The Maybenauts | Photo Credit: Audrey Leon

Annnnnnnnnnnd…it’s the weekend! Plenty of shows this weekend including the Maybenauts at Quenchers, The Laureates at the Hideout and even a documentary about the Rock-afire Explosion, that animatronic band from Showbiz Pizza?!?! Yep.

But first, a reminder that Loud Loop Radio will be back on the air tomorrow, Saturday, February 27, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Radio DePaul.

Lets get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

THE LAUREATES
Chicago indie rockers The Laureates hit the Hideout this evening. They seamlessly blend abrasive garage rock guitars with ’60s pop vocal melodies and song structures. The band is also doing something really sweet on their Web site - they’re covering one song a month for a year with an old TASCAM 8-track. So far they’re streaming “I Can’t Stand It” by The Velvet Underground and “Do You Love Me Now” by The Breeders. Oh, and tonight’s show is also the record release party for their newest effort No Kontrol. Locals Tiger Bones, The Runnies, and Only Children DJs open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 2/26. The Hideout. 21+. $8.

SCREECHING WEASEL
Influential Chicago punk outfit will reunite again (sans longtime member John Jughead -- although longtime guitarist Danny Vapid is back in the fold) tonight at Reggie’s Rock Club. This show is a must for longtime fans of Chicago punk rock. That must be why it’s sold out…D’OH! Well, if crowds are not your thang, then you can head over to Reggieslive.com and pay $1 for a chance to view the live webstream of the show. Lemuria and The Seething Coast open.

7:00 p.m. Friday, 2/26. Reggie’s Rock Club. 17+. SOLD OUT.

SATURDAY

SCOTIA WIDOWS
Chicago punk powerhouses Scotia Widows will tame those unruly crowds at the Beat Kitchen as they open for Chicago hardcore/punks A/V Murder on Saturday. This trio is one of a select group to actually have their demo inside the jukebox at the Mutiny, 2428 N. Western Ave. If that doesn’t scream cool, I don’t know what does. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/27. Beat Kitchen. 21+. $8.

MAYBENAUTS
If you have not witnessed The Maybenauts live, you are missing out, friend. This Chicago quartet kicks out infectious pop rock with big harmonies while dressed to kill. They even have a space panda! If that isn’t enough, and it should be, the show is at Quenchers so you can grab a pizza and beer while you rock out to the sweet sounds of the Maybenauts. If you sign up for the band’s mailing list, you’ll get a free download of the group’s sexy cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream.” (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/27. Quenchers. 21+ $5.

SUNDAY

BIRD TALK
Chicago indie garage rockers Bird Talk return to the stage this Sunday at the Empty Bottle. Speaking of Bird Talk, they’re in the midst of recording a brand new album. In the meantime, check our a review of their previous effort No Bird Left Behind. Also on the bill are San Franciscans The Sandwitches and locals Other Minds. (Richard Giraldi)

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 2/28. Empty Bottle. 21+. $3.

THE ROCKA-FIRE EXPLOSION
A documentary about the reunion of the animatronic robot band from Showbiz Pizza? Yes. The trailer can explain the rest:

7:00 p.m. Sunday, 2/28. The Nightingale Theatre. All Ages. $7-10.