Kari Lydersen
Jeff Biggers explores the devastation coal has wrought on southern Illinois—and his own family.
Music
Show: Lights This peculiar Brooklyn band's second full-length, Rites (Drag City), combines throbbing disco, warbling folk, chill psychedelia, and Laura Nyro-style pop (thankfully not all in the same track), an unwieldy hodgepodge that hangs together largely on the strength of the beautiful but sturdy harmony singing of guitarist Sophia Knapp and drummer Linnea Vedder. The Entrance Band headlines; Lights and White Mystery open.
9 PM, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western 773-276-3600 or 866-468-3401, $10, $5 (limited).
Dinner: Mr. Brown's Lounge "While the menu is mostly Jamaican fare, concessions to the bar crowd like chicken tenders and onion rings also make appearances. So I was little surprised to discover that the food is top-notch," writes Julia Thiel.
2301 W. Chicago Ave., 773-278-4445
Two truly outstanding blogs you should be reading, adding to your RSS feeds, telling your friends about, and otherwise lending your attention: detroitblog and One Story Up.
Show: Magda Mayas The Berlin pianist plays in Projekt Transmit, a group led by Necks drummer Tony Buck that's a four-piece for the occasion, with bassist Nate McBride and percussionist Steven Hess.
9:30 PM, Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 773-227-4433 or 866-468-3401, $8.
Dinner: Jane's inhabits a cozy converted house in Bucktown. The reasonably priced Cal-American fare is innovative, eclectic, and especially friendly to vegetarians.
1653 W. Cortland St., 773-862-5263