Sometimes you get a second chance.
That's the case with Chicago's Dot Dot Dot, which played an extremely rare gig in my neighborhood a couple weeks ago and I couldn't get there. Bands almost never play within two minutes of my door, but these guys did and I fumbled it.
Luckily for me -- and for you -- Dot Dot Dot is back on Saturday, May 1 for a performance at The Brat Stop. Sure, it's in Kenosha, but it's right off I-94 so it's easy to get to.
The venue -- a classic old movie palace -- is a great place to see a band. And Dot Dot Dot will fill all that space with its expansive, synth-fueled dance music.
The Windy City quintet first gained attention with its self-titled debut disc and it recently released the first of three EPs due in the next year. The first one, called "I" -- the others will be "II" and, you guessed it, "III"! -- has five slices of energetic pop music that will have you out of your seat.
Comparisons to Duran Duran have been bandied about and the band doesn't shy away from them, but that's an oversimplification. However, to say that Dot Dot Dot is influenced by '80s synth pop is a massive understatement.
Find out for yourself on Saturday by driving south to catch Dot Dot Dot at the Brat Stop. All part of its tour of unexpected venues, I guess. Good for them. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Blues rockers Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo are technically based in Madison, but seeing as they spend the better part of the year touring, it might be more suiting to call the open road their true home. Their rootsy, soulful rock music reflects their passionate travels, resulting in a trio of guys with real, gritty stories to tell via their instruments. Catch them this Friday, April 30 at Shank Hall. Milwaukee blues band Houndstooth is also on the bill. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. -- Julie Lawrence
When Jakob Dylan hits The Pabst Theater at 8 p.m. Wednesday, he'll be getting by with help from his friends. Neko Case and Kelly Hogan, who appear prominently on Dylan's upcoming album, "Women and Country," will appear at the show. -- Drew Olson
If you feel nostalgiac on Friday, you can choose between The Bangles at Northern Lights Theater or Public Image Ltd. at The Pabst. -- D.O.
