Jeez. Another week, another case(s) of local band thievery.

It’s unfortunate to report but the most recent theft cases involve psych-poppers Loyal Divide and indie rockers Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.

According to the Bloodshot Records website, the members of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir were throwing a going away party for band member Elia, who is bolting for NYC, at The Whistler in Logan Square this past weekend. While the event, which was a charitable one with proceeds going to Dave Egger’s literacy project 826, was going on, SYGC violinist Ethan had a number of musical instruments stolen form the trunk of a car.

Even more recently, Loyal Divide took to their twitter on Monday to announce that their van (a 2000 Ford E350 Super Duty – photo of which is at the top left), was stolen, and asked if anyone is willing to rent them a van for their February shows. If you or someone you know has any information on the van, please contact the band.

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By Richard Giraldi  \  1 comment

Annnnnnd, it’s the final Weekend Diversions of 2011. So sad. So, so, so sad. Or is it? Yes, it is. Maybe. Either way, there’s no shortage of rad New Years Eve shows we just have to talk about this weekend. Of course, there’s Disappears at the Bottle or Local H at the Bottom Lounge, but there’s also JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound at Schubas tonight and so much more.

Dig it, y’all.

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By Staff  \  1 comment

Cheer up, Chicago! Cold weather may be officially here, but this weekend is lining up to be pretty spectacular (i.e. no rain and possibly some sun). But, we’re not here to do Tom Skilling’s job; No, we’re talking about some sweet shows at Ultra Lounge, The Whistler and Quenchers.

Vamos… a jugar por la playa.

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And now three reasons to stop crying about Jay Cutler’s thumb (which, to be fair, is pretty freaking sad) and see some music tonight…

1. Chicago’s Summer Girlfriends craft a sound just how you’d imagine based on their name alone. The quartet jam some rad indie-pop slash rock, which could soundtrack your summer fling and/or end of said fling. The band goes for the soul with riddonkulously catchy mo-town melodies and shimmering surf guitars…at least based on the two tracks they’ve released on their Facebook. Still, the songs are quite promising, and to say we’re excited about their upcoming Addenda Records release would be an understatement. LISTEN: “Shockwaves”

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Three reasons to get your drink on and listen to some fine tunage at the Whistler tonight…

1. Magic is definitely in the air. Local pop songstress Aleks Tomaszewska (formerly of Aleks and the Drummer) will take the Whistler by storm with her dulcet, yet powerful vocals, and edgy-circus music-producing Russian synthesizer under the name of her new outfit Magic Key. Tomaszewska’s art is rhythmically haunting and simultaneously beautiful. Magic Key is dance music at its finest and darkest.

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By Audrey Leon  \  1 comment

Rain, rain, go away so that I might party outside without getting drenched today. OK yes, that was lame, but this weekend surely isn’t. We’ve got dueling neighborhood fests yet again with Taste of Lincoln Avenue at the East end of Fullerton and the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival happening on the West.

It feels like summer is only getting started, so let’s get to it!

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And now three reasons to get over the hump and head to The Whistler tonight..

1. It must be said again, The Minneapolis Henrys, despite their name, are from Chicago. The quartet create a steady, tension-filled brand of indie rock that’s rumbles with warm guitars and thick bass lines. It’s unpretentious and relies mostly on revved up alt-country, Midwestern grooves. From twitchy rockers (“The Ballad Of Robert Murdoch“) to bouncy acoustic ballads (“Letters From Odysseus“), The Minneapolis Henrys give mundane indie rock styles a much needed shot of soul and modernity.

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