Slumgullion

Please see yesterday’s Weekend Reminders post for events taking place this weekend. 

The Who have released a very fun Acoustic Stripped Mix of their 1975 hit single “Squeeze Box” as a preview of the 50th Anniversary edition of their The Who By Numbers album. Fans can check out the song via an animated video inspired by John Entwistle’s art for the original album cover. The 50th Anniversary Who By Numbers is due out October 30, and is available to pre-order on various sites. 

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 on November 1 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 Who’s Tommy - The Musical North American Tour kicks off on October 6 in Cleveland, OH and will wrap up in San Antonio, TX on June 6, 2027. It will be a massive endeavor, including a February 16 – February 28 run in Chicago. I saw this show at The Goodman Theatre a while back, and it’s truly an Amazing Journey.

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti’s annual John Lennon birthday tribute will take place next Friday, October  9 at Martyrs’ on Chicago’s north side. As with Ellis Clark and Ary Paloma’s My Sweet George George Harrison birthday bash at that same venue each February, Angotti’s Lennon tribute involves local musicians doing a terrific job of covering Beatles band and solo material. This year, Angotti’s special guests will be Plastic Orwell Band (members of Chicago’s indie rockers The Handcuffs); Sports Boyfriend; Steve Dawson; and famous Beatles pal Billy J.Kramer. The fun starts at 7:30.

The 2027 Joey’s Song Fighting Epilepsy With Music charity event taking place on January 8 and 9 will feature an impressive lineup of indie and alt rock performers. Vicki and Debbi Peterson from The Bangles; John Cowsill from The Cowsills (and Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill); Jody Stephens from Big Star; Jane Wiedlin and Gina Schock from The Go-Go’s; Tracy Bonham; Freedy Johnston; Curt Smith from Tears For Fears; Kay Hanley from Letters To Cleo; Jon Auer from The Posies and Big Star; Severo Jornacion from The Smithereens; Bruce Vig and Duke Erikson from Spooner and Garbage; Chris Collingwood from Fountains Of Wayne; Gail Greenwood from Belly and L7; and Hugo Burnham from Gang of Four are among the musicians who’ll perform at The Sylvee venue in Madison, WI. Check out the full list on the official website.

An Evening With Steve Dawson, an event celebrating the Chicago-based singer-songwriter’s 35 years of performing, will take place on October 11 at Evanston SPACE in Evanston, IL. He’ll be joined by special guests Jason Adasiewicz; Jason Roebke; Diane Christiansen; and Alton Smith.

Power pop masters The Smithereens are coming to the Park West venue in Chicago on November 21. John Cowsill (The Cowsills, Beach Boys, John Cowsill and Vicki Peterson) will be their guest lead singer, and he’s been doing a terrific job in that role for a while now. (Cowsill, Marshall Crenshaw, and Wesley Stace are taking turns in that role on the current tour.) 

The 49th Anniversary Edition of Elvis Costello’s My Aim Is True five-CD box set, with 104 tracks—half of them being previously unreleased—is now available. Costello’s groundbreaking debut featured songs such as “Watching The Detectives,” “Miracle Man,” “Alison,” “Less Than Zero,” and “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.”

The October issue of the Illinois Entertainer features Penelope Biver’s cover story on Michael McDermott, as well as reviews of new albums by Weezer; Clifton Chenier; and Robyn Hitchcock.

The Chicago area store Rattleback Records has its own indie rock publication—RPM—and Issue #3 features articles and interviews; a glow-in-the-dark button; and a CD compilation of the local band A.M Slingers. It’s  available at the Rattleback Records store, located at 5405 N. Clark Street.

Issue number 24 of the Pittsburgh, PA indie rock music publication Second Scenes should be out soon and will feature Colin Moulding from XTC; Jah Wobble from PiL; Strawberry Alarm Clock; Ben Vaughn; Styx; and other acts.

Johnny Marr’s latest album, The Age Of Everything, and Meshell Ndegeocello’s latest album, Synonym, came out today.

R.E.M. is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their Reveal album with a Deluxe Edition 2-CD/Blue-Ray set that includes The Black Sessions Revealed, a 17-song live concert that was recorded for Radio France. The set will be released on November 20, and comes with a hardbound book with photographs, previously unreleased liner notes, and comments from the R.E.M. band members. A stand-alone version of The Black Sessions Revealed will also available.

 

Tickets went on sale today for Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s 2027 North American 40th Anniversary Of R.E.M.’s Document Album Tour. As with their previous Murmur, Fables Of The Reconstruction; and Lifes Rich Pageant tours, they’ll be joined by musicians Dag Juhlin; John Stirratt; Vijay Tellis-Nayak; and Jon Wurster. The massive 40th Anniversary Of R.E.M.’s Document Album Tour will include shows in Athens on May 8 and May 10, as well as in Chicago on March 13 at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

In related news, the Kung Fu Necktie venue in Philadelphia, PA has a double bill coming up on October 10 featuring the Lower Wolves band performing early R.E.M. songs (1982 – 1987) and the Bright Paper Werewolves band performing Guided By Voice songs. You read it here first.

Old 97s lead vocalist and frequent solo artist Rhett Miller will perform at City Winery Chicago with Reilly Downes and the Acid Cowboys on October 8. Miller released the new single “Wasted Time” last month.

“Silencio,” U2’s recently released single, sets provocative lyrics to a fast-paced, irresistible arrangement. Bono delivers the message with vocals that are every bit as powerful as when the band formed 50 years ago. The track will be included on their Carnaval De Luz album, which is due out November 13.

The Smashing Pumpkins will bring their Rats In A Cage Tour to the United Center in Chicago on October 14. Billed as Two Unique Sets Celebrating Mellon Collie At 30 And Nearly Four Decades Of Unruly Hits And Dark Treasures, the tour will also include Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; Hamilton, ON; Montreal, QC; Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; and Denver, CO.

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.

Happy birthday to Police vocalist-bassist Sting, who has found success with the band as well as with his solo career. His 3.0 Tour comes to the Hard Rock Live in Rockford, IL on October 16.

Henry Diltz will bring the Behind The Lens slideshow, which features his favorite photographs of famous musicians, to seven venues on the West Coast throughout the month of November. Diltz will also share “stories and memories” of his work experiences over the years. There will be a special Once Upon a Troubadour event at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles on December 9.

Theater Of The Mind, the imaginative adventure crafted by David Byrne from Talking Heads and writer Mala Gaonkar, has been extended through October 25 at the Reid Murdoch Building at 333 N. LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. Theater Of The Mind is a Goodman Theatre production. 

Steve Barton from the band Translator will release his latest solo effort, See-Saw Hullabaloo, on October 23. Two days later, he’ll showcase the album at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon.

Weekend R.E.M.inders

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.

R.E.M. is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their Reveal album with a Deluxe Edition 2-CD/Blue-Ray set that includes The Black Sessions Revealed, a 17-song live concert that was recorded for Radio France. The set will be released on November 20, and comes with a hardbound book with photographs, previously unreleased liner notes, and comments from the R.E.M. band members. A stand-alone version of The Black Sessions Revealed will also available.

If reading the above puts you in the mood for R.E.M. music tonight, albeit from an earlier era, several local musicians will take part in the REM: The IRS Years - It Crawled From the South event taking place at 7:30 at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side. They’ll cover songs from the Chronic Town; Murmur; Reckoning; Fables Of The Reconstruction; Lifes Rich Pageant; Dead Letter Office; and Document albums. The list of participants includes Phil Yates, Gustaf Chial, Eric Chial, J. Niimi, and Erica Loftus.

In other R.E.M. tribute news, tickets go on sale tomorrow for Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s 2027 North American 40th Anniversary Of R.E.M.’s Document Album Tour. As noted in writer Doug George’s article in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune, Shannon and Narducy [backed by Dag Juhlin; John Stirratt; Vijay Tellis-Nayak; and Jon Wurster] have previously paid tribute to Murmur, Fables Of The Reconstruction; and Lifes Rich Pageant. Members of the actual R.E.M. band joined them on stage in Athens, Georgia in previous years. The massive 40th Anniversary Of R.E.M.’s Document Album Tour will include shows in Athens on May 8 and May 10, as well as in Chicago on March 13 at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

Yesterday’s Chicago Tribune also carried an article about U2 performing a 50th anniversary concert at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, Ireland. The band’s new album Carnaval De Luz is due out on November 13. 

The Buzzcocks, one of England’s first and best punk bands, is celebrating 50 years of crafting high-energy and irresistible music with a North American tour this fall. They’ll be at Park West in Chicago this Saturday. Other upcoming stops include St. Louis, MO; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and Atlanta, GA.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy will celebrate his 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden tonight. The massive guest list will include Eric Clapton; John Mayer; Shemekia Copeland; and Robert Randolph. His ongoing Celebrate The Legend Tour includes shows in Minneapolis; Green Bay; and Memphis.

Animal Records in Evanston, IL kicked off a celebration of its recent move to the new and larger space at 620 Grove Street yesterday and it will run through Sunday. There will be live entertainment, DJs, and on Saturday at noon, an in-store event with WXRT DJ Andy Chanley. See the Animal Records official Facebook page for the full schedule.

The 49th Anniversary Edition of Elvis Costello’s My Aim Is True five-CD box set, with 104 tracks—half of them being previously unreleased—is coming out tomorrow. Costello’s groundbreaking debut featured songs such as “Watching The Detectives,” “Miracle Man,” “Alison,” “Less Than Zero,” and “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.”

Mystery author Maureen Johnson is currently on a book tour for her new novel The Velvet Knife. It’s the latest adventure featuring young sleuth Stevie Bell, and if it’s like her Truly Devious series, it will be suspenseful, romantic, and fun. She’ll be at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, IL this Saturday. On a personal note, Johnson’s writing provided inspiration when I was writing my own YA suspense/romance novel. I’ve finished that one, and have moved on to a sequel. Now all I need is an agent to help me get them published.

Incoming

Simple Minds recently returned to the recording studio, and have a brand new album titled Sacrosanct coming out on January 29, 2027. As noted on the English band’s Facebook page, the first single, “Beginner Boys,” has been named Record Of The Week by BBC Radio 2. Simple Minds will perform at the Darker Waves venue in Huntington Beach, CA on November 14; and have a massive tour that will kick off in Perth, Australia on February 13.

Several musicians will perform as part of the REM: The IRS Years - It Crawled From the South event taking place at 7:30 this Thursday night at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side. They’ll cover songs from the Chronic Town; Murmur; Reckoning; Fables Of The Reconstruction; Lifes Rich Pageant; Dead Letter Office; and Document albums. The list of participants hasn’t been finalized yet, but so far it includes Phil Yates, Gustaf Chial, Eric Chial, J. Niimi, and Erica Loftus.

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 this Saturday. Other stops include New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Denver. Minds Eye will be their special guest for these shows; tickets are now available.

Mystery author Maureen Johnson kicked off a book tour today for her new novel The Velvet Knife. It’s the latest adventure featuring young sleuth Stevie Bell, and if it’s like her Truly Devious series, it will be suspenseful, romantic, and fun. She’ll be at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, IL on October 3. Other stops on her tour include New York, NY; Tempe, AZ; Winter Park, FL; Hudson, OH; Carle Place, NY; and St, Louis, MO. On a personal note, Johnson’s writing provided inspiration when I was writing my own YA suspense/romance novel. I’ve finished that one, and have moved on to a sequel. Now all I need is an agent to help me get them published.

Local indie rock band Vinto Van Go will celebrate the release of their new record Charms And Trips tomorrow night at Reggie’s Chicago, which is a bit south of the downtown area. Jem Records recording artists The Cynz from New York are also on the bill that night.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy will celebrate his 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden this Thursday. The massive guest list will include Eric Clapton; John Mayer; Shemekia Copeland; and Robert Randolph. His ongoing Celebrate The Legend Tour includes shows in Minneapolis; Green After taking a breather in 2026, Fest For Beatles Fans will return when the NY Metro Fest is held April 9 – 11 at World of Blue, a new hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. 

Animal Records in Evanston, IL will celebrate its move to the new and larger location at 620 Grove Street this Wednesday through Sunday. There will be live music; adoptable dogs; entertainment lectures, DJs, and WXRT DJ Andy Chanley. See the Animal Records official Facebook page for the full schedule.

Festeggiare

Please see yesterday’s Weekend Reminders post for events taking place this weekend. 

Gee, but it’s great to be back home, as Simon And Garfunkel sang on “Keep The Customer Satisfied.” My wife Pam and I recently returned from a two-week trek through Italy with a professional travel company. We had a lot of fun, but now it’s time to get back to covering the global entertainment scene.

The Who’s Tommy - The Musical North American Tour kicks off on October 6 in Cleveland, OH and will wrap up in San Antonio, TX on June 6, 2027. It will be a massive endeavor, including a February 16 – February 28 run in Chicago. I saw this show at The Goodman Theatre a while back, and it’s truly an Amazing Journey.

An Evening With Steve Dawson, an event celebrating the Chicago-based singer-songwriter’s 35 years of performing, will take place on October 11 at Evanston SPACE in Evanston, IL. He’ll be joined by special guests Jason Adasiewicz; Jason Roebke; Diane Christiansen; and Alton Smith.

The Smithereens are coming to the Park West venue in Chicago on November 21. John Cowsill (The Cowsills, Beach Boys, John Cowsill and Vicki Peterson) will be their guest vocalist, and he’s been doing a terrific job in that role for a while now.

“Silencio,” U2’s recently released single, sets provocative lyrics to a fast-paced, irresistible arrangement. Bono delivers the message with vocals that are every bit as powerful as when the band formed 50 years ago. The track will be included on their Carnaval De Luz album, which is due out November 13.

Read ‘Em And Keep. Any time I go on vacation, I keep an eye out for rock and roll publications in that area. While visiting Italy, I picked up an issue of Buscadero with The Rolling Stones on the cover. There were also articles on The Smithereens; Lenny Kaye; Laurie Anderson; and Bruce Springsteen. Since it’s all in Italian I can’t read it, but I can admire the photos and classy layout.

More Read ‘Em And Keep. Rattleback Records, a cool store on Chicago’s far north side, as well as its own indie label (Naked Brunch band), is also in the publishing biz. Issue #3 of its RPM magazine features articles and interviews; a glow-in-the-dark button; a sticker; and a CD compilation of the local band A.M Slingers. RPM is available at Rattleback Records, which is located at 5405 N.Clark Street.

Even More Read ‘Em And Keep. The next issue of Second Scene, the Pittsburgh, PA indie rock music publication led by editor-in-chief Tim Thomas, will include interviews with Colin Moulding from XTC and Jah Wobble from PiL. It will likely come out in the next few months.

Singer-guitarist Casey McDonough of NRBQ, The Flat Five, Western Elstons, and other acts, has a solo gig tomorrow night at Cary’s Lounge on Chicago’s north side.

 

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.

As noted on ace music/nature photographer Robert Loerzel’s Facebook page, the Chris and Heather’s 16mm Big Screen Blowout #3 will take place tomorrow night at the Music Box Theater on Chicago’s north side. The event is being presented by the Chicago Film Society.

The 49th Anniversary Edition of Elvis Costello’s My Aim Is True five-CD box set will have 104 tracks, and half of them will be previously unreleased material. Costello’s groundbreaking debut featured songs such as “Watching The Detectives,” “Miracle Man,” “Alison,” “Less Than Zero,” and “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.” The anniversary issue is priced at $109.98, and will be released on October 2nd.

Souvenirs - 80 Years Of John Prine, a four-day event, will kick off October 8 at the Chicago Theatre. Members of Prine’s band will perform, along with Steve Earle; Ratboys; Jon Langford; Kathleen Edwards; Alynda Segarra; Amos Lee; Shemekia Copeland; Josh Ritter; Margo Price; and The Cactus Blossoms. Actor John C. Reilly will serve as host. All proceeds from Souvenirs will benefit the Prine-inspired Hello In There Foundation.

Police vocalist-bassist Sting’s 3.0 Tour comes to the Hard Rock Live in Rockford, IL on October 16.

Henry Diltz will bring the Behind The Lens slideshow, which features his favorite photographs of famous musicians, to seven venues on the West Coast throughout the month of November. Diltz will also share “stories and memories” of his work experiences over the years. There will be a special Once Upon a Troubadour event at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles on December 9.

Chicago-based blues legend Buddy Guy will celebrate his 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden on October 1. The massive guest list will include Eric Clapton; John Mayer; Shemekia Copeland; and Robert Randolph. His ongoing Celebrate The Legend Tour includes shows in Minneapolis; Green Bay; and Memphis.

After taking a breather in 2026, Fest For Beatles Fans will return when the NY Metro Fest is held April 9 – 11 at World of Blue, a new hotel in East Rutherford, NJ. 

The Third Eye, a book of personal photographs George Harrison took of his fellow Beatles in the years 1963 –1969, will go on sale October 6. It features over 200 photographs compiled and curated by Olivia Harrison, along with her essays, and comments from George.

Theater Of The Mind, the imaginative adventure crafted by David Byrne from Talking Heads and writer Mala Gaonkar, has been extended through October 25 at the Reid Murdoch Building at 333 N. LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. Theater Of The Mind is a Goodman Theatre production. 

Susana Hoffs of The Bangles fame recently released her latest solo effort, The List. It includes the previously released singles“Bad Case of Loneliness” and “Casablanca.”

Vicki Peterson (another Bangles founding member) and John Cowsill of The Cowsills (and later The Beach Boys) have been touring in support of their Long After The Fire album, and recently announced three October dates: on the 10th in Port Arkansas, TX; the 11th in Austin, TX; and the 14th at Avenel, NJ.

The Smashing Pumpkins will bring their Rats In A Cage Tour to the United Center in Chicago on October 14. Billed as Two Unique Sets Celebrating Mellon Collie At 30 And Nearly Four Decades Of Unruly Hits And Dark Treasures, the tour will also include Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; Hamilton, ON; Montreal, QC; Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; and Denver, CO.

Local comedy group Famous In The Future will present YippieFest 2026 on the October 9 – 11 weekend at The Cornservatory venue on Chicago’s north side. As in previous years, the counter culture event will offer puppets, dance, performance art, and a few acoustic music sets.

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. Minds Eye will be their special guest for these shows; tickets are now available.

   

Steve Barton from the band Translator will release his latest solo effort,  See-Saw Hullabaloo, on October 23. Two days later, he’ll showcase the album at the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, Oregon.

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; record release info; or concert tickets going on sale.

“Silencio,” U2’s recently released single, sets provocative lyrics to a fast-paced, irresistible arrangement. Bono delivers the message with vocals that are every bit as powerful as when the band formed 50 years ago. The track will be included on their Carnaval De Luz album, which is due out November 13.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for The Smithereens at Park West in Chicago on November 21. John Cowsill (The Cowsills; Beach Boys; John Cowsill and Vicki Peterson) will be their guest vocalist, and he’s been doing a terrific job in that role for a while now.

Jeff Tweedy will perform the second of three outdoor solo acoustic shows tonight, with special guest Official Claire, at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL. Henry True will be his guest tomorrow night.

The Psychedelic Soul: A Journey Through Rhythm And Time exhibit at the Motown Museum in Detroit, MI, will wrap up its run this Sunday. The website states the exhibit’s focus is on the years 1967 through 1975, “when the label expanded beyond its signature love songs to embrace experimentation and socially conscious storytelling.”

 Chicago-based singer-guitarist Phil Angotti has performed tribute shows honoring several acts, and tomorrow night, he’ll be followed by a moon shadow. He and the Legendary Long Players will cover songs by Cat Stevens at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Chicago radio station WXRT’s Live From The XRT Concert Archives series continues tomorrow night at 9:00 pm with a July 15, 1995 concert performance by The Jayhawks at The Vic Theatre. Live From The XRT Concert Archives can be heard on 93.1FM; 93XRT.com; and the Audacy app. On a related note, here’s a belated Happy Birthday wish to the station’s long-time, and current morning DJ, Marty Lennartz.

Paige Kizer’s new album Unconditional comes out tomorrow, and Chicago singer-songwriter will likely showcase the single “Your Voice” and other songs from it at her all-ages matinee show this Sunday at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago. As noted on her Facebook page, Kizer was recently interviewed on WGN radio.

New albums being released tomorrow include Happiness Anytime by Leon Bridges; Danceteria by Soft Cell; and Everyone Gets Everything They Want by Tom Morello. Last week saw the release of new albums by Echo And The Bunnymen, Neil Young; and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Vocalist-guitarist Jeff Janulis from power pop band The Spindles will help out tomorrow night when singer-guitarist Tommy Joe Musical Show performs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Rookies in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Incoming

Montrose Saloon has done a splendid job hosting the annual International Pop Overthrow - Chicago for a few years now, so it’s no surprise the north-side Chicago venue has come up with its own multi-act festival. The End Of Summer Music Fest will present 15 bands over the course of this Friday and Saturday nights. The participating acts include Kent Rose; Esmerelda’s Boys; Who’s This Mary?; The Bon Mots; Go Time!; The Thin Cherries; and The Spindles.

Best wishes to Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, one of rock and roll’s most inventive and impressive lead vocalists. Have a blast celebrating, Chrissie, and keep all that good music coming.

Eric Clapton’s current tour will bring him to the United Center in Chicago this Friday night. He recently released a remastered expanded edition of the classic Riding With The King - B.B. King And Eric Clapton album that coincides with what would be King’s 100th birthday.

The Evanston Folk Festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday on the lakefront at Dawes Park in Evanston, IL. The performers include Trampled By Turtles; Indigo Girls; Josh Ritter; James McMurtry; Kathleen Edwards; Lucy Wainwright; and a Roses For The Roches tribute featuring Nora O’Connor, Sima Cunningham, and Kelly Hogan. There will be a Fest Kickoff with Punch Brothers on Friday at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston.

Mickey Dolenz is celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with the release of his six-song EP titled Timeless. It includes songs written by Andy Partridge; Shelby Lynne; Vicki Peterson; and Adam Schlesinger.

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 perform from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the lounge at the Chicago Prime Italian steakhouse in Schaumburg, IL this Saturday.

The Roger Daltry - A Great Night Out! North American Tour is now under way and will run through September 29 in Medford, MA.  Fans in the Midwest can choose to see The Who’s dynamic frontman in New Lenox, IL on September 12 or Milwaukee, WI on September 15.

Tony Richards, whose solo jazz guitar performances have gained a loyal following on the Chicago scene, has a gig this Thursday at the Basil Leaf Cafe from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The venue is located at 2465 N. Clark Street.

Pravda Records, Chicago’s longest running independent label, will hold its annual PravdaFest on this Saturday at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL. The impressive lineup features acts who are well known on the local club scene, such as Brian Krumm And His Barfly Friends; Jon Langford; Chris Greene Quartet; The Claudettes; Steve Dawson And The Lucid Dreams; Josh Caterer Trio; Nicholas Tremulis And The Prodigals; The Split Squad; The Imperial Sound; Nathan Graham; The Handcuffs; Nora O’Connor; and Effigies. The event opens at noon with the two hour Wax On! DJs starting with DJ Scott Tomlin. 

Chicago-based prog rock band McLuhan and folk rock trio Esmerelda’s Boys will join forces at Phylliss’ Musical Inn to honor all those we lost in the 9/11attacks. The anniversary event will take place at 8:00 pm on September 11, and include a special guest joining in a rendition of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”

Singer-bassist Herb Eimerman will perform original songs during a solo acoustic set at 3:00 pm at the On The Rocks venue at the Waukegan Harbor in Waukegan, IL this Sunday. The band Hindsight will also perform that afternoon. One of songs Eimerman performs will likely be “Designed By You,” a new single he recorded with his grandson guitarist Gavin Eimerman. It’s now available as a free download on the Egomaniac Music Bandcamp page. By the way, this is Gavin Eimerman’sbirthday. Best wishes for a fun celebration, Gavin.

Billy Idol must have enjoyed his 2025 It’s A Nice Day To . . . Tour Again! gigs because he’s scheduled a bunch of new ones for this fall. The tour kicks off this Thursday in Maryland Heights, MO, followed by a gig on Friday in Grand Rapids, MI. Idol will also stop in Cuyahoga Falls; OH; Kansas City, MO; Dallas, TX; and Tulsa, OK.

The Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights, IL is holding its annual Songwriting Contest this month, with three preliminary rounds, followed by the final round on September 29. The first preliminary round takes place on September 8, with contestants Neal Alger; Josette Kacey; AJ Rosales; Mark Legac; Michael Marsden; Andrew Huber; Despina; Patrick Spiroff; Patrick Frisbie; Joe Dilillo; Karlye Lapetina; and Zahar. The theme for this year’s contest is AI, and how the contestants should not use it for their compositions.