Pencil This In

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 11, 2011 5:20PM

Amy LaVere

Amy LaVere’s country sound moves into earthier, pop-tinged territory on her latest album with help from Arcade Fire producer Craig Silvey. Stranger Me is filled with songs influenced by LaVere’s break-up with her drummer, Paul Taylor, who made a platonic return to record the album. Not that we blame him - we can’t resist the siren song of LaVere’s sultry voice, either. Ernie Hendrickson opens for her tonight at Schubas. (3159 N. Southport, 9 p.m., $10, 21+)

CumbiaSazo

Peoples DJs Collective presents some of Chicago's favorite DJs and a special guest from NYC as they play the best in Cumbias at the Zhou B Art Center (1035 W. 35th St.) starting at 9:30 p.m. Tropical Bass & otherwise delicious worldly tunes from DJ Beto, SONORAMA, Sound Culture's David Chavez and Peoples DJs Collective's Dave "Pnallah" Marques. This is a 21 and up event and a $5 donation is suggested.

Food

Barn and Company opens officially today in the former Grand Central (or, if you're older, Club 950) space at 950 W. Wrightwood. The BBQ palace from the folks who brought you Hubbard Inn will feature the low and slow meats of BBQ master and LTHForum founder Gary Wiviott. Barn and Company already replaced their first pitmaster with Wiviott after differences surfaced with Executive Chef Bob Zrenner. Here's hoping Zrenner sticks to the sides and lets Wiviott work his magic.

If you have an event for inclusion in "Pencil This In," please contact Tankboy (for A&E-related listings), Anthony (for tastings, dinners and food and drink-related events) or tips[at]chicagoist[dot]com.