Clear your calendars come early January. Chicago’s dead-of-winter, multi-venue festival, Tomorrow Never Knows, is back for its eighth year.

The event, which takes place from Wednesday, January 5, through Sunday, January 11, goes down at a number of top Chicago venues including Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smart Bar and the Hideout.

The initial lineup as always brings together some excellent indie talent from both the national and local level. At a glance, highlights include moody folk rockers The Walkmen (who will play at the Metro on Saturday, January 14), electro-pop duo Chairlift and alt-rockers Grouplove.

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Lollapalooza 2010. Day One. Recap. Go.

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Lollapalooza is back and bigger than ever with an eclectic set of headliners that ranges from the post-Madonna, dancehall pop of Lady Gaga to reunited Seattle grungers Soundgarden to the unbridled anthems of indie rock saviors Arcade Fire. But of course, you probably are familiar with those groups. So, we decided on keying you in on some of our favorites who play the other eight hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get ready, Chicago. Here’s your Loud Loop Press Lollapalooza 2010 preview…

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Over the past few years, Lollapalooza has amped up their post-festival shows in some of the city’s most popular clubs, and this year is no different.

Chicago’s largest festival unleashed their aftershow lineup this morning, which for some is even more important than the festival lineup. Here’s the rundown of who you can catch around town this August 5 – 8.

First up, on Thursday, August 5, you can catch the New Pornographers and the Dodos will rock the Metro, Devo and the Dirty Projectors will work their magic at the Congress Threatre, Slightly Stoopid and Collie Buddz hit up the House Of Blues, Cymbals Eat Guitars and Young Galaxy take over Schubas and, finally, Big Pink with The Smith Westerns and Night Gallery will be at Lincoln Hall.

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Ticketless Walkmen fans rejoice!

Schubas Tavern announced via Facebook that it is holding a contest to win a three-day pass for the Walkmen’s residency at Lincoln Hall and Schubas beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11 and ending Friday, Nov. 13.

Even if you don’t win, tickets are still available for the Walkmen’s Nov. 13 show at Lincoln Hall. TV Torso and The Dig are set to open that night.

The Decemberists - Photo Credit: Richard Giraldi

We’ve already given you a preview of what’s playing in Chicago on New Year’s Eve. We’ve told you about the new club opening up Lincoln Hall and all the great acts scheduled to play there in the coming weeks. Our Daily and Weekly Diversions keep you informed of what’s on the horizon. 

But still, we here at Loud Loop Press felt there were just too many great shows coming up in this fair city of ours that we didn’t want you to miss out on. Below is a compilation of big name concerts we’re spotlighting for the coming months. There’s a little something for everyone, from KISS to Bob Dylan, Scott Lucas to Snoop Dogg and everyone else in between. Maybe we missed a show, if you think we did let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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Nothing says rock n’ roll like test driving a sweet new Korean import while rockin’ out to some of today’s top bands.

If your interest is peaked, then hold on to your odometers!

Kia Motor’s Soul Collective, celebrating the launch of of the all-new 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle, goes full throttle this weekend by offering free performances from Plain White T’s, Times New Viking and The Walkmen. The event is not only limited to live music and also offers art installations, video screenings and an opportunity to test drive Kia’s newest vehicle.

The event begins at noon daily and takes place this Thursday through Sunday at EnVent Event Space located at 344 N. Ogden Ave. Thursday’s show is a media/invite only event featuring Neon Indian and MoneyPenny (follow @KiaCollective on Twitter for a chance to get in!), while Friday’s free show offers DJ sets all day by Shala, Kid Color and MoneyPenny as well as a performance from Plain White T’s.

Saturday’s show is highlighted by a performance from Times New Viking, and the whole event is capped off by a performane by The Walkmen on Sunday night. Tickets for The Walkmen’s free show can only be secured by test driving a brand new 2010 Kia Soul.

For more infomartion including event dates and times, check out Kiasoulcollective.com/chicago.html.