RECOMMENDED Come bid farewell to Chicago pop-punk band Spitalfield. The Victory Records artists have called the quits after nine years together. Fresh off a lengthy farewell tour—that included a jaunt across the pond—the pioneering emo kids come home for a final hometown show before disbanding. Fans have long wondered how this common thread between Chicago’s indie success stories—the band has toured with Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is… and Plain White Ts—never broke through to the mainstream. The band remains mum about the reasons for the split, but members have stated in recent interviews that they wish this final show to be a celebration—not a funeral. Joined by an extended line-up of local indie acts, this show is not to be missed. Chicago’s The Audition and Peoria’s The Forecast lend their emo chops to the fray, along with local pop outlets Holy Roman Empire and Beardog. (K. Tighe) Sunday, December 23 at Metro
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
