Sound check: Moore's listening party; the Morellos on Dave Grohl's series
Morello and mom
For his streaming documentary series exploring relationships between musicians and their moms, “From Cradle to Stage,” the Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl recently visited Libertyville musician Tom Morello and his mother Mary. The episode, which will be available to stream exclusively with a subscription on Paramount+ Thursday, June 3, explores Morello's roots in political activism and how it colored his music in Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Judging from the preview clip, it seems like the apple doesn't fall terribly far from the tree. Grohl and his mom have also visited Pharrell, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile and Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons so far in the series.
Hip-hop dinner
Elgin hip-hop artist Andrew Moore already dropped “Bad Habits,” the first single off his intensely vulnerable musical journey “If You Saw Me At My Lowest.” And while the rest of Moore's collection, an exploration of his struggles and his personal and artistic growth, streams this Friday, he's offering a better way to hear it. Partnering with Kubo Sushi & Sake Lounge in Elgin, Moore presents a listening party Friday, complete with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a chance to listen with the artist and hear the stories that made him who he is. General admission includes an appetizer, entree and dessert, while the “Now That I'm Paid” upgrade package also adds on two premium drinks and a California roll or chef's choice sushi roll.
6 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Kubo Sushi & Sake Lounge, 70 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. $25 per person for the dinner package; the “Now That I'm Paid” upgrade is an additional $25 per person. Capacity is limited to 50 guests, so snag your tickets soon at eventbrite.com.
Drive-in for Jeff Tweedy
Folk rocker Jeff Tweedy, who mans the mic and guitar for Chicago's beloved Wilco, hits the SeatGeek Stadium stage this weekend for a drive-in show at the Bridgeview arena. Tickets for the outdoor event accommodate up to four passengers per car in socially distanced parking areas where fans are allowed to dance or chill to their favorites. Tailgating is encouraged, but masks are required any time patrons are outside their cars.
6 p.m. Friday, June 4, at SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Premium parking is sold out, but general admission is available for $202.09-$243.52; additional passengers per car are $48.55. Find more information and tickets at seatgeekstadium.com.
Bitter Jester's return
Calling bands and solo artists: Submissions are open now for Bitter Jester's 15th anniversary music festival. Chosen acts will perform at in-person Friday night concerts in late July and early August at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave. in downtown Highland Park) for an audience and a panel of qualified judges who offer thorough feedback to each act afterward. The grand finale and fireworks display will be on Sunday, Sept. 5, of Labor Day weekend. And if the fame and glory aren't enough, there are also cash prizes for the taking. Get detailed information or apply at bitterjesterfoundation.org.
Punk the Burbs is coming back!
This week, Punk the Burbs organizers announced the return of the annual punk and pop-punk festival. While details are still forthcoming, the full-day showcase of local and regional punk bands is set for Saturday, Oct. 30, at Cairo Ale House, 2009 Franciscan Way, West Chicago. Bands interested in playing the fest should fill out a submission form at form.jotform.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 local music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.