Pencil This In: Memorial Day Weekend In Music

By Veronica Murtagh in Arts & Entertainment on May 22, 2009 7:50PM

Photo via Circlesquares' myspace

Many thought Peaches was a one-album wonder when she first assaulted our eardrums with her electro cougar catcalls on 2000's The Teaches of Peaches. Schticks often don't age well, but Peaches proven herself to be more than a fading product of the electroclash movement with her newest album, I Feel Cream, produced by Simian Mobile Disco, Soulwax, Digitalism and Drums of Death. If you're up to braving the wolves on Craigslist, you still might be able to find a ticket to tonight's sold out show, or you can catch her DJ set at the afterparty.
Peaches with Drums of Death and Evil Beaver, Metro, 3730 N. Clark, May 22, 8 p.m., SOLD OUT
The Official Peaches Metro Afterparty, with Peaches (DJ Set), Johnny Love and Goldar, Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark, May 22, 10 p.m., $10

It's easy to get caught up in our urban surroundings and forget that there's a world of open roads, pick-ups and truckstops between here and Texarkana. Tonight the Hoyle Brothers host the Hard Country Honky Tonk, using traditional instrumentation to play the country music of yesterday. If you're longing for a road trip but don't even own a car, bike on over for an early show and a much needed escape from your hectic city life.
Hoyle Brothers, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, May 22, 5:30 p.m., FREE

Saturday, 5/23

It's been five years since we've heard from The Prodigy and over ten years since the heydey of the British electronic trio who rose to fame in the underground rave scene of the 1990s. We were quite surprised to see The Prodigy launch not only a record label, but a mega tour around their 2009 release Invaders Must Die. We're unsure how this sound fits in to the musical landscape of 2009, but we had a damn good time listening to it in 1997 and are curious to hear the evolution of the former powerhouse. To make the night even odder, The Prodigy play with Canadian electro-crooner Tiga.
The Prodigy and Tiga with Brad Owen, Intel, Yellow Fever, Dark Wave Disco DJs and Derek Specs, Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, May 23, 7 p.m., $35

Buried underneath the heavy promotion of The Prodigy and Tiga, there's a real gem of an evening awaiting you. Berlin-based, Vancouver native Jeremy Shaw, aka Circlesquare, combines elements of dance, shoegaze, pop and rock to create a unique sound and a live show that has won over the hearts of fans worldwide. Circlesquare is supported by a fitting duo of local favorites, Loyal Divide and Prairie Cartel. If you pick one electronic-centric show to hit up this weekend, we highly suggest this under the radar evening.
Circlesquare, Loyal Divide and Prairie Cartel (DJ Set), Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, May 23, 10 p.m., $10

Sunday, 5/24

It seemed like we had to wait forever for the debut album of Chicago rock outfit Farewell Captain. When The Jersey Bounce finally arrived it was clearly worth the wait and has been rocking our turntables into 2009. The quintet's punk-tinged vocalizations mix with rock compositions for a sound full of integrity and heart. Farewell Captain hit the Beat Kitchen Sunday night with Bible Children and The Heligoats for a much needed dose of rock in our long weekend.
Farewell Captain, Bible Children and The Heligoats, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, May 24, 10:30 p.m., $8

Electronic fans know Mike Simonetti as a tastemaker of all things italo disco, but behind the scenes the NY DJ, producer, and label boss is one of the hardest working folks in the industry. Founded in 1993, Simonetti's label Troubleman Unlimited has released material from a long roster of indie artists including Camera Obscura, Devendra Banhart, Erase Errata, Panthers, Titus Andronicus and the Walkman. The past couple years have become even busier for Simonetti with the launch of his dance label offshoot, Italians Do It Better. Simonetti brings his knack for mixing the old with the new to Smart Bar Sunday night.
Mike Simonetti with Jerome Derradji and Kool Hersh, Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark, May 24, 10 p.m., $10

Monday, 5/25

Hip hop stylings and classic orchestral instruments may be an unlikely pairing, but then you have probably never heard the daKah Chamber Hip Hop Orchestra. The LA-based, over 50-piece orchestra makes use of traditional instruments like viola and harp accented by non-traditonal instrumentation from turntables to spoken word. An experience as much theatrical as aural, daKah transform the stage into a lively mash of classical, world and urban influences.
daKah Chamber Hip Hop Orchestra, Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, May 25, 9 p.m., $15

We love a good cause, especially when its tied to music. Girls Rock! Chicago, a nonprofit that aims to foster the musical creativity of girls ages 9-16 though rock music puts on their first ever Ladies Rock Showcase featuring performances from the 20 young women participants of the organization's rock camp. As many public schools continue to struggle to fund music and arts education, organizations like Girls Rock! provide a foundation for aspiring young musicians and the opportunity to play their first of what will surely be many Chicago stages.
The Ladies Rock Showcase, Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport, May 25, 6 p.m., $6