Incoming

Journalist Caryn Rose takes an extensive look at one of rock’s most revolutionary performers in her book Why Patti Smith Matters, due out on May 31 from University of Texas Press. Described as, “A meditation on the artistry and influence of Patti Smith,” the book taps into numerous reliable sources, including an interview with Bruce Springsteen, who co-wrote “Because The Night” with her. Rose’s credentials include contributing to Pitchfork, Billboard, and the Village Voice.

 

Chicago singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album this Wednesday night at SPACE in Evanston. He’ll be joined by The Naughty Neighbors, which I suspect is one of those one-off band names various musicians pick when they get together for a tribute show. My sincere apologies if The Naughty Neighbors have been gigging around town for years.

English vocalist-guitarist Jonny Weathers once again joins forces with former Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook on the new album Dusted Radio. The nine-song effort also finds Phil Collen and Weathers sharing lead guitar duties. “Radio City,” “I Used To Have Possession,” and “Opium Fireworks” continue the hard rock approach Weathers and Cook offered on their previous collaboration, but there’s also more nuanced and impressive tracks like “Soulshine” and “Indian Rope Tricks” this time out. I’m hoping to do a full review in the near future.

I briefly mentioned in last Friday’s Slumgullion post that the Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum will present the American Writers Festival on May 15. More than 70 writers will be involved. Admission is free. There was much more extensive information on the American Writers Festival in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune, most of it reported by staff writer Christopher Borrelli. Check it out if you still have a copy around, or I’m sure you can find it online.

Tellin’ Tales Theatre hasn’t offered an in-person performance for a few years due to the pandemic, but will be back onstage this coming weekend at the Greenhouse Theater Center. The new production Voicing Our Truths is directed and produced by long-time member Tekki Lomnicki and includes solo performances by artists, writers, and advocates with disabilities. Greenhouse Theater is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. After the Friday-through-Sunday run is finished, Voicing Our Truths will continue as a live stream on Vimeo.

Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has an album release show this Saturday, May 14 at City Winery Chicago. What In The World actually came out in 2020, and those of us who heard the title track being played on WXRT definitely remember how McDermott set his razor-sharp observations to a rampaging arrangement. 

Checking out the singles scene. Red Spot Rhythm Section, the Chicago-based ensemble that gave us an adventurous collection of Tom Petty covers last August, returns with a double single of 1980s U.K. new wave. Each track features a different lead vocalist; Claire Liparulo on a funky take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Erthe St. James on a ska-flavored version of The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry.” Crown Vic Royal frontman Vincent Bruckert will be showcasing some solo work this Wednesday when he performs his new single, the melodic and mid-tempo “Secret Warnings,” at Montrose Saloon.

The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street, will host the third edition of Night Ideas this Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The free, international-themed event aims to bring together the academic, artistic, scientific and civic communities to share ideas.  

Slumgullion

A post by Graham Nash on his official Instagram page today no doubt thrilled Hollies fans around the globe. The photo showed him standing next to Allan Clarke, his life-long friend and fellow founding member of the British Invasion band. Both gentlemen look quite happy. Nash has mentioned working with Clarke on new music, so hopefully, this is a sign the pair will release an album at some point.

Congratulations to Chicago-based alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Forgiven Now at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn even as I write this. Singer-guitarist Heidi Serwer was also on hand, playing songs from her new album Palm Tree On The Drywall.

If You Gotta Go-Go, Go-Go Now, The Go-Go’s tribute album I ordered, arrived in the mail looking like someone at the post office took a sledgehammer to it. Luckily, the disc itself miraculously survived, and I’ve been enjoying this adventurous 24-track compilation. I hope to write a full review in the near future, but for now, here’s an enthusiastic thumbs up.

A great place to celebrate all the super heroes of yesteryear. The 21st Windy City Pulp And Paper Convention kicked off today at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard and will run through Sunday.

Olivia Harrison has a 104-page hardcover book titled Came The Lightening - 20 Poems About George coming out in the fall. It will be available in autographed Collector’s and Deluxe editions from the high-end Genesis Publications, which means they’re gorgeous, well-crafted, and expensive. Both are available for pre-order on The Fest For Beatles Fans website, at $180 and $450, respectively.

Chicago-based alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will perform an afternoon set at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie on May 22. I’m not sure who wrote the description on Facebook, but it fits the WWSP perfectly: “This avant garde ensemble shares their unique 21st century druid music that's woven with songs about inner light, the natural world, and so much more.” I wish I had come up with that.

 

Fans of indie rock in Chicago will recognize Sketchbook Brewing Company as the site of Pravdafest. The event will mark the 38th year of local label Pravda Records and takes place on the weekend of  June 24 and 25. Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs are scheduled to perform. Veteran alt rock DJ James VanOsdol will serve as MC. Sketchbook Brewing Company is located at 4901 Main Street in Skokie.

 

Vocalist-guitarist Carla Olson, who formed The Textones in 1978, before moving on to a successful career as solo recording artist and producer, has just released a rampaging cover of The Who’s “I Can See For Miles” on Bandcamp.

Relic, an art exhibition that “explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will run through May 27 at Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. in Chicago. Curated by Ciera Alyse McKissick, it features the work of six artists.

The B-52’s sold out their October 7 concert at The Chicago Theatre, so a second show has been added on October 8. The dates are part of the band's Farewell Tour Play Loud. KC And The Sunshine will be the opening act.

The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street, will host the third edition of Night Ideas next Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The free, international-themed event aims to bring together the academic, artistic, scientific and civic communities to share ideas.

 

Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics has a solo gig coming up on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

The House Theatre Of Chicago is presenting The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre through May 29. The play features original text by Aimé Césaire and is directed by Lanise Antoine Shelley.

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on May 19. In a recent Facebook post, Juhlin drolly wondered if the later gig would “feature more lubricated banter and seth-defying leaps and windmills.”

The Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum have joined forces to present the American Writers Festival on May 15. More than 70 writers will be at the museum to celebrate American writing. Judging from the online schedule, the event kicks off with a welcome at 10:00 am and runs through the early evening. Admissions is free.

Incoming

Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics will have some impressive guest musicians onstage with him when he performs on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. The lineup includes fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

Skill has a brand new autobiographical single called “We Got Your Rock ’N’ Roll” and he also recently released a cover of Wilson Pickett’s “In The Midnight Hour” reimagined as a garage rock song. Chances are, The Romantics’ first hit single, the Skill-penned “What I Like About You,” will be ringing out that night as well.

Vocalist-guitarist Steve Hackett, who’s performed with Genesis and GTR, as well as on solo projects, has a gig tomorrow night (Thursday, May 5) at the Copernicus Center on Chicago’s northwest side. The venue is a short walk away from the Jefferson Park Metra/CTA station.

Graham Nash has a new album coming out this Friday that features live performances of all the songs from his Songs For Beginners and Wild Tales solo releases. The tracks were recorded during his 2019 tour with Shane Fontayne on guitar and vocals, and Todd Caldwell on keyboards and vocals.

Congratulations to Little Steve Van Zandt on the 20th anniversary of his Underground Garage radio program. His “Rock ’n’ Soul dance party” can be heard on Sirius radio, as well as on its own website. 

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on May 19. In a recent Facebook post, Juhlin drolly wondered if the later gig would “feature more lubricated banter and death-defying leaps and windmills.”

The B-52’s sold out their October 7 concert at The Chicago Theatre, so a second show has been added on October 8. The dates are part of the band's Farewell Tour Play Loud. KC And The Sunshine Band will be the opening act.

Saturday Slumgullion

Metric released a new single titled “All Comes Crashing” this past Thursday, as well as a video to go with it. It’s a preview of the band’s upcoming album Formentera, which is due out July 8. Presale tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 3 for Metric’s Doomscroller Tour, which includes an October 18 date in Chicago.

Congratulations to International Pop Overthrow CFO/Founder David Bash, promoter August Forte, and Montrose Saloon manager Eric Chial on the successful return of IPO to Chicago. Next up for Bash is an eight-day IPO run at the Cavern Club in Liverpool starting Sunday, May 15. He’ll have two separate, multi-act showcases each day; one in the Cavern Pub and one in the Cavern Club. I won’t be giving a day-by-day preview of this event like I did for Chicago, but I do firmly hope that one day I’ll be at Liverpool IPO in person.

 

Phil Angotti, who performed tonight at Montrose Saloon as part of the IPO Chicago finale, has a record release bash for his latest effort Once Around Again coming up at Martyrs on Thursday, May 26. Joining Phil and his special guests onstage will be a series of paintings and illustrations created by local artists for each song.

This Monday night, May 2 at 6:00 pm, the Goodman Theatre will present the 13th annual August Wilson Monologue Competition, featuring 21 high school students chosen as finalists from the Chicago area. Participants will perform monologues from Wilson’s Century Cycle collection of 10 plays exploring African American history.

Patti Smith has a concert coming up this Wednesday, May 4 at Metro on Chicago’s north side. It’s part of the iconic music venue’s 40th anniversary celebration.

Vocalist-guitarist Steve Hackett, who’s performed with Genesis and GTR, as well as on solo projects, has a gig coming up this Thursday, May 5 at the Copernicus Center on Chicago’s northwest side. The venue is a short walk away from the Jefferson Park Metra/CTA station.

Tickets are now on sale for Pravdafest, the June 24 and 25 event celebrating the Chicago-based indie record label Pravda’s 38 years of showcasing unique artists. It’s being staged in collaboration with Sketchbook Brewing Company, who will introduce a new Sketchbook beer called Pravda38. Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops and Boom Hank are scheduled to perform on the 24th and The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs are scheduled for 25th.

Vocalist-guitarist Carla Olson, who formed The Textones in 1978, before moving on to a successful career as solo recording artist and producer, has just released a rampaging cover of The Who’s “I Can See For Miles” on Bandcamp. Olson can also be heard performing “Here Comes That Train Again” with Stephen McCarthy from Dream Syndicate on the upcoming various artists compilation Americana Railroad.

Roger Daltrey will embark on a solo tour dubbed Who Was I in the UK starting June 20 in Bournemouth, BIC

Kurt Baker and Bebe Buell have recorded a cover of “Blood And Roses” one of the countless power pop classic originally recorded by The Smithereens. This stellar version is out on the Wicked Cool, and available to stream or download.

 

Prince: The Immersive Experience, comes to The Shops At North Bridge In Chicago on June 9. The official website promises 10 multidimensional spaces, and an opportunity to “step inside the iconic Purple Rain album cover.” All ages are welcome.

Olivia Harrison has a 104-page hardcover book titled Came The Lightening - 20 Poems About George coming out in the fall. It will be available in autographed Collector’s and Deluxe editions from the high-end Genesis Publications, which means they’re gorgeous, well-crafted, and expensive. Both are available for pre-order on The Fest For Beatles Fans website, at $180 and $450, respectively. 

IPO - Chicago 2022 - The Finale

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago is scheduled to wrap up its 2022 run with a six-act showcase tomorrow night at Montrose Saloon. From what I’ve been told, there will be changes to the 8:15 and 9:00 pm slots. Hopefully, there will further information regarding this on the Montrose Saloon Facebook and Instagram pages. For the time being, here’s a look at the Saturday night showcase as it stands now. 

Singer-guitarist Phil Angotti is known for his tribute shows to The Zombies, Squeeze, Bee Gees, etc., as well as for performing on the Apple Jam Stage at Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago. But it would be a  mistake to overlook the original music he’s released on the series of impressive albums over the years. His most recent efforts, Still Life and Such Stories, offered more introspective fare, but “The Lamp,” his contribution to the Big Blast Singles 21 compilation, was a funny and genuinely psychedelic gem. The Darren Cooper-led power pop band Three Hour Tour will be performing songs destined to be on their upcoming album Junk Mail, as well as selections from their four previous releases. Cooper’s approach can range from the lighter 1960s feel of “No Guarantee” to the punchy “Afterlife.”

Forbidden Kingdom is a brand new act, as well as a family affair. It features Eric Chial from Bon Mots on guitar and his son Gustaf on drums; Ellis Clark from Social Act on keyboards and his son Andrew on bass; and Jared Chase Eisenmann on guitar. All five members sing. Forbidden Kingdom is currently recording its debut album. King Mixer, AKA Eric Howell, will bring the 2022 IPO - Chicago festivities to a close with help from his band mates and The King Mixer Horns. His latest single is the fun and soulful rock and roll tale “Riding With Martha.” Howell has also created what he describes as “the world’s first (and only) audio drama of The Beatles early years.” It’s available on Bandcamp.

Most of the 60+ acts that performed at International Pop Overthrow this year were local, although there were some out-of-state visitors. It’s still worth checking the official website for the full schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who participated in Chicago this year. Even if you weren’t able to attend in person, you can still use the site as a great way to discover new music.

IPO Chicago - The Penultimate 2022 Showcase

I think I’ll write a song about a cactus.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago will wrap up its 2022 run at Montrose Saloon with a pair of showcases tomorrow; one in the afternoon, and then the finale at night. Here’s a look at the Saturday afternoon showcase.

 

Michael Steven Cohen has explored a variety of musical styles throughout his performing career, and I have the CDs and downloads to prove it. He crafted power pop as a member of The Abbeys, pursued a harder-edged sound with Pop Dollys, and performed 1960s covers with the Everly Hillbillies. Tomorrow’s gig will feature his latest passion; doing nifty covers of 1950s love songs and standards. Abby Lyons shows up frequently on YouTube, performing easygoing songs on ukulele or piano. They often exude an off-kilter charm, whether she’s offering advice on taking care of a cactus or clinging to a relationship her friends tell her is beyond saving. She’s also been known to cover a Disney song or two. The Embryos have released a number of albums since 2017, and their latest—National Absurdity—is a good example of how they set imaginative concepts to melodic mid-tempo arrangements. “Twisted In My Game” particularly stands out for its engaging arrangement and clever lyrics.

Close to 10 years ago, The Shakes Ups hit upon the fun concept of combining power pop with their favorite animated shows. The band’s Facebook page depicts the six members in Saturday morning cartoon form, and an album available on their website titled Meddling Kids pays homage to Scooby-Doo. These guys have also completed a season of their own podcast series, Ignore City, which is available on several platforms. Singer-guitarist Erich Specht from the Palatine, IL (my town) band Push Puppets will be performing as a solo act at Montrose Saloon. It seems logical he’ll be previewing songs from the upcoming Push Puppets album titled Allegory Grey (due out in September) since he’s the group’s chief songwriter. Specht is comfortable putting his complex lyrics to power pop, 1960s pop, or blues rock. Psychedelic guitar slinger Jeremy Morris is from Kalamazoo, MI, and he’s traveled to a lot of IPO showcases well beyond Chicago. The Jeremy Band traditionally closes out a Saturday afternoon showcase when he’s here, and his high-powered, melodic rock will do just that tomorrow. His latest album, Emerald Vision, is available from the Jam Records website.

Most of the 60+ acts that performed at International Pop Overthrow this year were local, although there were some out-of-state visitors. Check the official website for the full schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who participated in Chicago this year. Even if you weren’t able to attend in person, you can still use the site as a great way to discover new music.

IPO - Chicago: Friday On My Mind

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago will wrap up its 2022 run at Montrose Saloon this weekend, with a showcase on Friday night, and a pair of showcases (afternoon, and evening) on Saturday. Note: There was already a TBA listed as the last act on Friday night, and based on a Facebook post from IPO Founder/CFO David Bash a few hours ago, it looks like the 7:30 slot is now vacant. (On a related note, I wasn’t aware that Amazing Heeby Jeebies were added to Wednesday night’s lineup when I posted my preview. I definitely would have said nice things about them.)

So unless a replacement is found for the 7:30 slot tomorrow, the opening act will be Alpine Subs at 8:15. The six-member group released Through The Blinds, its third full-length album, earlier this year. It offers melodic pop songs such as “Still You Sleep” and “Harvest Lake.” Long-time IPO participants Too Much Saturn have been releasing catchy singles since their debut album Moving Forward Sideways came out in 2013. The most recent is “STOP Thief,” which grooves with jangling guitars and harmony vocals.  

The Locals are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The hard-edged trio released its latest effort Minutes, Seconds, Degrees in 2019, and it includes aggressive tracks such as “Eyes Wide Open” and “The Willful Suspension Of Disbelief.” The Steve Ramone Band’s big, melodic rock songs feature Ramone’s strong vocals while being propelled by guitars and keyboards. “Our Love,” in particular, feels like a hit single, and other strong tracks include “Time To Go” and “Sunny Day.” Chip Z’nuff will be performing with The Steve Ramone Band as a special guest.

 

International Pop Overthrow runs through this Saturday, April 30 at Montrose Saloon. Most of the 60+ acts involved are local, although there are some out-of-state visitors. Check the official website for the full schedule. You’ll also find links for just about all the acts who’ll be participating in Chicago this year. Even if you can’t attend in person, it’s a great way to discover new music.