"Byrd For Birds" will be held this year on Tuesday, November 20th from 8am-3pm at the Merchandise Mart. As I did last year, I will once again be collecting frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items to donate to the less fortunate this holiday season. Please stop by and make a donation.

Van Halen proved to the skeptics that 22 years apart did nothing to dim the chemistry between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth. The two sold-out Loop shows this past week were some of the best shows I have ever seen. It was as if time had stood still. The deliriously happy and drained Loopers will be talking about these shows for years to come.

Despite the continuing medical challenges Aerosmith has faced lately, it once again did not deter them from delivering another stellar show at the Allstate Arena recently. Rescheduled due to an eye injury suffered by Steven Tyler, the guys hit the stage with vigor and rocked the house as they always do. Joan Jett was a terrific opening act who told me how excited she was to be back in Chicago.

Playboy threw a bash in Wrigleyville the other night which they asked me to MC. A fun-filled night was had by everyone. Many Playboy models past and present attended the soiree.

Many thanks to all the Loyal Loopers who packed my recent "Friday Night Live" broadcasts around the area. It was great fun and I will definitely be doing another series of them soon, perhaps in your neighborhood! Looking forward to seeing you then.

The most recent Heaven & Hell show at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates with Queensryche and Alice Cooper in tow was one of the best values for the ticket price in quite some time. The sound and performances from all three acts were note-perfect renderings of their most popular works. Queensryche surprised the audience with an inspired version of Pink Floyd's "Welcome To The Machine" which will be included on their new CD entitled "Take Cover" hitting stores next month. The sound and amenities at the Sears Center are above average for an arena, and I highly recommend seeing a show there.