Here We Go Magic at Schubas, 5/9, $12. We're a hot minute away from Here We Go Magic's next album, but if you just can't wait for the sweet, sweet melodies and rhythmic indie rock yumminess coming out tomorrow, sneak a preview at Schubas. Eat the mac-n-cheese first. Trust.
Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue (at Belmont Avenue); 773-525-2508.
The Smith Westerns at Lincoln Hall, 5/11, $15. Our infatuation with this band is a perfectly balanced blend of hometown pride and general appreciation for bubbly, kinda-throwback rock that is probably what we should have been listening to when we were teenagers. It's never too late to catch up.
Lincoln Hall, 2424 North Lincoln Avenue (at Fullerton Avenue and Halsted Street); 773-525-2501.
Ferraby Lionheart at The Empty Bottle, 5/11, $8. We promise you will not hate this singer/songwriter. Calling something "folk" or "mellow" is pretty much nailing the musical coffin shut, but this is an exception. Replace sadness with joy, and whining with talent. Feel better?
The Empty Bottle, (at West Cortez Street) 1035 North Western Avenue; 773-276-3600.
The Fiery Furnaces at Schubas, 5/11, $15. While we can barely suffer through Sunday Dinner with our siblings, these two have managed to turn their genetic similarities into beautiful music. Folky, emotional, slightly weird music. All families are unique.
Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue (at Belmont Avenue); 773-525-2508.
Cave at Abbey Pub, 5/14, $15 in advance. Epic psych-rock intense enough to make you forget your own name is exactly the kind of thing we wanna get into this weekend. Take your brain on vacation.
Abbey Pub, 3805 North Bernard Street; 773-539-6116.