Music notes: Mason Rivers gets your toes tapping
<h3 class="briefHead">Country vibe at BaseCamp</h3>
If you're feeling the need for a little country music, head to Lisle this weekend. The Naperville band Mason Rivers has been putting out energetic, twangy rock in a few different incarnations since the band's inception in 2000, but its current blend of city bar tunes and country vibes seems to be the perfect mix for a raucous good night. They bring the show to BaseCamp Pub & Eatery in Lisle for a 21-and-older show. 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at BaseCamp Pub & Eatery, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
<h3 class="briefHead">Keep it Simpleton</h3>
The Americana genre has been swelling on the Chicago scene in recent years, and local folk rockers Simpleton & Cityfolk are at the head of the surge. Playing together for four-plus years has given the guys the swagger they need to perform at some of the city's premier venues, but their toe-tapping folksy appeal keeps their music grounded, emotional and personal, as their recent single "Keep Yourself (Free From Love)" shows. They're joined by Wisconsin alternative rockers Old Soul Society, local indie folk rock band Will Phalen and Elk Grove Village native indie singer-songwriter Jeff Brown. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $10. (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com.
<h3 class="briefHead">Garage rock with heart</h3>
On my first listen to The Shams Band's "Cold City," I was immediately struck by memories of The Lemonheads' seminal 1992 album "It's A Shame About Ray." Take some garage rock and blues and a heavy helping of folk and country, liberally peppered with references to hometown Chicago, and you have an idea of The Shams Band sound. It's fun. It's the kind of party where the whiskey keeps flowing long after the lights are turned on and the conversations take a more personal note. 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Old Towne Pub & Eatery, 40W290 Lafox Road, St. Charles. $5. (630) 513-4240 or otpwasco.com.