When electro-rock sensation Lights first hit the music scene in 2008, she was just a songwriter with a synth and a dream. Her name may have been pluralized but Lights Poxleitner was a one-woman show who played and programmed her own instruments and sang her own lyrics.

This admirable self-reliance is rare in pop—in fact, Lights, signed a publishing deal at 16 and began writing songs for other artists—but after her 2008 self-titled debut EP (precocious enough to earn her a best new artist Juno) and gold-selling full-length follow-up The Listening, Lights was ready to open herself up to collaborations on her unexpectedly experimental album Siberia. And by choosing such leftfield collaborators as live electronic outfit Holy Fuck and rising rapper Shad, she also opened up her sound.

“It’s a huge step,” she readily admits. “For a year after my first record, I was confused and searching. I was writing all over the place and not finding anything that was essentially different. But after tour last year I was turned onto dubstep.” The genre’s grimy beats and sonic minimalism influenced the creation of Siberia, if not necessarily shaping the music itself (though she does pay homage with a dubstep drop on “Fourth Dimension.”)

Rather, dubstep led Lights away from the “perfection” of her past work. “Everything was tuned and timed just right. The new stuff is raw and gritty but still pop with a focus on the melodies. It’s the marriage of those two that make it really different and unlike anything I’ve ever done before.” This dirtier direction came from collaborating with Holy Fuck, a fellow Juno-winning, electronic-influenced Canadian act who she met when both played the dance stage at last year’s Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK. Impressed by their “grime and grit,” she decided to see what might happen when she infused her pop sensibilities with their experimental tendencies.

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My daughter married a serial killer addicted to online porn and lost her swimming scholarship to a girl in a fat suit before being falsely accused of prostitution. And I found a baggie of weed in her sock drawer! Or maybe that was my mother? Anyway, Saki, Everything is Terrible and The 3-Penny Was Here are proud to present ONCE IN A LIFETIME, the show that unleashes some of Chicago's funniest comedians on the Lifetime original movies you're ashamed to admit you've seen... twice.

Food & Drink Specials:
- "Cheesy" Burger w/ Merks Pub Cheese and Fried Onions - $8
- Budweiser & Bud Light drafts - $3
- White Wine Spritzers - $3

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If you would like to pick up your copy of American Savage before 6/20 please bring in a copy of your confirmation email to Unabridged Bookstore (3251 N. Broadway)
Only single tickets remain for this event!

Dan Savage, the author of the internationally syndicated sex advice column “Savage Love” and the editorial director of The Stranger, Seattle’s weekly newspaper, turns his sharp wit and keen perspective to some of the most salient issues facing the country today, including marriage equality, sex education, healthcare, gun control, and more. In addition to his frequent appearances on CNN, MSNBC, Real Time with Bill Maher, and The Colbert Report, Savage is a regular contributor to NPR’s This American Life. His books include the New York Times bestseller It Gets Better, Skipping Towards Gomorrah, The Commitment, and The Kid, his award winning memoir about adoption.

Join Unabridged Bookstore at Lincoln Hall as we welcome Dan and his new book.

Unabridged Bookstore opened in its current location at 3251 N. Broadway in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday, November 1, 1980, and while it has expanded since, the vision has remained the same: to promote and sell great books. Unabridged is known for its dedicated, knowledgeable staff, (and their hand-written personal recommendations) an unparalleled sale book section, and an award-winning children's section. It's safe to say that Unabridged is the BEST bookstore in the Chicago area where a shopper can buy the latest issue of a magazine, a copy of children's classic Goodnight Moon, or newest title, and pick up the latest literary fiction & non-fiction sensation, all in one stop.

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If you would like to pick up your copy of American Savage before 6/20 please bring in a copy of your confirmation email to Unabridged Bookstore (3251 N. Broadway)

Dan Savage, the author of the internationally syndicated sex advice column “Savage Love” and the editorial director of The Stranger, Seattle’s weekly newspaper, turns his sharp wit and keen perspective to some of the most salient issues facing the country today, including marriage equality, sex education, healthcare, gun control, and more. In addition to his frequent appearances on CNN, MSNBC, Real Time with Bill Maher, and The Colbert Report, Savage is a regular contributor to NPR’s This American Life. His books include the New York Times bestseller It Gets Better, Skipping Towards Gomorrah, The Commitment, and The Kid, his award winning memoir about adoption.

Join Unabridged Bookstore at Lincoln Hall as we welcome Dan and his new book.

Unabridged Bookstore opened in its current location at 3251 N. Broadway in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday, November 1, 1980, and while it has expanded since, the vision has remained the same: to promote and sell great books. Unabridged is known for its dedicated, knowledgeable staff, (and their hand-written personal recommendations) an unparalleled sale book section, and an award-winning children's section. It's safe to say that Unabridged is the BEST bookstore in the Chicago area where a shopper can buy the latest issue of a magazine, a copy of children's classic Goodnight Moon, or newest title, and pick up the latest literary fiction & non-fiction sensation, all in one stop.

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Join us for a special Road to Rise VIP Experience with Skillet. The VIP package includes:
+ Rise listening session with the band prior to the album release
+ Live Skillet acoustic set
+ Meet & Greet with the band
+ Dinner with the band
+ Q & A with the band
+ Viewing of entire Awake & Live DVD with Skillet before it is released
+ Signed Limited Edition silk screened hand numbered poster

BIO:
Since Skillet last hit the studio for 2006’s breakthrough project Comatose, the group’s toured with the likes of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, followed by a solo headlining ranking within Pollstar’s Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours for 2008. Along the way, the Grammy-nominated alternative outfit also scored three top 40 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts, earned a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards and released its first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack in support of the season called Comatose Comes Alive.

Aside from the commercial accolades, the Grammy-nominated modern rockers are rapidly approaching gold sales status, backed by both public adoration and critical praise, making the brand new Awake (Atlantic) the band’s most anticipated album to date. Not only does Skillet continue in the tradition of bone crunching rockers and melodic power ballads that comprised the last trip to the studio, but there’s a noticeable evolution sure to connect with longtime listeners and open the floodgates of its fan base even further than ever before.

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A Chicago-based alternative rock band with electro indie roots is making its way onto the national music scene. Since its launch in 2010, Polarcode has played popular music venues from New York City and Boston to Chicago, Milwaukee, and onto L.A. Creating songs about personal discovery, relationships, worldly matters and the rise of technology, Polarcode draws inspiration from the challenging realities of 21st century life. Polarcode delivers its original songs with layers of synthesizers, keyboards, intricate bass and drum interaction, tribal percussion and soaring vocals. The band’s jazz and classically trained musicians bring a unique juxtiposition of fiery virtuosity and delicate warmth to their music. Polarcode released their debut album, Polarcode, in 2011 and continue to delight audiences with their passionate performances.

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Transmission is...
Damon Locks (Trenchmouth / The Eternals)
Paul Kelvington (Econoline / INSTRUMENT)
Rebecca Flores (Tyler Jon Tyler / Negative Scanner)
Jay Ranz (Tiger Bones)
Aleks Tomaszewska (Magic Key)

For one night only: Transmission brings the post-punk energy of Joy Division to life. Front man Damon Locks evokes Ian Curtis as the band performs songs from Unknown Pleasures and Closer with some bonus favorites. Transmission was assembled by Paul Kelvington, a man who loves to pay tribute and adores doing it for a good cause. With his tributes to Minutemen and Fugazi, he has helped foster DIY spirit and musicianship in future generations through generous donations to Girls Rock! Chicago summer camp.

Former front man for In the Red recording artists The Horrors, Paul Cary is an old soul, creating haunting melodies for these modern times. Following a split 7" with Thee Oh Sees, his solo LP - Ghost of a Man - feels like a ride through the dark depths of a deep Iowa night in a '57 Chevy.

Richard Smith, aka DJ RikShaw, founding member of the experimental band Rome, has one of the finest collections of vintage Jamaican music in town -- ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, punk & new wave.

All proceeds benefit Girls Rock! Chicago, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to fostering girls’ creative expression, positive self-esteem and community awareness through rock music. Girls Rock! summer camps are open to girls 8-16 regardless of their ability to pay or play.

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The VIP ticket includes:
- General Admission Ticket
- Early Entry
- Exclusive Meet & Greet w/ Mike Stud
- Personal Autograph & Photo w/ Mike Stud
- Official Meet & Greet Laminate

The legend of Mike Stud dates back to his days growing up as one of Rhode Island’s greatest ball players of all-time. As a highly touted high school Senior, Stud was named Rhode Island’s 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year, Louisville Slugger Player of the Year honors, and also recieved a full athletic scholarship to Duke University. Mike was selected as an All-American and now holds the lowest ERA in Duke Baseball history after only his Freshman season at Duke.

After the promising start to Stud's collegiate baseball career, Tommy John Surgery put him on the sidelines. Suddenly, making music became an outlet to pass the time for Mike. After only a few public releases of self-composed songs, he began to get notable recognition for his rhyming ability and was encouraged to continue. After graduating Duke, Mike transferred to Georgetown to continue his studies as a Graduate student and to continue his attempt at regaining full-strength on the mound. Needless to say, Mike also continued working on music in his down time. Fast forward 14 months, and Mike is now one of the hottest upcoming musicians on the web, globally. Mike Stud’s rookie mixtape "A Toast to Tommy" debuted at #3 Worldwide, and #2 U.S. on the iTunes Hip-Hop album charts last October. He has since headlined a Sold Out 20-city national tour and has acquired over nearly 10 million YouTube views and counting. His versatility & fun, up-beat style has brought Mike to the forefront of viral artists, and with each new release, he is showing the world that he is about to take it over.

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The Bloom and the Blight is the work of a band that has matured and redefined itself, and the album is imbued with a palpable sense of personal catharsis. Opening tracks "Halcyon Days" and "Song of Songs" illustrate the type of build to explosion that's omnipresent throughout the album, and the prowling "My Love Won't Wait" - with a menacing chorus underscored by a pounding backbeat - is an epic, booming anthem. The gentler "Broken Eyes" - all voices, guitar, harmonica, and tambourine - has already become a fan favorite with its rousing, harmony-filled final verses, while the cinematic "Ride Away" soars on Adam Stephens' raspy howl and Tyson Vogel's relentless drumming. The songs have a dark side and a dynamic sonic heft, yet a sense of salvation and resolve courses throughout: an urgent, emotional poignancy stemming in part from Stephens' recovery from a serious van accident in 2010.

Produced by John Congleton (The Walkmen, Explosions In The Sky, St. Vincent), The Bloom and the Blight moves away from Two Gallants' more folk and blues-based past, representing the duo's ferocious live show and their past steeped in punk and grunge. The album simultaneously maintains the thoughtful storytelling and eloquent lyricism for which the band has become known, and contains gorgeous, quieter moments like the finger-picked ballad "Sunday Souvenirs" and the dreamy, unearthly "Decay" (the first Vogel-penned song on a Two Gallants album).

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Now we’re born again,” sings Zach Rogue on the closing track of Rogue Wave’s fourth studio album, Permalight.

The dreamy acoustic lament lasts just over a minute but in sound and spirit it neatly sums up everything that comes before it. A punchy, deceptively effervescent set of multi-instrumental pop tunes, the Northern California band’s latest set represents a giant breakthrough for Rogue and his longtime musical partner, drummer-keyboardist-vocalist Pat Spurgeon.

“The record sounds, for lack of a better word, fun,” the frontman says.

It’s an astonishing change of direction, to say the least. Formed by Rogue in 2002 after he lost his tech job and parted ways with the Oakland rock group Desoto Reds, Rogue Wave has a reputation for crafting classic, inward-looking pop songs highlighted with psychedelic guitars, pastoral sound effects and intricate rhythms.

On tunes from the new album like the title track “Permalight” and “Good Morning,” however, Rogue Wave steps away from expectations. Rogue says the former was written as a left-field sequel to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration,” with synthesizers that simultaneously sound brittle and blissful. “Stars and Stripes” builds on a deep groove before spilling over in a raging chorus. Clubby beats are prominent but the album doesn’t sit still for long. “Per Anger” is a straightforward rock tune that takes its cues from Pixies’ loud-quiet-loud dynamic.

Then there’s the album’s unofficial centerpiece, “I’ll Never Leave You,” a simple acoustic tune that finds Rogue coming to grips with the overwhelming emotions that come with young fatherhood. Like many of the songs on the album it’s rooted in Rogue Wave’s triumph over seemingly constant peril – including the tragic death of a former band mate and constant health issues – and the band’s undying determination to push forward.

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Now we’re born again,” sings Zach Rogue on the closing track of Rogue Wave’s fourth studio album, Permalight.

The dreamy acoustic lament lasts just over a minute but in sound and spirit it neatly sums up everything that comes before it. A punchy, deceptively effervescent set of multi-instrumental pop tunes, the Northern California band’s latest set represents a giant breakthrough for Rogue and his longtime musical partner, drummer-keyboardist-vocalist Pat Spurgeon.

“The record sounds, for lack of a better word, fun,” the frontman says.

It’s an astonishing change of direction, to say the least. Formed by Rogue in 2002 after he lost his tech job and parted ways with the Oakland rock group Desoto Reds, Rogue Wave has a reputation for crafting classic, inward-looking pop songs highlighted with psychedelic guitars, pastoral sound effects and intricate rhythms.

On tunes from the new album like the title track “Permalight” and “Good Morning,” however, Rogue Wave steps away from expectations. Rogue says the former was written as a left-field sequel to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration,” with synthesizers that simultaneously sound brittle and blissful. “Stars and Stripes” builds on a deep groove before spilling over in a raging chorus. Clubby beats are prominent but the album doesn’t sit still for long. “Per Anger” is a straightforward rock tune that takes its cues from Pixies’ loud-quiet-loud dynamic.

Then there’s the album’s unofficial centerpiece, “I’ll Never Leave You,” a simple acoustic tune that finds Rogue coming to grips with the overwhelming emotions that come with young fatherhood. Like many of the songs on the album it’s rooted in Rogue Wave’s triumph over seemingly constant peril – including the tragic death of a former band mate and constant health issues – and the band’s undying determination to push forward.

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