Sound check: Footlight District, Million Reasons light up Martyrs'
Haunting and dizzying
If you're familiar with our 2019 year-end roundup, you will notice two of last year's top bands sharing a bill this weekend: When the five Scarbrough siblings of The Footlight District bring their classic rock-inspired, soulful blues to the stage, it promises to crackle with a supernatural energy. The Million Reasons celebrates the release of a new four-song, prog-inspired EP, along with the live debut of new frontman Taylor Brennan. Make sure you're there early for the battle-ready, hard-rock grooves of Chicago favorite Bubbles Erotica as it kicks off a night of powerful music. 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 404-9494 or martyrslive.com.
Bright and shiny
Gabe Mouer and Patternist take over Subterranean's downstairs stage with his Pacific Northwest indie pop Friday night, bearing tidings of last fall's “I Don't Know What I'm Doing Here” debut LP to the Midwest. The show also features Capital Soiree, fresh off a triumphant dreamy-pop EP release, the energetic Ember Oceans, which is putting the finishing touches on some funk-filled new tunes, and the always delightful indie sounds of Sunday Cruise. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.
Balmy jams
It's never too chilly to dive into some summery jams as The Bank Notes brings its reggae-inspired chill vibe to Westmont's The Uptown. The Notes — Elliot Krull, Evan Joyce, Dan Tamillow and Ian Boltz — first crossed my radar at last summer's Homegrown Arts & Music Festival, and the band will be joined on stage by the fest's founder Aaron Williams and his '90s alternative-inspired rock and jams from The Speedwagon. 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at The Uptown, 12 W. Burlington Ave., Westmont. (630) 969-4717 or facebook.com.
Happy anniversary, Chicago Mixtape!
Casey Meehan, the founder and curator of the weekly Chicago Mixtape playlist, is celebrating nine years on the scene with an anniversary party at The Hideout this weekend. The show, not only a celebration of the past near-decade, is also looking ahead with performances by fast-rising Chicago hip-hop artist Psalm One, a striking album release by Meehan's fresh musical project Sy Somebody and a new EP from Josh Chico. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at The Hideout, The Hideout ® 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. $15. (773) 227-4433 or hideoutchicago.com.
• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@thatshamieguy) or Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck). Brian also keeps tabs on the Chicago-area music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.