Happy Friday, Spring is in the air! Finally, the new Band Of Horses is upon us and I’m listening now to Things Are Great. “You Are Nice To Me” is my favorite song after one spin through and the rest of the record is holding water. It definitely sounds like a soundtrack for Summer!

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) are releasing a new album on May 6th called Let It Be Blue. “Storm Around The World” is the first single. They’ve made better songs, but it’s a grower.

TORRES has covered Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us,” and Nirvana’s “All Apologies.” Of the two I prefer the Urban cover even though I’m more of a Cobain fan. Like ESPN used to say, “You make the call!”

Josh Rouse covers an Arthur Russell song this week saying, “My wife Paz discovered the song when we lived in Brooklyn back in 2007. It’s been on a long list of strange catchy tunes I’ve been meaning to record for the last 15 years.”

Peach Pit releases their 3rd album, From 2 to 3. “Give Up Baby Go” is a sweet number that takes off near the end (3:41) with this dueling guitar riff that’s worth the wait! I need to hear this whole album, they are a solid band of musicians and melody makers.

Sometimes Y is a new project that brings Shooter Jennings and Yelawolf together. Yes, you heard right, and like you, I had no idea how this would sound or if it would be any good? But, “Jump Out The Window” has instantly piqued my interest, with its Arcade Fire-like vibe, handclaps, and spirited vocals.

Are they both singing, because it actually sounds good, and very unexpected. “Is this real life?” Like “David After Dentist,” that’s what I’m asking myself now after hearing the first two singles.

Looks like we just got new music from the Pixies. “Human Crime” has a retro sound reminding me of Midnight Oil, or Robyn Hitchcock. I like the direction they are heading and Black’s voice sounds really strong.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is from BADBADNOTGOOD. “Open Channels” is a space jam that works perfectly for waking up in the mornings with a nice cup of coffee, and writing in your journal as the sun creeps through your blinds.

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Even as the International Criminal Court convenes to investigate Vladimir Putin’s war crimes, it’s clear that his invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked and illegal.

If you’re in the Fox bubble, you may believe that Donnie Chump was the only thing standing between Vladimir Putin and world domination, but that is a gross misunderstanding (LIE).

For those who don’t follow the geopolitical machinations of the world, let’s go back and see where this started.

30 years ago, the USSR was one giant, powerful mofo, but then, yada, yada, yada, it broke into 15 separate, independent states, the largest being Russia.

Another was Ukraine, which included the Crimean Peninsula.

Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014, gaining valuable access to the Black Sea and a strategic submarine base. Then they moved troops into a couple of provinces in the east, closest to the Russian border and the skirmishes have been ongoing ever since.

Russia’s presence on the Ukrainian border was nominal in 2014, continually increasing and gaining momentum as early as 2017. In April of 2021, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken warned, If Russia acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences.

Too little, too late? Maybe, but with no intent to put boots on the ground or protect air space, there’s little an already weakened America could do to stop a deranged dictator.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was a miscalculation on many levels, but that offers no consolation to the millions of Ukrainians whose lives have been ended or irreparably altered.

Like all delusional narcissists, Putin thinks everyone loves him, even the people he kills for “Mother Russia.” Putin thought Ukrainian soldiers would lay down their guns and the population would welcome him with open arms.

Putin also believed that his useful idiot, Donnie Chump weakened America enough to render us impotent.

On the eve of the Republican National Convention in 2016, Trump campaign chairman, Paul Manafort (who previously worked for a Russia-backed Ukrainian president) forced the RNC to change a plank in their platform to EXCLUDE aid to Ukraine.

Putin views democracy as a threat to his power. How could he have this huge, democratically developing nation sitting right on his border?

It was no misstep that Donnie spent so much time alienating our European allies, disparaging the United Nations and undermining NATO. Having us withhold a $250 Million aid package to Ukraine was an integral part of Putin’s plan.

As far back as 2018 Ukraine was under constant threat of attack from Russia and needed our help.

Donnie spent much of his presidency as most dictators spend their time, complaining about mistreatment and fake news. As Donnie said himself, ANY news that he found unflattering was fake.

Our nation was coming apart at the seams, but one day put it all into perspective.

On January 6, 2021, a group of delusional and misinformed racists and pseudo-patriots, incited by Donald J. Trump stormed our Capitol with the stated intent of interfering with congressional business, overthrowing the government and doing bodily harm to elected officials.

On that day, a giant slice of America turned their backs on democracy in favor of a cult leader intent on being an all powerful dictator. On that day over 140 law enforcement officers were injured by the mob, some permanently.

Six people lost their lives on that day and several police officers subsequently took their own lives.

With fractional support of democracy here at home, Putin did not believe that America would stand unified for democracy 6,000 miles away.

Putin did not believe that President Biden could swiftly and decisively put together an international coalition to take him to task.

Putin is paying a steep price for his miscalculations and the price may be steeper yet. Even a billionaire wants someone held accountable when he loses his $600 Million yacht. Putin’s greatest threat may well come from those around him.

There is one person, though, who, as usual is suffering no consequences as the world burns.

I don’t know it for a fact, but I really think it’s true. I think that Donnie Chump urged Putin to invade Ukraine as a way of killing two birds (or presidents) with one stone.

The invasion makes President Biden look bad (at least to Trumpanzees) and it punishes President Zelensky for failing to announce a non-existent inquiry into the business dealings of Hunter Biden.

Donnie has repeatedly shown his indifference to the suffering of others when it comes to his personal fortunes. For Donnie, this is a greater achievement than Bezo’s Blue Horizon or Musk’s SpaceX.

To paraphrase Ralph Kramden This one’s to the moon!

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I remember seeing Half Alive at Lollapalooza a few years back and really enjoying their set. Give Me Your Shoulders, Pt. 1 is a seven-song EP that includes the singles “Hot Tea,” and Summerland,” which are beautiful synthpop songs, with great melodies. Their latest, the guitar-driven “Back Around” shows a funkier side that should sound incredible live.

How cool is it that Tears For Fears are still making new music? Very cool, indeed! But let’s go a step further and say, they are making new music that is relevant with an updated sound. “End Of Night” sounds as fresh as anything on this week’s Release Radar, and that’s a pretty big feat, considering they’ve been out of the game for eighteen years. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith still have their finger on the pulse of pop music and The Tipping Point has proven itself an album you need to seek out.

I haven’t heard from the Swedish House Mafia in about the same time-space Tears For Fears have been missing. Apparently, the trio flew to New York and had a meeting with Sting about re-recording his Roxanne vocals for their new single, “Redlight.” Now, The Police’s most popular song will get a new life, and another shot at the charts. I actually kind of like it.

Goth Babe makes some of the best pop music around, but a collaboration with Blood Cultures? That’s some next-level fire right there! I loved Blood Cultures’ “Set It On Fire,” so when I saw this collab I was excited, and “Driving South” does not disappoint. Also, “Running Round,” the first single from the Santa Catalina EP, is one of my favorite songs of the year so far.

Welcome back, Regina Spektor! I knew that was your voice playing from afar, but I still had to double-check my phone. Sure enough, “Becoming All Alone” is the latest single from her new album due out in June, entitled Home, before and after.

“Come Away With Me” is a beautiful song, and it was a nice surprise to have Norah Jones show up in my Release Radar this week. I knew there must be a reason why she made the algorithm, and after some digging, I now know that Come Away With Me is getting the 20th Anniversary treatment. While there are several versions, the Super Deluxe Edition will include “22 previously unreleased tracks including her early demos and the never-before-heard first version of the album she made with producer Craig Street, which offers a fascinating look at the album that might have been.” Enough said.

Everybody knows the No Doubt covered “It’s My Life,” but after a friend told me that Talk Talk was his favorite band, I took a deep dive down their rabbit hole, and now they are all over my #RADAR. “Strike Up The Band” screams “80’s” but it’s still a cool tune. This is a band that you have to spend some time with, and I promise you’ll find something you dig.

Amos Lee’s Dreamland was Magnolia’s Record Of The Month, and for good reason. It’s a soulful, slow burn. So, dim the lights, turn up the volume, grab a good book, or just close your eyes and, “See The Light.”

This is the second time saxophonist/producer FKAjazz is moonlighting as your Jazz Cut Of The Week. “Air” is the first of ten singles from his new Deep House/Electronica album, Of Space & Earth. “The Jazz scene wasn’t doing it for me and although I had a lot of fun creating and touring with all sorts of bands, I felt like there was something missing. So, I decided to give Jazz the backseat and try something new and unexpected.” -FKAjazz

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It’s been a long winter and even though we have been able to dine outdoors in igloos and under blankets it’s just not the same as outdoor dining during the spring summer and fall season in Chicago.

Here is a look at some of Chicago’s trend is outdoor dining spots

Offshore. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer

Offshore: The world’s largest rooftop deck as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and one of Chicago’s most exciting hotspots located at Navy Pier boasts over 42,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with unmatched views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. This year-round rooftop destination offers Chicagoans and travelers alike a full-service bar and world-class kitchen, along with cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and multiple large gathering spaces for social and corporate events, weddings, and more.

Kennedy Rooftop: In search of the perfect Golden Hour views? Known for spectacular, unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline from the John Hancock to the Willis Tower, Kennedy Rooftop offers a vibrant ambiance, a delicious menu, and a unique variety of signature cocktails for all to enjoy atop the Hyatt Place Wicker Park. Space is first come first served.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime: Located on the iconic corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, Ocean Prime offers al fresco dining on the outdoor patio just steps away from the city’s top attractions. The modern American restaurant and lounge from award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants offers an impressive menu of seafood and steak, signature cocktails, and a Wine Spectator honored wine list coupled with truly exceptional hospitality.

Chicago Firehouse

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: Formerly Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department, the landmark restaurant at 1401 South Michigan Avenue features both a lush backyard patio providing a quaint escape in the city as well as an outdoor veranda affording picturesque views of the South Loop skyline. The timeless house favorites, steaks, chops, and seafood, are complemented by distinctive, contemporary seasonal dishes for all to enjoy.

Carnivale: Chicago’s one-of-a-kind restaurant serving Latin-fusion cuisine invites guests to take advantage of patio season on the scenic outdoor terrace with refreshing libations and sensational signature dishes. The West Loop hotspot also offers seven unique private and semi-private spaces, perfect for celebratory events. For reservations and event inquiries, please visit www.carnivalechicago.com.

Sable Hotel. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer

Inside the new Sable Hotel on Navy Pier, the Lírica serves an Iberian-Inspired menu. The space features a 150-seat patio on Lake Michigan– combining world-class views with rich and rustic flavors in a vibrant atmosphere.

Replay Lincoln Park: Chicago’s favorite arcade bar located at 2833 N. Sheffield pairs outdoor dining and imbibing with epic immersive experiences in addition to more than 65 free vintage arcade games available. Replay Lincoln Park features rotating pop-up events spanning 9,000 square feet of gaming areas including their outdoor patio. To learn more about upcoming pop-ups, please visit www.replaylincolnpark.com.

Spirit of Chicago.

City Cruises Chicago: Set sail on City Cruises’ luxurious vessels including the Odyssey Lake Michigan, Spirit of Chicago, Chicago Elite, and the Odyssey Chicago River. Whatever the holiday or occasion, it’s better on a yacht. Guests can enjoy curated cocktails and cuisine during brunch and dinner cruises, all while taking in the unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline from the Chicago River.

Pacino’s: Sicily meets South Loop at this authentic Italian eatery located within Roosevelt Collection Shops at 1010 S. Delano Ct. Led by Executive Chef Michael Serratore, Pacino’s offers a wide range of classically-inspired antipasti, pizza, salads, seafood, fresh pasta, and more. Enjoy signature cocktails or a glass of vino at the full bar indoors or pull up a seat under the outdoor pergola for an amazing outdoor dining experience.

Water’s Edge

Oak Brook. IL. is home to the Water’s Edge,  known for their classic American fare nestled within 88 acres of forest preserve, Water’s Edge located within Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook invites guests to dine and unwind at the lakeside café or al fresco on the patio overlooking a private lake. Water’s Edge offers both savory and sweet breakfast dishes and fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches for lunch. Patrons can also opt to book lakeside private parties on the serene patio which cater to up to 40 guests. For more information, please call 630.568.1234 or visit their website.

Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer

If you want to take a break from the city the Oaken Bistro + Bar: in Lake Forest brings together worldly flavors and responsible, local ingredients rooted in flavors both strong and bold, Oaken Bistro + Bar, 200 N. Field Dr., features both indoor and outdoor dining, with a sleek lounge, stunning bar, spacious dining rooms, and a patio complete with intimate fire pit seating. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch service on weekends, the restaurant incorporates natural elements in everything from design and decor to menu offerings including a standout cocktail program complete with floral and herbal infusions

Broadway in Chicago is doing its job to ease the tension of people being couped up in the house during Covid by bringing in several outstanding theatrical performances. And Hadestown is a hell of a play that audiences will love.

Opening to critical acclaim, Hadestown received 14 nominations and won eight awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, the newest Broadway In Chicago production featured at CIBC Theatre. This Chicago premiere production starts with the Greek god Hermes singing (“Road to Hell”). Then, he introduces Eurydice and the Fates (ladies in Hell), relating information about the brutal weather and famine.

Orpheus, a musician, prophet, and poet, who, according to legend, traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece, meets Eurydice and asks for her hand in marriage. Eurydice is doubtful as they both live within the current harshness of poverty, but Orpheus has a plan. He informs her that he is writing a song that will induce an early spring, ending their impoverished lifestyle.

Orpheus sings the story of Hades and Persephone, where she arrives in the underworld. His vocal melody strung from Orpheus’s instrument caused Eurydice to fall in love with him, and it also seems to bring Hades above ground to bring back Persephone, the bride of Hades, who loves the love he has for her had grown to love Hades, but no Hadestown. They have a six-month agreement that she can leave, but his emptiness grows each time she departs Hadestown. He summons her back early, and Persephone questions why Hades beckoned her to return. As Hades lists the complaints he hears from those working in the underground factory, Eurydice is intrigued by the praises “The Fates,” singing regarding Hades. Furthermore, the whispering of safety and shelter seduces her with the promise of evading the cold and food provisions offered that she could receive in Hadestown.

So when Hades comes across an anguished Eurydice, he serenades her with (“Hey, Little Songbird”) inviting her to join him in Hadestown. But, when the chips are down, Eurydice, coerced by “The Fates,” chooses to follow Hades and sings goodbyes to Orpheus. Eurydice has to sign some paper which seals her faith as a forgotten laborer in Hadestown. However, once Hermes informs Orpheus that Eurydice has descended into the Underworld of Hades, he goes down into Hell’s pit to recover his love.

With lyrics from the music book by Anais Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown will thrill you from the opening song. The cast from the Workers Chorus, The Fates, to the incredible orchestra makes this production of Hadestown sizzle.

Nicholas Barasch, who plays Orpheus, son of the king of Thrace Oeagrus, and the muse Calliope, whose unique vocal pitch hits notes that even my operatic chords would find troubling to reach, is perfect as the love-struck at first sight Orpheus. The 23-year-old Barasch is no stranger to Broadway, making his Roundabout debut as Deputy/Master Nick Cricker in the acclaimed Broadway revival of The Mystery Of Edwin Drood at age 17.

Morgan Siobhan Green, who recently played in the off-broadway production of Between The Lines, was part of the First National Tour, 2021, of Hadestown and is once again playing the role of Eurydice. This spunky and powerful little multi-talented actress is charming as the pragmatic Eurydice just trying to survive the thralls of winter.

Hadestown storyline is different from the Greek mythology of Eurydice, a nymph and one of the daughters of the god Apollo. Married to Orpheus, Aristaeus, a minor god, pursued her to have her hand in marriage.

Playing her dream role as Persephone at the Kennedy Center Opera House, the very talented Kimberly Marable has an imposing resume, including “The Lion King, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, and “The Book of Mormon.” Marable is dazzling as Our Lady of the Underground.

Hermes conducts a train to the underworld, played by soulful singer Levi Kreis; he won a Tony in 2010 for his Broadway debut performance as Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet.” Kreis’s mannerism and style as the orator of the evening, who describes the love and strategies of Hadestown, is captivating as he draws the audience into this two hours and thirty-minute production.

And then there is Omaha, Nebraska native Kevyn Morrow, as Hades, the god of the underworld. Morrow’s career has taken him across the globe, and he made his Broadway debut in Leader of The Pack. His deep, sultry voice and dominating presence on stage make him perfect as Hades, who struggles with the complexities of being a sympathetic, loving villain.

Around the cast are The Fates. These greek goddesses design the fates of humanity and the dangers that happen to them in flawless three-part harmony and vocals by Belen Moyano, Bex Odorisio, and Shea Renne. These ladies seem like they have been singing together as a trio for years. Their haunting symmetry is easy as the backbone of the drama. I genuinely enjoy hearing them sing, and they nailed the role of playing The Fates.

Another splendid performance came from The Workers Chorus. Their dramatic dancing and singing featured Lindsey Hailes, Chibueze Ihuoma, Will Mann, Sydney Parra, and Jamari Johnson Williams was great. And the orchestra of Cody Owen Stine, Jacob Yates, Edith Yorkley, Calvin Jones, Anthony Ty Johnson, and the amazing performance of Audrey Ochoa on Trombone/ Glockenspiel.

Hadestown is a brilliant, sensational, and hellish story that combines all life issues of love, loss, power, and sacrifice and how we deal with the decisions that can cause absence, judgment, and doubt. You will be spellbound from the first word.

I will be remiss if I don’t share the similarities of Hadestown, written in 2006, to my book, The Hunt For Paradise, written in 2004, on sale on Amazon, shameless plug. The main storyline is alike, but they have differences, including the ending.

I’m not going to give away the ending for those who have never seen Hadestown; however, here are some highlights. First, Persephone, who returns to Hades, serves the workers in a speakeasy, and there is a workers revolt that infuriates Hades, and it’s all due to Orpheus traveling to Hell to win back his love life, Eurydice. Then a test is given to Orpheus to see if he has enough faith over his doubts as he travels through the underworld trying to bring Eurydice back home.

Hadestown is a thrill ride filled with spectacular singing and dancing. It will have you glued to your seat.

Let’s Play Highly Recommends HADESTOWN at Broadway of Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.

CIBC Theatre
HADESTOWN
Music, Lyrics, and Book by Anais Mitchell
Directed by Rachel Chavkin
Mar 2nd – Mar 13th