Incoming

The Zombies’ third annual Begin Here Festival (following ones in 2023 and 2024) will take place from October 30 through November 1 in St. Albans in the UK. It’s described on the band’s Facebook page as “a unique fan experience,” and looking over the various activities, that sounds about right. Lead vocalist Colin Blunstone will be accompanied by composer/musician Dave Bainbridge and Q Strings, as well as special guests in a candlelight concert. There will also be a record signing with Blunstone, Rod Argent, and other band members; Q and A sessions with band members; and a ‘60s-themed dance party.

Supergrass, the incredibly melodic and fun English band, will be back out on tour in 2027 with nine concerts in the UK from April 26 through May 12.

Best wishes to Pete Townshend for a full recovery from a recent injury. In a post on the official Facebook page for The Who, Townshend noted, “due to damage to my left foot, and subsequent issues with my balance, I cannot commit to travel to appear at the upcoming Crossroads Festival in Austin.” That’s sure to disappoint the festival’s organizer Eric Clapton, as well as a multitude of fans. Clapton has a solo show coming up at the United Center in Chicago on September 11.

There will likely be some wild fun at the Chicago venue Liar’s Club on Labor Day, when the Huntsville, AL band Daikaiju; Chicago’s own instrumental band Outronaut; and the New Orleans band Planet Of The Little Green Men share a triple bill. Tickets are available at the venue’s website.

Singer-guitarist Michael Steven Cohen, a former member of the power pop bands The Abbeys and Pop Dollys, has embarked on a successful career playing selections from The Great American Songbook at dinner clubs. He’ll be at the Chicago Prime Italian steakhouse in Schaumburg, IL on September 12.

Over The Rhine will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its Nowhere Else Festival this weekend in Clinton County, Ohio. The critically acclaimed alt rock/Americana band promises there will be a variety of entertainment, including songwriters; workshops; art; poetry; children’s workshops; an open jam; and camping spots.

Long Grove, IL will hold its annual Irish Days Festival this Saturday through Monday in the downtown area. Performers will include Academy of Irish Music; McNulty School of Dance; The Larkin & Moran Brothers; Without U2 (tribute band); Trinity School of Irish Dance; Shannon Rovers Pipe Band; The Dirty Wellies; and The Tooles. Those attending can buy hot and cold beverages at the Blu Fig cafe, which is close to the fest area. Tell them the medium chai latte guy sent you.

 

Rock and roll photographer Henry Diltz will be the Special Legacy Guest at The Monkees Fan Convention being held this weekend at The Clarion Inn Hotel in North Haven, CT. The event aims to honor the “60 years of fun, music, and friendship” The Monkees have given us, and will include concerts, special guests, authors, and vendors. Diltz will have signed prints for sale.

International Pop Overthrow - Vancouver will take place this Thursday through Saturday at the Lana Lou’s venue in Vancouver, BC. Sixteen acts will perform over the three evenings; see the official IPO website for the full schedule.