Photo Credit: Josh Reed

Welcome to the first Weekend Diversions of 2010! We’ve got a lot of great shows this weekend to cover including three shows from bands who appeared on our 10 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2010 list. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out.

Also, Loud Loop Radio will be back on the air next Saturday, January 16, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Radio DePaul.

Finally, the last Top 10 Albums from 2000 – 2009 will be up sometime this weekend (it’s mine!) so look out for that.

Lets get to it, shall we?

EARTH PROGRAM
We gave you 10 bands to watch in 2010, and you can start by checking out Earth Program tonight at the brand new Amp Rock Lounge on 1909 N. Lincoln. Our own Britni Day on Earth Program’s sound, “They start with loads of reverb on the microphones with vocals that sound Perry Farrel-esque (only with more insanity) and then add in a little psychedelic surf rock for kicks.” That does indeed sound awesome. The Hyrax, Cadillac Casket, Truman & His Trophy are also on the bill. – Richard Giraldi

9:00 PM. Friday, 1/8. AMP Rock Lounge. 21+. $5.

MUCCA PAZZA
More Mr. Bungle than half time entertainment, Mucca Pazza are a self described “Circus Punk Marching Band.” As odd of a title that is, it absolutely works for this group that claims more than 30 members on their Myspace. Their frantic, woodwind-and-percussion-powered songs stop on a dime and at times suddenly switch time signatures, tempos, melodies or even all three. Mucca Pazza returns to the Empty Bottle this evening for a homecoming show that will no doubt rock your socks off. Paper Mice and Andrew Taylor open. – Richard Giraldi

10:00 P.M. Friday, 1/08. Empty Bottle. 21+. $12.

MY GOLD MASK
I honestly can’t write enough about My Gold Mask. The extremely talented and creative duo will be having their record release show for their brand new EP A Thousand Voices at the Hideout. My Gold Mask made our 10 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2010 list and word on the street is their live show is pretty phenomenal. So it would behoove you to check them out on Saturday night. Locals The Bitter Tears and Violetless open – Richard Giraldi

9:00 PM. Saturday, 1/9. The Hideout. 21+. $8.

BAILIFF
If you’re in more of a Lincoln Park mood tomorrow night, then head to Lincoln Hall to get your electric blues groove on as the mammoth that is Bailiff hit Lincoln Hall. It’s great to see Lincoln Hall book some more heavier rock groups as the first two months for the venue was seemingly dominated by acoustic and more poppy acts. Bailiff are probably the heaviest three piece in Chicago, which should go over well in Lincoln Hall’s amazing acoustics. Learn more about Bailiff in 10 Chicago Bands To Watch In 2010. Son Of Cops and Loose Lips Sink Ships open. – Richard Giraldi

10:00 PM. Saturday, 1/9. Lincoln Hall. 21+. $10.

ANVIL
Yes, Anvil, the heroes from last year’s amazing rock n’ roll doc Anvil! The Story of Anvil are back on the road for a tour presented by VH1 Classic (You’ve made it, guys!). Sure their music may be a bit dated, but if you’ve seen the movie (And if you haven’t, run, don’t walk, to your nearest Netflix right now and rent or buy it.) – these are the most sincere and earnest metal rockers around. Plus, there’s a slim chance lead singer Steve “Lips” Kudlow will play his guitar with a vibrator! METAL ON METAL, man! – Richard Giraldi

7:00 PM. Sunday, 1/10. House of Blues. All Ages. $20.