Weekend Reminders

Graphic from the Gram Parsons Facebook page; artwork created by Jess Rotter.

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 going on sale.

Tickets went on sale today for the A Song For Gram Parsons - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Celebration event taking place on November 11 at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. The performers will include Emmylou Harris; Elvis Costello; The Black Crowes; Grace Potter; Jim Lauderdale; and “Cosmic Accompaniment  by Beachwood Sparks.” In addition to celebrating Parson’s 2026 induction, the event will be a benefit for the Friendly House Foundation and Backline organizations.

Fire. Aim. Ready., the latest album from Chicago’s long-time, hard-hitting band The Effigies, comes out tomorrow on local label Pravda Records. It’s available to order on Bandcamp.

Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side will offer a potent trio of local bands this Saturday. Go Time! will kick things off at 8:30 with their hard-edged power pop, followed by The Spindles and their 1960s-inspired approach to power pop at 9:30. The 321’s, a hard-edged trio that’s been getting positive audience responses since arriving on the Chicago music scene not too long ago, will perform at 10:30

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for Nick Heyward’s 2027 acoustic shows in Atlanta; Nashville; St Louis; Chicago; Pittsburgh; Washington, DC; Philadelphia; Boston; and New York. All of the dates except Washington, DC (at Union Stage) will be at City Winery locations. Heyward is best known as the vocalist-guitarist for Haircut 100 of “Favourite Shirts” and “Love Plus One” fame. His City Winery Chicago show takes place on March 8.

Halloweensteen, a week-early holiday event featuring Michael McDermott and The Duke Street Kings, will take place this Saturday at Park West in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The evening kicks off at 7:30 pm and will feature covers of songs by Bruce Springsteen, along with a few by Tom Petty. In related news, Michael McDermott is the cover story on this month’s issue of the Illinois Entertainer. 

Tickets are now on sale for the alt rock showcase of hometown bands Ratboys and Friko, along with the Philadelphia-based group Florry, at the Salt Shed in Chicago on December 19.

Police vocalist-bassist Sting, who has found success with the band as well as with his solo career, continues his 3.0 Tour with a concert in Indianapolis, IN tomorrow night. He’ll travel up north from there for gigs in Montreal, QC on October 26, 27, 29, and 30. Looking ahead to 2027, Sting has several Las Vegas Residency shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in March and October.

Decoy Prayer Meeting, a local band that specializes in rockabilly and vintage Country and Western music, will perform tomorrow night at Fuller’s Pub in Chicago. The music starts at 9:00 pm, Fuller’s Pub is located at 3203 W. Irving Park Road

The 62nd Chicago International Film Festival kicked off just over a week ago, and will run through this Sunday at various locations around the city. Tickets can be purchased from the festival website (chicagofilmfestival.com) or at each venue’s box office.