Dying To Go

Niko Bokos w/ DZ Riley

Niko Bokos w/ DZ Riley

Niko Bokos w/ DZ Riley

Thursday, December 11 • 7:00 PM

Niko Bokos is teaming up with DZ Riley for an unforgettable, electrifying night of music that's sure to satisfy your indie cravings. Bokos, the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist known for his genre-bending sonic tapestries, is going to be serving up a fresh new set likely to leave you questioning the nature of sound itself. Meanwhile, DZ Riley, the paradigm of DIY synthpop, will be dishing out his intricately crafted, haunting tracks that buzz in your ears long after the last note. Packed with a potent mix of introspective lyricism and transcendental melodies, this is one gig that's primed to send shockwaves through your typical Thursday night. Dust off your Doc Martens, roll up your plaid sleeves, and prepare to step into the thrillingly unpredictable world of Niko Bokos and DZ Riley.

Cubby Bear
1059 West Addison
Chicago 60613

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Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird

Thursday, December 11 • 8:00 PM

Multi-hyphenate virtuoso and avant-baroque maestro Andrew Bird is poised to grace the stage once more, serenading us with his bouquet of bizarro-folk symphonies. Bird, the Chicago-born polymath, is known to weave a lush tapestry of sound with his signature violin loops, arcane lyrics, and whistling that would make an aria blush. Whether he's plucking heartstrings with his plaintive ballads or sparking neurons through his cerebral compositions, Bird's idiosyncratic creations are an intoxicating blend of indie ingenuity and classical sophistication. His live shows are always an alluring spectacle, with the troubadour often cast against his own looping orchestra—think of it as a one-man chamber ensemble with a twist.

Fall under the spell of Bird's ethereal melodies, watch as he conducts a symphony of sound with just his violin and voice, and let the sheer artistry of his performance stir your soul. In an age where we're all victims of digital saturation, this is the kind of analog antidote that we need. So, put on your most thoughtful specs, prep your palate for aural ambrosia, and let Andrew Bird do the rest.

Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 East Chestnut Street
Chicago 60611

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Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird

Friday, December 12 • 8:00 PM

Bowmaster extraordinaire Andrew Bird is taking flight once again, swooping into our indie cosmos with his genre-defying eloquence and melodic prowess. Bird—the violin virtuoso and whistle savant—is set to unfurl his complex tapestry of gypsy folk and baroque pop to an intimate crowd. Expect heartrending lullabies interspersed with orchestral rock harmonies, all underscored by that signature whistling. Who needs a synth when you've got Bird's pizzicato plucking and loop pedal wizardry? Cancel all plans and prep for an evening of unparalleled auditory indulgence. Even your roommate's sourdough starter can't compete with this level of fermentation.

Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 East Chestnut Street
Chicago 60611

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Chicago Sound Collective

Chicago Sound Collective

Saturday, December 13 • 1:00 PM

Prepare to have your sonic horizons broadened. The Chicago Sound Collective, in all its genre-bending glory, is set to pour forth a cornucopia of noise hailing from the Windy City's most obsidian corners. A motley crew of Chicago's finest musical misfits, they weave together sonic tapestries that blur the lines between the avant-garde and the accessible. Expect a heady fusion of post-rock, jazz, electro, and experimental soundscapes that'll make your bedroom playlists feel downright pedestrian. The collective's ethos is rooted in the tumultuous yet inspiring energy of the city, and their output is as unpredictable as a midwestern weather forecast. So, break free from your usual humdrum routine and venture over for a night submerged in the profound depths of Chicago's musical underground.

Reggies Music Joint
2105 South State Street
Chicago 60616

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Protomartyr - 10 Years of The Agent Intellect

Protomartyr - 10 Years of The Agent Intellect

Monday, December 15 • 8:00 PM

Get ready to bid farewell to your dull days as Protomartyr celebrates a decade of The Agent Intellect, an album that's been the lifeblood of indie playlists and the backbone of many late nights. This band of Detroit natives, known for their stone-faced countenance and chilling tunes, are set to remind you why their third studio album was the talk of the town back in 2015. The Agent Intellect is a sonic tapestry woven with threads of introspection, world-weary humor, spindly basslines, needling guitars, and a Joycean attention to detail that resounded with critics and fans alike. Protomartyr's unflinching gaze into the precipice of decline and confusion birthed an album that's uncomfortable, honest, and excellent in equal measure. This is your chance to relive the magic that was featured on countless 'Best of 2015' lists. Brace yourself for a spine-tingling post-punk extravaganza that will get under your skin, leaving you wanting more. Do you really want to be the one missing out?

Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport St
Chicago 60608

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Billy Joel Jr (Album Release) / Justice Hill & The Nightime Love / Sweet Hudson

Billy Joel Jr (Album Release) / Justice Hill & The Nightime Love / Sweet Hudson

Thursday, December 18 • 9:00 PM

In the hallowed halls of the indie scene, a cataclysmic sonic event is about to unfold that would make even the most cynical audiophile perk up their ears. Billy Joel Jr is set to unfurl his latest magnum opus, an album release show that promises a tsunami of emotion, tangled up in the raw, untamed soundscape we've come to love from him.

He's not alone though: joining him on this wild ride are Justice Hill and The Nightime Love. These guys are the quintessence of eargasmic bliss, seamlessly blending soulful melodies with a gritty, boundary-pushing vibe that's as exhilarating as it is addictive.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, there's Sweet Hudson. A rising star in the indie sphere, their sound is a euphoric, synth-laced dream that will leave you floating on a cloud of pure auditory bliss, long after their set ends.

So, mark your calendars. Get off your couch. This isn't your average Friday night. This is an invitation to immerse yourself in a pulsating world where music isn't just heard, it's felt, lived, breathed.

Doors are at 8PM. The symphony of sound kicks off at 9PM.

Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave.
Chicago 60622

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Smiling Politely: A Smashing Pumpkins Tribute w/ Shady Lane

Smiling Politely: A Smashing Pumpkins Tribute w/ Shady Lane

Friday, December 19 • 7:30 PM

If you've been waiting for that perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty, set your sights on Smiling Politely: A Smashing Pumpkins Tribute w/ Shady Lane. It's a sonic journey that's both a throwback homage and a forward-thinking reinvention. Smiling Politely has harnessed the grimy, teenage angst of the Pumpkins, their sound a swirling vortex of moody alt-rock, with a few unexpected twists in the mix. Partnered with Shady Lane, known for their off-kilter blend of gritty garage rock and dreamy synth melodies, you'll be transported back to your Doc Martens-wearing days while still feeling like you're at the vanguard of the underground. If Billy Corgan was your '90s spirit animal, and you've been on the hunt for that elusive, eerily familiar yet refreshingly new sound, this is the show for you.

Cubby Bear
1059 West Addison
Chicago 60613

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The Disco Biscuits: Powered Down

The Disco Biscuits: Powered Down

Friday, December 19 • 8:00 PM

Get ready to have your mind circuits scorched and your midweek ennui obliterated by The Disco Biscuits: Powered Down. This is not your average, run-of-the-mill show, oh no, this is an immersive, all-consuming, synesthetic feast of seasoned jam band wizards who have been setting the scene ablaze since the days of dial-up.

Forget the mundane grayscale of your nine-to-five existence and plunge headfirst into a swirling vortex of technicolor soundwaves and cosmic synth lines. And did we mention the venue, Garcia's? With full ADA compliance, an intimate table service, and private booths for you and your eclectic crew, it's an unexpected sanctuary in the concrete jungle, just waiting to be discovered.

The standing room offers an elevated view of the sonic spectacle, an ideal perch to sip from the nectar of the gods, also known as the bar. So, if you've got a hankering for some heady tunes and are tired of the same old Spotify playlist, lock down your ticket faster than you can say "shoegaze." Oh, and remember - all sales are final. No time for indecision here, folks. This is a one-shot deal to get Powered Down with The Disco Biscuits.

You might have to share your space with some fellow music aficionados, but hey, isn't that the beauty of live gigs? The intimate exchange of energies, the communal ecstasy of a killer drop, the collective gasp as the lights dim - it's all part of the package.

So don't just sit there, marinating in your jaded apathy. There's a wild, pulsating, unpredictable night waiting for you at Garcia's. The question is, are you ready to dance?

Garcia's Chicago
1001 W Washington Blvd
Chicago 60607

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Disco Biscuits (17 and Over) - Saturday

Disco Biscuits (17 and Over) - Saturday

Saturday, December 20 • 8:00 PM

Get ready to scrape the cosmic ceiling with the Disco Biscuits this Saturday. The Biscuits are no stranger to the sonic labyrinth, churning out a bewildering fusion of electronic music and jam band aesthetics. Their sound is a heady cocktail of prog-rock, trance, and jazz, a soundscape that tickles the fringe of mainstream while being deeply drenched in the underground. It's a genre-blending smorgasbord that's never the same twice—expect sequences that oscillate between interstellar synths and rambunctious guitar riffs, all while the disco ball spins a delicate ballet above. This isn't just a concert, it's Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole. But here’s the rub: this gig is strictly 17 and over. So if you’re not of age, well, you can only nibble at the edges of this auditory feast. But for the rest of us, it's all systems go. And, who knows, you might just stumble upon the beat that echoes the rhythm of your soul.

Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport Street
Chicago 60608

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Disco Biscuits (17 and Over) - Sunday

Disco Biscuits (17 and Over) - Sunday

Sunday, December 21 • 8:00 PM

Sunday night is about to get its groove back with the legendary Disco Biscuits lighting up the stage. Known for their technicolor blend of jam band rhythms and electronic ecstasy, these pioneers of "trance fusion" serve up a sonic journey not to be missed. They're like the Velvet Underground of the rave scene, smashing together ecstasy-inducing jams and digital masterworks that keep you on your tippy toes. If you're over 17 and yearning for a trip down the rabbit hole of atmospheric synth waves, dazzling light shows, and a community vibe that screams unity in rhythm, then this is your golden ticket. Brace yourselves, hipsters, this ain't your typical Sunday tea party.

Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport Street
Chicago 60608

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Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night One

Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night One

Monday, December 29 • 9:30 PM

This is no drill, people. Sound Tribe Sector 9 is descending upon us for a night that's sure to recalibrate your sonic sensibilities. If you don't know STS9, you're about to. Picture jazz, electronica, funk and rock all funneling through a kaleidoscopic wormhole that spits out a euphony that's got critics and fans alike reaching for descriptors like "genre-bending" and "futuristic." This jam band juggernaut's live sets are legendary, full of intricate improvisation that unravels like a cosmic thread. Their music is a living organism, constantly evolving in real time, and this is your chance to be part of the petri dish. It's 18 and over, so bring your ID along with your curiosity. If STS9's ethereal odyssey doesn't make you question your auditory reality... well, we might need to check your pulse.

Ramova Theatre
3520 S. Halsted St
Chicago 60609

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Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night Two

Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night Two

Tuesday, December 30 • 9:30 PM

Don't sleep on night two of Sound Tribe Sector 9's sonic expedition. Hailing from the avant-garde corners of the jamtronica universe, STS9 is ready to teleport Brooklyn to another dimension with their heady blend of intricate electronica, pulsating grooves, and transcendent visuals. Imagine soaking in a post-rock symphony, then launching into a galaxy where The Orb meets Godspeed You! Black Emperor on a psytrance dancefloor. Don't be that tragic Tuesday morning tweet lamenting about missed moments and alien encounters. The future is here, it's weird, and it's raving in 5/4 time signature.

Ramova Theatre
3520 S. Halsted St
Chicago 60609

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Gimme Gimme Disco

Gimme Gimme Disco

Wednesday, December 31 • 9:00 PM

Haul out your dancing shoes and glittery eyeshadow, folks, because Gimme Gimme Disco is coming to town. A heady, hedonistic blend of dance floor nostalgia and unapologetic glamour, this is not your run-of-the-mill indie event. Think less lo-fi mumbling in a dimly-lit dive bar, and more Studio 54-esque sequins and synthesizers. This is your chance to groove to ABBA deep cuts, belted out under the glow of a disco ball. So come on, hipsters, trade in your vinyl records for platforms and polyester - Gimme Gimme Disco is here to defy your expectations of cool.

The Salt Shed Indoors (Shed)
1357 N Elston Ave
Chicago 60642

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Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night Three

Sound Tribe Sector 9 (18 and Over) - Night Three

Wednesday, December 31 • 9:30 PM

Buckle up and adjust your sonic sensory receptors for the third electrifying night with Sound Tribe Sector 9. Uniting under the gritty, pulsating banner of post-rock and electronica, STS9 promises to shatter the ennui of everyday life with their genre-bending frequencies. This Colorado-bred collective, famous for their improvised psychedelic jams, takes you on a wild, expansive ride across the musical cosmos. We're talking tangential voyages into jazz, drum and bass, and even the deeper realms of classic rock. Your Spotify algorithm won't know what hit it.

No, your third eye isn't playing tricks on you—their shows are indeed an audio-visual spectacle, a sensory overload that makes even the most blasé hipster crave for more. If you're tired of humdrum band performances, STS9 is your high-octane antidote.

This isn't your typical indie band tucked away in a grimy basement; STS9 is a full-on, synesthesia-inducing experience. Catch them on the third and final night for a symphony of sound and light that'll make your Monday morning blues look like the palest shade of gray. Get ready to dance, head-bang, or just get lost in the rhythmic ether—whatever floats your cosmic canoe.

Ramova Theatre
3520 S. Halsted St
Chicago 60609

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Laerz

Laerz

Friday, January 9 • 9:00 PM

Get ready to have your eardrums elegantly assaulted by the sonic spells of Laerz. This enigmatic ensemble is ready to make the cavernous depths of your music void quiver with their profoundly immersive tunes. It's an auditory experience that'll shake the gloomy cobwebs from your soul, and make you question why you've been wasting your nights in a Netflix-fueled lethargy. Laerz's music is more than just soundwaves, it's a potent concoction of raw emotion and layered soundscapes that'll leave your synapses sizzling. They're the kind of band that make you feel like every other gig is just a rehearsal. So, if you're ready to trade in your ennui for a night of euphonic ecstasy, then it's time to dive into the deep, dark and delectably distorted world of Laerz.

Bottom Lounge
1375 W. Lake St
Chicago 60607

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Cate Le Bon with Frances Chang

Cate Le Bon with Frances Chang

Thursday, January 22 • 8:00 PM

This isn't just an album—it's a sonic diary of heartache, a love letter to the lonely landscapes of desolation, and a daring exploration of the tender, messy emotions that come with love and loss. Cate Le Bon's seventh record "Michelangelo Dying" is a raw, unfiltered expression of intimate vulnerability. It's an ethereal journey that takes you from the quiet corners of Hydra, Cardiff, London to the windswept desert of Los Angeles, all through a soundscape brimming with textured arrangements, looping drones, and percussive synths. Le Bon's poignant lyrics will catch in your chest and linger long after the last fading notes of the album's centerpiece "Is It Worth It (Happy Birthday)?". This record isn't for the faint of heart—it's a testament to the transformative power of heartache, the universality of love, and the uncharted landscapes of human mortality. And if that's not enough, the legendary John Cale appears on the mournful "Ride." This is music that dares you to feel, to grieve, to love, and to survive. So plug in, tune out, and let the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Cate Le Bon guide you through the messy labyrinth of the human heart.

Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport St
Chicago 60608

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