This Weekend In Music: Three To See
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 6, 2013 9:40PM
Paper Mice play The Burlington tonight, Dec. 6.
Paper Mice at The Burlington
Tonight’s show at the Burlington is a bittersweet one. Post-punk trio Paper Mice are a staple in Chicago’s DIY scene, playing cramped lofts and basements for years, so we’re always stoked to catch them live. But tonight’s performance will be the band’s last with their current line-up—bassist Adam McCormack is heading off to Los Angeles, as the Reader reports, to be closer to his parents. The two remaining members will start searching for a new bassist soon, but for tonight, they’re just going to let loose and jam their hearts out together one last time. Also playing will Ronnie Kuller (Mucca Pazza’s accordionist) and experimental pop act Mines. — Sarah Cobarrubias
Friday, Dec. 6, at The Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton, 9 p.m., 21+
Inspector Owl at Beat Kitchen
It’s hard to believe a band that has only released one full-length album in its decade-long career can cause any real waves in a local music scene but that’s exactly what Inspector Owl has done. Why else would the Beat Kitchen be throwing them an anniversary party this Saturday? The musicians behind Inspector Owl have a strong foothold in Chicago’s rock circle but their songs contain enough shimmer and flair to warrant them as equal parts pop. The combination has carried them this far, we can’t wait to see what the next ten years (and this Saturday’s show!) brings. — Katie Karpowicz
Saturday, Dec. 7, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont, 10 p.m., $8, 17+
Iron Horse at Mayne Stage
Rock music, especially heavy metal, lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass reinterpretations whether it's the campy send-ups of hair metal from Hayseed Dixie or more earnest readings by Dolly Parton with her "Bluegrass trilogy" over a decade ago. Iron Horse has made a cottage industry for itself with tribute albums to Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, The Shins, Ozzy Osbourne, Guns & Roses and Modest Mouse. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Expect some original compositions sprinkled into the mix but be ready to show the devil horns at a moment's notice. The Lawrence Peters Outfit opens. — Chuck Sudo
Saturday, Dec. 7, at Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse, show starts at 8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., $28, 18+