Weekend show picks: English Beat, Del Rey and more

Del Rey

If you're in the mood for live music this weekend there are plenty of great options around the city, including a classic 2 Tone ska band, hard rock via Japan and some very cool locally-based indie acts. Here are some picks for Friday, Saturday and Sunday:

Friday, August 13

-The English Beat at Double Door with Bad Manners and Chris Murray - It would be tough to have a live show more fun than that of this quintessential 2 Tone ska/new wave band featuring vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling. A guaranteed good time. Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., $25, 21 and over. Tickets.

- Boris at Metro with Russian Circles and The Life & Times - This hard-hitting experimental rock band out of Japan and are sure to deliver a memorable set tonight at Metro as they pass through our city in the middle of their current American tour. Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m., $17, 18 and over. Tickets.

Saturday, August 14

- Secret Colours at Beat Kitchen with Panda Riot and Geronimo! - Earlier this week we let you know about a free download of a very cool Beatles cover by this Chicago psych-pop unit, which gives a good idea of the spacey, fuzzy sounds you can expect to hear during their live show. Also check out their recently released self-titled record to see why this band is quickly gaining recognition in and out of the Windy City. Doors 10 p.m., show 10:30 p.m., $10, 17 and over. Tickets.

- Del Rey at the Empty Bottle with Bear Claw and This Is Versailles - Another solid option for Saturday night comes via Chicago indie/experimental band Del Rey, who are preparing to release a new album, Immemorial, and tour Europe this Fall. 10 p.m., $8, 21 and over. Tickets. 

Sunday, August 15

- Golden Birthday at The Empty Bottle with Heavy Times and Altered States - This local, lo-fi minimalist pop act has a sound perfect for chilling out on a Sunday night. 7 p.m., $3, 21 and over. Tickets.