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player ready...Repeat after me: You are probably going to Riot Fest this weekend. It’s one of the biggest and best festivals of the year, complete with a stacked (and mostly sold-out) lineup of after-shows. But what if you aren’t going to Riot Fest? That’s where this list comes in. Here’s the under-the-radar live music to go see if you don’t have a Riot Fest pass (or, if you’re an especially ambitious concertgoer, here’s what to see on top of Riot Fest).
*** = Josh Terry’s recommended show of the week.
Wednesday
William Tyler
Constellation
3111 N. Western Ave.
Featuring a backing band as stacked as Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and Megafaun’s Phil Cook, nothing shines more on Tyler’s “Modern Country” than his pastoral and incredibly gorgeous guitar work. Pristinely produced, every note and tone shines throughout. Few albums transported me to feeling like I’m on the best road trip ever like this one did.
Tickets: Constellation-chicago.com
Friday
Rooms, Cecil
Constellation
3111 N. Western Ave.
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t cover jazz enough at RedEye. While it might be a tough sell to some, this bill certainly isn’t. Rooms will be celebrating the release of their third album, “Vigil.” Cecil, which features Whitney’s Will Miller, ex-Marrow bassist Lane Beckstrom (who has excellent solo stuff too) and drummer extraordinaire Peter Manheim, will open.
Tickets: Constellation-chicago.com
Mild High Club, Divino Niño, Troy Anderson
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
While it took me a long time to listen to them because of an irrational dislike of their name (I’m sorry, it’s super lame to judge a band by its moniker), Mild High Club’s “Skiptracing” has become one of my go-to albums this summer. Full of vibes and airtight songwriting, expect a lot of head-bopping this Friday at The Empty Bottle. Locals Divino Niño, who are pretty rad, will open.
Tickets: Emptybottle.com
Saturday
The Peekaboos, Mykele Deville, The Curls, Sheep Numbers
Cole’s
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2338 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-276-5802
If you’re reading this on Wednesday, head to RedEye’s online music section to hear The Peekaboos’ excellent new album, “Help Stop Decay,” in full. They’re celebrating the release Saturday night with a free show at Cole’s. Mykele Deville, who’s also on the heels of a record release, will be in support—he’s an awesome rising rapper.
Free
Monday
***Clearance, Chook Race, The Hecks, Daymaker
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
I know, I know. Including a show happening Monday seems like cheating, but since this feature always runs online on Tuesdays, there’s no way I couldn’t include this absolutely bonkers bill at The Empty Bottle’s Free Monday showcase. We’ve already included both The Hecks and Clearance as must-see shows for their respective record releases at The Hideout, but together on the same bill with Chook Race and Daymaker, not to mention it being free? Hot damn.
Free