Upcoming Shows - Week ending February 28th

Talk about a busy weekend! You would almost have to try to have a bad time this over this coming weekend. When it rains, it pours – and from Friday through Sunday, it is a torrential storm of rock in Chicago!

Friday, February 26th - Lincoln Hall - 10pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Portugal. The Man
Openers: Port O'Brien, The Dig

If you have been listening to the podcast, you know how excited we have been for this show. Portugal. The Man is a mind-blowing live band that deserves your immediate attention. This genre-blending rock band out of Alaska are playing larger venues every time through with good reason. If you got your tickets before this one sold out, make sure to get there early to catch Port O'Brien. The bay area folk-rockers are a heck of a lot of fun live, and should put you in great spirits for the main act. We will be shocked if you don't walk out of the show with a copy of Threadbare in your hand.

Friday, February 26th - Cubby Bear – 9pm - $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Headliner: Story Of The Year
Opener: Saosin, AM Taxi

We would not normally recommend hitting a show to see an opening band, let alone one where the band in question is the first opener, but there are a few things that make this one an exception. First, the band is AM Taxi, who we firmly believe are set to blow up big. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this is Q101's 'No Brainer' concert to benefit the American Brain Tumor Association. Great cause and a great band? Winner, winner - especially for those who missed out on the sold-out Portgual. The Man show.


Friday, February 26th – Schubas – 10pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Rocky Votolato
Opener: Josh Caterer

Well done, Chicago! It seems you really want to rock on Friday night, with two quality sold out shows on Friday night. Thankfully, Schubas advises that Rocky Votolato will be back supporting his fantastic new album, True Devotion, on April 16th at Lincoln Hall. Count us in, and we recommend you do the same! If not for the face-melting Portugal. The Man show, we would be here… or at the AM Taxi show. How did we go the last week with nothing to do, and have three land on the same night?

Saturday, February 27th – The Hideout – 9pm - $8
Headliner: Pet Lions
Opener: Resident DJs, Bald E and Mother Hubbard

Described on The Hideout's site as a 'dance party and social', we are not quite sure what to expect here; other than some outstanding danceable indie pop courtesy of Chicago's Pet Lions. Regardless of what happens before and after, Pet Lions are worth heading out for.

Saturday, February 27th – Schubas – 10pm - $14
Headliner: Laura Veirs & The Hall Of Flames
Opener: Old Believers, Cataldo

If not for the mysterious fun of the show listed above, it would be an easy decision to check out the folksy acoustic goodness of Laura Veirs. Her latest effort, July Flame, is a gorgeous listen that we can only imagine is even more wonderful live. If we could be at two places at once, we would be here… and would make our clone go to our day jobs.

Saturday and Sunday, February 27th and 28th – Metro – 9pm, 6pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Alkaline Trio
Opener: Cursive, The Dear & Departed

Alkaline Trio doesn't need a lineup like this to sell out Chicago. Even though you are probably there to check out the new disc, This Addiction, live, make sure to get there early to catch both of the opening bands; who are worth your time in their own right. At least you have two other great options for live music on Saturday if you are without tickets.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending January 31st

Friday, January 29th - Schubas - Hacienda, Alberta Cross - 10 pm - $12

The debut from Alberta Cross, The Broken Side Of Time, is the kind of ass-kicking blues-drenched rock that we feel confident recommending without even seeing them yet. There is no way a songs like "ATX and "Song 3Three Blues" can disappoint live.

Friday, January 29th - Cubby Bear - Erin Martin, Brent James & The Contraband, Red Wanting Blue - 8pm - $7

As Nate mentioned on this week's podcast, this is one he hasn't seen yet - but has heard nothing but rave reviews of. Think poppy roots rock.

Saturday, January 30th - The Vic - Cold War Kids - 8pm - SOLD OUT

Rickety indie rock delivered with a soulful edge, Cold War Kids are back on tour in support of their new Behave Yourselves EP. The show is sold out with good reason. We wouldn't blame you if you stood outside and begged for tickets. They are worth it.

Monday, February 1st - Lincoln Hall - Moneypenny, Yes Giantess, La Roux - SOLD OUT

It seems crazy that they were even offering 'at the door' prices. La Roux is a HUGE deal in the UK, and this show sold out for good reason. The duo's brand of throwback synth-heavy pop is a breath of fresh air.