Happy Birthday, Tony Hicks

Photo from the Official Hollies Facebook page.

It was nice to see a number of birthday wishes to guitarist-vocalist Tony Hicks of The Hollies on Facebook today. As with The Hollies themselves, Hicks doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. Likewise for drummer Bobby Elliott, whose birthday we celebrated earlier this month. Hicks is a superb musician and one third of the glorious harmonies that have been a Hollies trademark since the days he helped create them with Graham Nash and Allan Clarke.

He also wrote hits such as “Carrie Anne” and “Dear Eloise” with Nash and Clarke, and came up with the idea for “Stop Stop Stop,” which features his distinctive banjo playing. Later, Hicks collaborated with songwriter Kenny Lynch on the terrific tracks “Long Dark Road” and “To Do With Love” on the Distant Light album. He’s also a good judge of outside material, having suggested “The Air That I Breathe” to the band.

Hicks and Elliott are still active members of The Hollies, who are currently touring Europe. I highly recommend the DVD Look Through Any Window The Hollies 1962 - 1975. Hicks, along with Nash, Clarke, and Elliott, provides running commentary throughout this entertaining documentary, and demonstrates some of the more interesting riffs he’s played over the years.

Slumgullion

Musician Chris Ligon and artist Heather McAdams will host their annual Chris and Heather’s Country Calendar Show tomorrow night at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. The freewheeling event celebrates the arrival of McAdams’ Heather’s L’il Country Calendar, an eye-popping item overflowing with her fun illustrations of country music and rock and roll stars. Copies will on sale at tomorrow night’s show, which will feature 12 acts covering well-known Country and Western musicians. Performers—with the act they’re covering in parens—include Andrew Sa (Merle Haggard); Jodee Lews (The Osborne Brothers); Hillbilly Frolic (Dave Dudley); Kelly Hogan (Elvis); The Lawrence Peters Outfit (Bill Anderson); Nora O'Connor and Amalea Tshilds (Skeeter Davis); Steve Zahradnik (Merle Travis); Jane Baxter Miller and Kent Kessler (Marty Robbins); Scott Ligon (Jimmy Driftwood); The Country Doctors (Norma Jean); The Saturn Kings (Carl Perkins); and The Northside Southpaws (Cousin Jody). The party starts at 8:00 pm, General admission is $35. 

Phil Manzanera’s upcoming memoir Revólución to Roxy is now available for pre-orders at the A Way With Media publishing company. In a Facebook post yesterday, Manzanera described it as “a very special book detailing my remarkable family history as well as my Roxy Music years, my work with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Heroes del Silencio and much more.” Revólución to Roxy is due out in January, and there’s a Special Limited Edition Book that comes in a clam shell case with a 10 track CD that includes five non released tracks.

Trouser Press Books, the publisher whose Trouser Press magazine delighted cutting edge rock fans from 1974 to March 1984 (I still have copies), will celebrate the magazine’s 50th birthday with a ‘best of’ collection book in March 2024. In the mean time, Trouser Press is posting a different magazine cover each day on social media.

Over 100 artisans will be on hand when the Holiday Edition of The Chicago Artisan Market takes place indoors tomorrow and Sunday at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue. Organizers view the event as a boost for small, locally owned businesses, and shoppers will find a selection of jewelry, cards and gifts, food, and clothing. 

Robyn Hitchcock will be at the 4-Star Theater in San Francisco on January 4 to introduce a new Syd Barrett documentary, and play a few of Barrett’s songs. Two days later in that same city, Hitchcock will perform with musician Kelley Stoltz at the sold out Syd Barrett Birthday Show at The Chapel venue.

Nuggets - A 50th Anniversary All-Star Celebration Of The Nuggets Compilation, the multi-artist  charity event staged earlier this year at Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA by Paul Rock’s Wild Honey Foundation, along with writer/producer Lenny Kaye and Rhino Records, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray for a $30 donation. As with past Wild Honey events, several well-known musicians were involved, including members of the 1960s garage rock bands The Count Five, Chocolate Watchband, The Seeds, Love, and The Electric Prunes. Other participants included 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. A post on the Wild Honey Foundation Facebook page states payment can be made.

The long-running Famous In The Future comedy group is staging a 90-minute show titled A Judy Christmas each night this weekend at The Den Theatre on Chicago’s north side. The concept involves transporting a live audience back to the days when variety shows ruled night-time TV on the three major networks. Cast member Desiree Burcum portrays Garland and describes the show as a festive romp, explaining, “The audience enters a ‘live’ CBS studio in 1963 and they get to experience the behind-the-scenes madness and a glimpse into Judy's own mind as she tries to produce this twisted Christmas special.” 

John San Juan, who’s known as a founding member of The Hushdrops, as well as for performing with various bands around Chicago, has a solo show coming up at The Hideout on December 29. He’ll share the bill with Depravos De La Mour and Outronaut.

The Lemonheads’ December 29 and 30 shows at SPACE in Evanston, in which they’ll celebrate their It’s A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads albums respectively, have sold out. Tickets are still available for their New Year’s Eve Extravaganda gig at the venue. SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. In other Lemonheads news, lead vocalist-guitarist Evan Dando will be selling his paintings during the Got A Black Marker! series at Liar’s Club December 27 through December 31. The first night will feature a reception with cocktails. There will also be live music by Dorian Taj, Taylor Morse, and other guests. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton on Chicago’s north side.

Michael McDermott’s Mischief and Mistletoe show takes places on December 21, 22, and 23 at City Winery Chicago.

Nelikona Cafe, a new venue in my cozy hometown of Palatine, has two holiday events this weekend. Tomorrow, it’s the Mini Christmas Market and Bake Sale from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, with candles, jewelry, pastry and cookies; and on Sunday, it’s the Christmas Carols And Live Music And Sing-Along from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Nelikona Cafe is located at 45 N. Bothwell Street in Palatine. Note: the venue doesn’t have its new sign up yet.

International Pop Overthrow - Chicago veterans The Unswept have a gig at Montrose Saloon coming up on Wednesday, December 20. Described in their bio as native Brits who moved to Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, they’re masters of catchy pop music and have a knack for crafting clever lyrics. 

Patti Smith and her band concert at The Salt Shed on December 27.

The Foundation To Be Named Later, the baseball/entertainment charity organization run by former Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox mastermind Theo Epstein and his brother Paul, is currently holding its ’23 Holiday Auction to raise funds. Bids start at $50, and many items offer the Buy Now option, with prices ranging from $300 to $3,000. Nabbing that $3,000 item will get you VIP tickets for Noah Kahan’s sold out Fenway Park concert on July 18. Other Boston area concert options (with less expensive price tags) include Grace Potter; Jason Mraz; Green Day and Smashing Pumpkins; Dropkick Murphys; Foo Fighters; and the Def Leppard, Journey and Heart concert. There are some Chicago and New York special events to bid on as well.

The critically acclaimed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs through December 31 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich, IL has a special Winter Music Night featuring the Space N Time this Tuesday night, December 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Chicago’s long-running alternative publication The Reader recently announced the list of nominees for its 2023 Best Of Chicago poll in an online newsletter sent out to subscribers. The choices are divided into the seven major categories of Arts And Culture; Buy Local; Cannabis; City Life; Food And Drink; Music And Nightlife; and Sports And Recreation. Each of these is further broken down into several smaller categories. Voting kicks off on December 13 and will continue through January 14.

The Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol opens tomorrow and will run through December 31.

Hi-Fi Holiday Highlights

Yesterday’s post harked back to the 1991 release of Yuletunes, an ambitious project put together by Jeff Murphy from Shoes that featured several artists creating original holiday songs. A decade later, vocalist-bassist Dan Pavelich, from the Illinois band The Bradburys, launched a similar effort titled Hi-Fi Christmas Party on the independent label Vandalay. Proceeds from the album helped fund research for Von Willibrand’s disease. Here’s an edited repost of that album and its two sequels.

Hi-Fi Christmas Party was an easy-going compilation that offered original holiday contributions from various local and national power pop acts. Pavelich led The Bradburys through the romantic and highly energetic “I Love It When It Snows!” Other highlights included Don Dixon’s “Christmas Is Saturday,” The Jellybricks’ “We’ll Be Together,” Andrea Perry’s “Fat Aunt Bette,” and The Ted Ansani Trio’s “The Kriss Kringle Jingle.”

When Pavelich returned to the concept with Hi-Fi Christmas Party Volume 2 in 2006, he kept the focus on original 1960s-style power pop. The Elvis Brothers traveled back a little further than that with their very fun “Rock-A-Billy Christmas.” Lisa Mychols joined The Wondermints on the Leslie Gore-influenced “Lost Winter’s Dream,” and Husky Team, which included Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken, delightfully mixed “Auld Lang Syne” with “Green Onions.” Volume 2 also featured The Grip Weeds, Jeremy, The Bradburys, Rob Paravonian, Joey Molland and The Echo Boys, The Spongetones, and The Brothers Figaro Orchestra.

Hi-Fi Christmas Party Volume Three, released in 2010, followed in the amiable tradition of its two predecessors, presenting another selection of mostly original material. Sketch Middle’s “Very Very, Merry Merry” had an energetic power pop buzz, and The Jigsaw Seen’s “What About Christmas?” was another highlight. Other acts contributing catchy holiday tunes included The Click Beetles, a Pavelich side project with drummer Ed James; The Yule Logs; The Sun Kings; Jamie and Steve from The Spongetones; and Jim Babjak of The Smithereens.

So, here’s a holiday toast to Dan Pavelich for creating a trio of albums that should be welcome in every rock and roll fan’s holiday music collection.

A Post From Christmas Past

A few days ago, I posted a photo on Facebook and Instagram of the promotional flyer for the 1991 Yuletunes Record Release Party at the China Club in Chicago. The lineup for that fabulous and festive event was Leroy, 92 Degrees, The Idea, Shoes, Material Issue, Herb Eimerman, The Critics and Kelley Ryan. With Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s a good time to revisit one of the best (and first) various artists collections of original holiday songs. Back in 2010, I reviewed Yuletunes here on Broken Hearted Toy. Here’s an edited version of that review. 

“This Christmas” by Shoes is a catchy rock song with a monster drum beat and chiming guitars that offers an optimistic approach to coping with tough times. The punchy “Merry Christmas Will Do” finds Material Issue at the peak of its power. Jim Ellison’s rugged guitar playing takes center stage, and as usual, he’s a master at selling the pain of unrequited love through his evocative singing. The Idea, fronted by vocalist-guitarist Phil Angotti, contribute the melodic “It’s About That Time,” which describes the joys of winter scenes, church bell, carols, and watching It’s A Wonderful Life.

The single-named Leroy checks in with “Santa Stole My Baby,” a mid-tempo song that sets up a crime scene with clever clues like, “footsteps on the rooftop.” On a more serious note, there’s the haunting “The Saddest Time Of The Year” from Spooner. The band featured lead vocalist-guitarist Duke Erikson and drummer Butch Vig long before they formed Garbage with dynamic Scottish singer Shirley Manson. The Spongetones craft an old-fashioned Christmas tune with a delicate melody and intricately layered vocals on their innocent fantasy “Christmasland.”

“A God Of My Own” by 92 Degrees offers a complex look at religious beliefs during the most commercial time of the year. Whatever your feelings on that issue, there’s no denying this song has a gorgeous arrangement. Songs don’t come much happier than Bill Lloyd’s romantic “Underneath The Christmas Tree.” Set to a catchy arrangement, it sounds like it could have been a 1960s Top 40 hit. Kelley Ryan adds a hint of Country and Western to her heartfelt vocals on “It’s Not Christmas,” as someone spending the holiday alone “for the first time in years.”

Singer-songwriter Herb Eimerman’s gorgeous ballad “You Gave Me” celebrates family traditions at Christmas, as well as the way love and values are passed on from one generation to another. The Critics uncork an irresistible energy on their romantic “She Feels Like Christmas Day.” This is probably the only song on Yuletunes that would fit in just as well on a non-holiday collection. 

Deck The Hall With Holiday Garland

Full disclosure: I was a member of the Famous In The Future comedy group for several years.

Although Cary Grant never did say the line “Judy, Judy, Judy” in any of his films, its sort of an apt description of what Famous In The Future has planned for this weekend. The long-running comedy group will set aside its usual unrelated series of skits format and perform a 90-minute show titled A Judy Christmas on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at The Den Theatre. The concept involves transporting a live audience back to the days when variety shows ruled night-time TV on the three major networks.

This one has a holiday theme and its host, singer-actress Judy Garland, is determined to put a smile on America’s face despite lingering sorrow from the recent John F. Kennedy assassination. She’ll be assisted by celebrity guests Jack Jones and Mel Tormé, as well as some singing ghosts. Cast member Desiree Burcum portrays Garland and describes the show as a festive romp. “The audience enters a ‘live’ CBS studio in 1963 and they get to experience the behind-the-scenes madness and a glimpse into Judy's own mind as she tries to produce this twisted Christmas special.” Burcum has portrayed Barbie and Edith Bunker in previous FIF productions. The comedy group’s fans will likely remember it previously performed A Judy Christmas in 2022. “We’re having so much fun doing the show again!” Burcum added.

Her fellow cast members are Frank Carr, Tina Teske, Michael Hora, Pat McDonald, and Michael Bratta. A Judy Christmas runs from 8:00 to 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 to 4:30 pm on Sunday. The Den Theatre is located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Ticket prices range from $23.25 to $28.00. Anyone interested in attending should consider making a reservation since the show sold out last year. 

Incoming

As The Rolling Stones continue to rock the world with their new Hackney Diamonds album, it’s Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! week on the Chicago club scene. This Thursday, Great Moments In Vinyl—a rotating collection of local musicians—will honor The Rolling Stones with a Hits And Highlights From The Past 20 Years show starting at 7:30 at Martyrs’ at 3855 N. Lincoln Avenue. On Friday, Androgynous Mustache will present the Keith Richards 80th Birthday Bash at Reggies Music Joint with Phil Angotti And The Naughty Neighbors. The venue is located at 2101 S. State Street.

The Lemonheads’ December 29 and 30 shows at SPACE in Evanston, in which they’ll celebrate their It’s A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads albums respectively, have sold out. Tickets are still available for their New Year’s Eve Extravaganda gig at the venue. SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. In other Lemonheads news, lead vocalist-guitarist Evan Dando will be selling his paintings during the Got A Black Marker! series at Liar's Club December 27 through December 31. The first night will feature a reception with cocktails. There will also be live music by Dorian Taj, Taylor Morse, and other guests. Liar’s Club is located at 1665 W. Fullerton on Chicago’s north side.

As recently reported by Inside Publications, the legendary blues label Alligator Records will stage A Blues Christmas Concert this Friday starting at 6:00 pm at Navy Pier, which is serving as a co-sponsor. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom, and feature performances by Toronto Cannon, Shemekia Copeland, and Billy Branch.

Michael McDermott’s Mischief and Mistletoe show takes places on December 21, 22, and 23 at City Winery Chicago.

Nelikona Cafe, a new venue in my cozy hometown of Palatine, has two holiday events this weekend. On Saturday, it’s the Mini Christmas Market and Bake Sale from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, with live music, candles, jewelry, pastry and cookies; and on Sunday, it’s the Christmas Carols And Live Music And Sing-Along from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Nelikona Cafe is located at 45 N. Bothwell Street in Palatine. Note: the venue doesn’t have its new sign up yet.

The December issue of longtime free publication Newcity is devoted to the Chicago music scene, in all its numerous genres and facets. In addition to spotlighting 45 individuals for their accomplishments, there’s an extensive profile by John Moss of The Old Town School Of Folk Music that’s enhanced by Donald Colley’s terrific illustrations. Newcity is available in news boxes and retail stores in the downtown and north side areas. 

Slumgullion

Graphic from the Official Hollies Facebook page.

Happy Birthday to Bobby Elliott, who started drumming for The Hollies in the early 1960s and continues to tour with them. Among professional musicians and music critics, Elliott is regarded as a talented rock and roll drummer who always incorporated elements of jazz. He and guitarist Tony Hicks are the only remaining original members in current Hollies lineup. Judging from Elliott’s 2020 autobiography It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Story - My Life In The Hollies, he’s justifiably proud of his musical accomplishments.

 

Back in 2010, I was given the green light from the Illinois Entertainer to write a piece on The Hollies being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I sent an email to their management asking if I could get a few comments from the band, and was pleasantly surprised when Bobby Elliott replied. He said the current lineup would not be able to attend the ceremony. “The venues have been booked for the last year or so and are well sold, so unfortunately it’s not possible to reschedule the dates. Tony and I are happy for Graham [Nash] to collect the awards on our behalf. We consider it a great honor to be part of the RRHOF, and would like to thank all the folks who voted for us.”

The Foundation To Be Named Later, the baseball/entertainment charity organization run by former Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox mastermind Theo Epstein and his brother Paul, is currently holding its ’23 Holiday Auction to raise funds. Bids start at $50, and many items offer the Buy Now option, with prices ranging from $300 to $3,000. Nabbing that $3,000 item will get you VIP tickets for Noah Kahan’s sold out Fenway Park concert on July 18. Other Boston area concert options (with less expensive price tags) include Grace Potter; Jason Mraz; Green Day and Smashing Pumpkins; Dropkick Murphys; Foo Fighters; and the Def Leppard, Journey and Heart concert. There are some Chicago and New York special events to bid on as well.

The Pravda Records Holiday Showcase takes place this Sunday, December 10 at Rattleback Records on Chicago’s north side. The event will feature sets by The Sunshine Boys in a reunion show; singer-guitarist Nathan Graham; Chloe F. Orwell From The Handcuffs, and Steve Dawson from Dolly Varden (he’s also a successful a solo artist.) The live performances will last from 5:00 to 7:00 pm; Rattleback Records is located at 5405 N. Clark Street. 

Tickets went on sale this this morning for the Echo And The Bunnymen concert at The Riviera Theatre on May 26.

Fans of Chicago’s music scene were elated to see local guys Jason Narducy, Dag Juhlin, Gerald Dowd, and Eddie Carlson, along with actor Michael Shannon on the NBC show Late Night With Seth Meyers. In addition to his many film appearances, Shannon has deep roots in Chicago theater, and is also an accomplished vocalist who’s done tribute shows at venues such as Metro. The Late Night With Seth Meyers appearance was a preview of an early 2024 tour that will feature him and the above-mentioned Chicago musicians performing R.E.M.’s Murmur album.

As recently reported by Darel Jevens in the Chicago Sun-Times, Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins and his wife Chloe Mendel will be among the hosts on Channel 5’s New Year’s Eve coverage.

The critically acclaimed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical runs through December 31 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

Chicago’s long-running alternative publication The Reader recently announced the list of nominees for its 2023 Best Of Chicago poll in an online newsletter sent out to subscribers. The choices are divided into the seven major categories of Arts And Culture; Buy Local; Cannabis; City Life; Food And Drink; Music And Nightlife; and Sports And Recreation. Each of these is further broken down into several smaller categories. Voting kicks off on December 13 and will continue through January 14.

The Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol opens tomorrow and will run through December 31

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The Faithful - A Tribute To Marianne Faithful double album from the In The Q record label is now available to stream on Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music; iHeart Radio, Deezer and Pandora. The album aims to help Faithful deal with complications from Long COVID, and several noted artists have donated their time to the project. Participants include Tracy Bonham; Tanya Donelly and the Tarkington Sisters; Josie Cotton; Bush Tetras; Joan As Police Woman; Lydia Lunch; Donita Sparks; and Cat Power and Iggy Pop. It’s also available to pre-order in a 2-LP format coming out in January.

Montrose Saloon has a four-act showcase coming up next Friday, December 15 starting with a solo show by Dag Juhlin at 8:00 pm. He’ll be followed by The 321’s; The Last Afternoons, and The Buckstops.

Stephane Schuck & Fred Quentin of the Paris-based band The Salt will tour the east coast of America in January with special guests Matthew Caws from Nada Surf; Mitch Easter from Let's Active; Chris Stamey and Gene Holder from The dB’s; Lynn Blakey from Tres Chicas; and Rob Ladd from The Connells. Their opening act will be the reunited Sneakers, a precursor of The dB’s that featured Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey. 

Southside Johnny And Asbury Jukes will be performing at City Winery Chicago shows this Monday and Tuesday, December 11 and 12.

Eric M. Shade’s unauthorized biography All Over The Place - The Rise Of The Bangles From The L.A. Underground is now available for pre-order from the Chicago-based Hozac Records And Books website. Due out in a limited run of 600 copies on January 24 softcover, the 438-page book will include a thorough discography, as well as previously unseen photos.

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame has announced its nominees for 2024, and the Performing Songwriters category includes Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke from Blondie; Tracy Chapman; George Clinton; Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart; Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe from R.E.M.; and Donald Fagen and Walter Becker from Steely Dan.

Have yourself a funny little Christmas. Cast member Desiree Burcum’s Judy Garland inspired title character will once again host Famous In The Future’s A Judy Christmas holiday revue  next weekend, December 15 – 17 at The Den Theatre. The comedy group, which I was a member of for several years, will likely offer a mix of skits and songs.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Joey’s Song Benefit Concert being held at The Sylvee venue in Madison, Wisconsin on January 6. This year’s format involves a Battle Of The Bands pitting The Know-It-All Boyfriends against The Know-It-All Girlfriends. Participating musicians include Butch Vig and Duke Erikson from Garbage (and as any rock-savvy Wisconsin fan knows, Spooner), Chris Collingwood from Fountains Of Wayne and Freedy Johnson; and Gail Greenwood from Belly, Debbi and Vicki Peterson from The Bangles, and Linda Pitmon from The Minus Five. Joey’s Song is a charity devoted to raising money for epilepsy research and to provide services for children with special needs. 

The Mercury Theater’s production of Young Frankenstein runs Wednesday through Sunday until December 31.

The Regrettes will perform their last ever show on December 21 at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. A post on the band’s social media explained it’s a friendly decision that will allow the members to pursue other projects. Still, it’s sad to see a band so adept at combining punk with the 1960s girl group sound, breaking up after a relatively short run. 

Great Moments In Vinyl, a rotating collection of Chicago area musicians, will honor The Rolling Stones with a Hits And Highlights From The Past 20 Years show at the Lincoln Avenue venue Martyrs’ next Thursday, December 14.

Next Friday, Rolling Stones fans can celebrate Keith Richards’ birthday a few days early when Androgynous Mustache presents Keith Richards 80th BDay Bash at Reggies with Phil Angotti And The Naughty Neighbors on December 15. The guitarist’s birthday is actually December 18, but I’m sure Keith would prefer people party in his honor during the weekend.

The December issue of longtime free publication Newcity is devoted to the Chicago music scene, in all its numerous genres and facets. In addition to spotlighting 45 individuals for their accomplishments, there’s an extensive profile by John Moss of The Old Town School Of Folk Music that’s enhanced by Donald Colley’s terrific illustrations. Newcity is available in news boxes and retail stores in the downtown and north side areas.