My musical week can be pretty easily summed up in two words: Andrew Bird. For everyone else who isn’t as enthralled as I am at the prospect of watching Mr. Bird do his thing in a church, or who couldn’t get tickets, here’s the rest of what I find interesting this week in Chicago. But I’ve got to admit, it looks like anyone I would find even vaguely interesting has chosen to steer clear of Chicago for the beginning part of the week. No complaints here; with the exception of missing out on the Metric show (which, being at the Cubby Bear, I would have just complained about the entire time), I’m not seeing anything that I’m too heartbroken to miss.
Also: Our Lady Peace? Sister Hazel? No, seriously, what’s up with the 90s band resurgence here? I’m starting to get a little concerned.
I am a bit sad about missing out on the greatness that is Second City’s 24-Hour benefit show, which I’m missing out on more because of not being able to leave the day job just to go to concerts. But it should be a great time, and the money goes to provide presents for needy children in Chicago.
Monday, December 14
Andrew Bird, Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut). 8 pm, $15 (audio only; all other seats sold out)
Tuesday, December 15
Jeff Tweedy, Second City (1608 N Wells). $15 for 24-hour admission, 7 pm
The Bravery, Manchester Orchestra, and As Tall As Lions, House of Blues. 7:30 pm, $23-26
Andrew Bird, Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut). 8 pm, $15 (audio only; all other seats sold out)
Wednesday, December 16
Bonnie Prince Billy, Second City (1608 N Wells). $15 for 24-hour admission, 6 am
Nina Nastasia, Second City (1608 N Wells). $15 for 24-hour admission, 12 pm
The Mountain Goats, Second City (1608 N Wells). $15 for 24-hour admission, 2 pm
Andrew Bird, Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut). 8 pm, $15 (audio only; all other seats sold out)
Chicago Clarinet Conglomerate, The Velvet Lounge (67 E Cermak). 8:30 pm, cover varies
Metric, Cubby Bear (1059 W Addison). 9 pm, $10
Thursday, December 17
Andrew Bird, Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut). 8 pm, $35-40
Our Lady Peace, Cubby Bear (1059 W Addison). 9 pm, $10
Friday, December 18
Kathleen Battle and the Chicago Children’s Choir, Harris Theater (205 E Randolph). 7:30 pm, $45-95
Sister Hazel and Tony Lucca, House of Blues. 9 pm, $25-26.50
Saturday, December 19
The Klezmatics, Centre East (9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie). 8 pm, $48
Sister Hazel and Tony Lucca, House of Blues. 9 pm, $25-26.50
Sunday, December 20
Apollo Chorus of Chicago presents Handel’s Messiah. Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph). 3 pm, $35-50
Dasboton, Hideout. 9 pm, $8