Music notes: Jam with Mr. Blotto at Durty Nellie's

Dance, dance

Mr. Blotto is one of Chicago's longest-running and most durable bands. The group formed in the early 1990s, and it has built a small but devoted following on the basis of near-constant touring all over the Midwest. Mr. Blotto's renowned live shows feature of a mix of original songs and expertly chosen covers, all displaying a jam-band aesthetic. The band performs in the suburbs this weekend, so if you're in the mood for some danceable rock grooves, make sure you stop by.

10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. (Ethereal Groove Inc. will also perform.) $5. Go to durtynellies.com.

A long journey

Steve Augeri may not be a household name, but for nearly a decade he fronted one of the biggest American pop groups ever. In 1998, Augeri took over as the lead singer of Journey — the band's first “official” vocalist since the departure of Steve Perry. Augeri and band toured the world and released new albums until 2006, when Augeri left and launched a solo career. The Steve Augeri Band will play in the suburbs this weekend in a concert that will raise money for research into a cure for Parkinson's disease.

8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. (Noah's Arcade and Fargo will also perform.) Tickets start at $29. Go to oshows.com.

Can't get to Lolla?

You might have heard that the Lollapalooza music festival takes place this weekend in Chicago's Grant Park. The three-day fest includes headlining acts like the Cure, Mumford & Sons and the Killers, along with up-and-coming bands like Wild Belle (with roots in Barrington!). Tickets to the fest disappeared in a matter of hours months ago, but if you're one of those who couldn't secure some, don't fret. The official Lollapalooza webcast will broadcast many of the performances live throughout the weekend. Just go to the festival website, lollapalooza.com, to see the music. It's not the same as being there live, perhaps, but at least you won't have to wait in line for a bathroom!