Steal This Schedule

Poster created by Pat Über-Critic McDonald for Famous In The Future.

The 2012 Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins XXIV festival moves into its second day tomorrow, at the Mary-Arrchie Theatre. The Air and Water Show is also going on this weekend, making it possible to mix cutting edge performances with the roar of jets zipping by directly overhead. The Mary Arrchie Theatre is at the corner of Sheridan Road and Broadway. There are restaurants nearby, and a liquor store just below the theatre.

  

Here’s the schedule for Saturday, August 18:

9:00 AM The Opening and Reading Habits of the Drowned Novelist by Bilal Dardai - Paperback Theatre Project

10:00 AM Tai Chi Master Daniel Guidara Guidara is a patient and knowledgeable instructor. An interesting and relaxing way to kick off Day 2 of The Abbie Fest.

11:00 AM Handwriting by Tim Venable - Nighthawks At The Diner

11:40 AM Broad Shoulders

12:30 AM A Family Affair

1:20 PM Honor by Allison Bodnar Jaros - The Disrespectful Ensemble

2:15 PM Violent Dissonance by Gregory Peters - Ludamus

2:30 PM Three Scary Tales by David Storms Denman - Clock Productions

3:00 PM Flesh Of God by John Lisbon Wood - Artistic Partners

4:00 PM Dear Abbie or Don’t Steal This Script directed by Barbara Beach and Conceived  by Michael Wexler - Michael Wexler

4:30 PM L’il Howlin’ Wolf  Another short burst of ribald blues songs from the veteran performer.

5:00 PM War Rocks! by Brooke Johnson and Dana Marvette - Dandelion Arts

5:25 PM Otherwise Harmless by R.J. Tsarov - Citizens’ Relief Veterans of the Abbie Fest, this duo always exudes wit and imagination, whether it’s an original production or an adaptation. They can be a bit disturbing at times, but have a funny, deadpan approach.

6:25 PM  Joshua Hanson

6:40 PM Series Finale by Abraham Werewolf - Abraham Werewolf

6:55 PM The Dogster Raves On! By James Moeller and Carla Hayden - Black Forest Hayden and Moeller are longtime participants in The Abbie Fest and their avant garde, amiable productions are thought-provoking and fun. Live music often plays a role, as Hayden and Moeller are also members of the WhiteWolfSonicPrincess alt rock band.

7:35 PM Impending Desperation - Famous in the Future My former comedy group is back for its 24th year at The Abbie Fest, although at this point Frank Carr is the only original member left. Other cast members, Desiree Burcum, Michael Hora, and Tina Teske are also Abbie veterans. Journalist-performer Pat Über-Critic McDonald, who has worked with Black Forest and performs with James Moeller in The Telepaths, will be joining the cast this year. Carr and Burcum wrote this year’s batch of original skits and songs. 

8:30 PM  Lola Bolatro - Lola Bolatro Three bad-ass looking musicians set funny lyrics to acoustic guitar arrangements. At least that’s what they were doing in 2009 when I reviewed their self-titled CD for the Illinois Entertainer. Back then I wrote, “Occasionally the humor aims too low, but for the most part, Lola Balatro serves up a good time."

9:30 PM A Family United by Sam Quinn - The Smell Of Fame

10:30 PM The Best of Democracy Burlesque - Democracy Burlesque Politically-charged skits and song parodies from a group that has been playing at Abbie Fests since forming in 2006.

11:00 PM Culture Shock by Hannah Ii - Epstein-Nothing Without a Company

11:45 PM The Mystery of Pink Floyd by Mike Beyer - Factory Theater Emeritus

12:25 AM The Inconvenience Presents - The Inconvenience

12:55 AM AMERICAN STAG SESSIONS_HISTORY OF WORLD DRAMA PART 1,001: Secret Agent Space Reptile Genocide; Inmongst The Hight Cathanctum Of The Monstabulary Of The Coremost Of The Underground Hive-Warren Of The Dutifaithful Of The Churchligion Of The Omnigulent Zarog; and Pathetic! No More: A Closer Look At The Work of O. Glennard Shiffley by The Plagiarists - The Plagiarists Always a popular group at the Abbie Fest, The Plagiarists couch outrageous comedy and rapid fire word play within a sophisticated setting similar to a PBS special. The results are hilarious and definitely worth staying late to see.

1:40 AM Anonymously Yours by the Anonymous users of the internet edited by Jennifer Olson-Jennifer Olson

2:40 AM Unnamed by Will, Fred, and Evan - Will, Fred, and Evan

3:00 AM. The Dress by Daniel Vuillaume - Nothing Special Productions

3:20 AM Bitch With Rich - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. Rich Cotovsky’s Skid Marks character engages the audience (and there usually is one even at this hour) in discussions of current topics. On the times I’ve seen this in the past, the show involved TV monitors, other effects, and Marks playing guitar.

4:20 AM All The Smart Choices by Jeff Newman - Rum And Coke

5:05 AM.

6:00 AM Dead People’s Things by Nick Patrie - Trained Monkey Productions

Friday, I've Got Abbie On My Mind

Photo From The Mary-Arrchie Theatre Facebook page.

Word Of Explanation: My wife Pam and I were vacationing on the French Riviera, which is why there haven't been any posts on Broken Hearted Toy for the past three days. Actually, we were at the Wisconsin Dells. But it was fun.

And now on to today’s post:

The Mary-Arrchie Theatre, located on Chicago’s north side, once again honors the spirit of Woodstock with its annual Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins, a wild weekend of drama, performance art, live music, and comedy. The fun kicks off tomorrow, August 17th at 2:00 PM with a rally at Daley Plaza and runs through Sunday night. Mary-Arrchie Artistic Director Rich Cotovsky, in the guise of the late radical Abbie Hoffman, will lead a march from downtown to the theatre, located near the intersection of Broadway and Sheridan Road. 

Long known for its in-your-face productions, Mary-Arrchie launched the first Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins Festival back in 1989, and has hosted the freewheeling event every year since. Several local  groups and solo artists will be involved. Performances begin at 7:00 PM.  Here’s a rundown of Friday’s activities.

2:00 PM Gathering at Daley Plaza Cotovsky has always insisted the rally and march are essential elements of the festival’s counter-culture vibe. Free spirits who enjoy a long walk are welcome to throw on some vintage hippie threads and join in the fun.

3:00 PM March from Daley Plaza to Angel Island

7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies Cotovsky has been impersonating the late Yippie founder for close to 25 years and always gets the festival off to a rousing start. Half the fun is watching the audience react to his rants and comic observations on the current political landscape.

7:15 PM Violent Dissonance by Gregory Peters - Ludamus

7:30  PM 12 Jackets by Matt Rieger - Curious Theatre Branch

8: 00 PM Diary of a Madman by Nikolai Gogol - Rush Pearson One of the must-see productions at this festival. Pearson can be both heartbreaking and hilarious as he chronicles the dementia of a 19th Century Russian civil servant, in Gogol’s critically acclaimed one-man play.

9:00 PM 80 Liters by John Irish - John Irish

9:30 PM The Naked Lady by Jessica Wright Buha  - Tempting Fates

9:40 PM L’il Howlin’ Wolf Veteran blues singer takes a down and dirty approach to performing. Not for kids or the easily offended.

9:50 PM Spa Fire book and score by Underscore Theatre Co. - The EX-Pats Theatre Company

10:20 PM Gas Mask 101 by Arlene Cook-Mary - Arrchie Theatre Co. Cook’s poignant comedic look at SUI students back in the Viet Nam era.

11:10 PM Shed by Gaby Labotka  - The Living Canvas

11:20 PM Red Over Red - En Solo

12:20 AM  Triple Tap To The Head: 3 Easy Pieces - The Factory Theater

1:00 AM If You Like It Then You Should’a Put Some Gin In It by Tori Allen - The RIFF Collective

2:00 AM The Business Presents: A Sketch Review - The Business

2:40 AM Cpt. Captain - Music

3:30 AM A Scene From Box of Wind by Eric Shoemaker - The Ta Pyra Ensemble

3:55 AM Wild Dogs by Matt Borczon - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. This comedy/drama is a showcase for Cotovsky, who portrays a deranged loner who meets an uptight businessman. The pair become uneasy allies after a bout of heavy drinking and fighting.

4:25 AM CRAIG AND CARLO DRINK MANHATTANS

4:40 AM  Dreaming by Jessica Wright Buha

5:10 AM. Spa Fire book and score by Underscore Theatre Co. - The EX-Pats Theatre Company

7:00 AM

8:00 AM Militia Slumber Party or Embracing the New World Order by Crystal Jackson

 All Fired Up by John Bohane and Once Upon an “F”ing Island by Jay C. Rehak-Revolution Theater Co.

Slumgullion

Sarah Jane Smith and Rose Tyler are among the many women who have traveled with The Doctor. 

Photo from the Doctor Who Facebook page. 

Just got home after having some fun at the Wizard World Comic Con. The convention, which features celebrity guests, billions of comic books, and other sci-fi/fantasy related merchandise, continues through Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago kicked off today and will run through Sunday at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. Guitarist Laurence Juber, a one-time member of Wings, was recently added to the guest list. Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago is going on right next door to Wizard World Comic Con, in case you want to check out both events in one day.

The Women Of Doctor Who, a special program honoring the female companions who have accompanied The Doctor throughout the British sci-fi series, will air on BBC America this Saturday at 8:00 Central time.

Cubs fans can spend a fun afternoon supporting their team this Sunday, August 12th, and help a worthy cause. Cal’s Angels, a charitable organization that helps kids fight cancer, is sponsoring an event at Ivy Rooftop (1010 W. Waveland Avenue) while the Cubs play the Cincinnati Reds in Wrigley Field. The $100 ticket price includes food, an open bar and chances to win a jersey autographed by Ernie Banks or four tickets to an upcoming Cubs game.

Cal’s Angels is a favorite charity of Miles Austrevich, the amazing 19year-old of Jokes4Miles fame. His father Len has been trying to collect 5,000 videotaped jokes to help cheer up Miles while he’s undergoing his latest round of treatment. For updates on Miles’s inspiring story, check out the Jokes4Miles page on Facebook.

The three remaining members of The Monkees have announced they’ll be embarking on a limited engagement tour, including a date at the Chicago Theatre on November 16th.

Now that Dot Dot Dot  has conquered the Chicago street festival scene, they’ll be returning to their humble origins for a free show in Palatine at Durty Nellie’s on August 25th.

Power pop trio The Pop Dollys will be performing at Red Line Tap tomorrow night. The Pounders, Mike Benign, and Gecko Club are also on the bill. I recently reviewed Martha, the highly impressive new release from The Mike Benign Compulsion CD, for the Illinois Entertainer. Hopefully it will run in the September issue.

The Melismatics are looking to fund their next release through the Kickstarter site. People who donate $25 or more will receive an autographed advance copy of the CD and a t-shirt available only through the Kickstarter campaign. There are more exclusive perks for those who donate a higher amount.

The Wrong Boys, a band comprised of veterans of Chicago rock scene have a gig tomorrow night at Mister Mo’s Sports Bar in Palos Heights.

Northhalsted Market Days  runs this weekend, with headliners Olivia Newton-John, Sheena Easton, and The Pointer Sisters, Several local bands will be performing as well, including The Wanton Looks, The Handcuffs, Dot Dot Dot, and Lez Zeppelin at the Belmont Stage on Saturday.

CD Review: The JAC - Faux Pas

Joe Algeri isn’t overstating his case when he thanks fans all over the world on his new CD. As the vocalist-drummer for The Britannicas, Australian-based Algeri records power pop music with vocalist-bassist Herb Eimerman in America and vocalist-guitarist Magnus Karlsson in Sweden. He’s never met either of them; it’s done through modern technology. Likewise, Algeri conjures up a full group sound on his solo effort, Faux Pas, under the moniker of The JAC.

He pokes fun at this one-man-band approach with “I Play All The Instruments,” passing off his versatility as a manifestation of boredom and an inflated ego. Algeri has a penchant for eccentric humor, particularly on “I Just Want To Be Weird” and “Romano The Dog.” The Paul McCartney like silliness of “I’m A Glass Of Orange Juice” might be spiked with satire, but it’s not readily detected. 

Algeri is at his best on the more straight forward power pop of “I Refuse” and the raw, garage rock of “Persistent Man.” “Julie Got Angry” offers the rapid-fire fun of  The Jim Carroll Band’s “People Who Died” while the sci-fi romp, “Time Machine,” is fueled by farsifa organ. “Future Computers” is another highlight, sporting clever lyrics and some intriguing tempo changes. All in all, Algeri would be justified in giving himself a pat on the back for Faux Pas.

The 10-track bonus disc of cover versions that comes with Faux Pas is well worth checking out. Algeri goes the solo route on some of the songs, but enlists help on most of them. “Jackson” is noteworthy not only for the way it mixes spacey keyboards with a rock-a-billy beat, but also because Algeri and guest vocalist Maria Sokratis flip flop the roles from the way Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood originally performed them. The Britannicas come together nicely on Italian pop star Lucio Battisti’s “Balla Linda,” and even sing it in the artist’s native tongue.

On “You Showed Me,” originally done by The Byrds but a hit for The Turtles, Algeri and singer-guitarist Grant Ferstat opt for an acoustic arrangement that still maintains the song’s sensual appeal. “Tired Of Waiting,” recorded with Liam Coffey on vocals and bass, is pretty faithful to the original, but the true gem on this bonus disc is a take on The Nerves’ “When You Find Out,” recorded live with a full band in the studio.

Off To See The Wizard World Comic Con

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont tomorrow and will run through Sunday, August 12th. I’m not big on comic books, but there’s something about events like this and C2E2, which was held in Chicago this past April, that I find dazzling. There are tons of vendors selling comic books, t shirts, action figures, and other fantasy/sci-fi related artifacts. Some people dress up in super hero costumes; where else are you going to see Captain Jack Sparrow and Harry Potter walking side by side?

The biggest draw for most people though is a chance to meet celebrities. This year’s guests include William Shatner; comic book icon Stan Lee; Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films; Scott Bakula from Star Trek Enterprise and Quantum Leap; Laura Vandervoort from Smallville and Ted; Lauren Holly from NCIS and All My Children; Amber Benson and Juliet Landau from Buffy The Vampire Slayer; Holly-Marie Combs from Charmed; Avery Brooks from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; Dean Cain from Superman; and Sean Young from Bladerunner. There are lesser-known but still interesting media personalities to be found seated at rows of tables in the convention hall.

Large media corporations, as well as individual artists, come to Comic Con to hawk their wares. Back in 2010, I encountered an attractive model in a revealing school girl uniform who was hyping a graphic novel/potential movie called Bad Kids Go To Hell. There's a sprawling marketplace called Artists Alley where artists compete for attention from the people passing by. This is where I first met Steve Guzelis, who in addition to being a comic book entrepreneur, sells rock and roll posters. He created a very cool, custom-made poster of The Hollies for me, showing the band at its various stages over the years. I used one of  his works, Psychedelic Bands Of The 1960s, in the Manchester Gallery series my wife Pam and I created for the Sunday Morning Coffee With Jeff internet show.

This year’s Wizard World Comic Con is sure to offer another eye-popping round of celebrities, merchandise, and fans in costumes.

CD Review: Juliana Hatfield - Made In China

Photo from Official Juliana Hatfield website.

Note: This review originally appeared in the Illinois Entertainer in 2005.

Recorded in the wake of her CDs with The Blake Babies and Some Girls, Juliana Hatfield’s Made In China is a bare-bones solo effort. She plays all the instruments on four tracks, and works with a trio on the other eight. Still, her music hits hard, as Hatfield and Joe Keefe evoke Neil Young with their careening guitars on “New Waif,” “Rats In The Attic,” and “Digital Penetration.”

Hatfield maintains her patented girlish appeal on the short and goofy “Going Blonde,” and has fun with the warp speed punk arrangement of “My Pet Lion.” Her only misfire comes on “Send Money,” a swipe at evangelists that drags out a single joke for five minutes. Hatfield sings, “You act like you’re the only one with a chemical imbalance” on the offbeat but charming “Stay Awake,” and her vocals are nearly a whisper on the mysterious “A Doe And Two Fawns.” Other highlights include the acoustic ballad, “Hole In The Sky” and the light but politically charged, “On Video.” 

  

Back to the present, Juliana Hatfield’s 2011 CD, There’s Always Another Girl is available for sale on her website.

Better Take It Easy, 'Cause The Fest Is On Fire

Art from Georgina Flood website. 

The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago returns to the Hyatt Regency O’Hara in suburban Rosemont this weekend, August 10-12th for its annual bonanza of Fab Four related celebrity guests, merchandise, live music, and art. This year’s lineup includes singer-guitarist Spencer Davis, best known for recording the hit “Gimme Some Lovin” and for introducing Steve Winwood to the world. The Spencer Davis Group had more hits in England than in the United States, including “Somebody Help Me” and “Keep On Running.” It should be a treat to hear Davis perform some of those songs at The Fest For Beatles Fans, backed by the band Liverpool.

Sax player Tom Scott was a frequent collaborator with folk rock icon Joni Mitchell, and he also played on George Harrison’s Dark Horse, Extra Texture, and 33 and 1/3 albums. Rob Shanahan has spent the past six years as Ringo Starr’s photographer, which has included going along on tour the Ringo’s All Starr Band Tour. He’ll be discussing his new book, Volume 1: Through The Lens Of Music Photographer Rob Shanahan, at the Fest.

Ken Scott served as Recording Engineer on The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour and The White Album, as well as on George Harrison's epic All Things Must Pass. His resume also includes time with Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. All those musical adventures can be found in his new book, Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust. Producer/musician Mark Hudson has worked with Ringo Starr, along with several other highly successful musicians. His humor is occasionally over-the-top, but it’s always fascinating to hear him tapping into his vast knowledge of pop music.

As the secretary of the Official Beatles Fan Club from the earliest days of Beatlemania through 1972, Freda Kelly helped scores of people connect with their favorite band. She also became friends with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, who frequently called her Good Ol Freda. That’s the name of a documentary that's currently being filmed about her. As one of those who helped fund this project on Kickstarter, I’m particularly interested in seeing Freda at her first visit to The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago.

Georgina Flood will also be making her debut appearance at The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago, The  Dublin, Ireland based artist creates amazingly detailed portraits of The Beatles, as well as other celebrities. Judging from her posts on Facebook, she’s very excited to be making the trip, and a lot of people will be interested in seeing her art in person.

Long-time master of ceremonies Terri Hemmert, whose Breakfast With The Beatles show airs on WXRT in Chicago every Sunday morning, comes across as an avid fan as well as a skilled interviewer in her on-stage sessions with guests. British comedian Martin Lewis  is the quick-witted moderator of Musician’s Forum, a fun and informative free-form conversation and jam session. The previously mentioned Liverpool is one of the best Beatles tribute bands I’ve seen. They’re not interested in dressing up in costumes or putting on accents - - they just play letter-perfect renditions of Beatles songs. They usually perform a set on their own, before inviting some of the Fest’s guest musicians to come out and join them.

Organized by Mark and Carol Lapidos, The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago is an unabashed love-in for devoted followers as they wear t-shirts; meet face-to-face with people who have worked closely with John, Paul, George, and Ringo; join sing-alongs under the stairwell; participate in trivia contests; and vote for their favorites in a Beatles sound-alike competition. Tickets are $30 for Friday, $45 for Saturday or Sunday, and $96 for the entire weekend.