Go to There: January 31 - February 6

By Andrew Hertzberg

Smith Westerns (photo credit: Angel Ceballos)

This week is the double dose edition. Witness competitive writing event at the Hideout and then head to some of Chicago's best known local spots each hosting back to back shows that make you want a three-peat. Man, and that's not even the only sports reference I'm gonna make in this post:

Tuesday, January 31st Write Club at the Hideout  (7 PM, 21+, $8)
Sometimes, there are slow music nights. Luckily the Chicago literary world picks up the slack. Described best as a boxing match with words, two writers are pitted against each other to write in a short time in support of a side. This week’s topics: Black vs. White, Gay vs. Straight, Cat vs. Dog. Who's side are you on?

Wednesday, February 1st E+ at Schubas (9 PM, 21+, $8)
Boy it seems like these guys are playing every night recently doesn’t it? Considering E+ is the conglomeration of members from Disappears, Verma and Heavy Times, it makes sense they might as well belt out a lot of their dark Curesque pop while they can find time together. Coffin Pricks and the Wimps open.

Thursday, February 2nd Azita at Schubas (9 PM, 21+, $6)
I can’t tell if Azita is more like a darker Aimee Mann or a more light-hearted Rose Melberg. Either way, that’s good company to be in comparison with. I can only guess that the Drag City songstress will sound quite nice in the intimate halls of Schubas.

Friday, February 3rd Smith Westerns at the Metro (8 PM, 18+, $16 adv / $19 day of)
Smith Westerns had a big year last year, releasing their second LP and touring the world and stuff. The young glam stars got their start on local label HoZac and still carry the raw, sloppy sound characteristic of the label, despite their worldly travels. Porcelain Raft and Bleached open it up.

Saturday, February 4th White Mystery, Environmental Encroachment at the Metro (8 PM, 18+, $6 adv, $10 day of)
If you’ve been to any of the trendier night clubs in the city, odds are you’ve been shot by Glitter Guts. The nightlife photogs are celebrating their anniversary with a dance punk circus featuring palm readings, face painting, art and oh yeah! Music! Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Pure Magical Love, Clique Talk and Perfect Kiss round out the lineup. Wanna be a celebrity? Well here’s your chance to play one.

Sunday, February 5th Football at the Empty Bottle  (4 PM, 21+, FREE)
Those smartasses at the Empty Bottle just had to go and do it. Although its really hard to argue with a free show in the middle of the afternoon. Read my review from their brief debut at Quencher’s last year. Go, um….Bears?

Monday, February 6th Radar Eyes, Bare Mutants, Outer Minds at the Empty Bottle (9:30 PM, 21+, FREE)
Radar Eyes have been kicking around some psych-garage for a while and are finally releasing a proper full length. Bonus! Bare Mutants are releasing a 7” that night too. Bonus! Outer Minds open the show. Hard to beat a free Monday like that.