The Square Affair Returns

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 23, 2011 3:20PM

Logan Square seems to be among Chicago’s most widely celebrated neighborhoods, at least when it comes to music. There was the I Love Logan Square celebration in spring, and the Logan Square Music Series: Sundays in the Park is finishing out the summer. And now The Square Affair is returning for its second year to celebrate the neighborhood’s eclectic music community.

In ways, this year’s Square Affair is a step down from 2010’s. For starters, last year’s event included "Hang Outs On the Square," which featured a different band jamming out at the Illinois Centennial Monument every Sunday during the month leading up to the concert. And, while The Shams Band are headlining this year’s Affair, they were the supporting act for last year’s headliners Jon Drake & The Shakes.

That’s not to say The Shams Band doesn’t deserve the spotlight this time around - the blues-tinged folk-rockers have made our bodies move in very inappropriate ways on several occasions. And there are other tradeoffs too; this year’s lineup consists of a solid array of supporting acts, including art-pop act Chaperone, Go Long Mule, one of our favorite folkies Musikanto, and Jonny Rumble.

The Affair is presented by Grape Juice, Empty Bottle, Harmonica Dunn Presents, and (not surprisingly) Pabst. It takes place a week from Friday at Logan Square Auditorium. It’s $10 to get in, but you can save a few bucks by ordering your tickets early.

The Square Affair is Friday, September 2 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N Kedzie, 6:30 p.m., $7 in advance or $10 at the door, 18+