As we dive head-first into December, we know it’s going to get colder and that trekking out to go see a show is going to be a tough proposition when Netflix and heated apartments exist. However, for those brave enough to venture out, we’ve listed the 5 essential shows this week, including Andrew Bird, the Lawrence Arms, Meat Wave and Deerhunter.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Andrew Bird at Fourth Presbyterian Church
Every year, Chicago-area native Andrew Bird appears for a “Gezelligheid residency”—intimate winter shows held at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The multi-instrumentalist sets up an incredibly cozy atmosphere to play instrumental compositions as well as new renditions of his warm folk material. Those lucky enough to get tickets will tell you it’s the highlight of the season. Tickets are all sold out.
Thursday: J Fernandez at Empty Bottle.
Local indie rocker J Fernandez had one of our favorite Chicago releases of the year in “Many Levels of Laughter.” He hasn’t had a homecoming show in a while, so his Thursday night gig will be something special. Tickets are still available.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: The Lawrence Arms with special guests at Double Door.
Local punk mainstays the Lawrence Arms declared “War on Christmas” this year, booking three themed shows at the Double Door in Wicker Park. First night’s theme will highlight songs from the band’s discography about “Sadness and Despair,” the second features “Drinking and Revelry” and the closing night offers “Love and Triumph.” Tickets are sold out.
Saturday: Meat Wave, Melkbelly, Sophagus, Rad Payoff at Empty Bottle.
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This is the best Chicago lineup in a while. Meat Wave returns from its European tour to join local compatriots Melkbelly, Sophagus and Rad Payoff. Tickets are still available for customers 21+.
Sunday: Deerhunter, Atlas Sound at Thalia Hall.
Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox is doing something interesting for his band’s “Fading Frontier” tour—he’s opening for himself with his solo project Atlas Sound. He’s not one to think of it like that, telling the Observer: “I don’t just sit around thinking about how I’m going to divide my life up between these two projects. It just works, you know?” No matter what, in either the all-ages show or the 17+ event at Thalia Hall we’re going to get two sets featuring our favorite songs from Cox’s relentlessly creative and prolific catalog. Tickets are sold out to both shows.
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