The Week In Shows

Here is our weekly list of recommended shows to catch in, and around, the city. We do not take our recommendations lightly, so you can put all of these down as money well spent on great live bands.

Friday - 3/2
The Twilight Sad @ Empty Bottle
$12 - 10pm - Opening: Young Prisms, Michah P Hinson

Late notice, but the Scottish band's sparse, moody new album is sure to sound fantastic here. As much as we love Empty Bottle, this is a band that should definitely be playing on a larger stage. The dramatic, brooding "Sick" and rumbling "Another Bed" are sure to set the room on fire.

Dia Frampton @ Subterranean
$15 - 8pm - Opening: Andrew Allen

If you are looking for something slightly cheerier to do tonight, last year's runner-up from The Voice is playing a set at Subterranean. Chad is a sucker for reality singing competitions, and Frampton (formerly of indie duo Meg & Dia) has a unique voice that should suit the venue nicely.

Saturday - 3/3
Pet Lions @ Subterranean
$10 - 9pm - Opening: Brighton, MA, Briar Rabbit, Ben Keeler

One of our favorite accidental discoveries over the last several years was stumbling across Pet Lions' "Roman History" on Pandora, only to realize that they are a Chicago band. A few shows and a great debut album later, we are fans. One of Chicago's indie outfits just waiting for the world to notice how great they are, you should definitely catch them while they are still playing the city's more quaint venues like this.

Thursday - 3/8
Yellow Ostrich @ Empty Bottle
$8 - 9:30pm - Opening: 1, 2, 3, Tin Tin Can

With a sophomore album, strange land, releasing earlier in the week, we are not quite sure how the Alex Schaaf project is playing at the smallish venue. The band's debut, The Mistress was a mind-blowing solo bedroom recording from Schaaf, achieved with loops of brilliantly layered sound and vocals. if you have somehow missed out, give it a spin - or better yet, trust us that this is a show not to be missed and catch them at Empty Bottle. It is a matter of time for the Barsuk-signed band to be playing to much larger crowds.

Friday - 3/9
Company Of Thieves @ Metro
$15 - 7pm - Opening: Bailiff, Sidewalk Chalk

Anyone that used to listen to our old podcast will not be shocked that we are recommending a Company Of Thieves show. They are easily one of the best live bands going, and it is great to see them playing a larger room. Catch them at Metro before more people figure out how damn great they are and they end up playing even bigger venues.

Maritime @ Empty Bottle
$10 - 10pm - Opening: Panoramic & True, The Minor Leagues

With two openers and Metro's notorious policy of shoving you out the door as quickly as possible once a show ends, you might have a shot to catch both Company Of Thieves and Maritime on Friday night. The Milwaukee band's latest album, Human Hearts was one of our favorite albums of last year. We can only imagine how fantastic the jogging jabs of "Paraphernalia" and raggedly strummed "Annihilation Eyes" will sound at the great venue.

Alabama Shakes @ Lincoln Hall
SOLD OUT - 10pm - Opening: Canasta, Jennifer Castle

Chicago's stellar indie pop outfit, Canasta is what would draw us to this show... if it were not sold out. Keep your eyes peeled here for future shots to catch Canasta's genius live.

Coming Soon
Saturday - 3/10
Adam Krier (AM Taxi) @ Beat Kitchen $10 10pm Opening: swizzlesteve, Kevin Andrew Prchal

Saturday - 3/17
Live Band Karaoke @ Schubas $5 5pm

Monday - 3/19
Fiona Apple @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT 8pm

Wednesday - 3/21
A Place To Bury Strangers @ Empty Bottle $12 9:30pm Opening: Apteka, The Big Sleep, DJ bradiy

Thursday - 3/22
Literary Rock & Roll: American Dreamers @ Metro FREE 6:30pm Readings of stories with Canasta providing music

Friday - 3/23
We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Bottom Lounge $15 9pm Opening: Bad Veins, New Cassettes
Delta Spirit @ Metro $17 9pm Opening: Waters (former Port O'Brien)
Rachael Yamagata @ Schubas $15 10pm Opening: Madi Diaz
The Temper Trap @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT 10pm

Saturday - 3/24
The Temper Trap @ Lincoln Hall $25 10pm
Rachael Yamagata @ Schubas $15 10pm Opening: Madi Diaz

Sunday - 3/25
Cursive @ Lincoln Hall $18 8pm Opening: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Conduits
Rosie Thomas @ Schubas $13 8pm Opening: Bhi Bhiman

Thursday - 3/29
The Pretty Reckless @ Bottom Lounge $15 6:30pm Opening: The Parlor Mob, The Hollywood Kills

Friday - 3/30
Miniature Tigers @ Schubas $15 8pm Opening: The Chain Gang Of 1974, Geographer, SPEAK

Saturday - 3/31
Ben Kweller @ Lincoln Hall $18 Opening: Sleeper Agent, The Dig

Upcoming Shows - Week ending April 25th

Thursday, April 22nd - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $13

Headliner: The Antlers

Opener: Phantogram

We begged you to catch, electro-pop duo, Phantogram when they played Schubas a few months ago, warning you that it would be a rare chance to catch the rising stars at a smallish venue. Now they are at the larger Lincoln Hall opening for, fellow buzz-band, The Antlers. It will not be long before venues this size will be a memory for them too.

Thursday, April 22nd - Congress Theater - 7pm - $25

Headliner: Passion Pit

Openers: Mayer Hawthorne & The Country

Having sold out Congress Theater earlier this month, Passion Pit return for what should be another sold out performance. Get your tickets while you can, as word of just how great their dance-happy, synth-fuelled rock is spreads.

Friday, April 23rd - Bottom Lounge - 8pm - $15

Headliner: The Whigs

Openers: Empires, Old Fake

You have a choice tonight, but one listen to the latest album from, Athens-based grunge rockers, The Whigs and the decision becomes clear. Blending blues and classic rock with their affinity for nineties grunge this time around works wonders for their already great sound. Get an early listen to a band you should not miss at Lollapalooza this year.

Friday, April 23rd - Park West - 8pm - $27

Headliner: Martin Sexton

Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton provides a great back-up plan for those who will get shut out of the sure-to-sell-out Whigs show. His amazing vocal range, heartfelt songwriting, and music that blends soul, blues, and roots rock is sure to please.

Sunday, April 25th - The Vic - 7pm - $21.50
Headliner: Sia

Sunday is a tough decision, sure to spread concert-loving Chicagoans across a few venues. There is no wrong choice here, and Australia's Sia certainly is a very good one. Her sound is pop, but is as unique, varied, and refreshing as her collaborations – which recently have included appearances on The Flight Of The Conchords' sophomore album, writing songs for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album, and laid down guest vocals on the David Byrne and Fatboy Slim album.

Sunday, April 25th - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $14
Headliner: The Album Leaf
Opener: Sea Wolf

We do not normally recommend heading out to shows to see an opening act, but Sea Wolf is not normally an opening act. We love the gypsy-flavored acoustic rock of Sea Wolf more than we can possibly explain here. There is nothing quite like them in music today, and Alex Church Brown's knack for storytelling in the lyrics is just as gorgeous as the music. On album, Sea Wolf are a tranquil beauty. Live, they are an indie rock party. If you have never seen them live, you need to be at Lincoln Hall on Sunday night.
Sunday, April 25th - Metro - 9pm - $13
Headliner: White Rabbits
Openers: Here We Go Magic, Pet Lions

All you really need to know about White Rabbits can be seen in the clip of them playing "Percussion Gun" on Letterman last year. Soulful vocals, two drummers, and a ragged, heart-pounding indie rock sound make them a must-see band. Add in Chicago's own up-and-coming indie pop sensations Pet Lions, and we are not quite sure how there can possibly still be tickets available.

Podcast 13 - Is This Thing On?

This week, we discuss the recent Rogue Wave show at Lincoln Hall, drool over upcoming albums from AM Taxi, The Mynabirds, and The Dig. We also recommend a handful of great upcoming shows - including The Whigs this

You can get the podcast by subscribing by iTunes or Zune, or by using the podcast feed in any podcast provider, or just listen to it using the streaming widget on the right side of the page.

**Small programming note - Tonight's Bad Lieutenant show has been canceled due to the volcanic ash cloud travel restrictions.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending March 28th

This week plays out as a nicely stretched out list of awesome, beginning with a FREE show tonight at Empty Bottle with, up-and-coming indie pop stars, Pet Lions!


Monday, March 22nd – Empty Bottle – 9:30pm - FREE
Headliner: Pet Lions
Openers: This Is Versailles, Radar Eyes

Pet Lions + Empty Bottle + free show = Awesomeness! We have been harping on how great Pet Lions are for a while now. Between their recent trip to SXSW should expand and the eventual release of their debut, seeing these guys in smaller venues will be a thing of the past before you know it.


Tuesday, March 23rd – Metro – 6:30pm - $15
Headliner: Manchester Orchestra
Openers: The Features, Biffy Clyro, O'Brother

This is one of those rare shows where we would be just as happy if the main opener and headliner were reversed. Atlanta based rockers, Manchester Orchestra's sophomore album, Mean Everything To Nothing, was a definite high point in 2009 releases; more blowing the doors off their sound than just expanding it. We completely understand getting excited to hear it live (we sure are), but make sure not to miss The Features. The Tennessee band has been around for years, but last year signed to Kings Of Leon's imprint label to release their second LP, Some Kind Of Salvation. Their raw, passionate sound is definitely worth getting to the show early!


Thursday, March 25th – Schubas – 9pm - $8
Headliner: Roman Candle
Openers: Locksley, Rachele Eve

North Carolina roots-rockers, Roman Candle make a Chicago appearance at Schubas Thursday night. If the term 'alt-country' makes your ears perk up, this is the show for you this week. Skip Matheny's earnest, soulful vocals fit the story-telling songwriting wonderfully, and the band's sturdy rock backing, with a healthy dose of southern accents, sound fantastic.


Thursday, March 25th – Metro – 8pm - $22.50
Headliner: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Openers: Band Of Skulls, J Roddy Watson And The Business

If you are more in the mood for gritty blues Thursday night, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will scratch that itch with a hard-charging, bluesy sound that recalls classic rock greats like The Rolling Stones. Their latest, Beat The Devil's Tattoo, is a sweaty, distortion-tinged effort that should translate beautifully to the Metro stage.


Friday, March 26th – The Aragon – 8pm - $32.75
Headliner: Tegan And Sara
Openers: Steel Train, Holly Miranda

Though the Quin sisters have steadily changed their sound from one album to the next since they burst onto the scene with the brilliantly poppy So Jealous in 2004. Whether that candied gem, or the hauntingly itchy, Chris Walla-produced The Con, or their most recent foray into more straightforward rock Sainthood, Tegan And Sara have proved to be among the most talented, interesting artists around.


Saturday, March 27th – The Riv – 7:30 - $58.50
Headliner: Stone Temple Pilots

With a new album just announced, and a new single ("Between The Lines") hitting the web today, Stone Temple Pilots appear primed to reclaim their rightful place as one of the world's greatest rock bands. The album hits May 25th, but you can get an early listen Saturday at The Riv. They played four tracks at SXSW last week, and early buzz behind the album is strong.

Podcast 6 Up... FINALLY!

After a little break, we are proud to announce that Podcast 6 is finally up and ready for your listening pleasure. You can download and subscribe on iTunes, use our feed on Podbean, or just click and listen to the stream below.

This week, the guys give their thoughts on the Lady GaGa at Lollapalooza rumors, review Editors, Phantogram, Portugal. The Man, and Pet Lions shows, and then recommend a crap-ton of shows for you to head out to.

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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.

Podcast 2

Our second podcast is officially up and ready for your ears at iTunes.

This week the guys discuss the strange feeling of wanting to attend Lilith Fair, find out what The Cardinals are up to, and finally get around to that news about the debut from Chicago’s AM Taxi. We (almost) head out to see Pet Lions and recommend La Roux at Lincoln Hall (2/1) and many more shows.

Please subscribe to the show via iTunes, and rate (or even possibly review) the show.

Thanks for listening!

Upcoming Shows - Week ending January 24th

You have it easy this week, Chicago. It is a slow week at the local venues, and you can actually get in for free. We thought about recommending former New Kids On The Block member Joey McIntyre's show at Lincoln Hall tomorrow, but we're still too new for jokes like that...

Friday, January 22nd - Metro - The Dirty Diamonds, White Mystery, Post Honeymoon, Pet Lions - 9 pm - $6 in advance, $9 day of show

From the moment last.fm graced my earbuds with "Roman History", I became a fan of Chicago's Pet Lions. Stop what you're doing, give it a listen, and good luck resisting. Their breezy indie pop is the kind of addictive, melodic bliss that makes you feel like Spring is right around the corner. The band takes a break from putting the finishing touches on their debut for their coming out party at Metro. Local blog, Gapers Block is sponsoring the show - and you can even get in free if you arrive before 9pm with a flyer at Pet Lions' site. There is no valid excuse for missing this one.