Hollows (photo by rodger ruzanka)

Happy Independence Day weekend everyone! There might not be any fireworks until Sunday this year, but there’s plenty of explosive music happenings going on around town.

This weekend we’re letting you know about Hollows at Lincoln Hall, The Streets On Fire at the Double Door, Tiny Vipers at the Empty Bottle, Obbityfest 2010 and more!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

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Three really-Tribune-3-down-1-to-goal-that’s-the-best-you-can-do reasons to put on something pretty and pedal on down to Pritzker Pavilion this early evening…

1. Installment three of the ever popular Downtown Sounds features none other than She & Him. In case you just crawled out from under a rock, stretched, rubbed your eyes, flipped open your laptop, and came to our little site, the He is M. Ward of M. Ward fame and the She is Zooey Deschanel, star of many a moving picture. You’ve every right to be skeptical of the actor/actress fronted band, but this isn’t Bruce Willis or Dogstar. Zooey actual might be a more engaging singer than actress. And who are you to judge, Mr. I Live Under A Rock? Of all things to live under you chose a rock?

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As cool a ‘hood Logan Square is, it still lacked in the uber-hip record store department – until now.

West Logan Square meet Saki, your new record store slash art gallery slash all around awesome place from the peeps over at Carrot Top Distribution.

Located at 3716 W. Fullerton Avenue, Saki’s website boasts the tag line, “music. art. books. zines. people.”, which means this place isn’t just your ordinary cramped and dusty vinyl shop. Saki will carry not only vinyl but magazines, books and even cool collectibles!

According to WindyCityRock.net, Saki will also be a venue for local groups to perform, and this weekend’s grand opening event lineup rivals Chicago street festival lineups!

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Three if-you-ride-a-bike-you-know-that-despite-the-amazing-warmth-the-wind-is-going-to-be-a-bitch-today reasons to still ride on over to Reggie’s this evening…

1. Chicago’s The Runnies play that infectious psychedelic garage rock you just can’t get enough of. Admittedly it seems garage gets throw around much these days. Two things I’ve got to say about that: Firstly, sloppily bashing out rock ‘n’ roll should never have to be in vogue. Hooks and catchy choruses played on guitars, drums, and, in this case, a Farfisa Fast 3 organ is the lifeblood of rock. And secondly, if you must dance I’d prefer you do it the way they did it in the 60’s and not 70’s. You know what I’m talking about.

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One of the brightest spots in Chicago’s summer concert series are the Downtown Sound shows at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The Monday night concert series has featured a variety of acts including up-and-coming indie groups such as St. Vincent and the Dirty Projectors in 2009.

Yesterday, we posted news that She & Him are confirmed to play a Monday, June 7, date. Well, Chicago Sun-Times’ Jim DeRogatis posted the entire lineup to his blog yesterday afternoon. Highlights, aside from She & Him, include a reunited Hum, Caribou, Kid Sister and the Thermals. The complete lineup is after the jump.

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Photo by Audrey Leon

Spring has sprung. Not officially for another week, but it sure feels that way. Snow is gone, and heavy coats are no longer outdoor necessities. Yay!

Don’t have plans yet? Plenty of great shows this weekend including Pelican at the Beat Kitchen, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at Bottom Lounge, the Hideout’s SXSW send off and more!

But first, a reminder that Loud Loop Radio will be back on the air tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Radio DePaul.

Lets get to it, shall we?

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Three reasons to check out My Were They at the Empty Bottle tonight:

1.  This is simply your last chance to see this band play a concert before they officially break up and form other bands.  Now, granted this assumes that there won’t be a reunion show down the road.  But even then you can go to that show and say you were at this show proving just how cool you really are.

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