Weekend Reminders And BOO!

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; record release info; or concert tickets.

There are several Halloween events coming up this weekend. Since I already covered most of them in last Saturday’s Halloween preview, let’s start this post with non-holiday entertainment. Then, we’ll return to the spooky stuff, which will follow under the heading BOO!

But first, best wishes to four guys who’ve been rocking the Chicago music scene for a quite a while now. Happy Birthday to Mark Watson; Mike Galassini; Kenn Goodman; and Graham Elvis.

There will be a triple bill of indie rock recording artists tomorrow night at Reggies in Chicago, located at 2105 S. State Street. Pravda Records band The Handcuffs will kick things off at 8:30 pm, followed by The Midnight Calls, and The Cle Elum.

Tony Richards, whose solo jazz guitar performances have gained a loyal following on the Chicago scene, and vocalist-guitarist Phil Angotti, who’s known for his catchy original songs as well as impressive tribute shows, will join forces tomorrow night at Uncommon Ground Lakeview on the city’s north side. According to Facebook posts from Angotti and Richards, they’ll perform songs by Nick Drake; David Bowie; Brian Wilson; Paul McCartney; Jimmy Webb; Bob Dylan; and Paul Simon, along with some Angotti originals.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the February 25 CHVRCHES concert at The Salt Shed. Other 2027 Chicago concerts going on sale tomorrow include The Flaming Lips at Metro on February 27 and 28; and Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic at Park West on February 21.

The Zombies’ third annual Begin Here Festival (following ones in 2023 and 2024) kicks off tomorrow and will run through Sunday in St. Albans in the UK. The festival includes lead vocalist Colin Blunstone performing a candlelight concert accompanied by composer/musician Dave Bainbridge and Q Strings. 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.

The Soul Avengers, a Chicago-based quartet featuring Steve Dawson, Alton Smith, Bill Brickey, and Chris Greene will return to Evanston SPACE in Evanston, IL on Saturday night.

Police vocalist-bassist Sting, who has found success with the band as well as with his solo career, will bring his 3.0 Tour to Montreal, QC tonight and Friday.

The Chicago-based acid-folk trio Esmerelda’s Boys have an album release event for their Hurt and the Eve of Destruction EP coming up this Sunday at Montrose Saloon. Special guests will include The Val Leventhal Band featuring Anne McIntyre; Patrick Reninger; Alpha Stewart; Pierce Crask and Ellis Clark; and Eric Chial and friends.

Join together, lend a hand. The Music Moves Mountains Foundation, a registered  501 (c)(3) non-profit charity organization that uses music to assist people experiencing medical issues, will present A Tribute To Keith Moon all ages event this Sunday at Central Machine Brewery Works in Austin, Texas. Special guests will include Gregg Bissonette; Stephen Perkins; Michael Jerome; and Keith’s daughter Mandy Moon. In addition to live performances, there will be a silent auction to benefit the Music Moves Mountains Foundation.

The hard-hitting, feminist band L7 (“When We Pretend That We’re Dead,” “Shit List”) will bring its The Last Hurrah Tour 2026 to The Vic Theatre in Chicago this Sunday.

The Second Summer, a Chicago-based alt rock/power pop band, will likely showcase its new single “Underwater” when they perform as part of the local label Hardstop Records’ showcase taking place this Sunday at the Bookclub in Chicago. Label mates Hollow Bastion and The Transference will also be on the bill.

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 has a gig in the lounge at Chicago Prime Italian in Schaumburg on Saturday night.

BOO!

For those already in the mood for spooky fun, the FitzGerald’s venue in Berwyn, IL will present the Dead Sullivan’s Retro Rock & Roll Halloween Bash tonight at 8:30 pm. The Facebook post describes this event as “A vintage rock and roll dance party featuring smashed hits from the 50s/60s by “Bloody” Holly, “Scary” Lee Lewis, and the “Ghoul” Groups of the 60s.” “Dead” Sullivan will serve as host, while Zachary Stevenson & Friends provide live music. General admission is $15; minors can only attend if accompanied by a guardian; costumes are encouraged.

On Halloween night, the FitzGerald’s Sidebar will screen The Rocky Horror Picture Show flick at 8:30 pm. Admission is free, but those interested in attending must reserve in advance.

Darren Cooper, whose impressive resume includes leading the indie rock band Three Hour Tour, will bring some friends to the Blind Rivets venue in Champagne, IL this Sunday. The Happy Hour Halloween Party starts at 5:00 pm will include covers of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, The Doors, The Monkees, Badfinger, and pre-disco Bee Gees.

The Bro Go’s, a self-described “high energy all-male tribute band paying homage to The Go-Go’s and the rock ‘n roll ladies of the 80’s,” will perform tomorrow night at The Moose Lodge in Oceanside, CA.

Cole’s Bar on Chicago’s north side has a Gay Halloween event planned for tomorrow that will feature Naked Brunch covering songs by Queen; Calico Loco honoring My Chemical Romance; and Jenny Scara performing Justin Bieber material. The entertainment starts at 9:00 pm; Cole’s Bar is located at 2338 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

The Hideout Chicago venue on the city's north side will hold its 30th Anniversary Chic-A-go-go Halloween Dance Party at noon on October 31.

Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side will present a three-night Halloweekend this year, starting tonight. That means there will be even more local bands masquerading as famous acts. This very fun event has been around for several years in area various clubs, and seems to have found a permanent home at Montrose Saloon. There’s a lot to recommend, but here are a few prime examples: Everly Hillbillies as The Everly Brothers; John Aselin as Roky Erikson; Rachel Drew as Siouxsie And The Banshees; Ellis Clark as Badfinger; Amazing Heeby Jeebies as The Cramps; and Phil Angotti as Sting. Admission for these 21+ shows is $20 each night; tonight’s showcase starts at 7:00 pm; Friday and Saturday will start at 7:30 pm.

The Razor And Die Annual Spooktacular can be heard from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, October 30 at WLUW88.7FM and WLUW.Org.