A few shows to check out this week

Posted by Frank

Tom Schraeder

Tonight, December 28, catch two great Chicago acts, Tom Schraeder and His Ego and Derek Nelson and the Musicians at Schubas (3159 N. Southport). Tom released his latest, Once Lace, Now Cotton, back in June, and Derek and co. also put out some excellent tunes this year via Riders of the Tide (our review). More info and tickets are available here.

Hope's Wake (KHughes Photography)

On Thursday, December 30, head to Goose Island in Wrigleyville (3535 North Clark) to check out Nashville's Hope's Wake plus two locally-based acts - The Bergamot and Kory Quinn. Bobby of Hope's Wake wrote to tell us about the show and introduce us to his music, describing his sound as "a schizophrenic Bob Dylan combined with the groove of Radiohead." That description pretty much begged a listen, and what do you know, it really does sound like that. Which is really quite something. He just put out a very cool EP  and is traveling a long way to play Chicago, so if you like what you hear be sure to check out the show.

Pegboy

There's a lot of really good shows happening on New Year's Eve, but quite possibly the loudest will be taking place at Abbey Pub. Four certifiably noisy Chicago bands spanning punk and garage rock - Pegboy, Mannequin Men, Sweet Cobra and White Mystery - will be taking the stage to ensure you ring in the new year with ringing ears. Click here for more information and tickets.