Sound check: Jeff Schaller’s new release; Out Cold 4 at Piazza

Jeff Schaller ‘For Keeps’

Need a pick-me-up? Jeff Schaller’s “Reckless Life” release from two years ago chronicles a life on the move. And his newest album with band The Long Way Home picks up where that message left off, holding it aloft with its upbeat rock vibes and a hefty dose of honest self-analysis. The album, “For Keeps and a Single Day,” gets the record release treatment Friday with a show at Chicago’s GMan Tavern, joined by sets from Blind Adam and the Federal League and Mark Rose. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St., Chicago. $12-$15. gmantavern.com.

Country bros at Joe’s

The platinum-selling North Carolina band of brothers (plus a cousin and a friend) Parmalee heads to Joe’s Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, as their “Take My Name Tour” crosses through the Midwest. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; table packages available at joesliverosemont.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17

Aretha, Pretenders tributes

The Raue Center for the Arts is in for a big weekend of musical tributes. Friday, powerhouse vocalist LaShera Moore Ellis (and a 10-piece band) tackles the influential catalog of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin as Soul Bliss hits the venue, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Saturday, The Great Pretenders take the stage with a tribute to Chrissie Hynde and the music of The Pretenders. Soul Bliss performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; $30-$37 ($21-$25.90 for RaueNOW members) at events.rauecenter.org. The Great Pretenders play at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; $29-$35 ($20.30-$24.50 for RaueNOW members) at events.rauecenter.org.

Out Cold Vol. 4

The Piazza is bringing the beats back to the ‘burbs with a banger of an event this weekend. Out Cold Vol. 4 features four rooms of music and 32 DJs and live acts headlined by Bad Boy Bill, Hatiras and Nora Van Elken. Longtime Chicago artist and radio personality Tim Spinnin’ Schommer leads the lineup, which also includes Afterlife artists Bobby De Maria, Tsunami, Nikho, DJ Cross, Nathan Scott, Russ Christopher and many others for this 21+ party. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at The Piazza, 85 Executive Drive, Aurora. General admission is $30-$40; table packages are available at piazzaaurora.com.

Calling all scenesters!

There Goes the Neighborhood takes on Taste of Emo as West Dundee venue RocHaus hosts Pop-Punk versus Emo Night, featuring favorites songs, jams and singalongs from iconic faves blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Weezer, Simple Plan and more at this 18+ show. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at RocHaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. General admission is $15 plus fees in advance; reserved seats and table packages are available at rochaus.com.

Pino Farina at Nellie’s

With its latest release “Perfect Sky” a great addition to its alt-rock catalog, the Pino Farina Band takes the stage with all the new songs (and maybe a few old Punsapaya favorites?) this weekend at Durty Nellie’s. New York hip-hop artist Jak Tripper rolls into town to join them for the show. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Durty Nellie’s, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $10 at durtynellies.com.

Mardi Gras at Hey Nonny

Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, amps up for Mardi Gras Friday through Tuesday, Feb. 17-21, when the restaurant will feature Cajun-inspired specials. But the real party kicks off Tuesday night with a free performance by jazz group Bruce Blanck and Friends. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21

Epiphany blues

Epiphany Center for the Arts marks Fat Tuesday with a special night of music and revelry as Chicago diva/raconteur Lynne Jordan blends her hilarious stories and heartfelt powerhouse vocals with the piano-driven blues of Mick Archer’s BLUES 88’s featuring harmonicist Phil Baron. You can catch just the show, or plan to get there early to partake in one of various gumbo/hurricane/Mardi Gras beer packages also available. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $25 general admission; meal and drink packages available at epiphanychi.com.

SZA on tour

Soul singer SZA takes over the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., when her “SOS Tour” makes a midweek stop in Chicago, joined by indie-alternative singer-songwriter Omar Apollo. Tickets start at $200 at unitedcenter.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22

Little River faves

The smooth harmonies of the Little River Band are back for a show at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, with all the hits fans remember — “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Lady,” “Cool Change” and many more. $35-$65 at geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23

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

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