WHAT: The Low Anthem, Aron Stromberg
WHERE: Canopy Club ($10 advance/$12 door)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m.
These Rhode Island-ers make their way through Champaign before they venture into Canada, a place where it might be a little more wintery than it is in C-U. They are currently supporting their newest record Smart Flesh (recorded in an abandoned pasta sauce factory in their home state, mind you) released just about this time last year. Supporting is Aron Stromberg, whom you might recognize as one of the axemen in Evil Tents.
Listen: “Charlie Darwin” by The Low Anthem
WHAT: Midstress, The Cheaper Hits, Coed Pageant
WHERE: Exile on Main Street (Free)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 7 p.m.
Midstress is a very busy band this weekend. Before they take the stage at Cowboy Monkey (below), they will play this free set with punk/blues outfit The Cheaper hits and Coed Pageant, side project of The Palace Flophouse, who are making their debut as well as dropping their first record. This one is early — consider it a happy hour for the show at Mike ‘N Molly’s.
WHAT: The Great Divide, Sun Stereo, A Cool Hand
WHERE: Canopy Club ($5)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 9 p.m.
In what is being called “A Night of Local Heroes”, Canopy hosts some of these “homegrown” acts. The Great Divide received a pretty warm reception at their last show at The HighDive, so expect a similar result when they head across town. A drink special like “PB & J” (PBR & a shot of Jameson) does not hurt either.
WHAT: Withershins, New Ruins, Sequoia, Hot Cops
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Friday, February 10th at 10 p.m.
Withershins are planning on playing some of the new material from their upcoming Silver Cities album that we’re hoping comes sooner rather than later. It seems like a long time since their excellent debut Aeriel was released into the world way back in August 2009. Lots of very solid rock ‘n roll on all over this bill.
Listen: “Falling Waltz” by Withershins
WHAT: White Mystery, The Dirty Feathers, Midstress, Folded Bones
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, February 11th at 8 p.m.
Chicago’s red-headed duo White Mystery brings their scuzzy garage rock to Cowboy Monkey with some bands that are definitely familiar to lots of noise. Midstress plays back-to-back nights and The Dirty Feathers are coming off of their set as a group you may have heard of from across the pond for The Great Cover Up a few weeks back. Folded Bones will bring some of their bluesy-rock as well to round this one out.
Listen: “Powerglove” by White Mystery
WHAT: Commodity, The Diamond Stretch, Rvins
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($5)
WHEN: Saturday, February 11th at 9 p.m.
With one band saying farewell, another reemerges from the dark. This is The Diamond Stretch’s final show and hardcore punk outfit Commodity gets back on stage after a nearly two year hiatus. Commodity will be releasing their discography on cassette, which isn’t something you can get at an average show. TDS will definitely be missed, but we’re sure their new projects will surely emerge and keep us entertained as they have done.