Show preview: Grape Juice Records Showcase at Subterranean, 2/11

Posted by Sasha

Chaperone

Grassroots record label Grape Juice Records will kick off the 2011 Showcase Series at Subterranean this weekend with Chicago acts of several stripes. We've got a couple of lady crooners from far and near, an Americana octet and some lo-fi, low-stress indie pop kids. Here's who to expect:

Julie Meckler arrived on the Chicago scene after an unusual journey. Originally an actress from France, she quit the stage, hopped the pond and landed in New York in the summer of '08. She hit the road with a guitar, venturing across America for three months while concocting her brand of sultry, bluesy folk. Having discovered the country, she ended up in its middle, settling down here in the city with her band. They've released a three-song EP so far and are in production on their first full-length.

Hailing from Detroit, Rachele Eve has been playing her "desert rock" in Chicago for the better part of the last decade. Accompanied by drummer and producer Nikolai Giefer, she spins out low-key acoustic jams like an unplugged Feist. She recorded a session at Daytrotter last March and has continued to put on great local shows.

All eight of Jon Drake & the Shakes will amp up the volume with their catchy-as-hell alt-country. We ran a review of their excellent debut EP Side A last fall, and while I've yet to catch these guys live, I'd wager that their upbeat, stompy tunes do even better on the stage.

Finally, Chaperone and their short form lo-fi will round out the showcase. The debut EP from these self-identified rapscallions, Cripple King, is endearingly energetic and full of chaotic charm. The amount of skillful melody packed into the 13 minute running time is certainly impressive. I'd recommend grabbing the record while it's available as a pay-what-you-can download before checking these kids out live.

The showcase will start at 9 p.m. on Friday, February 11th. Tickets are $8 and it's a 21 and over show.