Music notes: Arcada hosts Michael McDonald, Dennis DeYoung
Classic weekend
Key members of two classic rock bands will take the stage on successive nights this weekend in St. Charles. First up is Michael McDonald, former singer and keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers. The multiple Grammy winner will run through his old band's long list of hits (“China Grove,” “Takin' It to the Streets”) and might perform a few of his solo hits as well. The following night, Dennis DeYoung will arrive. DeYoung was the powerhouse frontman of Chicago-based hard-rock band Styx in the 1970s and '80s. He and his pipes will blast through such stadium classics as “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” Don't forget to bring your lighters, classic rock fans!
Michael McDonald performs at 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, and Dennis DeYoung performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Both shows will take place at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets for each show start at $59. Go to oshows.com.
Let's dance
Dance-rockers Dot Dot Dot, whose members hail from the Northwest suburbs, infuse all their concerts with an upbeat “party all night” attitude. You can get in on the fun this weekend in Palatine. The Spazmatics are also on the bill.
10 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $7. Go to durtynellies.com.
Beautiful country
Even if acclaimed alt-country band Freakwater hadn't significantly slowed its touring in recent years, this would still be a must-see show. The band's rustic, mostly acoustic music might evoke the sounds of the past, but the smart and witty lyrics bring a wholly contemporary sensibility to the songs. The real highlight, though, is the interplay between singer-guitarists Catherine Irwin and Janet Bean. Their voices mesh like few vocal duos have. The band is performing at the Hideout, an intimate Chicago club, and the concert is part of a larger Janet Bean “residency” there. Check this one out, folks.
9 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. $5. Go to hideoutchicago.com.