Tortoise, The Sea And Cake Play Free Thrill Jockey Birthday Party

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 15, 2012 4:20PM

We could start off by going into the long and rich history of Thrill Jockey, but let’s just get down to the good (and free) stuff: The indie label’s been celebrating the big two-oh with shows across the map, and will end its series of celebration parties December 20 right here in its hometown Chicago.

Thrill Jockey is holding its 20th anniversary at the Empty Bottle (did you know the label’s first office was a window-less space above the Bottle?), and will feature old pals Tortoise and The Sea and Cake (the label also re-issued a bunch of the band's old LPs) as well as opening act Man Forever. The Bottle warns that “these bands will be playing ‘weird sets for the hometown weirdos.’ It won't be your standard Tortoise or Sea and Cake show. Prepare accordingly.”

As we mentioned, this shindig’s free with RSVP through TicketWeb. There are no +1s or doubling up, so make sure your friends sign up individually. And RSVPing doesn’t guarantee entry (it’s first-come, first serve) so show up early to get in before the venue reaches capacity. Oh, and there will be some free drinks between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., compliments of Goose Island and Virtue Cider.

Thrill Jockey’s 20th Anniversary Party is Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 8 p.m., free with RSVP, 21+