Guess who’s back? Healy, aka, “e.” That amazing singer/rapper/doctor returns with a slow burner called “Nike’s On.”

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Man, this is going to be a huge month for releases, folks! Strap in, cause it’s gonna be one fun ride!

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March will bring new albums from The Districts, Morrissey, Paul Heaton, and Phantogram, amongst many other treasures that could make it the biggest music month of the year? By the way, The Districts single, “Cheap Regrets,” has totally hooked me!

Local H is back with the third single from LIFERS, due out April 10th.

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The National make an appearance in RR this week with a cover of INXS’s big hit “Never Tear Us Apart.” It’s a new sound for singer Matt Berninger, and a cool take on something that is no longer old, but new again. It’s all for a great cause, Songs for Australia is a compilation that will donate all proceeds to help Australia rebuild after the awful bushfire crisis.

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Finally, finally, finally The Housemartin’s Paul Heaton makes his long-awaited return with his not-so-solo project that continues to include Jacqui Abbott. She has become a staple on the last four solo projects of Paul’s and makes for an extremely sexy duo. The 16 song opus is on Spotify now, get involved.

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“Dear God” see Phantogram on a new, soulful vibe, giving their sound a much-needed update.

This is a super-strong, creative return. Possibly their best record to date?

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Your slice of jazz comes from female vocalist Bebel Gilberto. She’s touring behind a new album this summer, do not miss her live, or you will never forgive yourself.

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Nothing to worry about, unless you are Julius Ceasar. Otherwise, just go enjoy some live music.

Tuesday, March 10.

Chancy Brothers in an attendable event on Folk Festival with Lilli Kuzma. 7 PM in the performance living room, and 8 PM. on the air. Email Lilli at [email protected] to attend. 90.9 FM, or www.wdcb.org.

Wednesday, March 11.

Trillium at the Barrington Public Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy, Barrington. 2 PM. Too bad if you have, like, a job.

Friday, March 13.

Blind Hills at Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St, Downers Grove. 8:15 PM, $10.

Jonathan Shivery at Highland Avenue Coffee House, 783 W. Highland Ave, Elgin. 7 PM. Free will donation (includes popcorn).

Robin Bienemann, Rachel Drew, and Rebecca Jasso at Friendly Tap, 6733 W. Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn. 8 PM.

Saturday, March 14.

Garnet Rogers at Acoustic Renaissance, 11 W. Maple St, Hinsdale. 8 PM. $20.

  Mark Dvorak at St. Tim’s Coffee House, 9000 N. Kildare, Skokie. 7 PM. $20.

Moonshine Band at the Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Rd, Schaumburg. 7:30 PM. $10 – $15.

Ides of March at Club 210, 210 Green Bay Rd, Highwood. 8 PM. $30.

Trillium at Southbank Original BBQ, 129 E. Hydrolic St, Yorkville. Noon.

  Chris Vallillo at Acorn Coffee House, 216 N. Main St, Wheaton. 7:30 PM. $10.

Ian Maksin at Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie. 8 PM. $10 – $20.

Sunday, March 15.

Jan and Jim, plus Marcia Kreiger, at Lake cOunty Folk Club, in the Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley, Grayslake. 7 PM, $8.

Mulligan Stew at Fox’s Pub, 9655 W. 143rd St, Orland Park.

Trillium at Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Pl, Warrenville. 2 PM.

With March Madness looming in the future, this is your last chance to devote 100% of your attention to live music. Use it wisely (starting with sharing on Facebook, of course).

Jackie Taylor has given us many biopic musicals that entertained and informed us throughout the decades of African- Americans who have paved the way in entertainment at the Black Ensemble Theater. However, the woman who started BET 44 years ago had a mission to eradicate racism and is unwavering to get to the root of the problem, find a solution to resolve the hatred of minorities (people of color) so that the healing can begin.

Vowing to go deeper in the 20/20 season Taylor and her ensemble members deliver a powerful and poignant production with the original story “LEGENDS THE MUSICAL: A Civil Rights Movement, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The two-act musical gives us a pathway of healing, with this bold narrative and musical journey of truth from the devastation of racism” and “discrimination” by paying tribute to those who lost their lives fighting against the disparity of prejudice, by examining the effects of racism.

BET dedicated ensemble members Dwight Neal and Dawn Bless are the primary hosts on the “Healing Circle” as they guide us through the lenses of racism and discrimination.

Legends is a moving and unsettling narrative of suffering that many endured just because of hatred and fear. It’s an uncomfortable truth about America and those in power who rebuff to recognize their atrocities or acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of minorities.

Lemond Hayes choreographed dance routines to original music and song, was delivered by ten of the ensemble members. BET shares the maltreatment of African Americans, by echoing the souls of those murdered that refused to stay quiet about the inequalities of racism.

The set design was very simplistic and calming, donned in a bluish-gray color with a circular mount in the center. A full screen was incorporated as the backdrop projecting the names and faces of African Americans murdered and the ones who have contributed to the fabric of this country.

Positioned behind the projection screen was Taylor’s band led by Musical director Robert Reddick (drums) and his group Adam Sherrod (keyboards), Mark Miller (bass), and Gary Baker (guitar).

The music ranged from church-like hymns to R/B Soul. ‘Welcome to the healing’ and ‘We Must Remember, written by our own Jackie Taylor, Sam Cooke, “A Change Is Gonna Come, B. King, J. Leiber, and M. Stoller, “Stand by Me,” and John Lennon, “Imagine.” Legends playlist tugged at your heartstrings with memorable songs during a special tribute to those who fought through the injustice during the civil rights era.

Taylor informs the audience that the ensemble players contributed to the writing of the musical. Dawn Bless, blessed us with her soulful sounds throughout the musical, and Jasmine Bomer was marvelous doing her performance of (Rise Up). Mary Simpson, who made her debut at BET, displayed a pristine voice, and Colleen Perry’s soulful sounds delighted the audience. The men featuring Dwight Neal, Vincent Jordan, Stewart Romeo, Blake Hawthorne, and Blake Reasoner, singing and dancing, provided a soulful touch.

Legends will ruffle some feathers and hits hard at racism and discrimination, but that its goal. It also peels back the hardship with love and understanding, trying to get people of hate to see that we are all the same regardless of our complexion.

We can never forget the horrendous act of senseless violence, or we will repeat the past. Taylor’s quest to annihilate hate and bring people together to see the content of our character and not the color of the skin is a lesson we, (meaning all humanity) unfortunately, still haven’t learned.

Let’s Play ‘Recommend ‘ that you check out LEGENDS at Black Ensemble Theater.

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
JACKIE TAYLOR’S LEGENDS THE MUSICAL:
A CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY FOUNDER AND CEO JACKIE TAYLOR
FEBRUARY 22-APRIL 12, 2020

Want to know who’s coming to town?

Here are a few upcoming author visits worth checking out:

Madeline Levine, March 10: If you’re looking for a little parenting advice, Levine is a renowned psychologist and author of one of my favorite “How do I do this?” books, “The Price of Privilege.” She’ll be in Winnetka on March 10 to talk about “the skills that children need to succeed in a tumultuous future: adaptability, mental agility, curiosity, collaboration, tolerance for failure, resilience, and optimism. Most important, Levine offers day-to-day solutions parents can use to raise kids who are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to face an unknown future with confidence and optimism.”

Jeff Fleischer, March 12: Anyone interested in a better understanding of elections? Fleischer will be on hand this Thursday at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square to talk “About Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections: Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections gives an in-depth introduction to the electoral college, the history of debates, political parties, how to get involved even if you’re not old enough to vote, and more in conversational, engaging prose. The revised edition includes information on the 2016 and 2018 elections, and Kirkus called it “a solid and timely foundation.” This is a must-read for any teen who wants to be an engaged and informed citizen.”

Rebecca Serle, March 14: Appearing at the Highland Park Library, Serle is on tour for her latest novel, “In Five Years.” Great read for anyone looking for an unexpected love story.

Looking for a book suggestion? I just finished up “Weather” by Jenny Offill. You can check it out here.

[embedded content]He had to do it again, drag Monica Lewinsky back into the spotlight when he “explained” why he had an affair with the White House intern. In this latest explanation, he revealed he did it to “manage his anxieties.”

As quoted in the New York Times he prattled on:

“You feel like you’re staggering around — you’ve been in a 15-round prizefight that was extended to 30 rounds, and here’s something that’ll take your mind off it for a while,” Mr. Clinton says. “Everybody’s life has pressures and disappointments and terrors, fears of whatever, things I did to manage my anxieties for years.”

Despicable.

Most twitter and other responses suggested that he should have taken a pill to manage his anxieties. Instead, seeking relief with medication (or by himself), Clinton’s insufferable ego compelled him to make up a new explanation, all so that he can be included the spreading Blob of victimhood.

What bothered me even more was his selfish compulsion to drag Monica Lewinsky back into the public’s consciousness, with all the embarrassment and shame that goes with it.

There was no reason except for his personal benefit to bring it up again.

He used her then, and he’s using her now. She wasn’t a person that he had wronged; she was a pill, a Valium. A stress reliever. A tool. Yes, he admits he had wronged her, just as, I suppose, you can claim that the devil (i.e. his stress)  made him do it.

Monica Lewinsky was a  young woman who deserved–and still does–all the compassion handed out by the #MeToo movement to sexually abused women. 

I will not be watching the sickening four-part documentary series, “Hillary,” which amounts to one more pathetic exercise by a desperate woman to place herself in the front row of the national stage. I would vomit if I saw her, as she does in the series, “reveal” how surprised she was by Bill’s affair. She explained how she was “convinced” by adamant denials of an affair. It is high-order BS when everyone else in America knew that her creepy husband was lying. (And later committed a true impeachable felony of perjury by lying under oath about his affair.)

It is truly beyond my understanding how progressives, masters of the universe of compassion, could tolerate Clinton’s victimization of Lewinsky. How they could excuse him of what today would be a capitol offense if committed by, a corporate CEO, against not just an intern, but a grown woman. The power imbalance of that affair if just staggering, exceeding anything that has been recently revealed.

And don’t you dare say that Lewinsky was a willing participant in the affair. By the definition hurled about today about what defines sexual harassment and assault, Clinton not only should have been  removed from office but should have faced criminal charges once out of office.

In my view, Bill Clinton is as much of a slithering worm in a pile of dung as Harvey Weinstein. That a network would give any credibility to him and his equally obnoxious wife signals just how deep today’s popular culture has sunk.

Here (below) is his defense of his actions in an earlier interview. He felt “terrible” (boo hoo for his suffering), he didn’t  get off free and he left the White House “16 million in debt.”  Talk about Donald Trump’s state of mind. This guy is Trump’s equal in that department. Be sure to watch the goofy excuses made for him by two women defenders of the dirt bag.

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[email protected]

www.dennisbyrne.net 

My historical novel: Madness: The War of 1812

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The March edition of the Chicago Artisan Market vill showcase more than 100 of the Midwest’s finest artisans under one roof. Exhibitors vill include designers & makers of clothing, jewelry, vearable art, shoes & accessories, pastries, gourmet food & healthy snack foods, natural skincare products, home goods & décor, and functional & decorative art. Team Gregula vill ve visiting the Chicago Artisan Market for the fourth time.

There vill be various opportunities for market attendees to enjoy. Meet & shop vith 100+ artisans in food, fashion, home goods and art. Learn how the makers create their one-of-a-kind designs and products. Look, listen, feel and taste everything on display throughout the Sunday market. DIY Classes (booked in advance only) vith seasonal themes including: The Art of Orchids, Hand Lettering, Spring Floral Design 101, Create a Vertical Garden, Learn to Paint Floral Watercolor Wreaths.

This family-friendly market also includes a FREE Kids Zone featuring  complimentary arts & crafts and kid friendly snacks. Plus professional face painting for only $5-6.

DATE

•  Sunday, March 8, 2020

TIME

• 10AM – 4PM

VENUE

• Morgan MFG
  401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642
  (West Loop / Fulton Market)

ADMISSION

• General Admission: $8 ($10 at door)
• Includes VIP Goodie Bag: $25
• Group Tickets: 4 for $20
• Kids under 12: Free

For additional information, click HERE.

Connect vith Count Gregula’s Crypt

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In 1965 a wonderful playwright and director, Douglas Turner Ward, wrote the amazing satiric play Day of Absence. It helped launch the iconic Negro Ensemble Company in New York City. The mission of the Company was to present live theatre written by and about black people to a culturally diverse audience that was and is often underserved by the theatrical community.

Day of Absence was then and is now a timely production that should open the eyes to all of America…and beyond.

The play takes place in a quiet southern town that falls into chaos when one day the white people wake up to notice that all the Black people have disappeared. Day of Absence is traditionally performed as a ‘reverse minstrel show,’ with black actors in white-face.

Congo Square Theatre celebrates its 20^th Anniversary season by bringing this iconic play into to the twenty-first century. The funny thing is that not much has changed.

Director Anthony Irons has included the disappearance of black and brown citizens to this production.  He has successfully made this play so relevant while maintaining the humor of the situation. The way he integrated films, TV shows, and songs that we all know added flavor to what could have been a dated script.  In fact, the audience was laughing so loud some of the dialogue was lost, however, the meaning was not.

The cast is amazing with perfect timing and energy. I was a little worried because Day of Absence was the first play I performed in as a theatre major.  It is my all-time favorite play because of the in depth meaning behind all the humor.  My fears were set aside when Jordan Arredondo and Ronald L. Connor  opened the show as two friends, Luke and John who first notice that there aren’t any black or brown people at the mall.  I was laughing till tears ran.  Founding Congo Square Ensemble member, Ann Joseph as the Mayor and Ronald L. Connor as her assistant Jackson are hilarious. 

While the play is funny and an enjoyable evening at the theater, it is scary that nothing has changed. That the significance and importance of black and brown people to society is so taken for granted that we would have to be missing before our worth and accomplishments are seen. OR we can all go to the polls and really let them know the power of Black and Brown Americans.

Congo Square Theatre Company’s Day of Absence is playing at the Victory Gardens’ Richard Christiansen Theatre through March 22, 2020.  You do not want to miss this powerful production.

I give it 5 out of 5 Winks of the EYE.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Amare Symoné has had herself a busy 2020 thus far. She is fresh off the release of her empowering new single “Sooofly,” and she is gearing up for the release of her upcoming Agape Acoustics EP, which is due out on March 25. However she has managed to squeeze in yet another single, “Pictures,” which sees her reaching depths of vulnerability she hasn’t tapped into before.

The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous. The guitar lines are smooth and warm, and the chord progressions paint a serene vibe. The production is a new sound for Symoné, but it really works.

An artist known for her brooding introspection, Symoné reaches a whole new level on this new cut. The “Pictures” she is referring to are the ones of a former flame she still has a connection to even though they’re through. She expresses no interest in pursuing a relationship with this person, but an intense infatuation persists. She is left involuntarily alone and the heartbreak is immense.

“Pictures” sees Amare Symoné exuding all of the traits that make her a compelling artist to begin with. Her pensive songwriting taps into the most universal of human emotions, bringing them to life in a way that anyone can empathize with. However, with the more stripped-down production, Symoné is also treading new waters in terms of sound, which only makes her artistic trajectory that much more intriguing.

“Pictures” is now available on all platforms.

Stream “Pictures” here: https://fanlink.to/amaresymonepictures

Follow Amare Symoné on Instagram @amaresymone