Join Together With The Bands

The Mary-Arrchie Theatre is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins Festival by moving it to the larger Den Theater, which has three separate stages. One of the stages will be devoted to bands; the first time Abbie will have an entire schedule of live music. The festival was first organized in 1989 by Artistic Director Rich Cotovsky, as a way to commemorate the freewheeling spirit of the original Woodstock concert. Each year, Cotovsky channels the spirit of Hoffman as the host of the Abbie Fest.

Mary-Arrchie counts on this three-day, virtually non-stop event to help fund its productions for the upcoming season. As a member of the Famous In The Future comedy group, I took part for 20 years, and always found it to be a blast. I left FIF after 2008, but still count on the Abbie Fest as being one of the highlights of summer in Chicago.

Some of the groups that have already signed up include The Abbeys, whitewolfsonicprincess, Nashville The Band, Lola Balatro (they’ve already played The Abbie in the past), The Jacqueline Sylvie Band, Digital Gnosis, and Cpt. Captain. Most of the night-time slots are filled, but there are still openings for the afternoon hours. Musicians interested in taking part can contact the theatre at info@maryarrchie.com

I finally had a chance to catch the Mary-Arrchie’s production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, which sold out its previous run at the theatre’s home space, and has now been re-mounted at Theater Wit, with the original Mary-Arrchie cast. This experimental version is directed by longtime member Hans Fleischmann, who also portrays the character, Tom. Fleischmann, Maggie Cain (as Amanda), Joanne Dubach (as Laura), and Andy Lutz (understudy to Walter Briggs as Jim), were all extremely convincing.

Mary-Arrchie Theatre has been on a winning streak over the past few years, with critical and commercial successes like The Glass Menagerie, and Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts. Rich Cotovsky was a Special Award Recipient at this year’s Jeff Awards ceremony for his years of serving the Chicago theatre community. 

CD Review: Soft Hearted Scientists - False Lights

After being feted by the all-vinyl label Fruits de Mer with a greatest hits package, the Welsh eccentrics known as Soft Hearted Scientists now have a new CD. False Lights offers more of the band’s pleasant harmonies and tuneful arrangements, but there’s a running theme of being pursued or controlled by evil forces. There are numerous images of demons and mass murder but as Soft Hearted Scientist songwriter Nathan Hall points out in a press release, False Lights also celebrates purring cats, scenic views, and the overall decency of the human race.

In “Halloween People,” a fun and imaginative take on the spooky holiday, a tabloid newspaper reverts back to a tree and kills the cheesy editors and Paparazzi. The exotic “Seeing” rapidly spins tales of Viking ships sailing through traffic jams as well as a bonfire of baseball caps, while “Trees In The Wind” mixes gorgeous vocals and magical fantasies. Occasionally, the juxtaposition of horror and bouncing melodies is too flippant, as with a reference to The Gestapo killing people in “Golgotha.” The macabre nursery rhyme “Seaside Sid And The Giant Squid,” just one of the times the Soft Hearted Scientists get too repetitious, will stick in your head for the rest of eternity.

The arrangements throughout False Lights are inventive, especially on “Song From The River,” which has an irresistible acoustic instruments and percussion intro, and the fetching, old fashioned “Turn The Tables.” Simultaneously disturbing, enchanting, and just plain silly, False Lights doesn’t qualify as a masterpiece. But Soft Hearted Scientists have the capability of creating one someday.    

Saturday Slumgullion

Fireworks photo montage by wife Pam.

Slumgullion is delayed again this week due to parties and various outdoor festivities. We’re still in the midst of our 4th of July celebrating here in the States, due to the holiday falling in the middle of the week. Many suburbs have carnivals and concerts running through Sunday. My wife Pam and I went to our next door neighbors’ annual fireworks bash, where the husband had created a particularly entertaining iTunes playlist including Squeeze, Motown artists, Elvis Costello, and Iggy Pop. Playlists for parties are often overlooked (underheard?), so here’s a tip of the hat to those who take the time to make them.

I caught shows by Dot Dot Dot and Diving For Dynamite at the Hometown Fest in Palatine. Despite their impossibly busy schedule, the Dot Dot Dot members always come ready to party, and Diving For Dynamite, which includes vocalist-bassist Brian Sheridan from Ralph’s World and former Material Issue vocalist-guitarist Ted Ansani, played a an extensive range of cover tunes. Guitarist Chris Castelli and drummer Paul Castelli were also impressive on vocals. Highlights included The Smithereens’ “Blood And Roses,” “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys, “No Matter What” by Badfinger, The BoDeans’ “Closer To Free,” and Bowling For Soup’s satirical “1985.” I would have preferred that Diving For Dynamite stay within the power pop genre, but I can understand how they would need to include more commercial fare for larger suburban audiences.

It’s a tradition for kids to line the streets during Palatine’s 4th Of July Parade, anxiously waiting for participants for throw them candy. When I spotted the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival float coming, I pushed my way to the front and wouldn’t stop crying until a bearded BWIFF volunteer handed me a schedule for its 4th annual bash. It will spread across Cutting Hall, Durty Nellie’s, and Emmitt’s later this month. Okay, I wasn’t crying, but I do want to make up for my petulant rant last July about BWIFF not adequately promoting itself. As it turned out, they had done a lot more than I knew about, so I apologized to them in person and changed the snot-nosed title I had used for my post.

Really, it’s almost unbelievable that something as cool as this week-long event could take place in my humble small town. In addition to several independent films being shown, there will be a special night for music videos; the Blue Glass Awards Lunch; and the Centerpiece Concert featuring singer-guitarist Chris Petlak and indie rock band Murley. I’m planning on providing more coverage as the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival draws closer.

The Australian Bee Gees Show will be staging its multi-media event at Water Tower Place in Chicago from July 9th through August 4th.

Joe Algeri, the Australian power pop musician who’s a member of the international trio The Britannicas, and who plays every instrument on CDs he releases under the name The JAC, is coming to America. He’ll be in Chicago for a gig with fellow Britannica Herb Eimerman at Martyrs on July 25th, and will be a guest on the Razor And Die Show (WLUW 88.7FM ) at 4:00 PM on the 26th. Algeri and Eimerman will also be part of International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles on August 1st. Check out his Facebook page for more performances and radio shows in the States. 

Let It Be, the London-based Beatles musical, begins previews on Broadway in New York on July 16th, and will officially open on July 24th. It’s scheduled to run through December 29th.

Things keep getting more interesting for the Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins 25th Anniversary coming up on August 9th - 11th. Mary-Arrchie Theatre has moved its annual celebration of theatre, comedy, and performance art to The Den Theater on Milwaukee Avenue, which can accommodate simultaneous shows and larger crowds.

Plus, Mary-Arrchie recently put out a call for bands to perform at this year’s Abbie. This isn’t the first time Artistic Director Rich Cotovsky, director-actor Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, and the Mary-Arrchie staff have dabbled in live music. Cotovsky has played guitar in his Bitch With Rich sessions at Abbie Fest, and the theatre hosted a series of live music shows a few years back. Garcia has also hosted karaoke nights there as well. Any bands interested in being part of the Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins 25th Anniversary can contact the theatre at info@maryarrchie.com. 

Instrumental Prowess

Note: These reviews originally appeared in the Around Hear column in the Illinois Entertainer.

Guitarist Joe Gajan keeps his foot on the accelerator as he maneuvers through the hard rock instrumentals on his latest release, Supermatic. Gajan electrifies a vintage rock sound on “Cliffracer,” and evokes Robin Trower on the atmospheric “Paradigm Puzzle.” He consistently adds nuances to his playing, whether it’s on the heavy metal stomp of “Rally Fingers” or the southern boogie of “Kikin’ Chit.” Bassist Dave Moran and drummer Jimmy Erhardt are also essential to Gajan’s relentless approach.

Guitarist Joe Marcinek wrote all the material on the Joe Marcinek Band’s debut, Both Sides, but there’s plenty of room for the other five musicians to share the spotlight with him. Marcinek’s ability to explore various moods on these long-form jazz instrumentals is particularly augmented by violinist Stephan Cook on the energetic “Happy Lettuce.” “Set You Free” features Marcinek’s seductive guitar playing and some fluid keyboard playing from the singularly-named Waz.

Who’s On Fourth?

Here’s a quick sampling of some of the more interesting options for seeing live music in the Chicago area for the extended 4th Of July weekend. Have fun and celebrate safely. 

It’s raining as I’m writing this, but according to the FitzGerald’s website, wet weather won’t stop a thing at this Berwyn club’s 33rd Annual American Music Festival. The four-day event, kicks off this afternoon with performances in the club, under a tent, and in the sidebar. Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones go on at 10:30 PM.

Other highlights over the next few days include The Fleshtones, Sonny Landreth, and Brave Combo on the 4th; James McMurtry, Cathy Richardson Band, Bottle Rockets, and Terrance Simien on Friday; and NRBQ, Dolly Varden, Marcia Ball Band, and Tributosaurus becomes Tom Petty on Saturday. See FitzGerald’s online for the full schedule.

Meanwhile in Palatine, Dot Dot Dot will be performing at 10:00 PM tonight at the Jaycees Hometown Fest. On the 4th, Wall Of Denial, a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band, plays at 5:00 PM, and Diving For Dynamite, a covers band featuring Brian Sheridan from Ralph’s World, and former Material Issue bassist, Ted Ansani, will perform at 7:30 PM. There will also be bands on Friday and Saturday.

Phyllis’ Musical Inn on Division Street in Chicago, will be holding its annual 4th Of July Party tomorrow, from 2:00 to 10:00 PM. I couldn’t find a listing for this event other than a Facebook post showing the hard-edged and frequently clever power pop band Van Go scheduled for the 6:00 PM slot. 

Arlington Heights’ Frontier Days Festival also kicks off today. The free concert schedule includes The Fabulous Thunderbirds at 8:00 PM Friday and American English at 7:30 PM Sunday.  

Bowie Would Be Proud Of These Sons

Photo from Chris Connelly’s Facebook page.

As the nine members of the David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age strolled onto the stage at Durtie Nellie’s in Palatine this past Saturday night, they brought loads of playing experience with them. Named after a song on Bowie’s Heroes album, the band was formed by vocalist Chris Connelly (known for his work with Ministry and Revolting Cocks) and drummer Matt Walker (from Smashing Pumpkins and Filter). Their first gig, which included Shirley Manson from Garbage, was a benefit at Metro to help the Pablove Foundation continue its cancer research.

Manson’s involvement was more as a guest artist, but the other musicians stayed and all have impressive resumes. The Sons Of The Silent Age lineup has quickly become extremely sharp and cohesive. The set began with an extended and haunting intro to “Space Oddity” before bursting into a full, atmospheric arrangement. It was immediately evident that Sons Of The Silent Age were about to summon the amazing world of David Bowie to the Durty Nellie’s stage.

Connelly consistently nailed Bowie’s distinctive delivery, from the soulful crooning of “Stay” to the down and dirty “Diamond Dogs.” Saxophone player-vocalist Rich Parenti and vocalist Claire Massey (formerly with The Tami Show) provided expertly timed backup vocals. Connelly doesn’t go in for a lot of makeup or elaborate costumes, but projects the aura of a classy, yet cutting-edge rock star.

The rhythm section of Walker, percussionist Marcus Johnson, and bassist Alan Berliant created a powerful funk groove on “Golden Years” and “Fame,” while Parenti’s sax playing sparked “Modern Love” and “Young Americans.” Carolyn Engelman’s eerie synthesizer on “Ashes To Ashes” was hypnotic, and guitarist Steve Gerlach (from The Bad Examples and Tomorrow The Moon) and electric/acoustic guitarist Robert Byrnes frequently propelled songs into the stratosphere. Virtually all the musicians joined in the singing at some point. After closing with a manic “Suffragette City,” Sons Of The Silent Age were called back by an enthusiastic audience that had been dancing all night. The band obliged by playing sterling versions of “Changes” and “Heroes.”

The opening act at Durty Nellie’s was The Locals, a hard-hitting trio that veers between punk and hard rock. Singer-guitarist Yvonne Doll, who also has a solo career, unleashed some powerful vocals and strumming as she led the band through songs from its Salt CD, as well as from an upcoming release. 

CD Review: Little Green Cars - Absolute Zero

Note: This review originally appeared in the Illinois Entertainer.

Little Green Cars have been attracting a lot of attention for the way all five members of this youthful Dublin-based band weave their voices together. Their compelling debut, Absolute Zero, is steeped in folk traditions but often breaks loose with energetic playing not far removed from U2. The 11 songs are noteworthy for the way 20-year old lead vocalist-guitarist and chief songwriter Faye O'Rourke blends relationships with mystery and an occasional touch of offbeat humor.

“Harper Lee” begins with vocalist-guitarist Stevie Appleby’s evocative voice floating over a slow, sparse arrangement, but by the song’s rollicking conclusion, he’s complaining about an extended family of mice eating him out of house and home. Set to an ominous drumbeat, the first single, “The John Wayne,” finds danger in romance with the line, “It’s easy to hate yourself when all your love is inside someone else.” “Big Red Dragon” sets images of ghosts and monsters to a driving beat, while the shimmering “Angel Owl” is more spiritual. Appleby closes Absolute Zero on an introspective note with his solo performance of “Goodbye Blue Monday.”