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Music notes: '80s rocker Lita Ford to play Arcada in St. Charles

<b>Rockin' weekend</b>

Attention, children of the Reagan era: The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles has two big rock shows coming up that should thrill anyone who grew up in the 1980s. First up is Lita Ford, the hard-rock guitar goddess who started with the pioneering all-female group the Runaways before scoring solo hits like "Kiss Me Deadly." A day later, ex-Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm takes the stage. His soulful (and suggestive) vocals were the highlight of hits like "Hot Blooded," "Urgent" and "Juke Box Hero." Head to St. Charles this weekend and relive those awesome rock memories! Lita Ford (with openers Vixen and Bloody Mary) performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, and Lou Gramm performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets for both shows start at $49. Go to oshows.com.

<b>Mixing ska & swing</b>

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies have cultivated a devoted following by mixing ska with classic swing (and a dash of punk rock). The band will pay tribute to the Rat Pack when it performs in the suburbs this weekend. 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, Park and Fawell boulevards, Glen Ellyn. Tickets start at $39. Go to atthemac.org.

<b>A new style</b>

Seattle-based hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces has earned acclaim from critics and fans for its audacious and unfettered take on rap music. The soundscapes are dreamy one minute, jagged the next. The beats meander, float and change direction with no warning. Led by Ishmael Butler, formerly of the 1990s alt-rap group Digable Planets, Shabazz recently released its second full-length, "Lease Majesty," on Sub Pop. They stop in Chicago for a show this weekend. 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $15. Go to lincolnhallchicago.com.

Experimental rap group Shabazz Palaces performs in Chicago this weekend. courtesy of Patrick o’brien-smith
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