Music events: Smoking Popes stop in Palatine

Another chance

If you missed the recent Chicago-area stops by suburban punk-pop band the Smoking Popes, don't worry. The band has yet another concert coming up today in Palatine. The Popes are touring behind “This Is Only a Test,” a concept record that chronicles the emotional life of a teenager. The album brims with the band's trademark combination of driving punk guitars and singer Josh Caterer's heartfelt crooning. 9 p.m. Friday, April 8, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $12. Go to durtynellies.com.

Back to their roots

The Freddy Jones Band scored some local hits in the 1990s with their rootsy rock 'n' roll sound (then experiencing something of a resurgence due to groups like the Dave Matthews Band) and melodic songs like “In a Daydream.” After a hiatus, the group is back and will play the suburbs this weekend. 8:15 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. $30. Go to viper-alley.com.

Prog-rock gods

When it comes to progressive rock, there's Rush, and then everyone else. This Canadian trio has been playing big, loud, heady rock for more than 35 years, often adding synthesizers to their basic guitar-based hard-rock attack. Rush will hit Chicago next week on its Time Machine tour, which will include plenty of hits, the entire “Moving Pictures” record and a taste of some new songs. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $45 to $125. Go to ticketmaster.com.