effort.

Tickets are now available for the May 19 – 31 performances of Monty Python’s The Holy Grail at the CIBC Theatre in downtown Chicago. 

Chicago-based power trio Triple will be in the middle of a three-act showcase at Liar’s on Chicago’s north side on June 5. Woolworthy gets things rocking at 9:00 pm, followed by Triple at 10:00 pm, and Panther Style at 11:00. Liar’s is located at 1665 W. Fullerton.

Tellin’ Tales Theatre will present Divercity: Our Lives Are Works Of Art this weekend at the Goodman Theatre/Alice Center for Education and Engagement in downtown Chicago. The show, which involves six writers, performers and artists, will demonstrate “that disabilities bring out our creativity in whatever we do.” The shows start at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday. The theatre is located at 170 N. Dearborn; tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for students and people with disabilities. 

A four-act showcase at Montrose Saloon on May 29 will feature The 321’s; Bellevue Holiday; Means Of Production; and Ride The Lightning. The rocking starts at 7:30 pm. Montrose Saloon is located at 2933 W. Montrose on Chicago’s north side.