Music notes: mc chris cruises into Chicago
His backpack's got jets
“He's Hesh on 'Sealab 2021.'” And with that, my soon-to-be second-cousin-in-law convinced me I'd love to see mc chris play DeKalb sometime back in the early 2000s. In addition to his extensive work on Comedy Central's Adult Swim animation block (including the recurring MC Pee Pants on “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and voice and writing credits on “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” and “The Brak Show”), Libertyville-born rapper Chris Ward has spent nearly two decades channeling his inner nerdcore. His hip-hop celebrates the magic of superheroes and wizards and “Star Wars” (“Fett's Vette” still induces a laugh), bringing the genre to a new audience and vice versa. Catch him as he makes a tour stop at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago, along with comedian Nathan Anderson. $16-$18. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 19
Catching Shades at HOB
Their musical skills lie with different instruments - Stevenson grads Phil and Mark Jacobson on guitar, and Andrew DeMuro on percussion - but The Shades specialize in packing tight, three-part vocal harmonies into all their original songs. The upbeat trio has been a staple at the Elbo Room's New Month Parties, and this weekend they're playing a free session at the House of Blues Foundation Room. 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Free, but reservations are recommended. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com. 6 p.m. Friday, March 18
Folksy Freakwater
Harmony is the name of the game for Freakwater, the Kentucky-born folk band (although it's hard to pin them to just that genre) fronted by Catherine Ann Irwin and Chicago's Janet Beveridge Bean. Over three decades, these two have mastered the vocal dance; they skillfully complement one another while creating haunting tension. Backed by a supporting crew of talented musicians led by longtime collaborator and bass player David Wayne Gay, Freakwater recently published “Scheherazade,” its first new music in more than 10 years. Celebrate the release, along with Jaye Jayle and Morgan Greer's Drunken Prayer, Saturday, March 19, at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. $20. (773) 227-4433 or hideoutchicago.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, March 19
Upcoming concerts
Punch Cabbie, Hot Dang!, Red River, Along the Parallel, Kills Again, Consume the Divide, Face the Fire: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Metal, rock. $10. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
The Shams Band, Michele McGuire, Ryan Joseph Anderson: 9 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted Ave., Chicago. Americana, blues. $7-$10. (773) 248-8400 or tonicroom.ticketfly.com.
Draft Week, Dear Dario, Namorado, Burnside & Hooker: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. Alternative rock. $7. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.
The Ike Reilly Assassination: 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Rock. $20. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com.
Manic Focus, Borahm Lee (DJ set), Artifakts: 9 p.m. Friday, March 18, Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Electronic funk, hip-hop. $18. (773) 570-4000 or clubtix.com.
Orange Star: 9 p.m. Friday, March 18, The River's Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St., Batavia. Acoustic rock, covers. (630) 406-9200 or facebook.com/theriversedgebatavia.
Cowboy Jukebox: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 19, Ballydoyle's, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. Country rock. (630) 969-0600 or ballydoylepub.com.
Hidden Hospitals, Navaeh, Pillars, Gunner's Daughter: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 19, The Burlington, 3425 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago. (773) 384-3243 or theburlingtonbar.com.
Afterlife, featuring Kings Of Class, GoodSex, Richie Olivo, Snowmass and Dangerwayne: 10 p.m. Saturday, March 19, Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. House, dance. $5; free before 11 p.m. (773) 278-4646 or annexnightclub.com.
Brian Fallon & The Crowes, Austin Plaine: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Rock. $25-$60. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.