Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, 7/25 in Grant Park, FREE. This goes on the record as one of our favorite free shows in the park this summer. Add to that the fact that today's high is 88 (instead of 98) and we're sold.
Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street (at Michigan Avenue); 312-742-1168.
Gardens & Villa, 7/26 at The Empty Bottle, $8. Tuesdays are a great time to try something new, don't you think? Gardens and Villa bring their synth-y coolness to the Bottle tomorrow night. This is a great show for anyone who's totally sick of what's on their iPod.
The Empty Bottle, (at West Cortez Street) 1035 North Western Avenue; 773-276-3600.
Cass McCombs, 7/26 at Schubas, $15. We want to make sure everyone knows that the date of this show was moved from 7/25 to 7/26. If you show up at Schubas tonight, you will find yourself without the indie crooning you're looking for.
Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue (at Belmont Avenue); 773-525-2508.
The Heartless Bastards, 7/29 at Schubas $15. A favorite around Refinery29 Chicago central, this girl-fronted band cranks out addiction-worthy rock that's relatable and best enjoyed among friends (and beers).
Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue (at Belmont Avenue); 773-525-2508.
James Murphy (DJ Set), 7/29 at The Mid, $20. You know we wouldn't tell you to drop $20 on admission to anything short of the Topshop opening without it being truly worth it. Musical genius at its finest, James Murphy is not to be missed, DJ set or otherwise.
The Mid, 306 North Halsted Street (at Fulton Street) 312-265-3990.