Lakeshore Theater, tonight, 9:30 p.m., $8, 21+ more ›

If there is any justice, Polyvinyl Records will soon remake the musical heritage of Champaign, IL, in its own image, making the town known less for ridin’ the storm out and more for smooth, pop confections that are heavy on harmony and keyboards (Parasol Records is already fighting the good fight in Urbana, with guitars firmly in hand.) more ›

Well that was quick. more ›

While it hasn’t exactly been occupying our every thought, we have occasionally wondered what Thax Douglas is up to out in New York. Last week, before Riviera took the stage at Martyr’s, we even caught ourselves mumbling things like “the earth wraps itself in a sheet of pale indigo cockle shells and absorbs its balmy reputation over the rice paddies of insolence.” more ›

For this week’s edition of Empty Out Your Wallet we’ve decided to primarily point you to smaller shows whose tickets are already available for purchase, plus one surprise. We’re always on the side of the little guy (and / or gal) and believe that they are deserving of your pre-show guaranteed dollars as well. Decemberists Alasdair Roberts The Decemberists are this year’s Death Cab For Cutie with a better background in literature and seamanship. We... more ›