Weekend Reminders

MJ Kim photo of Paul McCartney from the Paul McCartney Official Facebook age.

Weekend Reminders on 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.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of an English musician whose recordings have earned him a following across the pond as well. Yes, it’s Mordecai Smyth’s birthday. His latest album Gather The Scattered Mind on the Mega Dodo label offers another selection of catchy, offbeat songs such as “Breaking The Backs” and “One And The Same.” No wonder The Scattered Mind has been receiving positive reviews in the British press. Mr. Smyth was one of the first musicians to contact me via this blog, and we have a running joke that he’s an honorary citizen of my American hometown of Palatine, IL.

Today is also Paul McCartney’s birthday, and social media is justifiably overflowing with best wishes, tributes, and photos of him throughout his career. His latest album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, has been critically acclaimed as one of his better albums. My wife Pam and I had such a great time seeing him perform a high-energy, three-hour concert on my birthday nine years ago that it feels like it could have been Yesterday. A toast to you, Sir Paul.

Here’s a hearty Chicago welcome to Stevie Wonder; Bruce Springsteen; Common; Eddie Vedder; The Roots; Christina Aguilera; Jennifer Hudson; John Legend; Marc Anthony; Tems; Bono and The Edge from U2; and Marsai Martin, who have all arrived for a cocktail party on my gazebo. Just kidding, of course. They, along with former American presidents Joe Biden; George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, are in Chicago for the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Congratulations to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The Meadowlark Lemons will showcase songs from their recently released self-titled debut album at Fitzgerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn, IL tomorrow night. The Chicago-based quintet creates a mix of jazz, funk, and soul that’s particularly impressive on “Meet Me At The Sidebar,” “The Laughing Heart,” and “Little Funky Wolf.” 

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for An Evening With Steve Dawson, which will celebrate the Chicago-based singer-songwriter’s 35 years of performing. The event will take place on October 11 at Evanston SPACE in Evanston, IL. His Facebook page promises “a few very special guests.” I remember first meeting Dawson and his wife Diane Christiansen back when I was assigned to do a piece on their Stump The Host band for the Illinois Entertainer.

Tony Richards, whose solo jazz guitar performances have gained him a loyal following on the local music scene, and world-traveling bassist Joe Policastro will perform as part of the Pro Musica Musical Evenings series this Saturday night, starting at 7:00 pm. Richards and Policastro are also recording artists. Pro Musica is located at 713 W. Wrightwood in Chicago.

This Saturday, I'll be pitching my completed rock and roll/paranormal/Young Adult novel and its work-in-progress rock and roll/paranormal sequel at the Writing Workshop Of Chicago on Michigan Avenue in the south downtown area. I’ve always found this event to be encouraging and helpful for aspiring writers of all genres. It’s open to the public with paid admission; pitches to agents can be added for an additional fee.