Another wintry-week, another full schedule of Chicago shows: Go see Steve Earle, Bayonne, The Walters, the Blind Staggers and Ne-Hi. Also, be sure to check out an exclusive video premiere of the Blind Staggers’ new tour video for “Bulleit For The Road.”
Monday and Tuesday: Steve Earle at City Winery.
Seemingly every year around this time, veteran folk-rocker Steve Earle makes a multi-show trip to Chicago’s City Winery. These are always intimate events and though you can expect him to come back soon, having openers like John Langford and Gabriel Kelly, not to mention Earle’s vast discography, is going to make this a must-see.
Tuesday: Bayonne at Schubas.
It’s clear from reading his press bio that Roger Sellers really doesn’t want you to call him a DJ. He’s a “minimalist composer” and, judging by the handful of songs he’s released as Bayonne, he’s a damn good one. There’s a lovely, hypnotic texture to his music as layers of programmed drums, twinkling piano, synths and his crystalline voice overlap for an amazingly mesmerizing final product. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Bayonne in 2016.
Tuesday: The Walters, Modern Vices at Emporium (Wicker Park).
I first saw the Walters almost a year ago opening up for the Orwells during a “secret” show at Schubas and the band blew me away. There’s a kinectic, nervy and magnetic energy to frontman Luke Olson as he contorts onstage and belts out every note. Knowing that the show is absolutely free, you can’t go wrong with this as a Tuesday-night plan.
Friday: Ne-Hi, Clearance and Dim at Empty Bottle.
As Ne-Hi makes progress on its sophomore album, the local jangle-rockers are headlining the Empty Bottle to try out some new tunes. Always a great live act, expect some head-bobbing dance moves from the band and their openers, Clearance and Dim.
Friday: The Blind Staggers, Turnspit at Beat Kitchen.
Almost a year ago, Chicago alt-country mainstays were gunning for the RedEye Rock ‘n’ Vote 2015 competition, premiering “Bulleit For The Road,” the lead single off its then-forthcoming album “Exile On Argyle.” Now, the band is finally going to release the full record on Jan. 29 and it’s a fun, twangy romp that goes down as smoothly as Bulleit. As the band’s accompanying bio states, this is “American music, storytelling over guitars” and it’s just as enjoyable as it is timeless. Now, RedEye is premiering the video for the track, which you can stream above.
@joshhterry | jterry@redeyechicago.com
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