We first came across Common Loon at the Empty Bottle back in November of last year, when they entranced the crowd with their own style of dreamy psych-pop. The Champaign-based duo, comprised of Matthew Campbell and Robert Hirschfeld, are life-long friends, and their closeness shows in their music; they seem to be on the same level, managing to harmoniously balance Midwest indie rock with laid-back, West Coast-inspired surf-pop. more ›

Last minute, but hey, it's something. If you're sad about missing Andrew Bird's shows at the Hideout on Sunday and Monday, you can still catch the hometown indie rock hero in action TONIGHT (Friday) at Ronny's. Bird is listed as a "special guest" for tonight's show with Baby Alright, starting at 9 p.m. (21+). So get yourself over to Ronny's (2101 N California Ave.) and have yourself a ball with Bird. more ›

Well, summer is here, the livin’ is easy, people are showing skin and getting each other all revved up. We asked some of our fellow writers: if you could plan a date for this week (up through the weekend) what would you plan, and wherefore? more ›