Welp, we're alive. For now. Plenty of world ending rock is going down this weekend. We're talking Rabble Rabble at the Empty Bottle, Coping at Sub-T, Velocicopter at Ultra Lounge and more! Let's get to it...

FRIDAY

RABBLE RABBLE + MAGIC MILK + VAMOS HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS. (Richard Giraldi) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 12/21. Empty Bottle. 21+. $8 or free w/ RSVP by 4 p.m. today! APOCALYPSA Toys for Tots Benefit Concert Finally, a festival that combines the angst of the apocalypse with the spirit of giving! But seriously, APOCALYPSA sports a rad and eclectic local lineup including melodic indie rockers The Sweeps, singer-songwriters Jennifer Hall and event organizers and spooky sci-fi rockers Earth Program - who also just dropped a new EP(?) titled Astro Logic that's a bit edgier and more punk rock than what they've done in the past. Speaking of Apocalypsa acts releasing new music, quirky rock outfit The Peekaboos also dropped the debut single, "Western Fall," from their upcoming LP, Stay Positive, and you can read our review of the demo right here. Gonna be a rad time for a good cause. (Richard Giraldi) 7:00 p.m. Friday, 12/21. The Portage Theater. All Ages. $5. CONCRETE BLONDE It's always fun to say Concrete Blonde are touring again. The moody alternative rockers last reformed in 2010 for the 20th anniversary of its classic album Bloodletting and now the band will include a Chicago stop on its nine-date club tour. Seeing vocalist Johnette Napolitano use her famous deep, sultry voice on Concrete Blonde classics such as "Joey" and "God is a Bullet" is well worth the price of admission. (Audrey Leon) 8:00 p.m. Friday, 12/21. Park West. 18+ $27.50

SATURDAY

COPING If the world doesn't end on Friday you can still take part in the end of something. Chicago post-hardcore (or, emo, if suits you) quartet Coping called it quits in May, but they're back to play one last show and also celebrate their new album. Don't miss this chance to soak up Coping's endearing brand of rowdy, disjointed rock and/or roll ditties. And if that wasn't enough, the show will benefit Rock for Kids. Also appearing tonight are Castevet, Neumenon, Dowsing, and Like Bats. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 12/15. Subterranean. 17+ $8.

SUNDAY

VELOCICOPTER Sometimes in my darker moments I wonder what a more punk rock version of Queens of the Stone Age would sound like if frontman Josh Homme's wife Brody Dalle had taken over for Nick Oliveri as his balls-to-the-wall screaming sidekick. I imagine it may sound a lot like Velocicopter. Guitarist Meghan MacDuff's smoky vocals explode like razorblades in a burst pinata, which pairs well with dizzying guitar riffs and a mad, lightning fast rhythm section. Also appearing tonight are I Love Rich and Mono in Stereo. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 12/23. Ultra Lounge. 21+ $8. By Staff  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_16921" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Dick Wolf!"][/caption] The thaw has begun, so snow is no longer a valid reason keeping you away from live music. There are lots of great shows this weekend, quite a few of them going on tonight. Decisions, Decisions. These things are never easy, so we'll help you and give our picks for top weekend shows. This time around, we talk Dick Wolf! at the Viaduct Theatre, Gang Of Four at the Metro, Bleeding Hearts Arts Fest and more. Let's get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

DICK WOLF! Remember how Chicago tap-rockers Dick Wolf! had that big record release party all lined up last week? Then Snowbama rolled through and shows dropped like flies? Well, y'all survived and as a reward there's this here new and improved (and relocated) record release party. You've had plenty of time to digest my review of their latest vinyl release, so I'll just say you should see these guys. Like for real. Local alt-rockers Geronimo! and indie outfit Audiences will also be playing, so you're musical needs will be well covered. (Ross Meyerson) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 2/11. Viaduct Theatre. 17+. $7. GANG OF FOUR There are only a handful of bands that began in the 1970s that still manage to be just as great as they were back then. Influential British post-punks Gang of Four are easily one of those acts. The band hits up the Metro in support of its latest album Content, but most know the four-piece for its funky, dance rock masterpiece 1979’s Entertainment. Throw on “Damaged Goods” or “At Home He’s a Tourist” and boogie all the down to Clark Street. (Audrey Leon) 7:00 p.m. Friday, 2/11. The Metro. 18+. $28.50. GRAPE JUICE RECORDS SHOWCASE Nothing says fun like a great showcase of local bands brought to you by a great up-and-coming local label does it? Didn't think so. Tonight's Grape Juice Record Showcase at the Subterranean will be one not to miss. You've got charming lo-fi poppers Chaperone, bouncy indie folk group John Drake & The Shakes, melancholy folk songstress Rachele Eve and indie-pop, singer-songwriter Julie Meckler. Go support your local artists and the labels that support them. You know you want to. (Richard Giraldi) 8:30 p.m. Friday, 2/11. Subterranean. 21+. $8. GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC Make my funk the P-Funk I wants to get funked up. I shouldn’t have to say more than that, but since I must... There’s no better showman on Earth than George Clinton, whether you’ve seen him in the films “House Party” or the cult classic “PCU” – which starred such fresh-faced actors like David Spade, Jeremy Piven and Jon Favreau – he and his band of misfits can still get crowds fired up with their wild stage show and hits like “Atomic Dog” and “Give Up The Funk.” There’s nothing than can stop a P-Funk party, not even cutting the electricity. True story. Chicago funk and jazz trio Spare Parts will open. (Audrey Leon) 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2/11. Congress Theater. $25. THE CHURCH Who knew this Friday was retro day in Chicago? 80s Australian alt-rockers The Church may not be as renounced as George Clinton or Gang of Four, but you’d know them if you heard them. Fans of the film “Donnie Darko” may remember the band’s song “Under the Milky Way” from the party scene. The song comes from The Church’s most successful release 1988’s Starfish, which also contained the catchy track “Reptile.” The Church make its way to Chicago’s Park West for its 30th anniversary tour. (Audrey Leon) 8:00 p.m. Friday, 2/11. Park West. All Ages. $32.50.

SATURDAY

MICHAEL LUX AND THE BAD SONS Sometimes music seems so darn complicated. All those parts and chord changes and junk. Often there's such a fine line between fresh and new and 13 year old mall friendly. Sometimes, though, there's just rock 'n' roll. Like porn, it might be hard to describe but you know it when you hear it. Michael Lux And The Bad Sons play rock 'n' roll, simply. Not like Elvis, but more like Paul Westerberg. Either way, you'll know it when you hear it. Feel free to check out the guitarless power trio sounds of Mutts, and the minimalism of Basho while you're there. (Ross Meyerson) 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/12. Panchos. 18+. $5. BLEEDING HEARTS ARTS FEST Raise your hand if you like not only live music, but visual arts, burlesque performances and short films? Oh, good. That's quite a lot of you. Then your best bet for this weekend is at Bleeding Hearts Arts Fest brought to you by the fine people of Odradek Theatre. It all goes down on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. at the New Rock Theatre, located at 3931 N. Elston Ave., and features tons of live music from the likes of local indie rockers The Clams, sonically inclined sci-fi heads The Earth Program, instrumental heavy-ists Bury My Teeth and more! Don't for get to donate! (Richard Giraldi) 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/12. New Rock Theatre (3931 N. Elston Ave). 18+. Donations Accepted.

SUNDAY

MORGUE SUPPLIER Maybe subtlety isn't your thing. Maybe you want to be pummeled. With no pretense to anything but pummeling come Morgue Supplier. Don't let the name fool you, there's nothing passive or pretty about their brand of grindcore. That's a joke, see. I mean, you'll have to survive Emeticide and They Die Screaming first, but you relish the challenge. (Ross Meyerson) 7:00 p.m. Sunday, 2/13. Empty Bottle. 21+. $3. By Ross Meyerson  \  1 comment

Chicago soul legend Mavis Staples performed at Park West last weekend. Here's a great video form Youtuber hmc1410 of her performing the traditional tune "Creep Along, Moses", which appears on her latest, Jeff Tweedy-produced record You Are Not Alone. The song starts around the three-minute mark, but be sure to watch Staples' enthusiastic introduction during which she gives props to Kerry Hogan and Terri Hemmert of WXRT who introduced her at the show. Check it out: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgdCO8z2lro By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_15132" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Mavis Staples | Photo by Richard Giraldi"][/caption] Guhhh...we're still stuffed full of Tofurkey, but it's our Friday duty to bring you all our picks for top weekend shows. In this BLACK FRIDAY edition of Weekend Diversions, we dish on Mavis Staples at Park West, Lawrence Peters Outfit at The Hideout, Gold Motel at the Subterranean and much more. Let's get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

LAWRENCE PETERS OUTFIT It's been far too long since we've highlighted our friends in the Lawrence Peters Outfit so here we are, mentioning our friends. Just the nicest of nice men, Lawrence Peters and his Outfit pump out traditional country tunes with an earnestness and charm like no other. No foolin'. Not enough Lawrence? Well, Mar Caribe features none other than Mr. Peters on drums. So it's a Lawrence two fer tonight. Majors Junction open. (Ross Meyerson) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/26. Hideout. 21+. $8. THE SWEEPS Chicago power poppers The Sweeps are prepping audiences for the January release of its second album The Terrible Children by keeping up its vigorous touring schedule. The trio lands at Lincoln Hall on Friday to support fellow Chicago party rockers The Flavor Savers. As one of our 10 Bands to Watch in 2010Audrey Leon) 6:00 p.m. Friday, 11/26. Lincoln Hall. $10. All Ages. YAKUZA Black Friday indeed. Chicago's Yakuza, of the "I really dug their album" fame, headline a li'l night of dark and heavy music. The Che Arthur Three are perhaps not the heaviest but their post rock stylings and occasional freak outs will still no doubt rattle your brain a bit. The West Side's Rabid Rabbit will do more than merely rattle your brain. They might make you question what the fuck is going on. Using elements of drone, sludge, psych, and free jazz, these kids make some difficult listening music. In the best way possible. Opener, Bloodyminded play heavy electronica? Yep. It's going to hurt. (Ross Meyerson) 10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/26. Empty Bottle. 21+. $5 advanced/$8 door. PAKISTANI FLOOD RELIEF BENEFIT There’s no better way to ring in the holiday season by remembering those less fortunate. Give and get this Thanksgiving weekend with a show at The Viaduct. The theater is hosting a benefit for Pakistani flood relief featuring acoustic sets by the Mekon's Jon Langford and Sally Timms, Eleventh Dream Day’s Janet Bean, Man is Man and singer-songwriter Chris Connelly. 9:30 p.m. Friday, 11/26. The Viaduct Theater. $10. 21+

SATURDAY

MAVIS STAPLES Finally after perhaps the best performance of Lollapalooza 2010, soul queen Mavis Staples returns for her first solo club show in her hometown since the September release of the incredible Jeff Tweedy-produced album You Are Not Alone. If you want to see a true windy city legend, there's no better place to be than Park West on Saturday night. We think the odds of a Tweedy appearance are pretty favorable, but don't quote us on that one. (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/27. Park West. $30. NOMO A little Michigan and a little Chicago, NOMO kind of show bands like the hated Vampire Weekend what it is to use elements of Afro-beat and the like without sounding like a bunch of college educated white kids. There's nothing wrong with a college education, mind you. But whereas Vampire Weekend sound cynical to my ears, NOMO sound like they live and love this stuff the way, say, David Byrne does. Erik Hall just so happens to be in NOMO. He also just happens to BE opener In Tall Buildings who I will not call the musical equivalent to your best friend this time. As far as singer/songwriters go, In Tall Buildings kind of just hit that nail on the head. 10:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/27. Schubas. 21+. $15. HOLLUS Striking while the iron is still hot, gritty psychedelic rockers Hollus will appear with fellow Chicago success stories I Fight Dragons at the Metro. Hollus released its latest EP Part One in early November and a video for its single “Lucy Grey.” You don’t want to miss a band that our own Britni Day called "amuse bouche for the ears." (Audrey Leon) 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/27. Metro. $11. All Ages. GOLD MOTEL Putting her time away from Chicago rockers The Hush Sound to good use, singer Greta Morgan lent her smoky voice to her latest project the indie pop rockers Gold Motel. After the band released its debut album this past summer, they are ready to unleash their new EP Talking Fiction on November 30. You can catch Gold Motel play its mix of sunny and sweet pop rock before the EP drops at Subterranean. (Audrey Leon) 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/27. Subterranean. $12. All Ages. By Staff  \  comments

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago promoter Jam Productions filed suit against Ticketmaster yesterday. The dispute is based on Ticketmaster's merge with Live Nation and who has the right to sell tickets at three of Jam's Chicago venues: The Vic Theatre, Riviera Theatre and Park West. Basically what happened was that in 2006 Jam signed a deal with Ticketmaster to sell tickets to Jam's concerts. Of course, Ticketmaster got the fees for tickets sold, but a problem arose when Ticketmaster merged with Live Nation this year. See, Live Nation is Jam's biggest competitor. The suit filed by Jam's attorney's argues that the 2006 deal can be terminated so that Live Nation don't get any fees from tickets sold to Jam Productions' shows. The deal was supposed to last until the end of 2011. But Ticketmaster is fighting for it to continue and has threatened legal action of their own. Additionally, for anyone who has bought tickets to a Jam show this year, you've probably noticed that Jam have been using Etix for a number of shows. We'll have more on this story as it develops. By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_12557" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Photo by Kirstie Shanley "][/caption] Hey Chicago! Just because summer is winding down doesn't mean there's a shortage of awesome shows to attend! This weekend we highlight The 1900s at Lincoln Hall, the Velcro Lewis Group at Saki, Down-Fi at the Double Door and more! Let's get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

BLANE FONDA & RABBIT CHILDREN A couple of Chicago favorites, Blane Fonda and Rabbit Children are teaming up to form the bread and meat of an otherwise odd line up sandwich. Headliner Melismatics are corporate rock if I've ever heard it and second on the bill, Minneapolis's Duke of Dark are Nick Cave dark. Or aspire to be. So enjoy our city's purveyors of fine music and maybe have yourself an early night. (Ross Meyerson) 8:00 p.m. Friday, 8/27. Darkroom. 21+. $8 advanced/$10 door. THE 1900s Chicago "Stoner Pop" group the 1900s would probably find the 1960s a more accurate name. The group's sound is light and airy with the vocals containing a hint of girl group backing harmonies magnifying lead singer Jeanine O'Toole's voice. The 1900s' show at Lincoln Hall is designed to get fans pumped for the release of their brand-new album Return of the Century this November. Fellow retro rockers White Mystery are headlining. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 8/27. Lincoln Hall. 21+ $10. THE SQUARE AFFAIR Who doesn't love Logan Square? Chicago's own Austin, TX, Logan Square is this city's version of cool. Therefore, they decided to throw a little shindig celebrating the neighborhood's top musical acts including Jon Drake and the Shakes, The Shams Band, The Minneapolis Henrys and Derek Nelson and the Musicians hit up Logan Square Auditorium for the event. Plus, donations for the Square Affair will go to the Intonation Music Workshop, which is a program that provides children ages 6 - 17 access to musical instruments and a safe environment to practice them in. So, that's pretty awesome as well. Check it out, Logan-ites! (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Friday, 8/27. Logan Square Auditorium. $12.

SATURDAY

VELCRO LEWIS GROUP Chicago sextet The Velcro Lewis Group plays good old-fashioned rhythm and blues rock. For a modern day band, they are extremely adept at sounding soulfully aged, like a fine wine. The Velcro Lewis group will bring the wisdom and electric washboards to the American Legion Bucktown Post for the Booster Block Party. Velcro Lewis fans need to get there early because the group hits the stage at 1:30 p.m. If you can’t make the block party, The Velcro Lewis will play Saki Records on 3716 W. Fullerton on Sunday at 1 p.m. (Audrey Leon) 12:00 p.m. Saturday, 8/28. American Legion Bucktown, 1824 W. Cortland. $5 Donation. All Ages. 1:00 p.m. Sunday, 8/29. Saki Records. Free. All Ages. FINAL SHOW AT THE MOPERY Goodbye The Mopery we hardly knew you. Unfortunately, I never did as you just recently came to my attention. Looking at the list of bands that have graced your stage I clearly missed out on something pretty cool. If you are in my boat maybe perhaps you can get out Saturday night and wish them a fond farewell. The line up is large: Lechuguillas, Running, Loose Dudes, Paper Mice, Bad Drugs, Unmanned Ship, Sun Splitter, ONO, Solotroff, Soliday, Battleship, Sunglasses, Tiger Hatchery. Not a bad send off I'd say. (Ross Meyerson) 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 8/28. Mopery. All Ages. FREE!!! SLUTTER After helping Chicagoans start their Thursday morning off right by appearing on the WGN morning show, the talented females in Slutter will bring your Saturday night to a proper close at Park West with the music of KISS. Get ready because Vagene Simmons, GG Stanley, Peterless Criss and Lace SHEley rock and roll all night and party every day! If one tribute band isn't enough to whet your appetite, Slutter is opening for the Led Zeppelin tribute band Zoso. (Audrey Leon) 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 8/28. Park West. 18+ $15.

SUNDAY

THE DOWN-FI Indianapolis's The Down-Fi are fronted by none other than Rocket From The Tombs Craig Bell. Holy crap, right? The Down-Fi certainly are not Rocket From The Tombs, but it's been like 30 years. Theirs is a much janglier and enthusiastic sound. Chicago's Dogs Of Fortune open and are followed by the certainly not mother approved Fuck You Kick My Asses. Then there's Chicago's Rodeo who clearly do not understand the definition of metal. That's ok. They do understand what made the Pixies so influential. And listen to that bass! As someone that welcomes back the rock in indie rock I am willing to forgive their loose interpretation of metal and give them the Ross Meyerson asshole seal of approval. (Ross Meyerson) Doors 8:30 p.m./Show 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 8/29. Double Door. 21+. $5. By Staff  \  comments

Earlier this week, we told you about Chicago's all-female KISS tribute band, Slutter, heading to WGN Morning News on Thursday for a lesson in kick-ass rock n' roll-ness. Well, it all went down yesterday morning as the band ripped through a raucous version of "Calling Dr. Love" from KISS' 1976 album Rock and Roll Over. Lucky for you, we have video of Slutter morning mayhem, and don't forget to catch the band tomorrow night at Park West! Anyway, check the performance: By Richard Giraldi  \  comments