WHAT: Jeff Arrigo, John Coppess, Anne Clements, Justin Kessel
WHERE: The Clark Bar (free)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 10th at 7 p.m.
Several members of The C-U Singer/Sonwriter Collective get together for a show this week in what is becoming a mainstay in the music scene. Jeff Arrigo headlines not too far removed from playing with Coppess for a show at Indi-Go last month.
Listen: Jeff Arrigo: “Amy”
WHAT: Frankenstein Brothers
WHERE: Canopy Club ($17 advance/$20 door)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11th at 6:30 p.m.
Frankenstein Brothers, aka Buckethead and That 1 Guy, take the stage at Canopy in what is sure to be a wacky show. If you don’t know anything about Buckethead, you’re right, he wears a bucket on over his head. As a result, you get two Amish-looking dudes playing some of the most mashed up and trippy songs you might ever hear. That 1 Guy plays the upright bass and plays drums at the same time while Buckethead thrashes guitar.
Listen: Frankenstein Brothers: “Bolt In Neck”
WHAT: Brother Gruesome, Brian Cagle, We Must Dismantle All This
WHERE: Urbana Independent Media Center ($5)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11th at 8:00 p.m.
We move from Frankenstein Brothers to Brother Gruesome, as this Oklahoma outfit helps make up this C-U Collective show. Brian Cagle is on tour with Brother Gruesome, and local thrashers We Must Dismantle All This! make it a party. Busy week for C-U Collective as they host Lizard Police at the IMC tonight.
WHAT: Thundertruck, New Ruins, Cheaper Hits
WHERE: The Brass Rail ($5)
WHEN: Thursday, April 12th at 10 p.m.
A bar that has a whole lot more to offer than their rusted sign might indicate hosts a new band. A new band with an awesome name. Don’t ever refer to them as “Thunderstruck” either — they won’t take kindly to that. The band is composed of some vets from the scene: Ben Ucherek (The Beauty Shop), Aaron McCallister (Tractor Kings), Isaac Arms (Withershins, Evil Tents), as well as guitarist Tyler Chen. They’ve done this before, but it’s always cool to put a new twist into these things. New Ruins has been busy as they just opened up for Murder By Death last Saturday, and The Cheaper Hits are getting their practice in as well.
WHAT: Mutts, The Palace Flophouse, Jet W. Lee
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Friday, April 13th at 10 p.m.
Chicago’s Mutts are coming off of their newly released Pray for Rain from back in December and share the stage with a couple of locals. Jet W. Lee released this zany video a little while back and are finishing up their new record, so we’re sure they will have some new songs for everyone.
EDITOR’S PICK: JOHN PRINE, ERIC BRACE, PETER COOPER
The Virginia Theater ($50–$60) – Saturday, April 14th Friday, April 13th at 8 p.m.
This is a show we have been anticipating for quite some time now. As our very own Joel Gillespie pointed out way back in Febrary, it’s is finally here. Tickets to this show are probably difficult to come by at this point (and a bit pricey), and as Joel stated, “Hey, it’s John Prine.” There’s a reason for these types of things.
The Illinois native and legendary singer-songwriter has had a tribute album put together for him featuring howlers My Morning Jacket and The Avett Brothers among other notables, but what does that prove? That he’s worth hearing? Well, odds are if you’re listening to any type of roots or folk music, this guy had something to do with it. Hell, even Johnny Cash has listed his music as an inspiration. It usually feels good to come home, and we’re guessing Prine will treat everyone at the show like his neighbor.
WHAT: Kilborn Alley
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Friday, April 13th at 10 p.m.
Some straight up blues rock to fill up your Friday is brought to you by Kilborn Alley. The band is on a short tour at the moment and have a few appearances in the surrounding area and other national dates to go along with those.
WHAT: Hathaways, That’s No Moon, Evil Tents
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, April 14th at 10 p.m.
Hathaways are releasing The Parasol Sessions (be on the lookout for some information about that from us later in the week) and are looking to celebrate. The record was made right within the walls of Parasol where a lot of great sounds have bounced around. Head over to celebrate this release with them, Evil Tents, and That’s No Moon.