If you missed the first day of the annual winter music throw down, Tomorrow Never Knows, don't worry there's still dozens of shows to catch this weekend. One hundred dollars buys an all access pass that includes line jumping privileges and a (cheap) beer at each show, while entry to most of the individual gigs runs $15–$20. Whether you're in it for the whole stretch, or just cherry picking your live music poison, here is a look at the lineups and critic's picks over the next few days. (All shows begin at 9.)
Thursday, Jan 16
Australian pop singer Betty Who does her best Katy Perry while NYC duo Ghost Beach crank '80s-inspired party jams. However, a trio of heady experimentalists at Lincoln Hall is what to watch tonight. Local goth-steeped songwriter Haley Fohr, who performs as Circuit des Yeux, deftly sets the chilling tone for Canadian ambient artist Tim Hecker, who's swirling electronic work simultaneously captivates and terrifies. The most visible act on the bill is Brooklynite Oneohtrix Point Never, whose 2013 debut for Warp, R Plus Seven, made many "best of" lists in December.
Lincoln Hall
- Oneohtrix Point Never
- Tim Hecker
- Circuit des Yeux
- Soleman
Schubas Tavern
- Betty Who
- Ghost Beach
- Sombear
- Future Feats
Metro
- Snarky Puppy
Hideout
- James Adomian (comedian)
Friday, Jan 17
Philadelphia shoegaze act NOTHING, obvious fans of My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, and local garage rock supergroup Bare Mutants, featuring ex Ponys frontman Jered Gummere, kick out the best guitar-driven jams of the day. Though both The Lone Bellow and The Rural Alberta Advantage offer palatable indie-folk fare, don't miss Darkside, lauded electronic artist Nicolas Jaar's new collaboration with multi-instumentalist Dave Harrington. Psychic, the pair's debut for Matador, is a beautifully glorious journey down the electro-psych rabbit hole.
Lincoln Hall
- The Rural Alberta Advantage
- Kopecky Family Band
- Mutual Benefit
Schubas
- Weekend
- Bare Mutants
- NOTHING
- StarTropics
Hideout
- Nikki Glaser (comedian)
Metro
- Darkside
- High Waters
Athenaeum Theatre
- The Lone Bellow
- Fort Frances
- Max Jury
Smart Bar
- AndHim
Saturday, Jan 18
Truth and Soul signee Lady's scrumptious revivalist fare guarantees a delicious throwback dance party. Former Chicagoan Ryley Walker's fingerstyle guitar work and rootsy drawl are a pleasure live, and The Luyas follow with atmospheric indie-rock featuring a host of unusual instruments, such as 12-string electric zither known as a Moodswinger. Nineties indie-rock quartet Superchunk gets high marks for nostalgia and consistent showmanship, while the narrative-driven orchestral folk-pop of San Fermin impresses in a live setting.
Lincoln Hall
- John Newman
- Lady
- Numero Group DJs
Schubas
- San Fermin
- The Luyas
- Ryley Walker
- Landmarks
Metro
- Superchunk
- Roomrunner
- Split Single
Hideout
- Natasha Leggero (comedian)
Smart Bar
- Hugo Ball
Schubas (day)
- School Of Rock Chicago perform The Beatles
Sunday, Jan 19
Grab the nearest earplugs and hit Lincoln Hall for the punishingly loud, but equally as compelling, 90s alt-rock platter of local quartet Pink Frost. Stay for Diarrhea Planet and Yuck, who both swim in a similar sonic pool, though the former nods to pop-punk while the latter adds shoegaze shimmer.
Lincoln Hall
- Yuck
- Diarrhea Planet
- Pink Frost
- Alvvays
Schubas Tavern
- Indians
- Milagres
- Casimer&Casimir
- Valaska
Hideout
- Kyle Dunnigan (comedian)
Schubas (day)
- School Of Rock Chicago perform The Beatles