Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the Haymakers nightclubs in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs were a breeding ground for international superstars Cheap Trick, Survivor, Head East, and literally hundreds of local Chicago and Midwest bands. Haymakers closed for good on February 16, 1984. A group of regular patrons, former employees, and the many local bands that performed there have decided the time is right for a reunion. I was asked to perform with the band Tantrum for this event. They were a female fronted band ahead of my time on the Chicago scene. To my sisters and I, just starting out, their stature was something to emulate. A few years later, I did play Haymakers with my first band “Sirenz” so I am happy to contribute to this charitable event. February 26, 2012 Durty Nellie’s 180 N. Smith St., Palatine IL 60067 847-358-9150.  There is a facebook Event here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=258788497505896

Okay…… it was a brown Christmas here in Chicago, a dramatic departure from 2010′s on cue snow fall. Last year the scene was really something out of a Hollywood movie. But in 2011 we got rewarded with something different. Actually, not so Brown, more like technicolor. Abundant sunshine, blue skies, puffy white clouds and 45 degrees. Great strolling weather. And that is just what I did with some great company in downtown Chicago. After a very festive Christmas dinner at Carmine’s on Rush we stopped back at The Four Seasons for dessert. I was happy to get a snap shot of their Joffrey Ballet “Nutcracker Suite” tree. One of my favorite things in the world? Pointe shoes. Classical ballet for me, is just brilliant. Love it!! Happy New Year everybody!

Zoom is back! We will be jammin’ on Friday October 28th at Tommy Nevin’s, 1454 Sherman Ave. Evanston, Il. 60201. Start time 9pm. Last show of the year! The variety of our favorite cover songs from the 60′s and 70′s (maybe early 80′s) have something for everyone. If you can make it I promise a great time!

Last weekend I was asked to perform at a dear friend’s Birthday celebration. The honorable Harry Witz. He has made enormous contributions to my musical career so I tried to sing my heart out for him. We were fortunate to play once again on the stage of Chicago’s premier rock club Metro! The party took the place over. Lots of memories for sure. I am fortunate to have so many friends spanning decades all for the love of music. This snapshot was taken backstage with Metro’s Joe Shanahan, guitarist Rick Nielsen, and my band’s guitarist Tommy Gawenda! 

Happy Birthday Dad!!

The Retro Girls (Sandy Caulfield, Pam Bradley, and I) will be guests this Sunday August 14th on rock radio station WXRD 103.9 Valparaiso Indiana. We will be interviewed by on air staff member Tom Lounges during his show “Night Rock” 6-10 p.m. We will be discussing our life and times as part of the Chicago rock scene, (Tantrum, Tami Show), and our current musical projects and aspirations. It streams live. You can catch it here!  www.xrock1039.com.