Sound Check: CELLRS is back in the spotlight

After two years away from the stage, Chicago rock band CELLRS — Adam Novak and Weston Reynolds — is making a return to the spotlight with a few new players — Jake Hackett on bass and Jacob Powell on drums — and debuting a fresh set laced with old favorites and some newer material. The talented and theatrical performers headline Lincoln Hall, supported by singer-songwriters Dave Tamkin and Bryan Sansom, dreamy alternative rock band Scotch the Filmmaker, and indie rock from CASE. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $10-$15. (773) 525-2501 or lh-st.com.

‘Madness’ of Shawn Rieke

Green Oaks singer-songwriter Shawn Rieke has been juggling a close-to-launch audio/video studio and the development and production of his new album, “Madness,” which will be out on Spotify this weekend. You can hear it (and purchase CDs) before its streaming release when Rieke plays a release concert at Wire Friday, Feb. 22. Stolen Enterprise and Alex Wolfe will be joining the Lake County musician on stage for the night. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10-$12. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

A million reasons …

The Million Reasons ran off with my heart with November’s single release, “Dizzy,” an intoxicating and searing lament of the uncertain nature that can grow in a relationship. The band headlines Chicago’s House of Blues, joined by the hard-rocking Werewolves at Hour 30, Bubbles Erotica, Over the Sun and Coyote Man. 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $10; arrive before 7 for free admission. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.

Battle of the Bands

Suzie Jessen of 1126 Entertainment and Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment co-host this season’s local Battle of the Bands finale on the Arcada Theatre’s main stage Thursday, Feb. 28. The free finale production will feature 14 local acts playing two songs each, judging by a panel of industry professionals and a headlining performance from 10:30 p.m. to midnight by last season’s winner, Ask the Natives. 6:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), Thursday, Feb. 28, at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Free; all ages. arcadalive.com or call Suzie at (630) 276-3825.

Artist networking

It’s time to connect with Chicago-area music artists, vendors and industry professionals when Evan Price and Artist Collective hosts the bimonthly Artist Collective Meetup next week. Get to know some of the sound engineers, fine artists, photographers, promoters, producers and the like who work with musicians to make Chicago’s music community so strong. Head to Houndstooth Saloon to network, check out the vendors and enjoy food and drink specials for the evening. 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St., Chicago. $5-$10. eventbrite.com.

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