Record Release Roundup

Family Wagon have a new EP they’ll be playing and selling October 31 at Side Bar’s Acoustic Halloween show, while the Robin Henkel Band is bringing in a horn section for the release of Steel Guitar Lounge at Lestat’s on November 1.

Cathryn Beeks’s release party for her album Mood Swing happens November 8 at the Swedenborg Hall. “There’s no cover,” says Beeks. “It’s all ages, and refreshments will be available. The Ordeal will play an acoustic set at 5 p.m., and 18 other artists are playing before and after.” Beeks financed the album by soliciting sponsorships, raising over a thousand dollars and an additional $280 in presales. “Sponsorships were $50 to $200,” says Beeks. “The largest donation was $500.”

Jason Mraz’s CD and DVD set Beautiful Mess — Live on Earth comes out November 10, featuring concert footage recorded August 13 in Chicago with guest performer Colbie Caillat. The release party for Brenda Xu’s new ten-track CD, A Little Illusion, is at Lestat’s on November 14. “I’ll be playing with a full band,” says Xu, who’ll be backed by Ben Kent (drums), Jeff Johnson (bass), Kenny Eng (guitar), and Veronica May (guitar). “That’s just who I have so far, but I’m hoping to have cello and violin, too.”

Ghost, the full-length debut from Tape Deck Mountain, is due November 17. According to Mountain man Travis Trevisan, when they play the Soda Bar that night, “Bring in a receipt of purchase of Ghost and you get in free. Otherwise, it’s five bucks.” As for the planned set list, “We’ve been covering Danzig’s ‘Mother’ for a while, but we might be sick of it by then.”