When T.S. Eliot wrote “April is the cruelest month,” he wasn’t thinking about what passes for spring here. But this time every year, Gossip Wolf breeds lilacs and grudgingly mixes memory and desire—while listening for new jams that sound like warmer weather. Singer-songwriter Danielle Sines and her beach-ready jangle-pop project, Impulsive Hearts, reliably provide! Last month, Sines and the band (drummer Dan Julian, bassist Doug Hoyer, violinist Jess LeMaster, and saxophonist Fallon McDermott) dropped the sun-dappled four-song cassette MeToo: A Benefit for Resilience, proceeds from which will support Chicago nonprofit Resilience, which helps victims of sexual violence. Impulsive Hearts will have copies at their free Empty Bottle show on Monday, April 22, with Bike Cops and Gal Gun.
On Wednesday, April 24, the Harper Theater in Hyde Park hosts Footwork on Film, a program of shorts devoted to the Chicago-born dance and sound. Brandon “Manny” Calhoun and Wills Glasspiegel of footwork crew the Era (which has also branched out into rap) will screen films they’ve made while researching the scene and its history; University of Chicago music professor Seth Brodsky will lead a discussion. Footwork originator RP Boo caps off the night with an all-vinyl set. The free, all-ages event starts at 7 PM.
Beloved Avondale bar and venue Reed’s Local just turned five, and beginning Thursday, April 18, it celebrates with Reed’s Fest 2019. Gossip Wolf loves pretty much all the 14 acts set to play across its three nights. “Flower punks” Flesh Panthers kick off Thursday, warming up for the likes of Mama and Lasers and Fast and Shit; Platinum Boys headline Friday’s bill, which also includes Das Dotz (formerly Jen & the Dots); postpunks No Men close out Saturday, alongside Salvation, Bow & Spear, and more. Music starts at 8 PM every night; admission is a $5 donation per show (or $10 for a three-night wristband). v
Got a tip? Tweet @Gossip_Wolf or e-mail gossipwolf@chicagoreader.com.