Remember the Vulgar Boatmen?...Come see a Boatman tonight at D'Vine, 82nd and Allisonville!

Having spent the early 1990s blissfully living in Bloomington -- where super-great popsters the Vulgar Boatmen made regular stops -- I am delighted to announce tonight's Troubadour guest: Dale Lawrence!

Lawrence is one part of the Boatmen, a band that pretty much captured the hearts of, well, bazillions here and other music-loving spots all over the place. (As I write this, I'm listening to the sweet title song from their 2003 album, Wide Awake. Lovely.)

An even lovelier thing, though, is you can see him live this evening.

Lawrence will join gracious Troubadour Host Tim Brickley on D'vine's Oriental rug tonight. Fab Songwriter Night regular Cara Jean Wahlers and her gorgeous voice will be there, too.

So, if you're a bit world-weary these days -- and who among us is not, with the stock market going haywire and the countdown to Nov. 4 in full swing -- take a load off at D'vine, 82nd and Allisonville (next to Houseworks). Music starts at 8:30 p.m. Wine is half-priced. Furniture is cozy. There's never a cover.

*Oh, and, please mark your calendars for a very special upcoming Troubadour Songwriter "Hoot" Night, Oct. 29. The event will be dedicated to tunes of a political nature. Tim's inviting all of his musical friends and their opinions, so you should invite yours. We'll celebrate art, free speech, music and getting to the polls to cast our votes Nov. 4...