Sound check: RubyGld Smoke plays Underbelly spotlight; Black Friday's Local Nation showcase
Underground spotlight series
Underbelly Hours podcast hosts Adela Skowronski and Dan Dick take to the Dry City Brew Works patio stage in Wheaton this weekend to shine a spotlight on three more musical acts bringing a lot of heart to the Chicago music scene: RubyGld Smoke, Sisters of Element and Lamar Creation.
6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at Dry City Brew Works, 120 N. Main St., Wheaton. Free. (630) 456-4787 or drycitybrewworks.com.
Dan Asio and the Local Nation showcase
Wheaton musician Dan Asio dove into a solo project during the pandemic lockdowns, releasing his first EP "Jaded" in fall of 2020. This year, he added some local talent to accompany him for Friday's release of "Still Jaded," a collection of original songs exploring his views on honesty, growth, optimism and spirituality. The Dan Asio Band will put those songs on stage for the first time this weekend as Glen Ellyn native and Homegrown Arts and Music Festival creator Aaron Williams debuts his new Local Nation Presents showcase at BaseCamp Pub in Lisle. The lineup brings together five bands - many of whom are Homegrown alums - lead off by an acoustic set by Williams. Catch the sounds of Curious Grace & Black Rabbit, Hanging Cities, The Dan Asio Band, Jacks and Atoms and The Vultures.
6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $8 at homegrownartsandmusicfestival.com.
Nellie's Future Stars
This weekend, Nellie's in Palatine welcomes the young rock stars of Collision and David's House to the main stage for its monthly Future Stars showcase. The family-friendly event comes paired with food and drink specials as well as a chance for up-and-coming musical acts and fans to connect.
Note: Nellie's is looking for future performers; high school age and younger musicians should submit a demo to info@durtynellies.com.
5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, at Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. (847) 358-9150 or nelliespalatine.com.
TomCat's Christmas
Growing up in the touring lifestyle as the son of a Broadway musician, Glenbrook South grad Tom "TomCat Trumpet" Burke knew he was destined for the stage. But with his own spin. After extensive experience in jazz bands, Burke found his own niche - bringing a live component to electronic and dance music shows at nightclubs across Chicago. This week, he stepped back to his roots to release "A Tomcat Trumpet Christmas EP," a five-song collection of holiday favorites flavored with his brass flair.
"Most cats in this city know me as rippin' trumpet over house music in nightclubs, and I want to showcase my love for jazz and Christmas music," Burke said. "I selected a few Christmas songs that have always had a special place in my heart and take me back to opening presents by the fire as a kid."
The new EP, released Tuesday, is available for streaming and purchase on most major outlets.
North Coast and ARC tickets
Make plans now for Labor Day weekend 2022 as North Coast Music Festival and ARC Music Festival have set their dates. Last week, North Coast announced its return to SeatGeek Stadium (7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview) Friday through Sunday, Sept. 2-4. The first wave of lineups will be announced soon, but tickets are on presale now at northcoastfestival.com. ARC Music Festival 2022 will be taking over Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago) Friday through Sunday, Sept. 2-4. Sign up at arcmusicfestival.com to get presale access on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
• 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.