list.in.to.chicago this week: 09.02.2002

I suck. Clearly, I need to expand my sources so I have a better idea of what's coming down the pike, because there's absolutely NO excuse for my not mentioning Wayne Shorter at the Jazz Festival this past weekend. Also, it has been brought to my attention that 28IF is not a stupid band name, but a clever Beatles reference. I've also been told that I should have recommended Tommy Keene at Schuba's last Friday night. On with the shows.

Pick of the week
No question, it's Lexie Bloor at Martyr's on Friday. This is Bloor's first show in about ten months, and while there were some indications she might be experimenting with electronica, this will be her regular band of frighteningly good musicians, with one exception. E-mics guitarist Wes Cichosz has replaced, e-mics guitarist Chris Siebold. Funny how that works.

Recap
Lindsie Reitz's Elbo Room show went pretty well. Musically, probably better than Double Door, so the band continues to progress. Thursday's Tool show was highlighted by an extended instrumental section where Mike Patton and John Stanier, from openers Tomahawk, joined them onstage, along with a crushing version of "Sober" to open the show.

9.02   monday
N.E.R.D. (Tweeter Center)
In an ideal world, this would be sent out early enough so you could see this project from notable hip-hop producers The Neptunes. Also, in this ideal world, N.E.R.D. would be headlining this festival over funk-lite 311 and language mangler Jay-Z, and I would win the lottery.

9.03   tuesday
Open Mike (Vaughan's)   SEE COZ LIVE!
I have it on good authority that Your Little Ponies will be back with a vengeance. And a drum machine of sorts. You've been warned.

9.04   wednesday
Ken Vandermark, Paul Lovens and Paul Lytton (Empty Bottle)
This is part of Empty Bottle's jazz series, and I gotta be honest, I'm just riding the coattails of a Reader critic's choice. That said, Ken Vandermark has become something of a Chicago Jazz institution.

9.05   thursday
Gidgets Ga-Ga with Analog Radio Set and Blue New World (Cubby Bear)
Five or six years ago, Gidgets Ga-Ga seemed to have some momentum and a shot at making some noise on a grander scale, but here they are, still slugging it out on an "Unsigned Band Showcase" bill. Go figure.

The Changes with Dynamo Theorem   FRIENDS OF COZ!
I only caught one song of their set last Wednesday. We'll see if I can do better this time around.

9.06   friday
Lexie Bloor with Kari Nelson and the Youngblood Brass Band (Martyr's)
The best way I've been able to describe Bloor's music is somewhere between Joni Mitchell and either Fiona Apple or Tori Amos. Strong melodies, emotional lyrics and a crack band of jazz-oriented players to take it up a notch or three.

9.07   saturday
Doves with Sister Hazel, Young Dubliners, The Connells and Janah (Guinness Oyster Fest)
AMG describes the Doves as an "epic pop trio." I have no idea what it means, but their most recent single is pretty good. I'd go get the oysters, provided by McCormick and Schmick's, while Hootie-esque Sister Hazel is on.

9.08   sunday
Pietasters with DJ Chuck Wren and Deal's Gone Bad (Abbey Pub)
Ska, ska, ska! Wren has been putting shows like this on for a long time, and the fact that people keep letting him must be a testament to something. Chicago's own Deal's Gone Bad can be heard at practically every Chicago Fire home game, as a subset of the band recorded a punked-up version of one of the supporters section's cheers.

I swear I saw another show for this Sunday when I was putting together last week's e-mail, but I can't find it now. Damn. As usual, hit me with whatever I've missed or hopelessly screwed up.