Tubes to perform in Elgin
The Tubes peaked too early for MTV, where their knack for risque media satire could have caused some major controversy. Instead, they remain a cult favorite, as much for catchy tunes straddling glam rock and new wave ("White Punks on Dope," "She's a Beauty") as for outrageous, theatrical live shows.
Facts: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $20-$45. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org.
Alan Jackson
Superstar Jackson supports his 15th album, "Good Time." It's his return to contemporary country roots after trying his hand at traditional gospel and more introspective fare. Trace Adkins and James Otto open. (For more country, head to Grant Park for the free Chicago Country Music Festival. Headliners are Gretchen Wilson on Saturday and Taylor Swift on Sunday.)
Facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $38.50-$85. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com.
Riot Fest
Punk, ska, psychobilly and thrash royalty combine for this ever-expanding annual bash. A second stage is planned this time, while main stage draws include ALL, Big Drill Car, Jay Reatard, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, HorrorPops, D.O.A. and Municipal Waste. Make a weekend of it: House of Blues, Double Door and Cobra Lounge host Riot Fest-related shows on Friday and Saturday, too.
Facts: Noon Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $25. (866) 468-3401 or riotfest.org.