Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed has a tip, or a twaddle, or a "sneedling," or whatever the hell she calls a scoop, in today's paper regarding where His Elective Majesty is on Election Day. It appears that Mayor Daley (who Sneed wrote "voted early for the first time in his life"), wife Maggie and a few close friends are soaking up the sun on a friend's yacht in the British Virgin Islands. The Daleys are expected back in Chicago on Saturday. We wonder if Daley had to restrain his inner candidate while on vacation. the man has been politicking for pretty much his entire adult life. more ›

We have always secretly wanted to try ice fishing. It's worth noting that we are the strange weirdos who celebrate snow in April, so winter-related rationality is not our strong suit. In any case, we can't be the only sophisticated urbanites who secretly want to drill holes in a lake! If you wanted to try ice fishing in style, you don't have to go sit out on the lake alone and frightened. Instead, book at the Bella Vista Suites in Lake Geneva. They are running a "deluxe" ice fishing promotion that might catch your eye. more ›

While the Empty Bottle’s free Monday evening shows are a great opportunity to see a wide range of local bands for an ideal cost, tonight’s show offers an especially strong incentive to get out to the Ukrainian Village staple. In addition to Vacations, a group that sprung from the disbanded local indie-pop Chin Up Chin Up, those who venture out just a little earlier will catch Implodes, a shoegaze-tinged quartet who last year put out a very fine self-titled cassette on Plustapes. more ›

Bobby Burg is a pretty young guy, but he's already a local indie veteran. His music career includes a long list of indie bands, including Chin Up Chin Up, Make Believe, Vacations and Beauty Pageant, and he’s been a member of local collective Joan of Arc for nearly seven years. He started Love of Everything as a solo act back in ’99 when he recorded the first of his 11 albums, which he released on his own record label aptly titled Record Label. more ›

Schubas' Tomorrow Never Knows Festival let loose with an initial flurry of bands playing the shows this January 14 18, 2009. There are more to come but the initial burst includes: Bishop Allen, Cursive, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Thunderheist, The Donkeys, Tulsa, Colourmusic, Bear Hands, The Disappears, Pretty Good Dance Moves, The Wonderful World of Bald Eagle, Allá, and Vacations. There are no super huge surprises so far since all those bands are already pretty Schubas friendly, but we think it's a solid start hinting that there are probably some doozies still to come. This thing always sells out, so make sure to snag single show and / or five-day passes when they go on sale tomorrow, November 26, at noon. more ›