Decent Days and Nights
By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 27, 2006 5:37PM
Thanksgiving is over and the power shopping days are here. Taking some time out for music this week shouldn’t be too hard – it’s getting up early for work after four days off that’s difficult. Following are a few shows that will carry us from November’s rain to December’s snow.
Tuesday or Wednesday can be spent with Ray LaMontagne at the Vic. This pair of shows is XRT’s Holiday Concert for the Kids. Bring a new, non-violent toy or book to benefit the kids at La Rabida Children’s Hospital and snuggle up with a loved one to the sounds of Mr. LaMontagne. His lyrics struggle with staying focused and connected to one another in a world that is increasingly more and more distracted. His voice seems like that of an old friend, always there and reassuring, not perfect and polished.
Vic Theatre, Tues., Nov. 28 or Wed., Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., $39
Friday night it’s time for some honky tonk with Kansas City’s Rex Hobart & the Misery Boys. Rex and the Boys have the quintessential Bloodshot sound and we think it’s impossible to leave one of their shows without two-steppin’. Hardscrabble, a jugless jug band, open the show. John Hasbrouck’s great guitar work and Lawrence Peters’ baritone never disappoint.
Schuba’s, Fri., Dec. 1, 10:00 p.m., $10, 21+
Exene Cervenka has never been one for conventions, an artist in every sense of the word, she's been tirelessly at this work of art since she moved to L.A. in the 70s. The latest incarnation of Exene’s music work, the Original Sinners, are in town Friday night. Touring in support of SEV7EN, the second release from Exene and the Sinners is touted as less aggressive than Exene’s previous work, but she combines genres just as she’s always done with her witty lyrics and ability to make beauty out of noise.
Beat Kitchen, Fri., Dec. 1, 9:30 p.m., $10, 18+
Enjoy these last few warm days, then it’s back to complaining about the weather that’s so typical in Chicago – wind, snow, cold. Getting out and having fun before we hole up for the winter seems like the perfect way to end November. Oh yeah, don’t forget to come join us belting out the tunes at Live Band Karaoke this Thursday night.