list.in.to.chicago this week: 07.04.2011

If I were clever enough, I'd focus on either American or independent artists. Happy 4th!

Pick of the week
If you don't have the means or the inclination to head south to the Dave Matthews thing, and you don't like pre-packaged popstars, the one that absolutely jumps out at me is Jason Narducy on Saturday night at Uncommon Ground.

list.in.to.COZ
Nothing. Nada. Zip. I know it's hard, but we'll get through it.

Recap
Saturday night's Diver "mini-reunion" had its moments, including a totally impromptu (and kinda hilarious) acoustic rendition of Kool & The Gang's "Jungle Boogie" to put us in compliance with the big chalkboard that billed us as "rock, pop, funk and soul."

7.04   monday
Mucca Pazza with Cave (Pritzker Pavilion)
Not sure if the holiday means more people might take in a free concert from Chicago's own punk rock marching band, or the lack of 9-to-5ers in close proximity will sap the audience.

7.05   tuesday
Open Jam (Vaughan's)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
Alas, I'll be in New York, but say hi to Tony, Monica and everybody else if you have the chance.

U2 (Soldier Field)
This is the rescheduled date from last year when Bono hurt his back. Word got out last week that the Irish megastars would be seeking a permanent home for their "claw" stage from this tour. My new condo has high ceilings, but not that high.

7.06   wednesday
Sing Along With Oakley (The Globe Pub)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
Normally I try to get back from these business trips by Wednesday, but this time it was out of my control, so I'm leaving this week's open mic in the capable hands of Mr. Oakley Stevens. Show him some love.

Tributosaurus Trio with Friends (Martyrs')
Before they embark on a tenth anniversary that's going to revisit some of their favorite shows over the next ten to twelve months -- on a single ticket if you want to shell out that kind of cash -- some of the guys from the band are apparently going to do a bit of a loose pick-up gig.

7.07   thursday
The Flaming Lips with Marnie Stern (Aragon Ballroom)   SOLD OUT!
I think the subversive psychedelic Arkansans are playing some album in its entirety, but I don't remember if it's their own Soft Bulletin or Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.

7.08   friday
Dave Matthews Band Caravan (Chicago's Lakeside)
This seems as much a proof of concept as anything else, with a single artist anchoring a festival in a market that has an awful lot of these things, and in a location that's somewhat geographically challenged at 85th and the lakefront. The first day seems the most skipable to my ear, mostly because O.A.R. is involved.

Archers of Loaf with Blank Bankers (Bottom Lounge)   SOLD OUT!
I'll admit, I only remember that there was a band ten years ago called Archers of Loaf, and not much more. Apparently enough other people remember more than that to sell out a pair of shows.

Katy Perry with Marina and the Diamonds (Allstate Arena)
You may know her as the spokesperson for Proactiv skin care, as per all those commercials on Fox Soccer Channel. Apparently she's some sort of singer, too.

Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys, Nervo (United Center)
Okay, I'm really curious how Katy Perry and Britney Spears ended up both playing arenas on the same night. Live Nation vs. Jam Productions, maybe? I can't see a single promoter behind both.

The Flaming Lips with Marnie Stern (Aragon Ballroom)
See Thursday's listing.

7.09   saturday
Jason Narducy (Uncommon Ground)
The former Verbow frontman in the tiny Wrigleyville music room, ostensibly acoustic and playing his own songs? That doesn't suck at all.

The Smithereens (Roscoe Village Burger Fest)
Scotch Plains, New Jersey's favorite son is back in town and playing at what I assume is aspiring to be the burger equivalent of Ribfest.

Archers of Loaf with IfIHadaHiFi (Bottom Lounge)   SOLD OUT!
See Friday's listing.

Dave Matthews Band Caravan (Chicago's Lakeside)
Everyone who talks about this festival points to Kid Cudi as evidence of its considerable diversity. Since I have no idea what a "Kid Cudi" is, I'll have to take their word for it. But hey, Liz Phair!

7.10   sunday
Foghat (Roscoe Village Burger Fest)
Yes, you read that right. 70's rockers Foghat are playing a street festival, in 2011. Someone in Chicago is going to this one after seeing Peter Frampton at Rivinia earlier in the week. I'm almost sure of it.

Liam Davis (Uncommon Ground)
Apparently it's a good weekend to be at Uncommon Ground, with one of the principal songwriters from Frisbie following up the Jason Narducy show the previous night.

Dave Matthews Band Caravan (Chicago's Lakeside)
Okay, I think this is where Flaming Lips are playing Pink Floyd. Or maybe they're doing it at the Aragon, too. Other highlights of day three include Gomez, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and a solo set of some sort from DMB drummer Carter Beauford to start things off.