October isn't just for Halloween

Since I'm not able to update the blog quite as regularly as I should, I'm going to make sure ya'll know about all the important stuff coming up in October now, just in case. Plus, it's never too soon to start planning for Halloween weekend.

• Huzzah for Libras! I'm doing a birthday show on Tuesday, October 13th at the Wild Pug in Uptown. Starts at 9pm, it's free, also celebrating with Stephen Leonard, who is facing a less scary number of years to celebrate but will nonetheless be bringing the rock.
• Canasta is a finalist in the Chicago Public Library Sound Off contest for the video we threw together for "Slow Down Chicago." There's a link to the video, with most of us in our PJs even, from that there contest link. We'll be playing a show later this month if we win, but I dare not jinx our chances by telling you when. However...
  
• Canasta is playing on Halloween (the 31st) at Subterranean. This show was originally supposed to be the CD release for Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's new album, "...And the Horse You Rode In On." Those of you following on Facebook know about the horrible accident the band got into a couple weeks ago -- if not, there are details here along with how you can donate money or equipment to help the band recover. The show is now going to be a benefit for SYGC, which I'm glad we can be a part of. The new album has jumped to the top of my favorite breakup CD mix, and those of you who know me know I'm a sucker for sob story music, so that is not a short list.