1. True, the Hungry Brain sounds like one of those upper middle class “toy” stores that liberal parents love and, I assume, kids hate. Great, blocks with the founding fathers on them. But I digress. This evening is all about our friends at Coach House Sounds. Tonight they present us with BEVEL, the low key side project of Contraphonic’s Via Nuon. Low key it may be, but that doesn’t mean these sluggish tunes aren’t fully fleshed out and ready for your ear’s consumption.

2. Julie Meckler used to be a French actress, and of course you think that’s interesting. She left that life behind to bring her brand of folk to these here United States, settling in our very city. If you like ex-French actresses picking up acoustic guitars ,then you’ll probably love her. I actual do think that there are folks who will know exactly what that means.

3. So, those two bands have something in common. What is it, you say? Well, both have already been featured on a Coach House Sounds session. The third, Sunglasses, have not. But they hope to some day, so look at this as their audition. Maybe your attention is what they need to get over the hump. That’s true power right there.

8:00 p.m. Monday, 11/1. Hungry Brain. 21+. Free (But donations welcome).

1. It’s a Chicago band three-for! Opener’s Casual Encounter are making their Empty Bottle debut while Chicago mainstays Vee Dee and the Velcro Lewis Group round out the hometown-centric bill.

2. Headliners The Velcro Lewis Group, featuring friend of the site Lawrence Peters, are celebrating the release of their brand new 7″ which I’m sure you’ll be able to pick up at the show. If you haven’t heard their take on R&B-psych you’re missing out on something good.

3. What’s that you say? You’ve never heard an electric washboard? Well well well. I just found reason #3 for you to get off your duff and brave this bitter cold night. You don’t want to be on your deathbed wondering what the hell an electric washboard sounds like, do you? Grab your earmuffs people and get ready to mark another milestone off your bucket list. Oh, and it’s all free. You’re welcome.

9:30 PM. Monday, 1/4. Empty Bottle. 21+. FREE!!!!

Additional details from Pitchfork.com:

According to the label, the record is more song-oriented than his excursions into avant-electronics (see: stuff like 2001′s I’m Happy, and I’m Singing, and a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 2007′s collaboration with Merzbow and Carlos Giffoni, Electric Dress). It’s apparently more in line with O’Rourke’s somber instrumental LP Bad Timing than his sly pop records, Eureka and Insignificance.