Music notes: Blue October, Against Me! stopping in the suburbs
Powerhouse punk
Pop-punk band Against Me! will make a stop in the suburbs this weekend, touring behind its acclaimed new album, “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” which came out earlier this year. The album is the band's first since singer Laura Jane Grace revealed herself as a transgender person in 2012. (Before that, she was known as Tom Gabel.) Critics are praising the record's intense, stripped-down music and revealing lyrics.
7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $18. Go to durtynellies.com.
Time to get ‘Blue'
Alt-pop band Blue October has developed a devoted following with its earnest brand of guitar rock. The Texas-based band is touring behind its most recent album, “Sway,” and it will perform in Libertyville next week.
8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson, Libertyville. $25. Go to austinsaloon.com.
Grrrl power
Kathleen Hanna, former leader of feminist punk band Bikini Kill and a driving force behind the “Riot Grrrl” movement of the 1990s, is fronting a new band, The Julie Ruin. Its stellar debut, “Run Fast,” combines the power of Bikini Kill with an '80s New Wave vibe. Hanna remains an electrifying singer and a witty songwriter. Her contributions are matched by the rest of the band, particularly bassist (and Bikini Kill alum) Kathi Wilcox and keyboardist Kenny Mellman. The Julie Ruin will perform in Chicago next week, a show that also features acclaimed punk band the Screaming Females.
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, Chicago. $16. Go to lincolnhallchicago.com.