It’s now Wednesday and I’m still recovering from three days in Grant Park and four consecutive nights of aftershows.  Damn, Lollapalooza can be a grind, but another weekend is on the horizon and by the time Friday comes around I’m sure anyone that’s still aching from Lolla weekend will be recharged and ready to go.  So, let’s get to it with this coming weekend’s three picks that include a party at a world-class museum, a Chicago blues legend, and a gig with a classic indie band reunited at one of our favorite spots in town…

After Dark @ The Art Institute of Chicago, Friday, August 10

Here’s what you need to know about After Dark.  You get to tour the Lichtenstein exhibit after hours with a bunch of other party people, drinks, DJs, live music…  It’s a party at the Art Institute.  I’ve toured Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective once before, and I’ve been looking for an excuse to go back.  This is the excuse I’ve been looking for.  Tix and more info here.

Billy Boy Arnold @ SPACE, Friday, August 10

Chicago blues in Evanston, right off the purple line.  Billy Boy has been recording since the early ’50s and unlike so many other bluesmen of that era who were born in the south and then later made their way to Chicago, Billy Boy was born here.  He also lived close to Sonny Boy Williamson, who gave him a few harp lessons before his passing in 1948.  A Chicago blues legend coupled with a super cool spot in Evanston?  Not a bad combo.  Tix here.

Guided By Voices @ Metro, Saturday, August 11

GBV has been hitting it pretty hard this year.  They released an album in January (Let’s Go Eat The Factory), June (Class Clown Spots a UFO), they have another on the way later in the year (Bears For Lunch), and on top of putting out three albums in a year, they’re also touring.  A tour that stops at Metro as part of the venue’s 30th Anniversary celebration.  Tix here.

http://youtu.be/Xs6aJ4tc_DQ