OFFBEAT: Charlie Blum inks deal to bring Frankie Valli back to Chicago Theatre

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

TUNES & TIX: New Zealand newbie, Soviet kitsch

Earlier this year, the single-moniker New Zealand songsmith Kimbra was poised as the next big thing the pop music world needed to get to know.

Reading heavy peace, hearing ragged glory?

Tunes & Tix “The weakness of an autobiography is the lack of perspective of the person whos writing it, so for that reason, I’ll never write an autobiography. Never,” Neil Young to biographer Jimmy McDonough, “Shakey,” 2002.

"An Evening with The Monkees" 2012 Tour with Mike Nesmith

The Chicago Theatre is one of just 12 city dates for the 2012 "An Evening with The Monkees" tour starring a reunion of singer Mike Nesmith with fellow original members Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. The group performs in the Windy City Nov. 16.

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza's Charlie Blum nets Monkees tour, including Mike Nesmith

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Macy's Glamorama gets a facelift with move to Millennium Park

Christina Thomas, senior director of annual campaigns for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, describes it as a "fashion forward event for a brighter future."

Fans still love Frankie Valli

Original Jersey Boy Frankie Valli was in the house and cranking out the hits June 2 at The Chicago Theatre.

"Jersey Boys" Actor Nick Cosgrove with Producer Charlie Blum and Singer Frankie Valli

Broadway actor Nick Cosgrove, who stars as Frankie Valli for the national tour of "Jersey Boys," met the real deal, legendary Frankie Valli (right), during the singer's June 2 concert appearance in Chicago thanks to an backstage introduction by producer Charlie Blum (center).

OFFBEAT: Big weekend for 'Jersey Boys' and 'Sound of Music' fans

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Broadway Actor Nick Cosgrove Introducing His Parents to Frankie Valli

Broadway actor Nick Cosgrove (second from right), who stars as Frankie Valli for the national tour of "Jersey Boys," introduced his parents Richard and Fran Cosgrove (far left and far right) to "the real deal," legendary Frankie Valli (right), during the singer's June 2 concert appearance in…

Beach Boys roll into Chicago

Nothing celebrates the upcoming warm weather season like a backyard barbecue, relaxing days and good music.

Creed welcomes fans 'with arms wide open'

It's been 15 years since Creed debuted on the music scene with a heavy rock sound and lyrics about God and battling demons.

Peter Frampton comes alive in Chicago

British rocker Peter Frampton is set to celebrate one of his monumental albums in concert this weekend.

OFFBEAT: 'A Christmas Story, the Musical!' opening tonight in Chicago

TAMPA | Philip Potempa is reporting from Florida while traveling this week.

Long-awaited 'Christmas Story, The Musical' begins Chicago run Wednesday

Child actor Clarke Hallum, who's cast as the wide-eyed coveted lead role of Ralphie in the new stage production "A Christmas Story, The Musical!," said some of the best performance advice he's received to prepare is to "relax and remember to just be a kid."

'A Christmas Story' gets holiday stage treatment in Chicago

It's been two years in the making and now theater audiences are getting their holiday wish of a new stage favorite just in time for the annual gift exchange.

"A Christmas Story: The Musical!"

Leg lamps, Christmas anticipation and family memories are showcased with humor in 'A Christmas Story: The Musical,' the new national tour stage telling of the holiday film classic at The Chicago Theater from Dec. 14 to 30.

OFFBEAT: Producers of 'A Christmas Story' stage musical in region today for research

Get ready for what's shaping up to be a holiday stage hit.

OFFBEAT: 'Christmas Story' actor finds composer dead in Chicago hotel

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Guitarist Derek Trucks launching new band with Chicago Theatre concert Thursday

Two names of the music world, singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks, in addition to being married, are now joining forces to introduce the new 11-piece ensemble-Tedeschi Trucks Band.