Hum

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!

FRIDAY

GANGLIANS
In the mood for some crooked surf rock? Then Ganglians are right up your alley. Reverb soaked guitars and punky vocals power this Sacramento group’s intriguing sound that offers strangely intoxicating melodies. There’s plenty of rad local action on the bill as well. Stephen Paul Smoker thrill with their punchy, psych-rock antics, and LLP favorites Soft Speaker are always a great time with snarling guitars that often throwback to my favorite era – the ’90s alt-rock explosion. It should, nay, WILL be a great one. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 9/9. Beat Kitchen. 17+ $10.

CROSS RECORD
What can I say, it’s an breezy pop weekend. Chicago’s Cross Record, AKA Ms. Emily Cross, creates ambient, miminalist pop tracks that are showcase Cross’ angelic vocals and intriguing lyrics, as we found on her album Magnetic Current. Think Mirah at her most gentle and Cat Power at her least full of her self. Also in appearance are the ever-so-sunny pop spectacle of Careful Q. The group is fronted by the lovely Daphne Sidor, who draws you in with her siren-like vocals. Don’t fight the pop bliss. Swinging folk songstress Hawley and the less serious, more dance-friendly disco-poppers Neon City will also be there. Neon City will be rocking the key-tar. A KEYTAR! (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Friday, 9/9. Silvie’s Lounge. 21+ $5.

SATURDAY

A.V. FEST
Festival season will just not die. But that’s a totally awesome thing. Seeing as 70% of the year for Chicago is just fucking miserable, might as well get as many outdoor events in as we can before our cars are buried in snow. This time, it’s Chicago’s loveable A.V. Club who are throwing the shindig. Cleverly dubbed A.V. Fest and held outside the Hideout, it offers a quaint but impressive lineup. Of course there’s Chicago fuzz guitar rockers HUM headlining on Saturday and indie rock stalwarts Archers of Loaf closing things out on Sunday – but the undercard is really where its at. I can’t tell you in word how awesome psych-garage rockers Disappears are, so you’ll just have to see for yourself, and if the volume is loud enough, local axe-tappers Maps & Atlases will melt your brain with melody. There’s also Like Pioneers, The Thermals, Telekinesis, Tokyo Police Club and more. So, rad? You betcha. (Richard Giraldi)

Noon-10:00 p.m. Saturday, 9/10 & Sunday, 9/11. The Hideout. All Ages. $10.

WELLS STREET FALL FEST
Fall Schmall. Is this weekend the street festival’s last stand? Not only do we have the A.V. Club’s inaugural music fest this weekend, we now have the Wells Street Fall Fest happening on Wells between North Avenue and Shiller. On tap to rock Old Town are local retro pop rockers Blah Blah Blah, Chicago indie glam rockers The Handcuffs, emo kingpins The Get Up Kids and, of course, the band that made having sex and candy famous Marcy Playground. You probably don’t want to miss this one. (Audrey Leon)

11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, 9/10. & 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 9/11. Wells Street (between North and Shiller). All Ages. $5 donation.

SUNDAY

DOZENS
There’s nothing quite like an indie pop showcase. Seriously, some times you just need to sit back and relax, maybe even sway back and forth a couple of times. Funky powerpop trio Dozens brings some lightly dusted with sugar rhythms with plenty of synths. We enjoyed their track “Sounds of Your Lovers” from their new 7” last month. So be sure to re-check that out. Also joining Dozens, are husband and wife duo The Halamays, which our own Joseph Montes showered (rightfully so) with praise in his review of their album This Boring Party. The group specialize in syrupy sweet lo-fi pop compositions that will definitely lift up your day. Also on deck are twangy garage rockers Continental Breakfast. (Audrey Leon)

7:00 p.m. Sunday, 9/11. Empty Bottle. 21+ $3.

SLOW SKATE
Here’s another husband and wife indie pop outfit battling it out for your Sunday night entertainment. Seattle’s Slow Skate is comprised of singer Caitlin Sherman and Jason Goessl as well as engineer Robb Davidson. When you first listen to Slow Skate, you wonder if you’ve been transported to Twin Peaks or some other David Lynch project without knowing it. Sherman’s ethereal vocals cast a spell on the listener and leaves you floating off the ground. There’s plenty of ambient strings and piano adding depth to to Slow Skate’s lounge act. The video for “Comforting” only reinforces the David Lynch influence. So grab fancy drink and let Slow Skate ensnare your soul. (Audrey Leon)

10:00 p.m. Sunday, 9/11. The Whistler. 21+ Free.

Architecture

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!

FRIDAY

MILWAUKEE AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL
I’d like to think we influenced the amazing line-up of local bands that are set to appear at Milwaukee Ave Arts Fest this weekend with our 11 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2011. If so, cool. If not, who cares? The fact is that this fest gets it right and shines a light on a number of bands we’ve been talking about since we launched in 2009. Bands like flower-punks Rabble Rabble, mindwarping, fuzz-facers The Great Society Mind Destroyers, the dream-poppers Panda Riot and so, so many more. Get there to not only enjoy the music, but to support so many great acts in Chicago’s local scene that aren’t your typical festival fare. Plus if you get your wristband in advance you get three days of music for just $10 (plus a whole host of neighborhood discounts). (Richard Giraldi)

4-11 p.m. Friday, 7/29. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday, 7/30 & Sunday, 7/31. Milwaukee Avenue between California and Kimball. All Ages. $5 donation each day.

SATURDAY

TASTE OF LINCOLN AVENUE
If Wicker Park can have three neighborhood fests, so can Lincoln Park. The college-loving barrio plays host to an eclectic mix of music this year. Sure, you have you standard hit 90s groups like Sister Hazel and Toad the Wet Sprocket, but there’s also plenty of Chicago-based and completely worthy groups on the bill. Opening the Taste at noon Saturday are indie poppers Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. Alt rockers Model Stranger and the brooding, acoustic rock stylings of Scott Lucas and the Married Men can be found on Sunday afternoon. Now you can rock out with your funnel cake out.

Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 7/30 & 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, 7/31. North Lincoln Avenue (between Fullerton and Wrightwood). All Ages. $7-10.

SUNDAY

ARCHITECTURE
Lovely ladies? Check. Endearing dream pop? Check. Chicago trio Architecture, containing two past and present members of Panda Riot, make soothing, atmospheric pop music that sounds nothing short of magical. Our own Joseph Montes went gaga for their debut record When We Were Young earlier this year. The album entrances you with its mellow and never lets you go. No place matches the band’s ambiance better than the snazzy Logan Square potion palace The Whistler.

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 7/31. The Whistler. 21+ Free.

ALGERNON

Sure, two-thirds of Chicago’s awesome musical talent is giving into debauchery the likes we haven’t seen since Tuesday in Austin right now, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops in this city. No, sir (or madam).

Throw on some beads and check out these great shows happening over at The Hideout and the Empty Bottle this weekend to get you through your post-St. Patrick’s Day hangover.

FRIDAY

OTTER PETTER
If one thing is clear about Chicago indie poppers Otter Petter, it’s that they are the perfect offspring of 90s power pop heroes like Matthew Sweet, Sloan and even Apples in Stereo. The music Otter Petter creates is sugary sweet and wholly inoffensive as pop rock can be. Put on your favorite argyle sweater, comb that unruly beard and prepare to nod your head to every wholesome melody and rhythm. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 3/18. The Hideout. 21+ $10.

ALGERNON
I’ve kind of been wondering why Algernon hasn’t been on the site more. I heard of the band a few years ago and thought its instrumental psych jazz whatcamacallit was pretty cool, especially because it doesn’t refuse to get heavy and noisy while seemingly also being high minded. Hopefully this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Roommate and Dozens are also on the bill so get there on time, you. (Ross Meyerson)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 3/18. Empty Bottle. 21+. $8.

SATURDAY

DETHOLZ!
The Chicago psychedelic pop rockers Detholz! Remind me a lot of Omaha cult-favorites Cursive. Both grapple with Christianity and themes of lack of faith in often colorful and visual lyrics. Detholz! leans more heavily on synths, samples and dance beats. Musically, the sextet’s closest cousin could be Oklahoma pop rockers Starlight Mints as both expertly craft dark, but groovy tunes. The theatrics contained within Detholz!’s music should make for a thoroughly entertaining show. Get their latest album Death to the Traitor at Detholz!’s bandcamp page. Specifically, check out “Catherine Zeta-Jones.” (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/19. The Hideout. 21+ $8

SUNDAY

BEAK
Chicago’s Beak got the pretty sweet gig opening for Killing Joke not that long ago. Well, tonight the band is the headliner, see. You can check out Beak’s angular metal in all its glory for a lot less money down. These guys do this right. It has elements of post metal, a touch of prog, and some beefy as metal riffs with gut wrenching vocals. What’s not to love? The more straight forward metal-ness of Den Of Vipers and the weird soundscape-ness of Subtraction, whose 23+ minute “Enemy” can be heard at Soundcloud, open the show. (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 3/20. Empty Bottle. 21+. $3.

In Tall Buildings | photo by Elise Bergman

March is finally here. You know what that means? Spring is in the air, snow is melting on the ground and pedestrians are spraining their ankles in newly formed potholes. Anyway, let’s get on with our picks for this weekend’s top shows, shall we…

We’ve got In Tall Buildings at Metro, Tyler Jon Tyler at The Hideout and Nomo at the Empty Bottle among others.

FRIDAY

COTTON JONES
Cumberland, Maryland’s Cotton Jones makes beautiful, ambient folk pop that deserves a listen or seven. The duo, comprised of Michael Nau and Whitney McGraw create a dreamy atmosphere teeming with country-fried vocals and jangly, steel-stringed guitars and hand claps. Cotton Jones is in town in support of its new four-song EP Sit Beside Your Vegetables. Los Angeles pysch poppers Pepper Rabbit and pop singer Nicole Atkins will also appear. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 3/4. Subterranean. 17+ $15.

AMERICAN HERITAGE
Look who has a new record! Yep, American Heritage have unleashed the ironically titled Sedentary on the world and from the sound of things it is about to push them into the upper echelons of the Chicago metal scene. This is some dirty, sludgy metal at its dirtiest and sludgiest. Milwaukee’s Enabler play some old school punk thrash and are from Milwaukee. So I love them. And Sweet Cobra are still headlining Beat Kitchen shows. How much radder do these guys have to be to get this city’s attention? (Ross Meyerson)

9:30 p.m. Friday, 3/4. Beat Kitchen. 21+. $8.

SATURDAY

DASTARDLY
Last week we reported that Chicago Americana act Dastardly needs your help getting to South by Southwest later this month. For a few measly cents, you fine folks can help some folk-loving kids spread their music across this fine land. So help Dastardly get to Texas by taking in a free show at Reggie’s Rock Club. Dig down deep, people. (Audrey Leon)

7:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/5. Reggie’s Rock Club. 18+ FREE! (but donations will be accepted for Dastardly)

CHICAGO MIXTAPE LAUNCH PARTY
By now you know of the really cool Chicago Mixtape, which was launched by Casey Meehan from Rocker Proper. Well, even though its been around for nearly a month, the official launch party for the weekly mixtape program goes down on Saturday night. The show features bands that have already been featured on past mixtapes including indie poppers Johnny Rumble, swinging duo Ornery Little Darlings, Jitney, John Sullivan and more. Come out support an awesome new addition to the local scene, and as always, rock out. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/5. Subterranean. 21+. $8.

THE MAYBENAUTS
It’s been a while since we’ve seen those fun-loving space cadets the Maybenauts around town. Still soldiering on after the departure of their bubbly lead singer, the band has regrouped and is ready to perform for the thirsty masses. Plus if this show is anything like the last time they played Quenchers, there’s a neat Ke$ha cover in it for you courtesy of co-lead singer Ellie Maybe. Glorious all-female punk rockers The Wanton Looks will also appear. As the kids say, “get some!” (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/5. Quenchers. 21+ $5 donation

NOMO
This, sonically, is a pretty rad and rather diverse show. Firstly, there’s the world music sounds of NOMO, a band I lovingly call the anti-Vampire Weekend. Why? Just listen to them. It’s a matter of genuine versus smug. Then there’s the post-metal crunch of Del Rey, a band I keep meaning to check out in more detail. Like, this is right up my alley. Opener, David Daniell is the wild card. I mean, what doesn’t this guy do? I suppose you’ll have to go and see for yourself. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/5, Empty Bottle. 21+. $14.

IN TALL BUILDINGS
This is the first installment of the Sustainable Sounds Series, which is a partnership between The Metro and Uncommon Grounds to highlight local bands. What’s even cooler is headliner In Tall Buildings who have gotten so much awkward praise from me that I will just say they are playing and leave it at that. The quite folky Cloudbirds and the also quite folky Algebro will also be there. On what is being called the “Cabaret Stage,” you can catch the hushed sounds of Bone and Bell, and the quirky sadness of Sad Brad Smith. Holy crap that’s a ton of acoustic guitars. (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 3/5. Metro. 18+. $6.

SUNDAY

TYLER JON TYLER
I love a good female-fronted garage rock group and Tyler Jon Tyler doesn’t disappoint. Singer Rebecca Flores will disarm you with her piercing vocals and have you purring like a kitten by the end of Tyler Jon Tyler’s aural assault. Miami psych rockers Jacuzzi Boys will headline so get there early. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 3/6. The Hideout. 21+ $9.

My Gold Mask | Photo Credit: Drew Reynolds

Hot dog! Friday is here! Time for our picks for top weekend shows. In this edition, we talk Soft Speaker at the Hideout, Chaperone at the Metro, My Gold Mask at Schubas and a whole lot more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

FRIDAY

SOFT SPEAKER
I think the strength of Chicago’s Soft Speaker is how hard it is for me to lazily say something along the lines of “they sound like blank fed a steady diet of blank while hinting at blank.” Well, it was easy for me to say but filling in the blanks is difficult. Let’s just say they write great songs in whatever way they desire. Cleveland’s creepy mr. Gnome, and Chicago’s semi-countrified Whisker Music open. (Ross Meyerson)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Hideout. 21+. $8.

CHAPERONE
Contributor Faye Rasmussen wrote in her review that Chaperone’s latest release Cripple King was a science experiment in progress. While that very well may be true from a production stand point as the album is extremely lo-fi with much of it recorded in the band members’ kitchens and bedrooms, the songs are fun, quirky little pop pieces, and it would be cool to see how the band would sound with big production. But tonight, see them without the static and fuzz as they will be live at the Metro. Also performing tonight are the indie-Americana outfit Dastardly, whose new track “Villain” really caught our attention with its noisy, alt-country feel. Headlining the show are Chicago indie rockers Aktar Aktar and folky locals Jon Drake & The Shakes open. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 11/12. The Metro. 18+. $10.

THE MAYBENAUTS
It’s never easy going through a public break-up; no one knows that better than Jennifer Anniston. But Chicago pop-rockers The Maybenauts, like Anniston, are getting back on that horse. Come check out the new three-piece Maybenauts headline Quenchers with friends the Wanton Looks (who are also worth checking out). (Audrey Leon)

9 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Quencher’s Saloon. $5. 21+.

CALIFORNIA WIVES
Low-key synth-poppers California Wives have a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it’s the comforting, dream-like atmosphere that oozes with ease out of songs like “Guilt” and “Blood Red Youth,” but whatever it is you’ll be nodding your head in agreement and swaying to the beat. (Audrey Leon)

9 p.m. Friday, 11/12. Bottom Lounge. $8. 17+.

SATURDAY

MY GOLD MASK
Chicago art rockers My Gold Mask are back with a brand new EP, A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last), and are celebrating its release on Saturday at Schubas! Compared to their last release, A Thousand Voices, which came out only last January, A Million Miles seems to be a lighter affair with less deep, dark imagery in favor for big vocal hooks and a fun cover of “Bette Davis Eyes”. For more in depth discussion about A Million Miles (From Where We Were Last), read our review. And thought My Gold Mask are only a two piece, Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo put on one hell of a show. Local indie rockers Unicycle Loves You and the glammy Blane Fonda open. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 11/13. Schubas. 21+. $10.

THE FAB FAUX
Break out your Team Coco shirts and high-ankled, laceless boots because Conan O’Brien’s band director Jimmy Vivino is coming to Chicago’s Vic Theater with the Fab Faux. The renowned Beatles cover band will perform the classic “Abbey Road” in its entirety. Joining Vivino on stage are music veterans Jack Petruzzelli, Frank Agnello, Rich Pagano, and Will Lee. (Audrey Leon)

6:30 p.m. Saturday, 12/13. The Vic. $45 ($57.25 after fees). All Ages.

SUNDAY

WRECKING BALL PUNX FEST
Still riding that high from this year’s Riot Fest? Somebody is I’m sure, so Reggie’s is banking on your endless punk rock energy by hosting the Wrecking Ball Punx Fest. You know it’s good punk rock when you can squeeze nine bands onto a bill that starts at 5:00 p.m. Who are these bands, you ask? Here we go: Chicago’s Infected, Chicago’s Voice of Addiction, Chicago’s The Neutron Bombs, Chicago’s (are you sensing a trend yet?) Anxiety High, No Two Waynes, Bill Ura Dik, Modern Day Rippers, Hawkbit, and finally The Revision Plan. All Chicago all the punk rock time. Don’t forget the free party bus provided my Metal Express Limo. A party bus full of underaged punk rock kids….Probably eerily similar to one full of middle aged single women. Yikes. (Ross Meyerson)

5:00 p.m. Sunday, 11/14. Reggie’s Rock Club. 17+. $5 before 8:00 p.m./$10 after.

Concrete Blonde

Happy Blackhawks day, Chicago! We did it! After 49 long years, Lord Stanley’s Cup returns to the windy city!

If you’re not already hammered at downtown celebration, there’s plenty of great music this weekend to keep the party going including Concrete Blonde at the Vic, YAWN at the Hideout, The Futureheads at Lincoln Hall, Metronome Celebration, Earth Program and at Bottom Lounge and so much more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Friday

WHITE MYSTERY
Of course, you read my review of their self-titled LP yesterday. As of today, I still stand by every word. White Mystery are a Chicago force to be reckoned with, and their raw and gritty rock n’ roll is so dirty, it’s practically sexy. Well, tonight you can see White Mystery’s garage-y sexy-ness for your self when they headline a triple bill at the Hideout. Opening up the show are local old-school psychedelic rock throwback outfit The Great Society Mind Destroyers and melodic experimental indie group Cool Memories. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 6/11. The Hideout. 21+. $8.

GOLD MOTEL
The smoky-voiced siren of Chicago’s The Hush Sound, Greta Morgan, is stepping out on her own with a brand new album called Summer House by her latest band, Gold Motel. Come join Morgan and Gold Motel at their record release party at Lincoln Hall before they embark on a Midwest tour with fellow Chicagoans and melodic indie rockers Skybox. Please note that this is an early show. (Audrey Leon)

6:00 p.m. Friday, 6/11. Lincoln Hall. All Ages. $10.

PHISH
I’m okay with you “reverse-contrarian hipsters” who scoff at the mere mention of this band. But the improvisational rock driven Phish, who are kicking off their massive summer tour at Toyota Park, still bring the heat and put on one of the best damn live concerts on the planet. Since this is a write-up on Phish here are your obligatory keywords: hippies, jam, Grateful Dead. Oh, almost forgot drugs… mmmm sweet sweet drugs. (Andrew Kahn)

7:00 p.m. Friday, 6/11. Toyota Park. $50.

Saturday

EARTH PROGRAM
If you’re a frequent reader of this site, you’re probably familiar with locals the Earth Program. We’re big fans of their spooky-but-fun psych-rock antics. They’re music just emanates joy, but mixed with some geeky Sci-Fi underpinnings – Earth Program offer a very unique sound and approach to rock music. They were on our list to 10 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2010, so far haven’t disappointed. Tonight they’re opening for Queens, New York garage rock icons The Fleshtones at the Bottom Lounge. This show is a must see – but be sure to get their early for Earth Program! (Richard Giraldi)

7:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/12. The Bottom Lounge. 21+. $13.

METRONOME CELEBRATION
Chicago summer festival season rolls quite along, and this weekend offers perhaps the most musically eclectic one of the bunch. We told you about the Metronome Celebration about a month ago, and the fact that this festival is featuring four distinct music genres by having a Latin Rock and Indie Rock stage on Saturday. Then on Sunday you can catch akron/family headlining the Folk stage or head over to the Punk stage programmed by MP Shows. You can find all the details including the Metronome Celebration complete lineup right here. (Richard Giraldi)

12:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, 6/12 and Sunday 6/13. Milwaukee Avenue at Armitage and Western in Logan Square. All Ages (Dogs too!). $5.

YAWN
Want to see the definition of a band blowing up? YAWN are doing just that these days. In a relatively short few months (and I like to think we kick started it for them with our review of their EP in January), they’ve gone from just another Chicago indie-psych outfit that at times resembles Animal Collective and Yeasayer to SXSW showcase performers to Pitchfork favorites to the Chicago band of the moment. So, be sure to catch them at the Hideout on Saturday before they all move to Los Angeles and get addicted to hardcore drugs. Joining YAWN on Saturday night at the Hideout will be Brit-poppers Blah Blah Blah. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/12. The Hideout. 21+. $8/$5 after 11:30 p.m.

CONCRETE BLONDE
Bands that never quite got their due in their time but have later gone on to cult-favorite status are making 2010 a good year for reunion tours. Moody alternative rockers Concrete Blonde are touring behind the 20th anniversary of its 1990 record Bloodletting, which will be re-released with bonus tracks in July. 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)

7:30 p.m. Saturday, 6/12. The Vic. 18+ $29.50

THE FUTUREHEADS
English punk rockers The Futureheads descent upon Lincoln Hall on Saturday as well. They just released their new LP The Chaos – which a lucky two of you won vinyl copies of the record from us! But the Futureheads; brand of punk rock is very rooted in Brit-pop but also has some heavy indie tendencies as it’s so damn melodic. Opening for the Futureheads are the California all-girl moddy indie-pop act The Like and garage-soul band The Static Jacks. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/12. Lincoln Hall. 21+. $15.

GATES OF SLUMBER
Indianapolis’s Gates Of Slumber sound like what your 16 year old self thought Molly Hatchet would sound like based on their bitching album covers. 16 year old you will never forgive Molly Hatchet for that slight of hand. Anyways, Gates of Slumber gallop along on tried and true metal riffage. Chicago’s Czar have a song called Goregon Trail. Need I say more? Well, imagine a little post-metal with creepy as fuck vocals. Good shit. Site favorites Arbogast are also on this bill. Really? This bill rules. I’m not even done. Chicago’s Helmet/Quicksand-y Go Hang and the possibly website free Lord – featuring members of Catfish Haven, Smoking Popes, and Biscayne–are also playing. That’s a shit ton of heaviness. (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/12. Ronny’s. 21+. $5.

Sunday

DICK WOLF!
Chicago’s DICK WOLF! will take to the Subterranean on Sunday after a ripping set at Silvie’s Lounge on Thursday night. These guys are definitely ones to look out for as they’re technical prowess – they love to tap – doesn’t affected their ability to create very melodic tunes that have some very fun hooks. Some of their songs even dip into some heavy old Sonic Youth territory that’s quite delicious. They open up this four-band bill at the Subterranean on Sunday night, so get their early, but stay for Chicago’s A Lull who’s heavy rhythmic psych tunes make them also a must-see. (Richard Giraldi)

7:30 p.m. Sunday, 6/13. Subterranean. 17+. $8.

STARRING
Brooklyn’s Starring give me pause. I have a staunch anti-Brooklyn stance you see. But their weird little prog songs don’t rely on hipster cleverness. They plain rock. Like thundering bass and crazy ass drums rock. I thought Brooklyn was too cool to rock, and, if they did, it was with tongue firmly planted in cheek. So, Brooklyn’s Starring, I might have to make an exception to my sweeping disdain of all things Brooklyn. Chicago’s A Tundra open but really they are no opener. I mean, they are. This night. But you’ve no excuse for not getting there on time to check them out. (Ross Meyerson)

9:45 p.m. Sunday, 6/13. The Whistler. 21+. Free.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HIGH SCHOOL
Do you like the Ramones? Do you like movies about high school? Well, one out of two isn’t bad. The Empty Bottle continues its Rock and Roll cinema this Sunday with a showing of the 1979 cult classic “Rock and Roll High School.” If only my school was as cool as Vince Lombardi High. Come see the movie that made Local H ask the proverbial question, “Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles?” (Audrey Leon)

7:00 p.m. Sunday, 6/13. Empty Bottle. 21+ FREE!

Condo Fucks

We’ve got a PACKED edition of Weekend Diversions for you today including the Condo Fucks at The Hideout, Local Natives at Schubas, Coltrane Motion at Subterranean and more. Coupled with the beautiful weather out – this should be an amazing weekend.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Friday

LOCAL NATIVES
Local Natives are the new it band of the indie world, and with good reason. Combining pretty harmonies with a great beat, these rockers create songs that are really easy to instantly fall in love with. And if they play their cover of Talking Heads’ “Warning Sign” (which appears on Local Natives’ debut album Gorilla Manor), you’ll get that happy feeling in your chest that only happens when you witness something amazing and fun and joyous. (Andy Kondrat)

7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Friday, 5/14. Schubas. 7 p.m. show is All Ages & 10 p.m. show is 18+. $10/$12.

MARCO BENEVENTO TRIO
It’s not often that a keyboard/organ/piano player has a definable tone – that’s usually left to guitarists. But Marco Benevento ain’t your average keys player and his tone is certainly recognizable. Mixing effects pedals, bent circuits and unconventional amplification, Benevento creates lush and moody sounds heavily relying on improvisation. With him to round out the trio are Andy Borger (Tom Waits) on drums and bassist Dave Driewitz (Ween), as tight a rhythm section as you’d ever want. Spare Parts opens. (Andrew Kahn)

9 p.m., Friday, 5/14. Martyr’s. 21+. $12.

SONOI
Chicago experimental indie rockers Sonoi hit up the Empty Bottle tonight for their record release party. Our own Dan Henshaw reviewed their self-titled debut a few weeks back and gave it some pretty favorable marks. To quote Mr. Henshaw, “Their new album spends 51 minutes showcasing both a familiar rock and roll side and a chilled out, atmospheric side that combine to create a record that’s both inviting and quite interesting.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, and I’m sure Sonoi is even better live. Also on the bill are David Daniell and The Lonesome Organist. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, May 14. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $8.

DEATHVALLEY
Vol. 11 in my ever expanding tome on guitars continues with Chicago’s Death Valley who have been highlighted here before. We loved their hard driving guitar rock stylings. We still do. Bright Red Line also remember when indie rockers wanted nothing more than blow and occasionally jangle the doors off of the joint. They are certainly doing their best to help you remember as well. And then there’s Rodeo. They just might save the world one song at a time. Hungry children will be fed, the unemployed will work again and the diseased will be healed. Never has a band held so much power in the palm of its hand, and Rodeo do not shy away from their responsibilities. Like some sort of super man, Rodeo have been sent to us to change the course of history. And there will be beer. (Ross Meyerson)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/14. The Mutiny. 21+. FREE!!!!

Sunday

CONDO FUCKS
Have you ever wondered what Yo La Tengo would sound like if they were less beautifully polished, didn’t play well-crafted epic slow burns, and instead sounded like Guided By Voices, and played exclusively covers? No? You have’t? Well, they did it anyway, and the result is the band Condo Fucks. The side project doesn’t play out that often, and given that they have their own fake backstory and pseudonyms (apart from Yo La Tengo) means that this show could be a lot of frivolity and fun. This might be the sleeper show of the Summer, guys, so get your asses there early, as they’re the openers. Eleventh Dream Day headlines. (Andy Kondrat)

8:30 p.m. Sunday, 5/16. The Hideout. 21+. $8.

CLIP ART
Fans of pop music rejoice. Chicago’s Clip Art are here to pull that dirtiest of dirty words out of the trash heap of history and restore it to its rightful place. Hyperbole? Perhaps. But Andy Rosenstein and Co. do write some sweet as organic agave nectar (it is 2010. sugar is dead) tunes. Don’t take my word on it. Well, do. A review of their new EP is coming soon. They play early on a bill with acoustic indie rockers In Miniature, the country stylings of Miss Shevaughn And Yuma Wray, folky Them Damn Kids, and headliner, the dark minimalist Miss Autopsy. That’s a ton of stuff now isn’t it?

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 5/16. Ronny’s. 21+. $5.

COLTRANE MOTION
This top-to-bottom powerhouse show features Chicago’s Coltrane Motion, which serves up an eclectic mix of music, but every song’s got one thing in common – you’ll want to dance it up when you see them live. The two dudes comprising this up-and-coming band have got an ear for hooks and and catchy melodies, but throw in enough guitar drone to make the shoegazer in you feel right at home. It’s not to be missed. They’re playing with Cincinnati’s You, You’re Awesome, which shouldn’t be missed for the name alone; California Wives, the Chicago band that will help you get your 80s electro-rock groove on; and Tell Your Friends, who want to start this dance party off with some straight up indie-rocking. (Andy Kondrat)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 5/16. Subterranean. 21+. $8.

White Rabbits | Photo by Lucy Hamblin

Lets get to it, shall we?

Friday

TRANS AM
Trans Am is the best instrumental band in the world that uses vocals. Throughout their career, the band has weaved in and out of numerous musical styles, all the while keeping one common denominator: they play driven, technically astounding, jaw-dropping rock. If the only album they ever released had been Sex Change, the band would have secured its place in the pantheon of instrumental post-rock gods. Except that sometimes they also use vocals. You should definitely go check it out to witness the awesomeness. (Andy Kondrat)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 4/23. Empty Bottle. 21+. $10 (Limited) $15.

Saturday

CLAD IN DARKNESS
I skipped a weekend of Reggie’s metal but, fear not, this weekend it’s back on. Chicago’s Clad In Darkness do the black metal thing. Hyper speed riffs…check…cardboard drums…yep…demonic howls…of course…pretty acoustic breakdowns…yeah, weird. Black metal is evolving, folks. Thanks to bands like Wolves In The Throne Room a touch of ambiance and, dare I say, beauty, has worked its way in and, oddly enough, it’s a pretty rad fit. Clad in Darkness fully embrace this evolution. Velnias call themselves down-tempo folk metal. I cannot possibly top that. This isn’t your mom’s metal. Headliner Alcest hail from France. They define themselves as sounds from another world. Xenophobes might agree but they sound pretty much of this Earth. (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 4/24. Reggie’s. All Ages. $20.

Sunday

WHITE RABBITS
If you thought keeping up with all the “The [Blank]” bands was hard back in the early 00′s garage rock revival, it’s not getting any easier these days. Seems like every time I turn around there is a new band with “Rabbit” in their name. Honestly, not mixing up the Black Lips and Black Keys is a challenge for me. Thankfully most “Rabbit” bands are pretty good. Take White Rabbits for instance who will be rocking the Metro tonight. They offer a heady, percussion-heavy stab of indie-rock that occasionally could be called experimental. But really, they have some mean grooves. Brooklyn openers Here We Go Magic are a bit on the lighter side and so are hometown boys Pet Lions who are Chicago’s answer to The Strokes. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Sunday, 4/25. The Metro. 18+. $15.

GIANT CLOUD
New Orleans’s Giant Cloud might be folk. They might be jangle pop. They might sound like Low. They might be all of these things with a touch of the sound you might equate with New Orleans. You might want to check them out while they are in town. You might even catch Chicago’s Stanley Ross and their, yes their, good old rock ‘n’ roll with a nod to power pop. (Ross Meyerson)

9:30 p.m. Sunday, 4/25. The Whistler. 21+. Free.

Jemina Pearl

It’s Superbowl weekend, but there are still a bunch of awesome shows happening this weekend! But before we get to the shows, a reminder that Loud Loop Radio will be back on the air tomorrow, Saturday, February 6, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Radio DePaul.

Lets get to it, shall we?

HIDEOUT’S INTERVIEW SHOW
The Hideout’s Interview Show, hosted by Mark Bazar, turns two this Saturday. They are calling it an extravaganza and who am I to quibble. Featured this time around is Paul Kahan, executive chef and partner at the Publican, Avec, Big Star, and Blackbird. But wait, there’s more. Co-founders and owners of Chicago’s own Bloodshot Records, Rob Miller and Nan Warshaw will also be there. Need music? Bloodshot Records own The Blacks, a handsome group if ever I saw one, will be reuniting and playing their brand of boozey burlesque country. But I like to laugh, you say. Well I wasn’t done. There will also be sketch comedy from Dominizuelan. Man, this is an extravaganza. (Ross Meyerson)

6:30 PM. Friday, 2/5. The Hideout. 21+. $5.

JEMINA PEARL
Pop-Punk badass Jemina Pearl will bring her wild and unpredictable live show to the Beat Kitchen stage on Saturday, Feb. 6. The former Be Your Own Pet vocalist will perform tracks off her solo debut record Break it Up. If the all-too-real possibility of Jemina Pearl beating the tar out of someone in the middle of her set isn’t enough to entice you, Chicago’s own White Mystery will open. (Audrey Leon)

Here’s a clip of Jemina Pearl performing the song “Looking for Trouble” at Subterranean on Oct. 15, 2009.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-3FNYMPcEw

9:00 PM. Saturday, 2/6. Beat Kitchen. 17+. $10.

VENEFICUM
The Chicago metal scene is way more vibrant and downright scary then you know. Pelican and Russian Circles garner most of the attention but lesser known Chicago bands really take genre bending to new heights. You can check out 2 of them Saturday at Reggie’s Rock Club. Veneficum play gruesome black metal swimming in nightmarish keyboards. Picture a jack in the box played at extreme speed while your mom yells at you. Or don’t. It’s just too evil. Centaurus opens and brings a slower, more progressive take. They may be less evil but are no less heavy. And, hey, both bands are recording new albums, Centaurus their debut, so go check them out before everyone and their little brother is wearing these band’s illegible shirts. (Ross Meyerson)

7:00 PM. Saturday, 2/6. Reggies Rock Club. 18+ $10.

THE GOLDEN HORSE RANCH BAND
Hmmm. So something’s going on Sunday, like all day Sunday, but for the life of me I can’t think what it is. It’s probably nothing important. So…head on down to the Whistler and spend the evening with The Golden Horse Ranch Band. There’ll be some good old 5-part harmonies and they are even raffling off a sweet 5 inch portable black and white tv! Weird. Why a tv? Let me check the site real quick. Ok. Seems they’ll be showing some game on the tv while the band plays. A big game. Anyways, cool. Music and sports. You can’t lose. I’ll see you there although I still have that nagging feeling I’m supposed to be doing something else. (Ross Meyerson)

7:00 PM. Sunday, 2/7. The Whistler. 21+. FREE!

Pelican

First off thanks to everyone who came out to the Ugly Christmas Sweater last night! We had a great time and met some really cool people from some sweet Chicago blogs and Web sites.

Feel free to discuss the party here or at the Windy Citizen’s party recap thread.

This weekend, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Flaming Lips performance at 93 XRT’s Big Holiday Concert, Pelican, the Chicago Bluegress & Blues Festival and Russian Circles.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

The Flaming Lips
Coming off a visually impressive yet slightly under whelming Pitchfork festival headlining spot this past summer, the Flaming Lips had no intentions of slowing down. In October they released Embryonic, their most organic and psychedelic album in years. They’ve replaced the subdued orchestral pop from Yoshi… and the sunshine-glazed rock from At War With The Mystics with intense, bass-heavy and twisted jams on their latest effort. Sweeting the pot at the 93 XRT’s Big Holiday Concert are openers Phoenix who with out a doubt released the pop album of the year with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. – Richard Giraldi

7:00 PM. Friday, 12/11. Allstate Arena. All Ages. $40-50.

Pelican
Friday night brings quite possibly the finest line-up top to bottom that I’ve seen in a really long time. Chicago’s instrumental darlings Pelican may be the headliner but every band playing the Empty Bottle tonight is worthy of top billing. Opener Boston’s Disappearer are poised for their ascent up the metal ladder. Just a good, good band. Then there’s Black Cobra and you know a little bit about them already. You might get home with a little less of your face than you started the night with. – Ross Meyerson

10:00 PM. Friday, 12/11. Empty Bottle. 21+. $12 advanced/$14 door.

Chicago Bluegress & Blues Festival
An event for the whole family! The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is an all day event that kicks off tomorrow at 11 a.m. and runs until midnight. This year’s lineup offers some big names includes Chicago’s own Dr. Dog, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, The Emmitt-Nershi Band plus 20 other local & national acts! – Richard Giraldi

11:00 AM. Saturday, 12/12. Congress Theatre. All Ages. $35 – Kids 12 & Under are FREE!.

Russian Circles
Haven’t been to the new Lincoln Hall yet? Or better yet you just saw Pelican and want to compare them to Chicago’s other fine metal-like instrumental band Russian Circles? Well here’s your opportunity to scratch both itches. Despite what may have sounded like a little bit of a negative review of their latest effort, Russian Circles do know their way around an epic, often heavy sometimes beautiful, tune. I may have invented a Pelican vs. Russian Circles death match in my head but the rest of the line-up only serves to fuel my imagination. Opening is Chicago’s Sweet Cobra who are heavy and great in their own rite, but is it coincidence that Black Cobra open the Pelican show the night before? You decide. And Kentucky’s Young Widows are also on the bill having just finished a split album with…Pelican. I’m not saying, I’m just saying. – Ross Meyerson

9:00 PM. Saturday, 12/12. Lincoln Hall. 18+. $12 advanced/$14 door (sound familiar?).