Slumgullion

Ringo Starr announced today that he has a new four-song EP, titled EP3 coming out this fall. It will be available to stream on September 16, with the CD, cassette, and vinyl to appear soon afterward.

 As reported by Darel Jevens recently in the Chicago Sun-Times, the 30,000 sq.-ft. Harry Potter: Magic At Play interactive exhibition will open on November 11 at Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue. Tickets will go on sale August 3. I can think of several members of the writers group I’ve belonged to who will definitely be checking this out.

Lollapalooza opened in Grant Park yesterday and will run through Sunday. Acts scheduled to perform tomorrow and Sunday include Coin; Willow; Charli XCX; Horsegirl; Beach Bunny; Banks; Måneskin, Porno For Pyros; and Green Day.

The Black Excellence Music Expo, featuring Nola Ade, Naglaa; Timmy F., Jana Ghee, and Graphics. will take place at the Promontory on August 3.

Red Door Community has announced the acts who will participate in its eighth annual 

Ten Bands One Cause initiative on October 28. As noted on its website, Red Door provides support for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their caretakers. Nas, The Black Keys, Colter Wall, The Allman Brothers, Judah & The Lion, Senses Fail, The Bangles, Turnpike Troubadours, Jungle Fire and BADBADNOTGOOD will each re-release one of their albums on pink vinyl to raise money to help Red Door with its mission.

 

The always reliable and fascinating website The Second Disc recently reported The Kinks plan to release a 6LP/4CD/1BD box that combines remastered versions of their early 1970s albums Muswell Hillbillies and Everybody’s In Show-Biz. The albums will also be available in various CD and LP combinations and in digital format. All the variations are available for preorder on Amazon.

As noted in an article by Stephanie Casanova and Gavin Good in today’s Chicago Tribune, the Together And Together Again benefit staged by Smashing Pumpkins founder Billy Corgan at his Madame Zulu’s Cafe in Highland Park this past Wednesday brought in $58,827 for Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Response Fund. Performers included Corgan and his Smashing Pumpkins mate Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as special guests.

 

I witnessed an astounding set by Sonic45 last night at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights. The band is led by Len Kasper, who along with having announced White Sox and Cubs games, plays bass and writes songs. Lead vocalist Matt Spiegel likewise combines sports with performing; and the other members (Dag Juhlin, Gerald Dowd, Liam Davis) are all Chicago music scene veterans. In addition to playing songs from their impressive debut Space And Time, Sonic45 unveiled several new compositions at Hey Nonny that proved their songs just keep getting better and better.

U2 will be the first act to perform at the 17,500-capacity MSG Sphere venue when it opens in Las Vegas at some point in 2023. It’s been noted online that the MSG Sphere will have the largest LED screen in the world.

Chicago-based power pop band The Spindles and Go Time! will combine with Americana/pop band Falling Stars for a potent triple bill at Montrose Saloon on August 20.

The critically acclaimed and popular FitzGerald’s venue will hold its 2nd Annual Berwyn Blues Festival, with headliners Ruthie Foster, JDF McPherson, and Cedric Burnside on the weekend of September 23 – 25.

Chicago lost another star from its rock music legacy with the passing of Jimy Sohns from The Shadows Of Knight. For those of us who first encountered the band’s version of Them’s “Gloria” back when it first climbed the WLS and WCFL charts, it will always have an important place in our memories. My deepest sympathy to his family and the countless friends he made over the decades. 

Incoming

Congratulations to U2 on being chosen by the John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts as one of the five honorees for its annual ceremony on December 4 in Washington, D.C. Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney, and composer Tania Leon are the Center’s other selections.

In other U2 news, the band will be the first act to perform at the 17,500-capacity MSG Sphere venue when it opens in Las Vegas at some point in 2023. It’s been noted online that the MSG Sphere will have the largest LED screen in the world. Some rock fans in Chicago still remember when U2 performed at the Park West in Chicago back in 1981. Wish I would have been there.

Smashing Pumpkins vocalist/founding member Billy Corgan will host the livestream benefit concert Together And Together Again on YouTube this Wednesday, July 27. The event will raise money for Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Response Fund. Performers will include Corgan and his Smashing Pumpkins mate Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as a number of special guests. Viewers will be able to buy posters, artwork and t-shirts, which are also available online. 

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in Chicago this Thursday, July 28 and will run through Sunday. As usual, I’ll leave the recommendations to writers with a more extensive knowledge of the numerous performers. If you still have the Sunday papers laying around your house, check out the two-page guide by Britt Julius in the A+E section of the Chicago Tribune and Selena Fragassi’s Top 10 Lolla picks in the Chicago Sun-Times.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 

Former Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper is bringing his Sonic45 band to Hey Nonny this Thursday, July 28. In addition to featuring Kasper on guitar, Sonic45 boasts an impressive lineup of Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs); Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks); Liam Davis (Frisbie, Justin Roberts); and Matt Spiegel (Brother Brother, Tributosaurus). Jennifer Hall, who recently released her latest single “Belonging Forever,” will be a special guest that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the music starts at 7:30 pm.

Stompin’ Grounds, the Lake Zurich cafe my wife Pam and I have added to roster of places to enjoy hot beverages, is having its first Open Mic Night this Thursday, July 28. It’s a first come first served sign up event, and there will be an acoustic guitar available to use. Anyone one interested in performing should contact adonato19@gmail.com. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show kicks off at 7:00 pm. There will be a $5 cover that night.

I took a short Metra ride from Palatine to the annual Downtown Mount Prospect Block Party this past Saturday afternoon to catch a live performance by Big Brother’s Vinyl. The band covers classic rock music, but avoids the over-played stuff in favor of hits you don’t usually hear on the outdoor festival circuit. Prior to BBV, the coed teenage band Collision played for the first time in front of such a large crowd and did a fine job of covering tunes that spanned a number of decades. They also impressed with an original.

They say it’s my birthday. I’m gonna have a good time reading all the best wishes from friends on Facebook. Such a fun way to be reminded of all the terrific people I’ve encountered over the years. Thanks so much.

Slumgullion

Tickets are now on sale for Glenn Tilbrook’s September 20 and 21 shows at City Winery Chicago. Other upcoming shows at the venue include Karla Bonoff with special guest Nina Gerber on November 1, and The Bodeans on November 25, 26, and 27.

Smashing Pumpkins vocalist/founding member Billy Corgan will host the livestream benefit concert Together And Together Again on YouTube next Wednesday, July 27. As noted in Doug George’s recent Chicago Tribune article and on the local ABC News, the event will raise money for Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Response Fund. Performers will include Corgan and his Smashing Pumpkins mate Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as a number of special guests. Viewers will be able to buy posters, artwork and t-shirts, which are also available online.

As reported by Goldmine Magazine on Instagram, there was a 25-foot inflatable likeness of Ozzy Osbourne outside the San Diego Convention Center for this year’s San Diego ComicCon. No bats were injured during the event. Goldmine asked if the inflatable Ozzy will “become a piece of pricey memorabilia?” Maybe the better question is whether this trend of giant inflatable rock stars will catch on. I can picture a larger than life Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young hanging around my garden.

The Black Excellence Music Expo, featuring Nola Ade, Naglaa; Timmy F., Jana Ghee, and Graphics. will take place at the Promontory on August 3.

Reason number 6,894 for wanting a transportation device that could whisk me back and forth between the Chicago area and various parts of the U.K.: The Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder exhibition will be at the National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburg from December 10, 2022 through May 1, 2023. It’s currently housed at the Liverpool World Museum.

Diane Christiansen and Steve Dawson from Dolly Varden, along with keyboards player Alton Smith, will perform two free sets at the Chicago Cultural Center tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. Christiansen, who’s also an acclaimed artist, is currently being featured with Leslie Baum and Selina Trepp in the An Instrument In The Shape of a Woman exhibition at the Center. 

Chicago Cubs catcher and recent National League All-Star Wilson Contreras has a Meet And Greet coming up this Monday at the Obvious Shirts store at 3776 N. Clark Street. Tickets are available at the store’s website.

Congratulations to Colin Blunstone of The Zombies on being featured on the Grammy Awards website as part of its Living Legends series. I had the honor of doing a telephone interview with Blunstone for the Illinois Entertainer a number of years ago when his solo tour brought him to City Winery Chicago a few years back.

The annual Downtown Mount Prospect Block Party takes place in the northwest suburb this weekend. There will be live performances by blues rockers Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners, the coed teenage band Collision (not the New York heavy metal group), the classic rock covers band Big Brother’s Vinyl, southern rockers Blackberry Jam, Americana/Country band Fletcher Rockwell, and others acts. Admission is free for both days.

Maple Mars, the California-based band known for its catchy pop songs, just released Someone’s Got To Listen, its first album in 12 years, today. Fans can check out the fun and imaginative video for sci-fi song “Silver Craft” on the Big Stir Media YouTube channel. 

The Spindles will be performing their original power pop gems tomorrow night, July 23, at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

Phil Angotti, John San Juan, and Casey McDonough will be in south suburban Blue Island tomorrow (Saturday) night for a 7:00 pm performance titled The Beatles Meet The Rutles at the Blue Island Beer Company. Hopefully, all that silliness won’t keep them out too late with because they’re scheduled to play a Hard Day’s Night/1964 Beatles Brunch (with Tom Ryan and Blair Holmes) at City Winery Chicago at noon on Sunday.

The 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will kick off with a fundraising screening featuring the Preston Sturges written-and-directed political satire The Great McGinty this Sunday, July 24 at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There will be cocktails at Victory Italian afterward. The suggested donation is $100.

Sonic45, the relatively new band led by former Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper, will return to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights on Thursday, July 28. In addition to featuring Kasper on guitar, Sonic45 boasts an impressive lineup of Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs); Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks); Liam Davis (Frisbie, Justin Roberts); and Matt Spiegel (Brother Brother, Tributosaurus). Jennifer Hall, who recently released her latest single “Belonging Forever,” will be a special guest that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the music starts at 7:30 pm.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights next Tuesday, July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.   

Jonny Weathers - Dusted Radio

Like a number of recent albums, Dusted Radio was meant to arrive much earlier. Being delayed by COVID-19 had some advantages for Jonny Weathers though, as it gave him an opportunity to record with well-known musicians, including Phil Collen from Def Leppard and the band The Professionals, who would have otherwise been out on tour. Weathers provides a novel-length description on his Bandcamp page of how it all came together. It also helped that former Sex Pistols member Paul Cook, whose propulsive drumming fueled vocalist-guitarist Weathers’ impressive 2018 Sonic Assault EP, was involved again.

It’s surprising to find Weathers so descriptive since he takes a much more minimalist approach to writing lyrics. He conjured a mythical ambience for the hard-hitting “Man At The Orleans” on Sonic Assault with lines such as, “He comes in here, but he’s rarely seen” and “You left a broken king in a castle.” That cryptic approach works well again on Dusted Radio, particularly when there’s so much instrumental firepower behind it. In addition to all that energy throughout these nine tracks, Weathers explores a few new approaches.

On “I Used To Have Possession,” his fierce guitar playing evokes Jimi Hendrix, but he adds an indie rock feel as well. The song only has four lines of lyrics, and each line contradicts the one before it. “Opium Fireworks” overflows with obscure imagery, but the hard-hitting arrangement keeps the listener focused. “Indian Rope Tricks” has a slower, grungier feel that incorporates harmonica, acoustic guitar and bristling lyrics describing betrayal. “Soulshine” is a mid tempo effort where mournful guitar playing underscores a guy’s inability to absorb the essential advice the woman he’s dating is trying to share.

After an ominous intro, “Radio City” becomes a speeding locomotive powered by guitars, keyboards, and a steady drum beat. “How Long Until It’s Gone” finds Weathers tapping into the funkier side of Hendrix, as he spins a tale of people being killed by a mysterious force. “Psycho (In an emergency)” sports an irresistible instrumental intro before following a traveler desperate to get back home. And as Weathers has done throughout most of Dusted Radio, the lyrics suggest there’s some dark secret being kept. 

Incoming

The Handcuffs and Poison Boys are throwing a record release show and party at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side this Saturday, July 23. I’m not familiar with Poison Boys, but in my recent review of The Handcuffs’ Burn The Rails album, I praised their expertise in channeling 1970s glam rock (particularly Mott The Hoople), and noted they also successfully explore a variety of other approaches. The Artist Formally Known As Vince band is also on the bill. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton.

Diane Christiansen and Steve Dawson from Dolly Varden, along with keyboards player Alton Smith, will perform two free sets at the Chicago Cultural Center this Saturday afternoon. Christiansen, who’s also an acclaimed artist, is currently being featured with Leslie Baum and Selina Trepp in the An Instrument In The Shape of a Woman exhibition at the Center. 

Maybe you can also do the fandango. For those who’ve always longed to join a Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along, there’s going to be one at Brother’s Field in northwest suburban Long Grove this Friday at 8:30 pm. 

The annual Downtown Mount Prospect Block Party takes place in the northwest suburb this weekend. There will be live performances by blues rockers Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners, the coed teenage band Collision (not the New York heavy metal group), the classic rock covers band Big Brother’s Vinyl, southern rockers Blackberry Jam, Americana/Country band Fletcher Rockwell, and others acts. Admission is free for both days.

Go Time! lead vocalist-guitarist Scott Niekelski has done a number of acoustic solo gigs around the Chicago area in recent years, and he’ll be trying out a new venue this Friday in East Dundee. It’s called  Rosie O’Hare’s and he goes on at 7:00 pm.

Congratulations to Nicholas Tremulis on being chosen as Van Morrison’s opening act on a recent European tour. The Chicago-based musician recently posted a photo of himself on stage in Vienna, Austria.

Phil Angotti, John San Juan, and Casey McDonough will be in south suburban Blue Island this Saturday night for a 7:00 pm performance titled The Beatles Meet The Rutles at the Blue Island Beer Company. Hopefully, all that silliness won’t keep them out too late because they’re scheduled to play a Hard Day’s Night/1964 Beatles Brunch (with Tom Ryan and Blair Holmes) at City Winery Chicago at noon on Sunday.

A Farewell To Cliff Johnson

Photo from the official Cliff Johnson Facebook page.

The Chicago music scene and the power pop genre in general took a major hit yesterday with the news that Cliff Johnson had died. Several friends posted tributes on Facebook; with the common threads being Johnson’s tremendous talent and outgoing, friendly nature. He was also a prolific songwriter with a gift for catchy melodies and adventurous lyrics.

A charismatic lead vocalist who could make audiences laugh as well as dance, Johnson performed with Pezband, d’Thumbs, Black And Blonde, U.S.S.A., and The Raine over several years. But he was best known for nearly leading Off Broadway to national dominance. When the band’s debut effort On came out in 1979, countless hometown fans believed we had launched another Cheap Trick. Especially considering the initial success of the first single “Stay In Time.”

Sadly, Off Broadway would become yet another promising Chicago music act seemingly mismanaged by a major label. But even though Off Broadway never climbed the national charts with the regularity we expected, the group and Johnson secured legendary status here at home and among power pop fans who regard On as a masterpiece. Johnson performed with The Raine a few years back before reuniting with Off Broadway for a series of shows at local venues.

When I saw Johnson with Pezband around the mid-1970s at a south suburban venue called Godfather’s (I think), it was my first time seeing a live performance with that kind of high energy. I had only just started my drinking days and was used to more sedate combos covering Top 40 hits in dimly lit lounges. From that point on, I switched to clubs like Harlow’s in Burbank and Mother’s on Division Street. There was no going back to lounges once I had encountered the real rock and roll of Chicago.

Saturday Slumgullion

Yesterday afternoon found WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer doing his last broadcast for a while. As he announced earlier this week, Brehmer will need an extended break from his daily shift to undergo chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Prior to yesterday’s show, he predicted no one would guess the final song he picked for the broadcast, and he was probably right. It was “All For The Love Of Rock And Roll” by Tuff Darts, featuring Robert Gordon on vocals. A great song, but I have to admit I never heard it before. Best wishes to Lin for a successful treatment and speedy return to doing what he loves.

Happy Birthday to guitarist-vocalist Mike Skill, a founding and still active member of The Romantics. Skill has a solo gig coming up at Liar’s Club in Chicago on August 13. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantics member Brad Elvis (who also drums for The Handcuffs) and Ricky Rat of Trash Brats. The Tall Doug band and The Alright Maybes are also on the bill.

The Handcuffs and Poison Boys are throwing a record release show and party at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side next Friday, July 23. The Artist Formally Known As Vince band is also on the bill.

The Chicago-based The Alright Maybes, in addition to opening for Mike Skill, recently released the catchy and playful new song “Gone” on Soundcloud. It combines Angela Riehnhart’s evocative vocals with a catchy, guitar-driven arrangement, similar to the approach the band used on its four song 2021 EP Always Almost.

International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles kicked off this past Thursday at Redwood Bar and will continue through Saturday, July 23 with showcases at that venue and Molly Malone’s, as well as a Sunday evening (July 17) Big Stir Records Night at Trip in Santa Monica. I have to think this fest will bring back loads of fond memories for founder David Bash since L.A. was where the very first IPO  took place all those years ago. The participating acts this year include The Jeremy Band; The Armoires; Lannie and Danny, and Turning Violet.

IPO - Chicago veterans The Spindles will be performing their original power pop gems on July 23 at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

Adrian Belew has a pair of gigs coming up at City Winery Chicago this Monday and Tuesday, July 18 and 19.

Sonic45, the relatively new band led by former Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper, will return to the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights next Thursday, July 28. In addition to featuring Kasper on guitar, Sonic45 boasts an impressive lineup of Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs); Gerald Dowd (Robbie Fulks); Liam Davis (Frisbie, Justin Roberts); and Matt Spiegel (Brother Brother, Tributosaurus). Jennifer Hall, who recently released her latest single “Belonging Forever,” will be a special guest that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the music starts at 7:30 pm.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 

Women Who Rock is now available to view on the Epix entertainment website. Directed by Jessica Hopper, the four-part docuseries features several well-known musicians sharing their stories about succeeding in the male-dominated music industry. Sheila E.; Chaka Khan; Nancy Wilson from Heart; St. Vincent; Mavis Staples; Joan Jett; Norah Jones; Kate Pierson from The B-52’s; Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles; Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads; Aimee Mann; Tori Amos; and Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth are among the stars who were interviewed. Footage of several other performers is featured in the series as well.

Psychedelic Furs, who gave us new wave classics such as “Love My Way” and “Heartbreak Beat,” will bring their Made Of Rain tour to Chicago next Friday, July 23 at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. Los Angeles punk pioneers X will be the opening act.

Local band Outronaut will be cranking out original, fun, and adventurous rock instrumentals free of charge at Elmhurst Hall in suburban Elmhurst on August 13.

whitewolfsoniceprincess and SPACE seem to like each other. The alt-rock band has another gig coming at the Evanston venue on next Wednesday, July 20.

The 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley will kick off with a fundraising screening featuring the Preston Sturges written-and-directed political satire The Great McGinty next Sunday, July 24 at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There will be cocktails at Victory Italian afterward. The suggested donation is $100. The festival itself will run Sept. 16 – 18 at Classic Cinema’s Lake Theatre in Oak Park, and then Sept. 23 – 25 at The Wilmette Theatre in Wilmette.

Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition officially opens at the Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL on July 17. The exhibition promises to bring 70 of the iconic Paris museum’s masterpieces to life “in an enchanting, 360-degree experience.”  Admission is $32.90 for adults; $22.90 for children, and $25.40 for senior, student or military.