So many shows, so little time. This weekend is brimming with excitement thanks to the brand-new Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements fest happening in Eckhart Park and featuring the likes of Shellac, CAVE, A Lull, Hollows – to name a few. We’re also talking about the Reggie’s Live stage at the Bash on Wabash featuring White Mystery and tons more shows.

Clouds, Schmouds. Let’s rock.

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It’s a big weekend, folks. There’s Hum’s much-anticipated headlining appearance at the inaugural A.V. Fest and plenty of smaller shows by crazy kids such as Soft Speaker, Dozens and Blah Blah Blah.

Let’s not waste any more time. Allons-y, Alonso!

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Three I-hate-to-see-you-leave-but-I-love-to-watch-you-go reasons to skip on down to the Empty Bottle tonight…

1. I hate farewells; they’re so final. But, alas, tonight we must say goodbye to Chicago quartet Seafarer. The group quickly became known for its endearing approach to indie rock with just enough folk not to be annoying and a decent blend of both crunch and melody that lands somewhere between angsty Pavement and country-fried Pavement. Seafarer, we hardly knew ye.

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They did it! After 100 shows in 100 days, Moon Furies are done with their ambitious project, which earned $3,670 for cancer research. And honestly it’s quite remarkable how much drive the local dance rockers have to not only see the project through it’s completion but keep the focus on it’s charity aspect. Moon Furies ended in style with their 100th show coming last week at the Empty Bottle opening for Peter, Bjorn and John, and there’s footage! Check out this video from the show featuring both the band’s disco-guitar and melodic, synthy material:

By Richard Giraldi  \  1 comment

And now three reasons why the Empty Bottle is a winning pick tonight…

1. Is it just me or has this week felt incredibly long? Well, a little rock ‘n’ toll is the best cure for the workweek blues. As this is the case, tonight’s best option is no doubt locals The Saps. Dive bar riffs on top of ’60s garage rhythms and wild, muffled vocals make for some sweet, swinging sounds. Sometimes the most familiar of music can be the most rewarding, and The Saps deliver on that front.

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And now three reasons to make shake off that case of the Mondays and hit up the Empty Bottle tonight…

1. From the mind of Joan Of Arc’s Bobby Burg comes Love of Everything. A project that usually translates live into a two piece (currently with drummer Matt Hammond), Love of Everything wades in a pool of fuzzy melodies and unfiltered honesty, and tonight they’re celebrating the release of their new 7″ Sooner I Wish. But, to be honest, most of the time tennis balls come to mind when thinking of Love Of Everything. Why tennis balls? Check out this very early video from Giant System Chicago featuring Burg and then drummer Elisse La Roche (and current Summer Girlfriend) doing the surf-soul take “Fear of Missing Out” while using tennis balls and a snare drum for percussion. It’s totally rad. And while Love of Everything might not break out any balls tonight, their tunes and live show are always a grand slam (hey-oh).

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Summer is wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. No, sir (or madam). It’s the weekend and it is time to rock out with our respective pieces out.

We’re highlighting some truly excellent shows including the tenth anniversary Ladyfest Midwest concert at the Empty Bottle and much more! Without further ado, let’s get at it…

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