Music notes: Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford share bill in Schaumburg
Local treasures
The concert of the week is happening right here in the Northwest suburbs: Two of Chicago's best performers, Robbie Fulks and Jon Langford, will take the stage this weekend in Schaumburg. Fulks is a singer-songwriter-musician who embraces the conventions of traditional country music while also tweaking them — and he's both funny and dynamic onstage. Langford is one of the hardest-working people in the music business. He's a driving force in such acclaimed country-punk bands as the Mekons and the Waco Brothers, a solo musician and a visual artist. Like Fulks, Langford is a treat to see live. If you get out to one concert this weekend, this one has to be it. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $34. Go to prairiecenter.org.
Personal & political
Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne was a major force in pop music during the 1970s and 1980s. He created melodic songs with lyrics that combined the personal with the political. Browne, still active musically and politically, is touring behind his new album, “Standing in the Breach.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Tickets start at $44.50. Go to thechicagotheatre.com.
Suburban rockers
Alkaline Trio emerged from the sleepy suburb of McHenry in the mid-1990s with a raucous alt-punk sound. The trio has recorded and toured steadily, finding success on both major and independent record labels. The band plays the first show of a four-night hometown stand at Chicago's Metro next week, during which it will be performing songs from throughout its career. 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 16-19, at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $38. Go to metrochicago.com.