August 2025 • Volume 51, Number 10 • www. illinoisentertainer. com
06
B
NATALIE BERKMAN arrington and Chicago-bred singer-songwriter Natalie Bergman, who, with her older guitarist brother Elliot Bergman, has maintained an altrock duo dubbed Wild Belle for 14 years, released three albums and three EPs. Yet on her two subsequent solo sets, 2021’ s Mercy and the just-issued follow-up My Home Is Not In This World, she’ s been consumed by deep What-comes-next reflections, with all of their accordant Time-left-here-on-Earth ramifications. Call it a Vision Quest, which she first addressed in Mercy’ s all-Gospel originals( like " Sweet Mary,”“ Talk To the Lord,”“ Home at Last,” and“ I’ m Going Home”), then in the more obliquely-phrased, less tabernacle-reverent new followup My Home is Not in This World. She’ s been desperately seeking illumination, answers to life’ s most enduring, ponderous questions regarding Death( following her Dad’ s passing), since, to date,( and as hard as Harry Houdini tried to contact his late mother for afterlife proof) there have been no accurate reports sent back from the Other Side. IE’ s Tom Lanham spoke to Natalie about her amazing new album, in an upbeat mood as she reflected on her transformation and her plans going forward.
DES PLAINES THEATRE CELEBRATES 100
The historic Des Plaines Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary on August 9. The century-old venue, initially opened in 1925, was rehabbed and reopened it in 2021. To celebrate the day, there will be various giveaways, along with a procession down Miner Street. The grand marshal, Priscilla Presley, will be hosting a Q & A session after the procession, followed by the evening’ s musical guests, which include Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Jim Peterik of Survivor / The Ides of March, and Danny Seraphine, former drummer of Chicago. Kelley Simm’ s spoke with Des Plaines Theatre operator( and Arcada Theatre owner), Ron Onesti about the details.
PAGE 20: NATALIE BERKMAN
Spins
Hellbound Sons, Neil Young, Robin Trower and more.
CinemaScopes
August films and streams.
Blue Oyster Cult
Classic rockers coming to The Riv August 15.
Media
CHSN and The Score’ s David Haugh.
Calendar
1400 shows and 3800 bands, it’ s IE’ s live music calendar.
Classifieds
Music services, musicians and more.
08 12 14 19 24 31
4
Publisher John Vernon
Contributing Editors Curt Baran Tom Lanham Lori Vernon
Design Team Notion Pool Dragon Design Teknigram Graphics
Calendar Editor Aubrey Vernon
Classified Advertising David Gedge
Founder Kenneth L. Voss
Publisher Emeritis
David Roberts Publisher John Vernon
4 illinoisentertainer. com april 2019 Contributing Editors Curt Baran T L h illinoisentertainer. com august 2025
Advertising Sales Scott Assmann Mike Engel
Advertising Director John Vernon
Website Direction Notion Pool
Senior Columnists
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
- Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer- Media
Kelley Simms- Caught In A Mosh
David C. Eldredge- East Coast
Advertising Sales Scott Assmann Mike Engel
Ad ti i Di t
Contributors: Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein, Jaime de ' Medici, Andy Derer, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris, Max Herman, Tom Lanham, Aubrey Vernon Carter Moss, Michael Obrecki, Greg Olma Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Steven Kikoen Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Riley Vernon, Tim Shockley, James Turano
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $ 35 per year( first class). Material for insertion must reach our office by the First Of The Month preceding publication. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
Follow us online at: facebook. com / ieentertainer instagram: illinoisentertainermagazine Contributors twitter:. com / ie _ entertainer Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein, Jaime de ' Medici, Andy Derer, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm Steve Forstneger
,
Address All Correspondence to:
Illinois Entertainer
4223 W. Lake St., Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60624( 630) 618-2177- email us at:
Editorial: ed @ illinoisentertainer. com
Advertising: service @ illinoisentertainer. com n2 w The ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER is published monthly by Roberts Publishing, Inc, All materials copyright
2025 2024 by Roberts Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Roberts Publishing, Inc. Current and back issues of the IE are $ 10.00 postpaid.
Address All Correspondence to:
Illinois Entertainer
4223 W. Lake St., Suite 201 Chicago, IL 60624
( 630) 618-2177