Five shows this weekend

Friday, August 22

Great Lake Swimmers at Schubas - Indie folk out of Canada worth hearing. Ambient, melodic stuff. Laura Gibson also plays. More info and tickets.

Soul Asylum at Lincoln Park Zoo - I'm not sure how many people have this band on their musical radar these days, but it doesn't really matter because they rock. Songs such as "Black Gold" and the classic "Runaway Train" still sound great. And now you can hear them in a zoo. Pat McGee Band opens. More info and tickets.

The Faint at the Vic - These dance rockers from Omaha deliver plenty of energy and lighting tricks on stage. With Jaguar Love and Genghis Tron. More info and tickets.

Saturday, August 23

Empires at Beat Kitchen - This is a local act that recently released "Howl," a record full of driving, straightforward rock fit to please many. Also with Paper Rival. More info and tickets.

Bang! Bang! at the Empty Bottle - Another home-grown band, Bang! Bang! plays jerky dance punk with new wave quirks and a mix of male and female vocals. This is the release show for their latest CD, "The Industry EP." Walking Bicycles and The Strange Young Lovers will also play. More info and tickets.