02.20 – Deals Gone Bad – Beat Kitchen
Chicago’s home to a huge number of independent record labels. Chuck Wren’s Jump Up imprint, though, has persisted through the ska thing disintegrating a decade ago. And while the genre isn’t showing signs of a popular revival, a group on its roster, Deals Gone Bad, have worked through the lean times and are slated to head out on a pretty extensive tour after this appearance at the Beat Kitchen.

02.24 – Brötzmann/Lonberg-Holm Duo (The Immediate Sound Series) – the Hideout
Saxophonist Peter Brötzmann might be as good a proponent of free jazz as any other player currently working. Of course, he might decry the genre tag and prefer to be thought of as an improviser. But regardless of that, the sax player is joined by Chicago based Lonberg-Holm (bass, cello). There might be complete lack of melody at this performance, but that shouldn’t stop the duo from working out some disturbing music. Bring some protection for your ear holes – it’s a must.

03.06 – Blu and Exile – Subterranean
Blu signed a major label deal almost two years ago. He has of yet to issue a follow up album to his 2007 Below the Heavens, but has kept busy with touring and recently produced beats for NY based emcee Sene. A healthful dose of church going and his subsequent installation as the west coast’s savior of rap stuffs should explain the delay. It should be interesting to hear the emcee get back together with his deejay as well. Don’t sleep.