Sound Check: Phillip-Michael Scales returns to Chicago

Phillip-Michael Scales at Schubas

Former Chicago musician Phillip-Michael Scales has made some big moves since heading down to Nashville a few years ago. Along with multiple tours, including Europe, he also released his debut album, “Sinner-Songwriter,” through French blues label Dixie Frog Records, and his searingly personal single “Tell Me How I Sound Again,” an up-close look at subtle racism. Scales comes back to town to headline Schubas this week for a night of “Dive Bar Soul.” 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $15 at lh-st.com; 18+ show.

Croce plays Croce

A.J. Croce performs a special tribute to his late father, Jim Croce, the folksy singer behind the hits “Time in a Bottle,” “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and others, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$79 at arcadalive.com. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3

Dark Matters podcast fest

Elgin’s Side Street Studio Arts celebrates local podcasting with its Dark Matters Podcast Festival, featuring two days of live podcast recordings — “Ghostly,” “REMelations,” “The Pair-A-Normal Guys,” “Maybe It’s Spiritual,” “Perpetual Sin,” “Late Night Legends” and “The Bad Taste Crime Podcast” — plus vendors selling artwork, clothing and handcrafted items. Saturday night will feature a screening of the horror-comedy “Army of Darkness.” Single-day passes are $10, two-day festival passes are $15 at sidestreetstudioarts.org/darkmatters or at the door at the Side Street theater, 15½ Ziegler Court, Elgin, where the festival takes place. Visit the site for a schedule and details on the presentations. 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5

Night Spice night

Night Spice hits Chicago’s Metro with its synth-flavored hard rock this weekend, and it’s heading up a plentiful blend, from indie to emo. The lineup sports West suburban-born Weekend Run Club, along with Des Plaines native Wolf Rd and nostalgic pop-punk from Good Hangs. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $12-$15 at metrochicago.com.

Philharmonic in Skokie

World-renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Platts will be a featured soloist when the Chicago Philharmonic presents Mahler’s “Songs of a Wayfarer” at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The program also will feature Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 and composer Libby Larsen’s “Deep Summer Music.” Tickets start at $27 at chicagophilharmonic.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4

Sandler on stage

With songs, stories and jokes, actor and former “SNL” comedian Adam Sandler heads to the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, as part of his freshly extended “Adam Sandler Live” tour. He’ll be joined by a special guest for the show. Tickets start at $125 at unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5

Jim Peterik at Hey Nonny

Berwyn-born Jim Peterik, the singer/songwriter/producer behind The Ides Of March and some of Survivor and 38 Special’s biggest hits, heads to Hey Nonny’s listening room with a few special guests. Most seats are already sold out, but cabaret and standing room tickets are still available. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $20-$75 at heynonny.com.

Holcomb residency

Following up last year’s release “Coming Home: A Collection of Songs,” Nashville husband-and-wife duo Drew & Ellie Holcomb visit the Chicago area for their first residency tour, “An Evening With Drew & Ellie Holcomb.” The duo will play there Americana faves for three nights at SPACE in Evanston before heading out for the rest of the tour. 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 9-11, at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets start at $38 at evanstonspace.com.

• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com or follow him on Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck).

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