Like Wow - Hoodoo Gurus At City Winery Chicago

Considering their last scheduled concert at City Winery Chicago was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s been a while since the Hoodoo Gurus performed around these parts. Any doubts that the Australian quartet still has avid followers in the midwest of the land were blown away as soon as lead vocalist-guitarist Dave Faulkner and his mates walked onstage. This despite opening with deep cuts such as “Place In The Sun,” “In The Middle Of The Land,” and “Death Ship” rather than their best-known material. Regardless of the recognition factor, the Hoodoo Gurus infused every song with tremendous energy. The psychedelic rocker “Miss Free Love ‘69,” from their 1991 Kinky album, was particularly frantic, while still keeping its sexy allure. 

“Come On,” from the band’s 1987 album Blow Your Cool!, was about as sedate as things got during the 90-minute show. Faulkner dedicated the wistful “1000 Miles Away” to people who moved from down under to the U.S., after asking if there were Australians in the audience. (A fair amount responded ‘yes,’ including a gentleman at my table.) The concert featured new songs from the band’s 2022 release Chariot Of The Gods, including the title track, “Hang With The Girls,” and “Answered Prayers.” It would have been great to also hear the tragicomic gem “My Imaginary Friend” and clever “Settle Down.”

At various times, Faulkner asked audience members to show their enthusiasm by standing up while the band played. City Winery’s dinner/entertainment tables and chairs layout made that a bit of a challenge, but plenty of those present obliged. Especially when the Hoodoo Gurus unleashed “I Want You Back,” which had fans waving their arms and singing along. Other vintage favorites included “Bittersweet,” “Come Anytime,” “Poison Pen,” and “I Was A Kamikaze Pilot.” Three encores brought the performance close to two hours, with the Hoodoo Gurus wrapping up with a rousing version of “Like Wow - Wipeout” their 1995 album Mars Needs Guitars.  

Slumgullion

The eternally relentless Chrissie Hynde.

The Pretenders announced yesterday they have a new album titled Relentless coming out September 1, and it’s available to pre-order. If the song “Let The Sun Come In,” which can already be streamed on various sites is any indication, the album will pack a wallop just like the band’s 2020 effort Hate For Sale. The cover art depicts a badass toddler wearing boxing gloves and sporting angel wings. Pretenders fans in the U.K. will have a chance to see Chrissie Hynde and the group perform outdoors at the Kite, Black Deer, Bearded Theory and BST Hyde Park festivals this spring and summer.

As predicted in this past Wednesday’s post, tickets went on sale today for the Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band concert at the Chicago Theatre on October 5. 

Graham Nash has described his latest solo effort Now as his most personal collection of songs yet. We’ll find out for sure when it’s released next Friday. One of the tracks, “Buddy’s Back,” appears on Now as well as on Nash’s former fellow Hollie Allan Clarke’s latest solo effort I’ll Never Forget. Nash composed the song as the celebration of The Hollies’early days and features him and Clarke harmonizing wonderfully together. Nash is currently in the midst of a concert tour that has already included five sold-out shows in Chicago.

Paul Rock’s Wild Honey Foundation will join forces with writer/producer Lenny Kaye and Rhino Records next Friday, May 19, to present Nuggets - A 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration Of The Nuggets Compilation. The Benefit Concert For The Autism Healthcare Collaborative will be held at Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. Kaye, the force behind the iconic Nuggets compilation, Rob Laufer, and Andrew Sandoval will lead the Wild Honey Orchestra. As with past Wild Honey events, well-known musicians are lining up to help out; including the members of the 1960s garage rock bands The Count Five, Chocolate Watchband, The Seeds, Love, and The Electric Prunes. Other participants include Susanna Hoffs, Elliot Easton, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Kathy Valentine, Darian Sahanaja, Carla Olson, Debbie Shair, Evie Sands, Daryl Hooper, Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, and Peter Case. If you’re going to be in California, tickets range from $40 to $75. According to a Facebook post from Paul Rock, the event will be recorded and later made available on blu-ray, etc.

Last Night And The Night Before, the critically acclaimed play written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, wraps up its run at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago this Sunday.

Tall Poppy Syndrome, a new band made up of pop music veterans Paul Kopf, Jonathan Lea, Vince Melouney, Clem Burke, and Alec Palao, just released the single “Let It Ride,” on its Bandcamp page. The catchy song was written by Melouney and his former fellow Bee Gees member Barry Gibb.

Chicago’s David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age have a 10th Anniversary Show tomorrow at Metro that will also be a fundraising event. A portion of the proceeds will go The NorthShore University HealthSystem’ Integrative Medicine Program. Tickets are available at the event website, and there is a also a raffle and silent auction.

Peter Gabriel will release a new album titled i/o in the near future and will launch his i/o The Tour next Thursday, May 18 in Krakow, Poland. The European tour will also include stops in Milan, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, London, and Manchester.

The Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art And Craft Fair will be held tomorrow and Sunday on Lincoln Avenue, between Roscoe School Streets. In addition to paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, there will be live music and food vendors.

The Webstirs, whose 2022 self-titled release was the latest in a series of albums filled with catchy and deviously clever pop songs, will be performing at The Hideout next Saturday, May 20. Magnaphonic, led by Marianne and Mike Galassini, are also on the bill that night. The Galassinis previously fronted The Valley Downs, and released power pop gems such as “Better” and “Twister” on a pair of EPs. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia on Chicago’s north side.

Chicago-based filmmaker Micael Glover Smith’s 2022 romantic comedy Relative will be screened at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on May 22.  There will be a live question and answer session afterward with Smith, four cast members, and moderator Lori Felker. The Chicago location for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is at 3519 N. Clark St., Suite C301.

Crowded House, the Australian band that brought us the classy pop hits “Something So Strong” and “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” will most likely be performing those songs, along with new ones from their recently released album Dreamers Are Waiting at their Chicago Theatre concert this Monday, May 15.

The Museum Of Broadcast Communications is holding a TV And Radio Experiences Auction via CharityBuzz to raise funds. 40 For 40, which celebrates the Chicago museum’s 40th anniversary with 40 media-related opportunities, will run through next Tuesday, May 16. The MBC needs money to move from its current 360 N. State Street location to a new home. 

Chicago-based power pop band Thrift Store Halo will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its debut LP World Gone Mad by offering downloads of the 10 songs for 25¢ each on its official website. I still have my copy of the CD, and I recommend checking this album out. Particularly the tracks “Can’t Understand,” “Fly Me Away,” and “Change.”

Phil Angotti and Friends continue their string of Beatles-themed brunches at City Winery Chicago with a Macca And Wings Tribute. Only this time, it’s on a Saturday: May 20 at noon.

Gman Tavern on Clark Street in Chicago will celebrate World Goth Day on Tuesday, May 22 with (no doubt suitably dark) music chosen by DJ Scary Sarah.

Australian band The Hoodoo Gurus will make their long-awaited return to the Chicago area with a sold-out concert at City Winery - Chicago this Sunday, May 14. These guys apply their garage rock/power pop expertise to tales of outer space aliens, tribal sacrifices, and ghosts, as well as tangled relationships. Their 2022 album Chariot Of The Gods served up another batch of cool songs.

Jason Narducy and Dag Juhlin will celebrate Pete Townshend’s birthday a week from tonight by performing his solo material and iconic songs with The Who at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights.

The new State Of Sound exhibit now open at Navy Pier is a pop-up version of the award-winning exhibition that was held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, and celebrates Illinois-based stars such as Muddy Waters; Material Issue; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; Chance the Rapper; Wilco; Shoes; and Cheap Trick. Admission is free, and you’ll find the exhibit at Festival Hall A in the lower level lobby of Navy Pier through Aug. 27.

Things That Fly, the Chicago-based indie rock band led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, each an accomplished singer-songwriter, has a debut album coming out this Sunday. The energetic and fun “Lucky Ones” is already available on the Things That Fly Bandcamp page. A record-release show at Martyrs’ on June 24 will benefit the charity organization Common Pantry.

Eric Clapton will be staging two sold out Jeff Beck tribute concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 22 and 23. In addition to fellow Yardbird Clapton, Beck will be honored with performances by Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Imelda May, Gary Clark Jr, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Joss Stone. They’ll be backed by Beck’s most recent tour musicians Rhonda Smith, Anika Nilles and Robert Stevenson. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Folly Wildlife Rescue.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a group of Chicago area musicians who frequently stage tribute shows, will perform Tina Turner songs at The Venue in Aurora a week from tonight. 

Brad Elvis and Rob Elvis, two-thirds of legendary and always fun 1980s/‘90s outfit The Elvis Brothers, will be joining in on some songs when The Spindles perform at a power pop triple bill that also features Go Time! and Vinto Van Go at The Cubby Bear on May 20 .

Chicago Zine Fest 2023 will be held next Saturday, May 20, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Plumbers Union Hall. Admission is free, and the event will feature over 100 independent zine creators from around the country. This is the same building where the CHIRP Record Fair And Other Delights is held, at 1340 W. Washington Blvd., just west of downtown Chicago.

Tom Hanks was recently in Chicago to discuss his debut novel The Making Of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece in an event sponsored by WBEZ FM radio. Hanks’ interview with Peter Sagal took place before a live audience at the Auditorium Theatre. According to Chicago Sun-Times writer Laura Emerick, The Making Of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece is a time travel novel that includes a pair of comic book sections.

Earth/Percent, whose mission to act as “a charity providing a simple way for the music industry to support the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency,” has launched a major fundraiser. The Earth/Percent X Earth Day Compilation Album features new/exclusive/unreleased material from 60 artists from around the endangered globe, and is available as a digital album for £25. A vinyl version is also now available. The artists involved include Michael Stipe featuring Gaelyn Lea; Cvurches And Robert Smith; Nile Rodgers And Chic; Brian Eno; and Coldplay X Her. 

Natalie Merchant will be showcasing songs from her album Keep Your Courage when she performs at The Chicago Theatre next Friday, May 19.

 

The Long Grove-Killdeer Garden Club will hold its annual Plant Sale on May 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at 3847 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove. It’s probably pretty close to downtown, so you could stop for lunch or coffee at one of cafes or restaurants.

Also, just a quick note about leaving Comments for posts on Broken Hearted Toy. I greatly appreciate people taking the time to make a Comment, and I apologize for not noticing them for quite a long while. This was an oversight on my part and not intentional. 

Incoming

Peace And Love will return to State Street. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday morning at 10:00 am for the Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band concert at the Chicago Theatre on October 5. My review of his 2018 concert at the Chicago Theatre can be found in the Broken Hearted Toy archives, and here’s the opening paragraph: “Ringo Starr’s long-awaited return to the Chicago area took place with a recent sold-out concert at the Chicago Theatre. Like Paul McCartney’s shows last July at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, there was the incredible excitement of seeing an actual Beatle in person. Amazingly, each exuded a friendly, regular guy persona even while performing songs that mean so much to generations of fans.”

Omnivore Recordings is having a 50% Off sale on all its LPs and CDs by the legendary band NRBQ today through through Friday. That includes the multi-CD release High Noon - A 50-Year Retrospective.

Last Night And The Night Before, the critically acclaimed play written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, wraps up its run at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago this Sunday, May 14.

Best wishes to Bono from U2 and British folk rock star Donovan, who were both born on May 10. I’d like to see a duet by these two guys.

Chicago’s David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age have a 10th Anniversary Show coming up on May 13 at Metro that will also be a fundraising event. A portion of the proceeds will go The NorthShore University HealthSystem’ Integrative Medicine Program. Tickets are available at the event website, and there is a also a raffle and silent auction.

The Chicago Critic Film Festival wraps up its 2023 run this Thursday, May 11 at the Music Box Theatre on the city’s north side.

The Webstirs, whose 2022 self-titled release was the latest in a series of albums filled with catchy and deviously clever pop songs, will be performing at The Hideout on May 20. Magnaphonic, led by Marianne and Mike Galassini, are also on the bill that night. The Galassinis previously fronted The Valley Downs, and released power pop gems such as “Better” and “Twister” on a pair of EPs. The Hideout is located at 1354 W. Wabansia on Chicago’s north side.

Several movies created by Chicago-based filmmaker Micael Glover Smith have been successful, but his 2022 romantic comedy Relative could be his best-known effort. You can discover why at the upcoming screening at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on May 22. There will be a live question and answer session afterward with Smith, four cast members, and moderator Lori Felker. The Chicago location for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is at 3519 N. Clark St., Suite C301.

Crowded House, the Australian band that brought us the classy pop hits “Something So Strong” and “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” will most likely be performing those songs, along with new ones from their recently released album Dreamers Are Waiting at their Chicago Theatre concert on May 15.

The Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art And Craft Fair will be held this weekend, May 13 and 14 on Lincoln Avenue Avenue, between Roscoe School Streets. In addition to paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, there will be live music and food vendors.

The Museum Of Broadcast Communications is holding a TV And Radio Experiences Auction via CharityBuzz to raise funds. 40 For 40, which celebrates the Chicago museum’s 40th anniversary with 40 media-related opportunities, will run through next Tuesday, May 16. The MBC needs money to move from its current 360 N. State Street location to a new home.  

Slumgullion

They really don’t just come anytime. Australian band The Hoodoo Gurus (pictured above) will make their long-awaited return to the Chicago area with a sold-out concert at City Winery - Chicago on Sunday, May 14. These guys apply their garage rock/power pop expertise to tales of outer space aliens, tribal sacrifices, and ghosts, as well as tangled relationships. Starting with their Stone Age Romeos album in 1984, lead vocalist-guitarist-chief songwriter Dave Faulkner and his mates have recorded classics such as “Leilani,” “Dig It Up,” “Mars Needs Guitars,” “Come Anytime,” and the baseball-themed “Where’s That Hit?” Their 2022 effort Chariot Of The Gods included the hard-hitting “World Of Pain” and “Don’t Try To Save My Soul,” along with the more nuanced and clever “Settle Down” and “My Imaginary Friend.” I’ve previously seen The Hoodoo Gurus at Metro and The Abbey. I wish I had seen one of those Hoodoo Gurus/Bangles double bills.

If I’m remembering correctly, the opening act for The Hoodoo Gurus that night at The Abbey was The Goldstars. The Chicago-based band’s song “Purple Girlfriend” has been posted on Broken Hearted Toy a few times as a Halloween song. Dag Juhlin was a member of the The Goldstars, and if you’re familiar with Juhlin, you know he’s a good match for a Hoodoo Gurus gig.

Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights will present the Rico! Santana Tribute Band tonight. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the music starts at 7:30 pm. Two weeks from now (May 19), Jason Narducy and the previously mentioned Dag Juhlin will celebrate Pete Townshend’s birthday at the same venue. Most likely by performing his best solo material and iconic songs by The Who, and maybe with a Union Jack cake.

The self-described “surf-noir-crime-jazz” instrumental band Outronaut will share a double bill with The James Dean Joint, which calls its approach “rock and roll stoned on soul,” tonight a the G-Man Tavern on north Clark Street. Outronaut goes on first, at 8:30.

The Phil Angotti Trio will cover classic rock tunes by Chris Isaak, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly tonight at the Reclaimed Bar on Western Avenue on Chicago’s north side.

Last Night And The Night Before, written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, continues its run at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago through May 14.

Singer-songwriter Rob Schultz will be back at Merkle’s Bar And Grill for another solo acoustic show tomorrow (Saturday) from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Located at 3516 N. Clark, the venue is near Wrigley Field and will follow the Marlins vs Cubs afternoon game.

Scott Niekelski, lead vocalist for the hard-edged pop band Go Time!, has an acoustic gig tomorrow night at the Miskatonic Brewing Company in Darien, IL. The music starts at 6:30.

Chicago’s David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age has a 10th Anniversary Show coming up on May 13 at Metro that will also be a fundraising event. A portion of the proceeds will go The NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Integrative Medicine Program. Tickets are available at the event website, and there is a also a raffle and silent auction.

I’ll confess to being one of those snobs who regards Navy Pier as being strictly for tourists. Maybe because it can’t compete with my fond memories of when ChicagoFest was staged on the old Navy Pier. Occasionally an event will lure me back, like when I got to meet Matt Smith and Karen Gillan from Doctor Who at an Ace Comic Con a few years back. The new State Of Sound exhibit now open at Navy Pier is another such occasion. It’s a pop-up version of the award-winning exhibition that was held at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, and celebrates Illinois-based stars such as Muddy Waters; Material Issue; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; Chance the Rapper; Wilco; Shoes; and Cheap Trick. Admission is free, and you’ll find the exhibit at Festival Hall A in the lower level lobby of Navy Pier through Aug. 27.

Hey now, hey now, this is going to be a good concert. Crowded House will be performing at the Chicago Theatre on May 15.

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has announced Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against The Machine, The Spinners, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin, and Don Cornelius as its 2023 Inductees. I have no quarrel with any of these choices since they were all successful representatives of their particular genre. Like many people though, I have favorite acts that continue to be overlooked, such as The Bangles and Squeeze. Maybe next year.

There’s an interesting interview with Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles about her This Bird Has Flown novel in the May issue of the Illinois Entertainer, although I’d have to subtract points for the (unnamed) writer not knowing that while The Bangles did break up in 1989, they later got back together. All four Bangles were involved with the 2003 album Doll Revolution (which I reviewed for IE back then) and Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, and Vicki Peterson recorded Sweetheart Of The Sun in 2011. That Bangles trio took part in the 3 X 4 Paisley Underground album with The Three O’Clock, Rain Parade, and Dream Syndicate in 2018. Although they don’t perform or record on a regular basis, The Bangles (sans bassist-vocalist Michael Steele) technically are still together.

That same May issue of the Illinois Entertainer features writer Tom Lanham’s lengthy interview with Daniel Ash from Love And Rockets. The band will perform at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on June 6.

Local alt rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess will bring its self-proclaimed 21st Century Druid music to Montrose Saloon tomorrow (Saturday) as part of a three-act showcase with Model-K and Justin Sconza.

Things That Fly, the Chicago-based indie rock band led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, each an accomplished singer-songwriter, has a debut album coming out on May 14. A record-release show at Martyrs’ on June 24 will benefit the charity organization Common Pantry.

Continental Drifters, the critically acclaimed alt rock/country band whose members include Peter Holsapple, Susan Cowsill, and Vicki Peterson, will perform at The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival this Sunday, May 7.

Great Moments In Vinyl, a group of Chicago area musicians who frequently stage tribute shows, will perform Tina Turner songs at The Venue in Aurora on May 19. 

The Museum Of Broadcast Communications, whose exhibitions have honored Saturday Night Live, Johnny Carson, and the history of rock and roll on television, is holding a TV And Radio Experiences Auction via CharityBuzz to raise funds. 40 For 40, which celebrates the Chicago museum’s 40th anniversary with 40 media-related opportunities, will run through May 16. The MBC needs money to move from its current 360 N. State Street location to a new home. Participants can bid on having lunch with Henry Winkler, attending TV show tapings, joining a radio broadcast, or several other choices.

If you’re in the market for a heart of gold, check out The Rachel Drew Band Does Neil Young show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:00 pm. General admission is $15.

The Chicago Critics Film Festival opened today and will run through May 11 at the Music Box Theatre on the city’s north side.

Congratulations to Emily Long on being named as the new Executive Director of the Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago.

Go Time! and The Spindles, two veteran acts on the Chicago club scene, will share a double bill at The Cubby Bear on May 20.

Cash For Kids - Chicago’s Only Johnny Cash Festival will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side. The charitable event will feature performances by Iron Horse, Hayden Thompson, The Hoyle Brothers, Eddie Clendening, The Blue Ribbon Boys, Hodie Snitch, The Amazing Heeby Jeebies, The Ramblin’ Redeemed, Stephen Davern, John Kimler, Geneieve Hayward, and Wild Earp and The OK Chorale. Admission is $20 presale, $25 at the door. The music starts at 3:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Congratulations to avery r. young on being named as first poet laureate.

Chicago Zine Fest 2023 will be held on May 20 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Plumbers Union Hall. Admission is free, and the event will feature over 100 independent zine creators from around the country. This is the same building where the CHIRP Record Fair And Other Delights is held, at 1340 W. Washington Blvd., just west of downtown Chicago.

Metro recently announced a July 16 concert by Cheap Trick that’s being billed as Metro’s 40th Anniversary Finale. Robin Taylor Zander, son of Cheap Trick’s vocalist Robin Zander and an occasional fill-in for the band, has a new album out titled The Distance. It’s available on various streaming sites. The younger Zander cites his Dad’s group as a major influence, as well as The Who, The Beatles, David Bowie, T.Rex, and Elliot Smith.

Earth/Percent, whose mission to act as “a charity providing a simple way for the music industry to support the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency,” has launched a major fundraiser. The Earth/Percent X Earth Day Compilation Album features new/exclusive/unreleased material from 60 artists from around the endangered globe, and is available as a digital album for £25. A vinyl version is also now available. The artists involved include Michael Stipe featuring Gaelyn Lea; Cvurches And Robert Smith; Nile Rodgers And Chic; Brian Eno; and Coldplay X Her. 

The Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art And Craft Fair will be held next weekend, May 13 and 14 on Lincoln Avenue Avenue, between Roscoe School Streets. In addition to paintings, sculptures, jewelry, there will be live music and food vendors.

You really got me on the bus. As part their 60th Anniversary celebration, The Kinks are offering 

 The Journey bus tour, which takes passengers “back to the Davies’ home turf; the  parks they played on, the houses they lived in, the school they attended and the pub where they played their first ever gig.” The 90-minute tour ends with a visit to the location of the band’s Muswell Hillbillies photo session, which is just around the corner from Archway tube station.

Natalie Merchant will be showcasing songs from her album Keep Your Courage when she performs at The Chicago Theatre on May 19.

 

The Long Grove-Killdeer Garden Club will hold its annual Plant Sale on May 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at 3847 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove. It’s probably pretty close to downtown, so you could stop for lunch or coffee at one of cafes or restaurants.

Finally, just a quick note about leaving Comments for posts on Broken Hearted Toy. I greatly appreciate people taking the time to make a Comment, and I apologize for not noticing them for quite a long while. This was an oversight on my part and not intentional.  

Incoming

Paul Rock’s Wild Honey Foundation has staged several multi-artists concerts that benefit worthy causes. On May 19, the Foundation will join forces with writer/producer Lenny Kaye and Rhino Records to present Nuggets - A 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration Of The Nuggets Compilation. The Benefit Concert For The Autism Healthcare Collaborative will be held at Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. Kaye, the force behind the iconic Nuggets compilation, Rob Laufer, and Andrew Sandoval will lead the Wild Honey Orchestra. As with past Wild Honey events, well-known musicians are lining up to help out; including the members of the 1960s garage rock bands The Count Five, Chocolate Watchband, The Seeds, Love, and The Electric Prunes. Other participants include Susanna Hoffs, Elliot Easton, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Kathy Valentine, Darian Sahanaja, Carla Olson, Debbie Shair, Evie Sands, Daryl Hooper, Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, and Peter Case. If you’re going to be in California, tickets range from $40 to $75. According to a Facebook post from Paul Rock, the event will be filmed and recorded and later made available on blu-ray, etc.

Local alt rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess will bring its self-described 21st Century Druid music to Montrose Saloon as part of a three-act showcase with Model-K and Justin Sconza this Friday, May 6.

Things That Fly, the Chicago-based indie rock band led by Heidi Serwer and Karen Salmon, each an accomplished singer-songwriter, has a debut album coming out on May 14. A record-release show at Martyrs’ on June 24 will benefit the charity organization Common Pantry. 

Continental Drifters, the critically acclaimed alt rock/country band whose members include Peter Holsapple, Susan Cowsill, and Vicki Peterson, will perform at The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival this Sunday, May 7. 

The Museum Of Broadcast Communications, whose exhibitions have included Saturday Night Live, Johnny Carson, and the history of rock and roll on television, is holding a TV And Radio Experiences Auction via CharityBuzz  to raise funds. 40 For 40, which celebrates the Chicago museum’s 40th anniversary with 40 media-related opportunities, started today and will run through May 16. The MBC needs money to move from its current 360 N. State Street location to a new home. Participants can bid on having lunch with Henry Winkler, attending TV show tapings, joining a radio broadcast, or several other choices.

Cash For Kids - Chicago’s Only Johnny Cash Festival will take place this Saturday, May 6 at the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side. The charitable event will feature performances by Iron Horse, Hayden Thompson, The Hoyle Brothers, Eddie Clendening, The Blue Ribbon Boys, Hodie Snitch, The Amazing Heeby Jeebies, The Ramblin’ Redeemed, Stephen Davern, John Kimler, Geneieve Hayward, and Wild Earp and The OK Chorale. Admission is $20 presale, $25 at the door. The music starts at 3:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

If you’re in the market for a heart of gold, check out the Rachel Drew Band Does Neil Young show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn this Saturday at 9:00 pm. General admission is $15.

The Chicago Critic Film Festival opens this Friday, May 5, and will run through May 11 at the Music Box Theatre on the city’s north side.

Having just wrapped up his 20th International Pop Overthrow - Chicago festival. CFO/Founder David Bash will cross the ocean for his next event. IPO - Liverpool will run at The Cavern Club from May 28 through June 4. A quick glance at the schedule shows familiar acts such as Lannie Flowers, Ex-Norwegian, Dave Rave, The Jeremy Band, Spygenius, and The Len Price 3.

Sunday Papers

Graham Nash will wrap up his series of five sold-out concerts at The Old Town School Of Folk in Chicago tonight. When I caught his Wednesday night gig, I was glad to find him still working with guitarist-vocalist Shane Fontayne and keyboards player-vocalist Todd Caldwell. The trio has developed a great chemistry over the past few years, in the studio and on the road. Wednesday’s show included superb renditions of Nash’s own material, as well as hits from the various formations of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

The pairing of “Find The Cost Of Freedom” with “Military Madness” was dedicated to the people of Ukraine, and “To The Last Whale: Critical Mass/Wind On The Water” was, as always, gorgeous and touching. The trio also performed “Buddy’s Back,” a fun look at the earliest days of The Hollies, and the influence Buddy Holly had on them. Nash wrote the song for his former fellow Hollie Allan Clarke’s new album I’ll Never Forget, and it's one of several tracks on which he harmonizes with Clarke. “Buddy’s Back” will also be on Nash’s upcoming Now album.  

I wasn’t able to post a Slumgullion this week due to my self-appointed task of creating previews for each night of International Pop Overthrow - Chicago. I was glad to do it since I’ve become familiar with several of the acts over the years, and I pretty much always discover new ones while researching via band websites and Bandcamp pages. Luckily, I had a light week of freelance work, or the IPO coverage might have been up for grabs as well. Congratulations to CFO/Founder David Bash and Montrose Saloon on a another successful festival. Thanks to David for mentioning me at yesterday’s afternoon showcase, and in a Facebook post today.

When I caught the first 2023 IPO - Chicago showcase a week ago Friday, I enjoyed seeing some  musicians whose work I admire, and having a chance to talk to them. Not only the ones scheduled to go on stage that night, but musicians who came out to show their support. There are several strong bonds among the bands on the local club scene, particularly those who work the north side circuit.

Go Time! and The Spindles, two of the veteran IPO - Chicago acts, will share a double bill at The Cubby Bear on May 20.

Continental Drifters, the critically acclaimed alt rock/country band whose members include Peter Holsapple, Susan Cowsill, and Vicki Peterson, will perform at The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival on May 7. It would be nice to see a new album from these guys at some point.

Speaking of acclaimed alt rock/country bands, Dolly Varden, led by the married couple of vocalist-guitarist Steve Dawson and vocalist-artist Diane Christiansen, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its For A While album at SPACE in Evanston on July 15.

A Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up restaurant/store will open on June 7 at a top secret location in Chicago, and tickets ($35 for kids, $50 for adults) are now available via bucketlisters.com. The cafe will promote the Barbie film, which is coming out July 21. 

Chicago’s David Bowie tribute band Sons Of The Silent Age will celebrate a decade of performing terrific shows around town and elsewhere with a 10th Anniversary Show on May 13 at Metro. The venue recently announced a July 16 concert by Cheap Trick that’s being billed as Metro’s 40th Anniversary Finale.

Cash For Kids - Chicago’s Only Johnny Cash Festival will take place Saturday, May 6 at the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side. The charitable event will feature performances by Iron Horse, Hayden Thompson, The Hoyle Brothers, Eddie Clendening, The Blue Ribbon Boys, Hodie Snitch, The Amazing Heeby Jeebies, The Ramblin’ Redeemed, Stephen Davern, John Kimler, Geneieve Hayward, and Wild Earp and The OK Chorale. Admission is $20 presale, $25 at the door. The music starts at 3:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Robin Taylor Zander, son of Cheap Trick’s vocalist Robin Zander and an occasional fill-in for the band, has a new album out titled The Distance. It’s available on various streaming sites. The younger Zander cites his Dad’s group as a major influence, as well as The Who, The Beatles, David Bowie, T.Rex, and Elliot Smith.

Local alt rock/avant-garde band whitewolfsonicprincess will bring its self-described 21st Century Druid music to Montrose Saloon as part of a three-act showcase with Model-K and Justin Sconza this Friday, May 6.

Earth/Percent, whose mission is to act as “a charity providing a simple way for the music industry to support the most impactful organisations addressing the climate emergency,” has launched a major fundraiser. The Earth/Percent X Earth Day Compilation Album features new/exclusive/unreleased material from 60 artists from around the endangered globe, and is available as a digital album for £25. A vinyl version is also now available. The artists involved include Michael Stipe featuring Gaelyn Lea; Cvurches And Robert Smith; Nile Rodgers And Chic; Brian Eno; and Coldplay X Her.

 

You really got me on the bus. As part their 60th Anniversary celebration, The Kinks are offering 

The Journey bus tour, which takes passengers “back to the Davies’ home turf; the parks they played on, the houses they lived in, the school they attended and the pub where they played their first ever gig.” The 90-minute tour ends with a visit to the location of the band’s Muswell Hillbillies album photo session. This is reason number 4,653 why I want to visit England again.

Susanna Hoffs’ The Deep End is now available on CD and streaming sites. The album finds her covering “Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones, “Black Coffee In Bed” by Squeeze, and other other hit songs.

Natalie Merchant will be showcasing songs from her album Keep Your Courage when she performs at The Chicago Theatre on May 19. 

Last Night And The Night Before, written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, opened yesterday at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and will run through May 14.

The Chicago Critic Film Festival opens this Friday, May 5, and will run through May 11 at the Music Box Theatre on the city’s north side.

Also, just a quick note about leaving Comments for posts on Broken Hearted Toy. I greatly appreciate people taking the time to make a Comment, and I apologize for not noticing them for quite a long while. This was an oversight on my part and not intentional.