RECOMMENDED
When the original Bottom Lounge closed its doors in 2005 to make way for the expanded El station at Belmont and Sheffield, the city lost a supreme all-ages rock venue (this was after The Fireside ceased booking shows on a consistent basis), and local booking company MP Productions lost one its premier venues. Rumors swirled for years about opening in a new spot, and finally, that day has come, with the new room at 1375 West Lake. Set to play the opening-night shindig is Chicago alternative-rock legends Urge Overkill, who haven’t made a record in quite some time but do occasionally play explosive, nostalgic sets within the city limits. Suffrajett opens with a brand of slick and sexy rock ‘n’ roll that always wins over crowds in a live setting and whose last record, 2007’s “Black Glitter,” still resonates with a head-bobbing verve. Along with Reggies Rock Club, it’s nice to see music venues spreading a bit south and expanding the city’s rock-venue geography. Bottom Lounge, welcome back. (Tom Lynch)
Friday, May 2 at Bottom Lounge