You + Music = 4 Eva

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 23, 2006 5:20PM

While Chicagoist plans on spending 24 of the 48 hours this weekend out at Intonation, allow us to put forth the hypothesis that this might be the perfect weekend for the live show novice to hit up a local club or two.

We’ve gotten all Miss Manners on the subject of Live Show Jackasses before, but we’re also advocates of the Show No Fear mentality. All those clubs you’re intimidated by, be they of the rock or dance variety? Don’t be. They’re just places. On any given weekend, Chicago has innumerable great bands to see and hear. With MOBfest this weekend, the likelihood of catching a great show is increased by at least two orders of magnitude. Plus, with so many rocksters trying not to get heat stroke at Union Park, the clubs will likely be emptier than usual (which also means fewer white belts and that’s always a good thing).

Our gripes with MOBfest as an industry showcase remain the same this year as last, but we acknowledge that organizers have an uphill battle. One of the great things about the Chicago music scene (the diversity of venues in various neighborhoods throughout the city) becomes a problem for MOBfest. SXSW is easy to mount in Austin thanks to the 6th Street artery running through downtown. It’s easy to see brief bits of several acts at many clubs since everything’s grouped close together. The vibe is lost though when you need to grab a bus or taxi and spend time commuting instead of rocking.

But you don’t really care about all that nonsense. So allow us to recommend tonight’s shows at Double Door, Elbo Room*, or Metro. Tomorrow will involve some commuting for one of two options: Foster-Walker Complex at Kinetic Playground before ending the night at Martyrs’ with Brad Peterson OR a couple sets at Subterranean then walking across the street to Double Door for the Life During Wartime dance party action. Or chuck it all and head to Metro for The Fiery Furnaces.

Follow our advice and you’ll fit right in. (Also, don’t argue with the bouncer at Double Door. He will not take your mess!)

* Full disclosure: One of the Chicagoist writers whose name rhymes with Stankroy is promoting this show this weekend. But we wouldn't mention it if we didn't think it was really worth your time. And it totally is.