Weekend Reminders

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.

Depending on when you read this (and how close you are to Milwaukee, WI), you could still catch at least part of the impressive Summerfest lineup of Robert Randolph and The Family Band; The Handcuffs; Sincere Engineer; and Kim Gordon.

If you miss the Summerfest gig by The Handcuffs or if you’re eager to see them twice within a few days, they have a show this Saturday with special guests Monkeymind at Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL. Be sure to grab one of their new t-shirts while you’re there.

Also depending on when you read this, you could join the merriment of Phil Angotti and friends performing songs from Headquarters by The Monkees followed by Milwaukee band The Taxmen performing songs from Rubber Soul by The Beatles at Reggies Music Joint tonight. According to his Facebook page, this will be a Phil Angotti Birthday Show although it might be a few days early for that. Doors open at 7:00 pm; Reggies Music Joint is located at 2105 S. State Street, south of downtown Chicago. 

The Strokes recently kicked off an ambitious world tour and will perform in Philadelphia tomorrow. That’s also the release date for their latest album, Reality Awaits. The tour will include stops in the United States; Canada; Japan; the UK; Netherlands; Germany, Italy, France; and Spain.

The Buzzcocks, one of England’s first and best punk bands, will celebrate 50 years of crafting high-energy and irresistible music with a North American tour this fall. They’ll be at Park West in Chicago on October 3. Other stops include New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Denver. The band Minds Eye will be their special guest for these shows; tickets are now available.  

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Live From The XRT Concert Archives continues tomorrow night at 9:00 pm with a 2002 July 4th Concert performed by Indigo Girls. Live From The XRT Concert Archives can be heard on 93.1FM; 93XRT.com; and the Audacy app.

The Smithereens have announced the locations for their 2026 Summer Tour, which kicks off in Rutherford, NJ this Saturday. Marshall Crenshaw will be their guest lead vocalist for that show. Dates (and guest lead vocalist info) for these events have been posted on the official Smithereens Facebook page.

Chicago-based recording artists Naked Brunch have a Pride Month themed release party coming up at G-Man Tavern this Sunday. Released by Rattleback Records, the new 12-inch vinyl single features exclusive remixes of “Kiddie Pool” and “Humanoid”—tracks from Naked Brunch’s critically acclaimed 2025 debut album At the Humanoid Motel.

Singer-guitarist Scott Niekelski from the Chicago-based, hard-hitting power pop band Go Time! has a solo gig coming up at the BuckleDown Grapefruit Festival this Saturday in Lyons, IL. Buckledown Brewing is located at 8700 47th Street in Lyons, IL.