Dave Foley of "News Radio" and founding member of the brilliantly funny sketch comedy troupe Kids In The Hall checked in with me on the show the other night to chat about their reunion tour that will see them make stops at the Star Plaza Theatre April 4th, and at the Chicago Theatre May 29th. Dave's dry, twisted sense of humor was in full evidence during the laugh-filled conversation.

(See a clip from the Kids In The Hall TV show here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=toFwUGusdK0&feature=related)

Anyone who says "they just don't make good music anymore" hasn't been paying attention, nor listening to the Loop. Here are four new "baby bands" who are betraying that sentiment.

(See the band The Answer here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=JL3gIO624X8)

(See the band Airbourne here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CgAgG68TRKE&feature=related)

(See the band Black Tide here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=M0E6nsE6_e4)

(See the band Dragonforce here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0jgrCKhxE1s)

It's official... "Guitar Hero" has become a full-fledged, bonafide cultural phenomenon! Topping 15 million units sold, the video game has generated some $1 billion in sales, and shows no signs of slowing. Competitions at bars have become widespread, and new versions featuring the music of Aerosmith and perhaps even Rush are on the way. For more info www.guitarhero.com.

New on the scene is the even more amazing "Rock Band" video game. Played with not just a single guitar-shaped controller but with guitar, bass, drums and vocals, this game is a cross between Guitar Hero and karaoke. In essence, you and your friends can all jam together! The company recently brought a demo version to one of my "Friday Night Live" broadcasts. To say it was a huge hit was an understatement. Check it out www.rockband.com.

Here comes summer! How can you tell? The concert calendar is starting to fill up! Upcoming announcements will include shows from Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, King Crimson, R.E.M., George Thorogood, Boston, The Black Crowes, Peter Frampton, Seether, Pat Benatar, Lollapalooza, Yes, with many more to come! Keep it locked on the Loop for all the breaking concert news, and don't forget you can grab tickets through www.wlup.com.

Local playwright/director/thespian (and fan of my show as it turns out) Tony Fiorentino recently invited me down to see his latest theatre production "My Dinner With Amy." Sharp, funny and very entertaining, I enjoyed it a great deal. Tony has been on a roll lately, with an Off-Broadway opening in New York and rave reviews of his works. Congratulations, Tony!

After 30 odd years of estrangement and a type of "cold war", legendary Blackhawk players Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita were fianlly welcomed back as the heroes they are at Friday night's sold-out Hawks game against San Jose at the United Center. Chatting with the guys before the ceremony, they could not have been happier. Like the two kids they were when they first came to town to play for the Hawks, much giggling and ribbing of each other ensued. Both Hawks new owner Rocky Wirtz and new president John McDonough have made swift work of mending fences with Chicago fans and past players alike. Bravo!

(See the tribute video shown that night here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AgI7lZc7rUE)

(See Bobby Hull's speech here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NGkjKPnpqU0)

We lost a very gifted musician and kind man this past week. Jeff Healey finally succumbed to the cancer that took his eye sight at the age of 1. He was only 42 years old. During his all-too-short life, Jeff touched everyone he came in contact with with his razor sharp wit and his extraordinary musical talents. I count myself one of lucky ones that got to know Jeff over his brief life. As it turns out, Jeff was a regular listener to my show and a fan. I in turn, became of fan of his. Fortunately for us, Jeff had successfully completed recording his first rock record in nearly eight years "Mess Of Blues" which will be released in the next month or so. Rest in peace my friend. Thanks for the laughs and your great music. It was truly a pleasure to know you.

(See Jeff Healey perform live with the late Stevie Ray Vaughn here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XqU9RZqvFKY)

(See Jeff Healey's video for "Angel Eyes" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYz_LHKrgDY)

(See Jeff Healey's video for "Confidence Man" here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6MevNeiO4Zk)

Speaking of great guitarists with a knack for catchy tunes, Steve Miller is set to play the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre July 5th.