Opening for the Woodentops will be the excellent Philadelphia band the Johnsons.
The Woodentops and the Johnsons, at Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St., at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12. Information: 898-4444.
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You can tell that the rock band Chicago has been around for a while now just by looking at the title of the group's new album: 18 (Warner Bros.) - the (you guessed it) 18th album released by this veteran pop-rock outfit.
Some folks thought that the departure of Chicago's longtime vocalist Peter
Cetera would hobble the band's progress. But although Cetera has indeed launched a very successful solo career, Chicago's new album is leaping up the record charts as well, as is the band's new single, a re-recording of its 1970 hit "25 or 6 to 4."
Chicago, at the Spectrum, at 8 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets: $15 and $17.50. Information: 389-5000.
Local music acts Smash Palace and Phyllis Nelson tomorrow will headline a benefit concert, the Variety Club Celebrity Dance Party. Also putting in special appearances will be the Philadelphia rock band Bricklin, as well as Jon Bon Jovi, whose band, Bon Jovi, currently has the No. 1 album in the country, Slippery When Wet. All proceeds will benefit handicapped children in the area.
The Variety Club Celebrity Dance Party, at the Warwick, 17th and Locust Streets, from 2 to 8 p.m. tomorrow. $5. Information: 735-1808.
Johnny Copeland, who will perform tomorrow night at the Commodore Barry Club, plays blues guitar with cool passion. Watching his smooth, understated moves onstage, it's hard to believe that all this terrific music is emerging
from his guitar. Hailed as one of modern blues' new saviors, Copeland is that rarity, someone who lives up to his hype.
Johnny Copeland, at Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St., 8:30 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets: $9 in advance, $10 at door. Information: 849-5465.
