Music notes: Pure Prairie League celebrates 40 years
Country rockers
Pure Prairie League has been playing a mix of country, bluegrass and rock for more than 40 years. The band (which for a time included Vince Gill on lead vocals) scored a huge hit with the song “Amie” and was a vital live act in the 1970s and 1980s. After spending most of the '90s on hiatus, the band is back and touring as regularly as ever. It makes a stop in the suburbs this weekend.
8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Tickets cost $55 to $65. Go to metropolisarts.com.
Still gunnin'
1980s metal heroes L.A. Guns emerged from the famed Sunset Strip metal scene in Los Angeles. While never reaching the stratospheric levels of success enjoyed by fellow '80s metal acts Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, the band cultivated a devoted following despite repeated lineup changes.
9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets start at $15. Go to viper-alley.com.
Winter rock fest
For many, the winter blahs start setting in right after the holidays. It's cold. The sun rarely shines. There are no turkey dinners or gifts to look forward to. Fortunately, the annual Tomorrow Never Knows rock festival kicks off next week, giving music fans a chance to chase the blahs away by seeing an eclectic mix of indie acts at some of Chicago's best music venues — Schuba's, Lincoln Hall, Metro, the Hideout and others. This year's lineup features some bands with suburban roots, including Wild Belle, a brother-sister duo that hails from Barrington, and the Orwells, a young pop-punk band from Elmhurst. (Other bands scheduled to perform include Bear in Heaven, Born Ruffians and the Walkmen.) Shows begin on Wednesday and run through next weekend, so it shouldn't be hard to find one that interests you.
Tomorrow Never Knows gets under way Wednesday, Jan. 16, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 20. Ticket prices vary by show and venue. Five-day passes are available. For lineup and ticket information, go to tnkfest.com.