Well, summer is still here and we are slowly yet surely approaching another weekend, so yes, there is another festival to speak of in Chicago. As the end of summer is, sadly, approaching, we want to soak up as much outdoor fest goodness as possible. more ›

The last thing on our mind this morning was spending money, but then we started perusing what goes on sale this weekend and we’ve spent our whole damn paycheck! Meg and Jack White want us to believe many things about them - that they are brother and sister, that Jack will never be quoted accurately because he’s famous, or that they are unbelievable musicians who literally march to the beat of their own drummer. Whether... more ›

The jaunts will be short this week as most of us get out and enjoy the sunshine. We were walking around this morning and people just seem happier. Which is all the more reason to get out tonight for some good music. We plan on getting intimate with Ambulette and Maura Davis' intensely mesmerizing voice at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Davis splits her time between Richmond and Charlotte and comes to Chicago to rehearse with... more ›

For those of us stuck in the Four Star City while all our great bands head to the Lone Star State, the Hideout has the perfect idea — a SXSW-style showcase before the event. It’s the perfect event to remind us of how much fun the Block Party was last year. It also lets us give a little back to those bands that many times travel down to Austin with nothing but hope in their... more ›

Anyone expecting to get their usual dose of local music videos via JBTV was sorely disappointed, as the show was pre-empted on WJYS Channel 62 for one of the many ministries broadcast on the station (though it did air on its sister station WEDE Channel 34). Then today we saw this on JBTV’s MySpace blog: more ›

Two Chicago pop-punk faves are ringing in the New Year* at The Metro. Swoon-worthy gods of the mall, Alkaline Trio will be headlining the evening, but they’ve enlisted the aid of legendary, and recently regrouped, locals The Smoking Popes to insure that everyone is happy, no matter which camp they belong to. We personally admit to enjoying both bands, even if we think neither is in their heyday any longer. Each group’s winning melodies, no... more ›

Chicagoist has begrudgingly come to grips with the arrival of fall – seriously, we had to wear a coat this morning – and embracing the good that comes with it. Namely: sweaters and hot toddies. more ›

At this year’s Pitchfork Music Fest, Band of Horses confessed to feeling mighty jet-lagged, and it showed. Hopefully, they’ll be more energized at Metro tonight, and you won’t have to worry about getting elbowed by a hippie-with-no-rhythm like at their previous sold-out Schuba’s shows. Tuesday, Metro, 9 p.m., $16, 18+. This week’s award for Best Band Name goes to local band Let’s Get Out of This Terrible Sandwich Shop. That wouldn’t be enough to recommend... more ›

* Chicago’s Victory Records announced this week that it will release a live CD and DVD from legendary Chicago rock band The Smoking Popes on February 26th. Thanks to a successful (and sold-out) reunion show last November, a headlining tour is planned from February 22nd to March 12th. The tour will kick off in St. Louis with the band playing an all-ages show at Creepy Crawl. More cities will be announced soon. more ›

Chicagoist loves contributing to a good cause because it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That’s a given. However if our contribution might also net us something unique and fun we’re totally okay with that too. more ›

As the temperature is expected to hit 90 degrees again today, we’re having a hard time getting into the sweater-weather mindset of fall that usually hits us around this time. Luckily, the Tribune and Sun-Times have some fall arts previews to get us in the mood. We’ve already given you the lowdown on the upcoming fall seasons at various theaters around town. But two shows out in the ‘burbs have pushed our fey and geek... more ›