Nielson son carries on rock legacy in suburbs

="breakhead">Rock 'n' roll legacy

Rockford native Miles Nielsen, son of legendary Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, is forging a rock 'n' roll path of his own. The younger Nielsen will appear with his band, the Rusted Hearts, in the suburbs this weekend, performing his unique blend of pop, alternative country and soul.

9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Chord on Blues, 106 S. 1st Ave., St. Charles. Go to myspace.com/chordonblues or call (630) 513-0074.

="breakhead">Spare songwriting

The latest record from alt-country up-and-comer Ben Weaver, #8220;Mirepoix and Smoke#8221; (Bloodshot Records), has been compared to such lean, acoustic masterworks as Bruce Springsteen's #8220;Nebraska.#8221; The songs, which feature Weaver's voice and minimal accompaniment, were inspired by his time working in a Minnesota diner.

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Schuba's Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $12. Go to schubas.com.

="breakhead">#8216;Nightmare' coming

Oklahoma hard-rockers Hinder are getting ready to drop their third record, #8220;All American Nightmare,#8221; and they plan to give fans a sneak peek during a show next week in the suburbs. Hinder specializes in driving, guitar-heavy rock with a Southern twist.

Hinder plays with My Darkest Days and Default at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. $24. Go to ticketmaster.com.