Hey, what’s this?  A long weekend on the horizon?  Well, a long weekend for some.  For others, Presidents’ Day is like any ol’ Monday, but no matter, this weekend’s picks don’t get into the gray area of Sunday/Monday.  This weekend, get down in a very smooth manner, have a blast at XRT/Metro’s Winter Soulstice, and take in some “gypsy punk” in Lincoln Park….

Stay Smooth XVIII @ Schubas, Friday, February 15

What is Stay Smooth?  If you’re not a big fan of Yacht Rock (the genre and/or the web series), then you probably should steer clear, but if you have a soft spot in your heart for the smooth sounds of ’70s and ’80s radio, then this event has your name written all over it.  They encourage you to rock your finest “rainbows, unicorns, ice cream cones, puffy stickers, satin jackets, captain’s hats, jean shorts, short shorts, bikini tops, ski sweaters, tropical shirts, polo shirts,” etc…  More info here.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears @ Metro, Saturday, February 16

Black Joe Lewis hails from Austin, TX, and the story goes like this…  He got into performing and creating music of his own by working at a pawn shop, picking up a guitar there and then hitting open mic nights.  Simple enough, right?  A perfect example of how exposing yourself to new things can change your life in ways that you couldn’t possibly imagine.  BJL & The Honeybears once gave us a song called “Booty City,” so it’s really no surprise to now be rocking along to the song/video posted below with the title, “Mustang Ranch.”  This show is part of the XRT/Metro Winter Soulstice and you can find tickets here.

DeVotchKa @ Park West, Saturday, February 16

You know you have an interesting band when people have a hard time describing your sound.  DeVotchKa is a band that produces indie folk with a strong eastern European flavor, or you can just throw the term “gypsy punk” out there and maybe that will make things easier.  When you bring bouzoukis and sousaphones into the mix (and you do so extremely well), you’re able to create a sound that thrills and excites the senses of many first-time samplers of your music, and a sound that not many American bands can duplicate.  Tickets here.