Music notes: Dot Dot Dot the antidote to winter blahs

Time to party

All the nasty winter weather that's hit the area recently has left many of us in the need for a mood pick-me-up. If that includes you, consider heading to Durty Nellie's this weekend to see Dot Dot Dot, a suburban band that mixes original material with carefully chosen covers — all of it high-energy and danceable. The group has put out four EP releases since forming in 2007 without any label support. It has also placed songs in numerous commercials and television programs. Dot Dot Dot's live show is known for its infectious and upbeat vibe, which makes it a perfect antidote to the winter blahs.

9 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $5. Go to durtynellies.com.

Country sounds

A number of established country-music songwriters will perform and discuss some of their well-known hits during the Nashville Backstage series at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. This weekend's show will feature songwriters Sherrie Austin, Tony Haselden and Will Rambeaux, who have written hits for such artists as George Strait, Blake Shelton and Dolly Parton.

8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Tickets start at $24. Go to rauecenter.org.

Residency shows

Libertyville native Ike Reilly and his band, the Ike Reilly Assassination, will begin a residency at Chicago's Schuba's Tavern this weekend. The band will play on Sunday and then five additional times this spring — March 17, April 14 and 28, and May 12 and 26. The band is putting the finishing touches on its sixth full-length album, and fans will get previews of the new songs at all the Schuba's shows. This is a great chance to see a local favorite in one of Chicago's best rock venues.

8 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at Schuba's Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $10. Go to schubas.com.