It was more than a saloon or nightclub. During its mid-`60s to mid-`70s heyday, the Earl of Old Town was a legend and an institution, nurturing local folk talents like Bonnie Koloc, John Prine and the late Steve Goodman. That Earl is gone now, but Earl himself–Earl Pionke–is still going strong. This Saturday at his ”new” place (Earl`s Pub, which he opened in 1984), friends will be celebrating Earl`s 25th anniversary in the business. Singers Chuck Koster, Dee Dee Wright, Tom Dundee and Jim Craig entertain, and everybody gets a free copy of Chuck`s ”new” single ”Saloon” (b/w ”Ace in The Hole,”
from Chicago Trax Recording Studios)–a song first issued five years ago on
”Lincoln Avenue Scene,” a compilation album honoring the Earl`s 20th anniversary.
