list.in.to.chicago this week: 08.12.2002

Welcome to the first issue of "list.in.to.chicago," which is a much better name than "Coz reads section three of The Reader so you don't have to," but if you've got a better idea, please let me know. The idea is, this is what I'd be checking out if I had infinite time and resources, as well as where I'll be playing from week to week. And we're off!

pick of the week
I'm going to be self-serving and say you should come to Double Door Saturday night for Lindsie Reitz. More info and discount tickets here.

8.12 monday
"Stick Night" with Greg Howard, Matt Tate and the Jeff Blake Band (Schuba's)
The Chapman Stick is basically a guitar neck with either ten or twelve strings on it, half bass and half guitar, where all the notes are fretted instead of picked or strummed, pioneered by longtime Peter Gabriel bassist Tony Levin. In truth, it's more like a piano than a guitar, but it's way cool. I've heard of Greg Howard before, but haven't actually heard any of these guys' music. Seeing three different players approach this unique instrument is interesting enough to me to be worthwhile.

8.13 tuesday
Open Mike (Vaughan's)   SEE COZ LIVE!
Open mikes are always a crapshoot, but this one in particular features a "house band," with yours truly on percussion, that actually makes Creed sound good. Plus, you get to hear me sing, usually about three songs, and it's a fair bet one of them is an eighties tune that has no business being played on an acoustic guitar.

8.14 wednesday
Brian Wilson (House of Blues)
I'm taking this one purely on reputation, as I'm not one of those people who worships at the altar of Pet Sounds. It's just not an album that figured into my musical upbringing the way it did for many people, and since hitting my radar, I haven't gotten around to exploring it yet.

Alternately, you could head out to Naperville for some Major League Soccer action between the Fire and the Kansas City Wizards. That's where I'll be.

8.15 thursday
EXO, Two Ton Levy and Madhops (Elbo Room)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
It boggles the mind that EXO hasn't conquered the world yet, but it also may be the case that they happen to push the exact buttons for me to think they're the best rock band in Chicago. Harmonically, melodically, rhythmically and texturally, they're just ON. Also on this bill is Two Ton Levy, the new band from former Cassius Clay frontman (and fellow Lindsie Reitz bandmate) Jayh Johnson, who is one of the more powerful singers in town.

8.16 friday
Missile, Mil Mulliganos and The Shifties (Double Door)
Missile played a show with URT back in late 2001, and while I remember liking them, I'd be hard-pressed to tell you what they sound like. Other than good. I remember that much.

8.17 saturday
Dremana, Oh My God, Wolcott, Lindsie Reitz and Tim Nagle (Double Door)   SEE COZ LIVE!
I'm not sure how to describe "The Lindsie Reitz Experience" just yet. It starts as a straight-up female singer/songwriter vibe, then takes several detours based on the influences of the band behind her that give the proceedings a bit more "oomph!" Come check it out and tell me what we sound like. I've heard good things about the rest of the bill as well. Discount tickets are available on Lindsie's website.

8.18 sunday
Chicago Fire versus New England Revolution (webcast)   HEAR COZ DO PLAY-BY-PLAY!
Getting away from the music for a minute, I'll be making my debut as substitute play-by-play guy from the newly rechristened Gilette Field in Foxboro.