Going 80s For The Peadpod Project/Subarbanizing With EXPO ‘76

Cropped photo from the EXPO ‘76 Facebool page.

The Peadpod Project, a charitable organization founded to provide resources for parents coping with the serious illness of a child, is holding its First Annual Like That’s So 80s Costume Party Contest tomorrow (May 21st) at Joe’s Bar on Weed Street in Chicago. The $60 admission includes two hours of food and an open bar, plus renditions of those irresistible 1980s hits provided by a live band. Cash prizes will awarded to best male and female costumes. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM. 

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Having already established a Chicago home base at Simon’s Tavern, EXPO ‘76 continues to colonize the surrounding area. Or, as vocalist-guitarist Dag Juhlin dubbed it in a recent Facebook post, “Suburbanizing!” The eclectic covers band, comprised of veteran musicians, has had regular gigs at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn and Mac’s On Slade in Palatine. This Friday, May 23rd, EXPO '76, along with the Total Pro Horns, will venture into Mount Prospect for a show at The Blues Bar.

Juhlin promises he and his mates will be rocking (and joking around) until 1:00 AM, which might leave some time for people to catch Theatre Nebula’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot at 8:00 PM at Cutting Hall in nearby Palatine. For my review of Spamalot, scroll down to the May 12th, 2014 post. For a look back at an EXPO ‘76 show at Macs On Slade, find July 17th, 2013 the BHT archives.

Elegantly Into The Unknown

Susan Enterline photo from the Colin Blunstone Facebook page.

About a month ago, I asked Colin Blunstone during a telephone conversation (the interview is in the May issue of the Illinois Entertainer) how he thought people in the U.S. would react to his predominantly non-Zombies solo performances. The long-time lead vocalist for the British Invasion band conceded, “It’s going to be interesting. I don’t know how much of my material American audiences will be familiar with.” His nine solo releases have spawned hits in Europe, but none here in the States. He compared his current solo tour to the first dates The Zombies played after reuniting in 2004, saying it was like stepping into the unknown.

Still, when Blunstone informed the audience at City Winery in Chicago last Thursday night that he would be steering away from The Zombies during the show, there were no murmurs of discontent. That could have been because he has the classy air of an English gentleman, or because everyone knew they were about to entertained by one of the premier voices of the rock era. There was a sense of Blunstone being a curator; leading the crowd through a gallery of his works.

Melodic songs like “Caroline Goodbye,” Tim Hardin’s “Misty Roses;” the Denny Laine-penned “Say You Don’t Mind;” and “Old And Wise,” a song Blunstone recorded with The Alan Parsons Project for the Eye In The Sky LP, were immediately accessible even to those who had never heard them before. Then there were his covers of Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” and Smokey Robinson And The Miracles’ “Tracks Of My Tears.” Blunstone had hits with the two soul classics in England, but not over here. He pleasantly surprised the audience by immediately following the stark beauty of another one of his Euro hits, “Though You Are Far Away” with The Zombies’ biggest American hit, “Time Of The Season.”

Blunstone closed the show with two more Zombies tunes—“She’s Not There” and “Just Out Of Reach,” a song from the 1960s cult film Bunny Lake Is Missing soundtrack. Throughout the evening, he shared funny anecdotes about the music business, particularly the time he flew to America to record a TV commercial. All in all, the perfect host.

Singer-songwriter Edward Rogers proved to be an engaging opening act, performing a short set of clever tunes from his latest release, Porcelain. Rogers’ voice is reminiscent of David Bowie, and backed by two guitarists, he created music that often had the feel of Celtic rock.

Slumgullion

Cropped photo from the Hampstead Theatre website.

Theatre Nebula’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot continues its run at Cutting Hall this weekend, with shows tonight and tomorrow at 8:00 PM and on Sunday at 3:00 PM. I posted a review of the musical here on BHT last Monday.

The hard-edged power pop band Van Go also has a gig tomorrow night. The band, lead by lead vocalist Davey Sippel, will at one of its favorite clubs, Phyllis’ Musical Inn. The 7th Year and The Deadly Bungalows are also on the bill. The show starts at 10:00PM.

Let me tell you ‘bout The Byrds and The Beatles. The Cheetles, a band of seasoned musicians that covers The Beatles straight up, without theatrics, will be performing at 27 Live in Evanston tomorrow night at 10PM. The opening act will be Phil Angotti’s Younger Than Yesterday Band, which includes  Eric Chial, Brian Stout, and Jason Styx. The Younger Than Yesterday Band will be doing a tribute to The Byrds.

Here in the States, we’re used to seeing actress Karen Gillan contending with hostile alien beings on Doctor Who; trying to get an evil mirror to fess up to its crimes in Occulus, and in the upcoming film Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, she’ll be a bald and blue villain called Nebula. We missed her romantic comedy Not Another Happy Ending, because it wasn’t released over here. But now we Yanks will get to witness Gillan’s comedic side because her new sitcom Selfie, has been picked up by ABC for next fall. The Nerdist website has an exlusive interview with her. 

Handler, a Chicago-based group that includes musicians from I Fight Dragons and The Chicago Afrobeat Project, will be performing at Martyrs’ next Wednesday, May 21. Derby Soul and Eddie Dixon are also on the bill. The music starts at 8:00 PM, admission is $7.

Kinks fans have always relished the ability of Ray Davies to set compelling tales and biting satire to well-crafted melodies. Now he’s behind a new musical titled Sunny Afternoon that kronicles the Kinks’ career. It runs through May 24th at the Hampstead Theatre in London and includes the songs “A Well Respected Man” and “Lola.”

Critic Alex Bellotti gives Sunny Afternoon four stars, but notes, “Ray’s version of the legendary story behind the conception of “You Really Got Me” is sure to infuriate not just [his brother] Dave, but diehard Kinks fans.” Dave Davies recently posted a thumbs down on Facebook, stating, “The present script is full of inaccuracies. I do not endorse this play in any way.”

Still, the show has sold out its run, and I can’t help hoping it will make its way to America, and Chicago in particular. Maybe with some edits that will be to the liking of Dave Davies.

The Bad Examples will bring their motherlode of infectious power pop songs to FitzGerald’s in Berwyn next Friday night, May 23rd.

Speaking of FitzGerald’s, the club will hold its 33rd Annual American Music Festival on July 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.  Some of the acts include the Marcia Ball Band; Joe Pug; Tributosaurus becomes The Band; Alejandro Escovedo; The Bottle Rockets; Shemekia Copeland; Joe Ely with Reckless Eric; and Terrance Simien and the Sensitive Boys. The full schedule is on the FitzGerald’s website. 

45 RPM Memories: broken English - “Don’t You Touch That Radio Dial”

Yesterday’s post today. I had this in the queue to post last night, but I didn’t get home until after midnight due to being at the Colin Blunstone concert at City Winery. 

“Don’t You Touch That Radio Dial” by broken English was released in 1982, amidst one of Chicago’s numerous fertile eras of local bands. Back then, it was always worth browsing through the 45s section of record stores like Wax Trax on Lincoln Avenue, or those islands of hip culture on the city’s southwest side, Kroozin Music. I can’t say for sure if I ever saw this group perform live on the club scene, but I have a pretty strong feeling I did. I liked the 45 enough to record the A and B Sides for my mixed tape collection. 

Although there are only three guys pictured on the sleeve (with their rockabilly hair styled by Razzel Do’s, according to the credits) seven musicians are credited with having worked on this record. Johhny Huff sang lead on “Don’t You Touch That Radio Dial,” a catchy song that opened with the sound of static before moving on to a warning about losing the beat if you switch the station. Backup vocals from Richie Barker and Glenn Barker (G.B. The Kid) add to the fun, and there’s a spirited instrumental break featuring Richie on guitar. This song was good enough to be a hit on the radio, but sadly, it never was.

Richie Barker takes over as lead vocalist on the B Side “It’s True,” leading the way through an alluring power pop tune about a guy trying to win back his girlfriend. With its ringing guitars and elaborate harmonies, “Its True” is actually the better of the two songs on this record. Listening to those tracks now, I’d say they both have stood the test of time. 

It’s The Time Of The Season For One Zombie

Photo from Colin Blunstone’s Facebook page.

Having just wrapped up a tour with The Zombies, lead vocalist Colin Blunstone is now setting out on his own. The solo tour brings him to City Winery tomorrow night, along with a backup band he’s worked with for five years. I had the honor of doing a telephone interview with Mr. Blunstone a while back, and it’s in the May issue of the Illinois Entertainer. For those not within our state, the entire issue can be viewed on the paper’s Facebook page. 

The May issue of I.E. also has Tom Lanham’s cover story on Haim, and a feature on Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger, a duo comprised of Sean Lennon and Charlotte Muhl. The File section has a report on a Veruca Salt reunion that includes all four original members. Plus, there are a number of CD reviews, including Archie Powell And The Exports’ Back In Black by Contributing Editor Curt Baran; Black Lips’ Underneath The Rainbow by Arsenio Orteza; the various artists Beatles Reimagined tribute album by Bruce Pilato; and my take on the Kaiser Chiefs’ Education, Education, Education And War. 

Ambitious Spam

Photo from Cutting Hall’s Facebook page.

Theatre Nebula brings some Anglo-flavored silliness to Cutting Hall in Palatine with its performance of Monty Python’s Spamalot. The musical, with a book and lyrics by Python member Eric Idle and music by John De Prez and Idle, won three Tony Awards on Broadway, and had successful runs in Chicago and other cities. It’s quite a challenge for a local theatre company, but the Chicago-based Theatre Nebula, backed by an eight-piece orchestra, succeeds with an energetic and professional production. Monty Python’s Spamalot opened at Cutting Hall this past Saturday night, and runs through Sunday, June 15th.

There are 17 cast members involved with director Kevin Wiczer’s bustling rendition, and just about everyone takes on multiple roles. That’s not really noticeable, thanks to Lisa Hale’s clever costumes and the performers’ inventiveness. Tim Koll, for example, skillfully plays the nerdy Historian; the preening Dennis Galahad; the eternally combative Black Knight; and Prince Herbert’s huge-tracks-of-land seeking father. Adam Kasprowicz hilariously tackles the roles of Lancelot; the French Taunter; the chief Knight Of Ni; and Tim The Enchanter.

This production has a powerfully voiced Lady Of The Lake in Denise Tamburrino, which is essential since the role would lose its satiric bite without a diva who can be simultaneously impressive and ridiculously over the top. As the perpetually disrespected King Arthur, Chuck Sisson adroitly mixes a royal air with seething frustration, and despite the constant presence of Krist Neumann’s engaging Patsy—loneliness. Anthony Mele as Sir Robin is funny throughout, and sails effortlessly though one of the most elaborate and best numbers, “You Won’t Succeed On Broadway.”

Amanda Diamond, Erin O’Leary, Kerry McGee, Dayna Palya, Laura Williams, and JZ Zaeske are not only appealing in choreographer Kara Williams’ sexy song and dance numbers, they get laughs with small roles such as the Knights of Ni, the French Guards, and Tim’s minions. Kudos also go to Tyler Callahan who kicks off the show’s musical madness with a lively “I’m Not Dead Yet,” and plays a variety of parts, including the romantically starved Prince Herbert.

Finally, a round of applause to Eric Idle, who took a decades-old film he had made with his fellow Pythons and gave it an whole new existence. My wife Pam and I saw Monty Python’s Spamalot when it first came to Chicago years ago with its all-star cast of Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce, Hank Azaria, and others. Theatre Nebula can’t match the firepower of that production, but fans of this zany musical should find a lot to like at Cutting Hall.

Slumgullion

Who’s Who On First? There’s no mention of it on the Durty Nellie’s website, but the Who tribute band Who’s Who will be opening for Hairbanger’s Ball tonight at the downtown Palatine rock club. This according to the Who’s Who Facebook page.

The Alan Parsons Project is performing shows at 7:00 and 9:00 PM tonight at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, with special guests Jay And The Americans, will be there next Saturday night.

Ralph Covert, lead vocalist-guitarist for The Bad Examples, as well as a successful entertainer of young people, is joining forces with guitarist Steve Gerlach, who has worked with The Bad Examples and Tomorrow The Moon, and keyboards player Mike Hartigan at the Filament Theatre on Milwaukee Avenue tomorrow May 11th. Tickets for the Ralph Covert Trio House Concert are $15. The show is at 7:00 PM.

Slumgullion is late this week due to my hanging out at a media/industry event at the new Chicago venue The Throne Room last night. It’s a classy looking rock club with brick walls and wood floors, located above Renaldi’s Pizza and Renaldi’s After Dark at 2827–2831 N. Broadway. The event drew a mix of owner Mark Bruscianelli’s friends and family, along with media types like me and press agent August Forte, for an open bar, food, and a performance by Band Called Catch. Bruscianelli and his wife Kamila Brodowinska Bruscianelli proved to be gracious hosts, working their way through the crowd, and making sure everyone felt welcome.

The Throne Room is in a high-traffic location, within striking distance of Wrigley Field, Lincoln Avenue, Boystown, and the hip shops and restaurants along Clark and Halsted Streets. It remains to be seen what kind of acts will be booked, but having Band Called Catch perform at the preview sounded a promising note. The group, which was also impressive performing on opening night at the 2012 Blue Whiskey Film Festival in Palatine, is led by vocalist-guitarist Tim Frank and vocalist Jess Lyons. Their first set was a mix of well-crafted originals like “When In Rome” and covers like Head And The Heart’s “Lost In My Mind.” They also did a version of Mungo Jerry’s “In The Summertime” that served as a perfect party song. The Throne Room’s official opening in on May 30th.

Local rock covers band The Lennys will be participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life  on the weekend of June 13-14.

Judging from the resumes of its four members, The Empty Hearts should be one of the more interesting bands set to debut this summer. Wally Palmar from The Romantics is the lead vocalist-guitarist; Clem Burke from Blondie plays drums; Elliot Easton from The Cars plays lead guitar; and Andy Babiuk from The Chesterfield Kings plays bass. Plus, Ian McLagan from the Faces will be a special guest on keyboards. The Empty Hearts will release their first effort in August 5th.

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will be performing original material (as opposed to one of his many tribute concerts) at his gig at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn next Friday (May 16th) night. The Possum Hollow Boys are also on the bill.

The Cheetles, a band of seasoned musicians that covers The Beatles straight up, without theatrics, will be performing at 27 Live in Evanston next Friday night.

The hard-edged power pop band Van Go! has a gig next Saturday night at one of its favorite clubs, Phyllis’ Musical Inn. The 7th Year and The Deadly Bungalows are also on the bill. The show starts at 10:00PM.

Drizzle, drazzle, druzzle drome, time for Replacements fans to go to St. Paul, Minnesota. Tickets are now on sale for a concert by the legendary band at Midwest Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 13th. As-yet-to-be-named special guests will also be on the bill.

Michael Smith, a Chicago-based filmmaker I had the pleasure to interview for the online magazine Chicago DIY Film, is in the midst of an ambitious new project. Smith was promoting his award-winning short The Catastrophe when we talked a few years ago, and now he’s planning on shooting a feature film called Cool Apocalypse.

“It is a simple story about modern-day relationships in Chicago,” Smith explained in a recent email blast. “It will unquestionably be the biggest and best thing I've ever done.”

He’s using crowd-sourced funding that, “will go towards making the film look and sound as good as possible.” A $25 donation will get you a “Thank You” in the movie’s closing titles, as well as the good feeling of supporting a local filmmaker.