Power-pop pioneers
In the 1970s, the Zion natives in the band Shoes paved the way for the indie-rock revolution by recording their guitar-based power-pop on their own. A stint on a major label followed, but the band never lost sight of its DIY ethic, which made it a revered touchstone for the indie bands of the 1990s. Shoes released "Ignition," a well-received album of catchy, hook-laden songs, in 2012, and will perform this weekend in the suburbs.
9 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $20. Go to fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Genre blender
Corky Siegel, a master of the blues harmonica, combines traditional blues with elements of classical music in his Chamber Blues ensemble, which comes to the suburbs this weekend. Siegel is a treat to see live, so put this on your calendar.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, Washington and Franklin streets in Wheaton. Tickets start at $37. Go to www2.wheaton.edu/ticketoffice.
Legendary punk-poet
Patti Smith, the influential singer, songwriter, poet and artist, returns to Chicago next week for two shows at the Vic Theatre. Smith emerged from New York's vibrant punk and arts scene in the 1970s with albums, including the classic "Horses," that featured her gritty mix of punk and spoken-word poems. She has remained active since, creating music, visual art and written works, including her memoir "Just Kids," which won the National Book Award in 2010. Here's a chance to see a bona fide music legend at work.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago. $37.50. (Show on Monday, May 6, is sold out.) Go to jamusa.com.
