A Yippie, A Hollie, Billie, And The Beatles Add Up To Another Awesome August

In Chicago, there’s just something about the months that start with the letter ‘A.’ April brings International Pop Overthrow - Chicago; Record Store Day; Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2);  and CIMMfest (Chicago International Movies and Music), all within a period of a few weeks. And every August, right around the middle of the month, we have the Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins festival; Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago; and Wizard World Comic Con Chicago.

Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins #27 kicks of next Friday, August 14 with the traditional gathering at Daley Plaza, followed by a march back to the Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s home base at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Broadway. Artistic Director Rich Cotovsky conducts the Opening Ceremonies in the persona of Abbie Hoffman at 7:00 PM, and from there, this freewheeling celebration of drama, comedy, performance art, and music runs virtually nonstop through midnight (usually later) on Sunday.

My recommendations include Diary Of A Madman performed by Rush Pearson; Gas Mask 101 performed by Mary-Arrchie Theatre; And Now performed by Black Forest; Organic Free-Range Non-Genetically Modified Comedy performed by Famous In The Future; and The Best Of Democracy Burlesque performed by Democracy Burlesque. Full disclosure: I was a member of Famous In The Future for 20 years. Famous In The Future founding member/Syd Barrett fanatic Frank Carr has posted the entire schedule on his comedy group’s website.

The Fest For Beatles Fans returns to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont next weekend, August 14–16. It’s a major reason I’ve declared this A Hollies Summer In Chicago, since this year’s guests include Terry Sylvester, who replaced Graham Nash in The Hollies and stayed with them for several years. He’ll be performing on Saturday and Sunday night at The Fest.

George Harrison’s sister Louise will also be there; along with former president of Apple Records Jack Oliver; Ringo Starr’s Musical Director saxophone player/vocalist Mark Rivera; musician/producer Mark Hudson; Bill Kinsley from The Mereybeats; and the Beatles tribute band Liverpool. The Weeklings, a new group featuring members of Liverpool that mixes Beatles rarities with original tunes, will perform on Sunday of The Fest. WXRT air personality Terri Hemmert will once again serve as Master Of Ceremonies; there will be several interesting guest speakers; Beatles art; and a huge marketplace offering every conceivable variation of Beatles-related goods.

This year, Wizard World Comic Con Chicago gets its own weekend; bringing movie and TV stars; comic artists; row after row of vendors; and lots of people in imaginative costumes to the Donald E. Stephens Center in Rosemont from Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24. I’ll kind of miss that crossover of sci-fi and Beatles fans that happens when Fest For Beatles Fans and Comic Con take place simultaneously in Rosemont, across the street from each other.

Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler on Doctor Who and is also known for her work in Penny Dreadful and Secret Diary Of A Call Girl, will be there, as will be Arthur Darville, who played Rory Williams on Doctor Who and portrays Rip Hunter on the upcoming TV series DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow. Other major guests include Jeremy Renner from The Avengers movies; Emilie De Ravin from Once Upon A Time and Lost; Nathan Fillion from Castle and Firefly; and Kristy Swanson from Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

In the coming weeks, I’m hoping to keep up an annual tradition by covering these events more extensively here on Broken Hearted Toy.

Birds Of Night - Self-Titled

Note: This review originally appeared in the Illinois Entertainer.

Birds Of Night lost half of their members en route to recording their third album since forming in 2011 but that hasn’t slowed them down at all. True to the band’s name, the songs on this self-titled effort are shrouded in mystery and singer-guitarist Andrew Rothlisberger delivers them with evocative vocals and haunting melodies. As the main songwriter, he drifts easily through a variety of genres, and occasionally jams with fellow founding member bassist Brooks Martin and newcomers drummer Jon Aisner and guitarist-keyboards player Alex Adams.

“Love Is Stoned” is a vintage heavy metal stomp, while the epic “Asleep In The Pine” opens with ominous synth music and features Rothlisberger and Adams cutting loose on their guitars during two instrumental passages. On “Big Shot,” Birds Of Night take a much simpler approach, where Rothlisberger’s singing is matched to some mournful steel guitar accompaniment. “Marfa Skies” has an appealing indie rock feel but “Dark” is this album’s true highlight, immediately grabbing the listener with a frenetic but irresistible arrangement and Rothlisberger’s powerful singing.

The Ravines - Everything’s Fine

Everything’s Fine is the first album from The Ravines since they released their debut Manifesto Of A Broken Heart in 2005. The English quartet is comprised of vocalist Chris Corney and drummer James Crossley from The Contrast, along with bassist Andy Hawkins and backup vocalist Suzanna Benn. From the opening track, it’s evident The Ravines haven’t lost their touch for crafting power pop with strong melodies and soaring harmony vocals.

A few of the arrangements border on being too commercial, and it’s surprising how much these guys sound like Yanks. The title track evokes Fountains Of Wayne, and like the toe-tapping “Right Man, Wrong Time,” has a bit of a Country And Western feel. “Blue Eyes” and “Dead Letters” are well-crafted, though not particularly memorable, and “Queen Bee” is an appealing acoustic number.

The Ravines are more impressive on “Daydream,” which could have been a smash in the 1980s, and the catchy pop of “Working Class Girl.” The best track here is “It’s Only Love,” which packs a punch while tapping into the distinctive jangle of The Byrds. Everything’s Fine pretty much lives up to its name, but could have been even better if The Ravines had given it more of an edge.

And Another Thing. . .

George Harrison art from the Phil Angotti And Friends

Play The Music Of George Harrison At City Winery Facebook page.

Various items from the rock and roll world.

Lollapalooza was another rousing success this year despite serious weather that caused a brief evacuation Sunday afternoon and an earlier end to the festival than had been planned. Out here in suburban Palatine, we had hail stones that were literally the size of golf balls, but luckily the revelers downtown were spared that experience. In other Lolla news, there were reports that Paul McCartney did an extended sound check Thursday night and his songs could be heard all over the downtown area. I doubt anyone complained.

A special tribute show called The Music of George Harrison is taking place at City Winery - Chicago tomorrow night, August 4th. Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti, who has become quite adept at honoring my favorite rock stars, will be joined by Casey McDonough; Dann Morr; Tommi Zender; Eric Howell; and Dick Schmidt, who will be performing with Rebekah Abel and Wally Rozak. Hannah Grossman will serve as the host and narrator. The music starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available for the just the performance, or for the performance with wine pairings.

Those who have seen bassist Derrick Anderson perform with The Bangles on a regular basis or with The Smithereens on occasion might not be aware that he was a member of a power pop band called The Andersons over a decade ago. He’ll be joining that group for a reunion on August 29th at Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles on August 29th. The Piper Downs will also be on the bill that evening. Anderson noted recently on his Facebook page that The Andersons could have more gigs coming up and are considering the release of a greatest hits CD.

Tributosaurus, one of Chicago’s best-known tribute acts, will become Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young this coming Wednesday night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue. I saw them cover CSN and Y at an outdoor festival a few years back, and they definitely have a passion performing as these guys. And yes, this qualifies as A Hollies Summer In Chicago event because it involves Graham Nash songs. I’m still waiting for Tributosaurus to become The Hollies.

Something new, something blurred. The Church will be showcasing songs from their 25th album—the brand new Further/Deeper—when they kick off their American tour in just a few days. The gigs will consist of two sets; the first being devoted entirely to their 1982 effort The Blurred Crusade while the second will be a mix of brand new and classic material. The Church have a show in Chicago at The Old Town School Of Folk Music on August 29th. They also have dates (none in Chicago) where they’ll be sharing the bill with The Psychedelic Furs. 

Aimee Mann recently had a very touching post on Facebook about working on a song called “No Love” she had written with the late power pop genius Scott Miller of Game Theory and The Loud Family. She noted, “and hearing him sing it in my headphones is possibly the most devastatingly heartbreaking thing I’ve ever experienced.” Hopefully, we’ll get to hear that song at some point in the future.

Ryan Powers And The Secret Weapons, a local power pop band that released a very solid and enjoyable CD in 2013 called The Goodnight Goodbye Hour, will be performing at 4:30 PM this Friday afternoon as part of the Chicago Hot Dog Fest at Clark Street and LaSalle Drive. I haven’t eaten a hot dog in several years, but there are some intriguing things about this event, which runs through Sunday. One of its major sponsors is the nearby Chicago History Museum, and in addition to the bands and food vendors, there will be guest speakers (or comedians, I’m not sure) waxing philosophical about hot dogs. Admission is free.

Slumgullion

A hearty Broken Hearted Toy welcome to all those who have traveled to Chicago for Lollapalooza. If you’re not sure which act to choose from the mammoth and eclectic lineup, or have any questions about the festival, rest assured this city’s media has your back. WXRT once again has air personality/adroit interviewer Marty Lennartz doing live reports from Lollapalooza. You can stream the station via its website.

Local free papers The Reader, New City, Red Eye, and Innerview Magazine have special issues devoted to Lollapalooza. You can find Red Eye in its thermometer-top boxes all over downtown; New City and The Reader also have their own boxes; Reckless Records—on Madison, between State and Wabash—carries New City, The Reader, and Innerview. Today’s issues of the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times also offer their choices for the best acts to check out.

If you’re a teenager (and that would be a majority of Lolla attendees), please be respectful toward the older folks who are coming this year to see Paul McCartney. Even though you know they’re using tickets they originally bought for their kids. And a personal suggestion for Sir Paul: Native Foods on south Clark Street has great vegan and vegetarian food. Tell them Broken Hearted Toy sent you.

There’s a five-dollar Lollapalooza Aftershow at Liar’s Club starting at 9:30 tonight with Captain Wails And The Harpoons; The Handcuffs (who did a fine show despite the oppressive heat last Saturday at Taste Of Lincoln Avenue); and Springa Sonic Droogs. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton. You must be over 21 to attend. 

He blew his mind out in a bar. Tomorrow The Moon is having a record release party for its brand new Blow, Mind, Blow—the full-length follow-up to its impressive EP a full years back—at Martyrs’ on Chicago’s north side tomorrow night. Artist/film director Tom McKeon has created dazzling videos for the high-energy songs “Miles Of Jenny” and “There’s No Place,” which can be viewed on the band’s Facebook page. Psychedelic/garage rock band The Red Plastic Buddha, whose masterful Songs For Mara came in fourth on my favorite releases of 2014 list, and Razorhouse, a quartet that describes its sound as swampy, eclectic, dirty, and clever,  are also on the bill.

The Viaducts will be celebrating the summer season with songs like “Drive-Thru Girl” and “Your Smiling Face (Walkin’ By In Blue Jeans)” at the Red Line Tap tomorrow night. Show time is 10:00 PM.

He Came To Chicago . . . And Rocked

The main event in A Hollies Summer In Chicago took place last night.

Actually, the most recent stop on Graham Nash’s summer tour was in St. Charles, but that’s close enough to be considered part of the Chicago area. Delivered in two separate sets at The Arcada, the show was a well-crafted retrospective guaranteed to make the iconic musician’s fans very happy. Nash was accompanied by the impressive guitarist-vocalist Shane Fontayne, who has toured with Crosby, Stills and Nash, as well as with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Paul Simon, and Rod Stewart. Nash and Fontayne began writing songs together after the 2014 CSN tour ended last October, and they’ve already recorded an album’s worth of material. Their newly formed bond was evident in their harmony vocals and musicianship throughout last night’s performance.

Dressed in a denim shirt and jeans, Nash jokingly compared himself to a vintage car show that was taking place just down the street from the Arcada; saying he was “old and polished.” He exuded a casual, friendly presence, and introduced a number of songs with interesting and funny anecdotes. He explained that “Our House” was written after a shopping trip with Joni Mitchell back when he lived with her, and added the good news that she is currently recuperating after recent health issues. His tale of the Canadian border incident that sparked “Immigration Man” included a good-natured jab at Neil Young; and before performing “Wasted On The Way,” he noted that Crosby, Stills and Nash could have created more music together if they hadn’t indulged so heavily in drugs.

The wide-ranging song selection began with an appealing and acoustic take on The Hollies’ “Bus Stop.” Nash drew an interesting connection between “King Midas In Reverse” from the final album he recorded with the British Invasion band and “I Used To Be A King” from his solo debut Songs For Beginners. He also performed “Just A Song Before I Go,” “Military Madness,” and “Simple Man,” and went with the deep cut “Marguerita” from his Whistling Down The Wire album with David Crosby. The recorded portion of Crosby’s a cappella “Critical Mass” preceded a live performance of “Wind On The Water,” in which Nash played piano and the consistently inventive Fontayne conjured mournful whale sounds via his guitar. 

“Wind On The Water,” with its condemnation of animal abuse (“It’s not that we don’t know/It’s just that we don’t want to care”) is a prime example of Nash’s long-running passion for delving into political and social issues. He was at full power belting out the provocative lyrics of “Fieldworker” and “Cathedral,” as well as the rousing finale “Chicago.” After stating he believes the majority of America’s cops do an amazing job, Nash raged through an energetic, brand new composition co-written with Fontayne that protests the recent deaths of African-Americans who had confrontations with police officers.

Two other Nash-Fontayne compositions, the optimistic “Golden Days” and the soul-searching “Myself At Last,” bode well for the album they’ll be releasing next spring. The duo harmonized perfectly on a breathtaking version of Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird” as their first encore. “You might as well stay standing,” Nash said after the audience had risen to its feet in approval. “We’re going to sing this for all the teachers around the world.” A spirited version of “Teach Your Children,” with the audience taking over on some of the verses, was a fitting end for a performance that showed Graham Nash remains an essential force on the current music scene.

Quite An Evening With A Simple Man

According to the Facebook page for The Arcada in St. Charles, the Graham Nash solo show taking place there tonight is almost sold out. And as I’ve mentioned previously here on Broken Hearted Toy, the Graham Nash Facebook page has a number of links to articles about his current tour. These shows offer a rare opportunity to catch one of rock’s most influential artists in an intimate setting, performing songs from his entire career. Which includes The Hollies; Crosby, Stills and Nash, (and sometimes Young) and his solo albums. That’s a wealth of material to enjoy in a live setting.

I’m not sure when Nash last came through Chicago as a solo act, but it might have been as far back as a 1980 show at the Park West. I still have the review of that gig that I wrote for the University of Illinois paper Chicago Illini. Back then, he opened with “Military Madness,” and went on to perform favorites like “Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” “Wind On The Water,” and “Chicago.” He also did a few tracks form his latest LP at that time, Earth & Sky. I noted in my review that Nash mentioned The Hollies but didn’t touch on any of his work with them.

From the articles I’ve read, and a few video clips I’ve seen, that won’t be the case tonight. I think we can count on at least an acoustic take on “King Midas In Reverse,” the ambitious and magnificent single that somehow failed to top the charts, and played a role in Nash’s decision to leave The Hollies. His current rendition of the song showcases its emotional power and proves he was right about its value as a pop song. When a rock and roll veteran does a solo show, those kind of moments make the experience particularly worthwhile. For the performer and the audience.