SKYD - Courtesy of Ryan Birkett
Sound check: SKYD headlines Skyline Concert Series
SKYD, the Lisle duo of Skyler Nicole and Derek Boyke, are far more than just their taut collection of edgy, mesmerizing, fuzz-rock grooves. The appeal of the twosome is in their energetic, art-embracing personalities, and it shows in the dynamic stage shows they produce. Catch them live as they headline this month’s Skyline Concert Series at Lisle’s BaseCamp along with Dead Harvest, Observing With Annie and an acoustic set by the evening’s host Aaron Williams. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $6. (331) 777-4712 or aaronwilliamsmusic.com.
neXt2rock 2018
The finalists are set for Cumulus Radio’s 2018 neXt2rock battle of the bands competition, and the top five Chicago-area contenders — Friday Pilots Club, Like Language, Midwave, Take the Reins and The Giving Moon — are prepping to play Cubby Bear Thursday, Aug. 30, in front of fans and a panel of judges, including yours truly, (as well as the host, radio legend James VanOsdol). Come to the 21-and-older show hosted by WKQX to support some excellent local musicians and cheer on your favorites as they fight for a trip to California for the national finale and a chance at a record deal. 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.) Thursday, Aug. 30, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. $5; 21-and-older show. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.
Last Fling at summer
The Naperville Jaycees gives you one last chance to dance this summer, trucking in some big touring acts to play the Last Fling main stage this weekend. Friday, Lance Bass’ “Pop 2000 Tour” brings the boy band vibes with O-Town, Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton ($15 for general admission). The “GenX Summer Tour 2018” brings some alternative from Buckcherry, P.O.D., Lit and Alien Ant Farm for a PG-13 show Saturday ($20 for general admission, $50 for pit, $150 for carillon VIP). And Sunday catch a little hometown rock with Illinois’ own Cheap Trick and DuPage County-born Lucky Boys Confusion ($25 for general admission, $50 for pit, carillon is sold out). The Last Fling Block Party Stage also features some awesome local and tribute acts throughout the weekend, including Bad Medicine, Planet Groove, Coverlicious, The Ron Burgundy’s, Broseph, Billy Elton, Take the Reins, ARRA and more; check lastfling.org for the full schedule or to buy tickets. The Last Fling carnival and entertainment is at Rotary Hill and along Jefferson Avenue, west of Washington Street, Naperville, from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3. See lastfling.org.
North Coast
The three-day North Coast Music Festival brings the beats to Chicago’s Union Park this weekend, with the likes of Miguel, Snails, DJ Snake, Vulfpeck, Robert DeLong, Jamiroquai, Yellow Claw, Gramatik, Moon Taxi and many others, along with a full weekend lineup at the Silent Disco. Be sure to give some local love to the Chicago’s Most Wanted Battlegrounds, featuring a Midnight Conspiracy reunion set, Bentley Dean vs. Steve Gerard, Ron Carroll vs. DIZ, RJ Pickens vs. Phil Rizzo and more. 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31; 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $60-$70 (plus fees) for general admission; $80-$214 (plus fees) for VIP. northcoastfestival.com.
Baertrum acoustic
“Anywhere,” the May release of Chicago singer-songwriter Baertrum, beautifully embraces a viscous vibe, fluidly flowing like a milkshake through genres but thick with depth and substantial enough to leave you satisfied. And thinking about what it all meant. While the tracks are richly layered with music and electronically crafted effects, the draw is in the vocals — a series of deep part-sung, part-spoken, part-whispered secrets and clever turns of phrase that are particularly intriguing on the title track “Anywhere.” Baertrum — the alter ego of Eric McCloskey — plays a solo acoustic set this time out. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at Elbo Room’s acoustic lounge, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $5. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.
Michael Heaton benefit
Two Brothers Roundhouse hosts a night of music, dancing, food and beer to raise funds for the medical expenses of Aurora singer-songwriter Michael Heaton, who is fighting a rare form of medullary cancer that requires expensive radiation treatments. 100 percent of the door donations and proceeds from a silent auction will go to the fund. Donations are also welcome at a GoFundMe page set up by Heaton’s family and friends. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. $20 suggested donation. (630) 264-2739 or twobrothersbrewing.com.
Read the full column at dailyherald.com.
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