It’s not every weekend that a measly 10 bucks can get you into an awesome local show and also go towards a great cause all at once. This weekend’s Team Roche Benefit will bring together some of Chicago’s best damn rock bands in honor of Nude Intruder frontman Connor Roche as he battles brain cancer.
6 incredible Chicago acts will grace the stage of Empty Bottle this Friday, August 15th, and show their support for Connor. Here’s how the night breaks down.
The Muzzlers
Catchy, no-nonsense garage rock at it’s best. Totally worth getting there early for. This one is from their latest LP, Wash Your Hand With The Muzzlers.
Mr. Ma’am
For a two-piece, they make a shitload of noise. Also, there’s not a bad song on their self-titled debut. All around fuzzy, sexy, punk rock. Check it out for yourself.
Seed Sounds
There is literally nothing on the internet about this project from Chad Fess. That doesn’t mean he won’t put on a hell of a set though.
The Thons
Insanely catchy and danceable, raw, surf rock. They’ve put out two incredible albums (consisting only of live takes, none of that Protools crap) as well as a live performance recording at one of Chicago’s great DIY spaces, Young Camelot. If you haven’t heard them yet, then they’re the best band you’ve never heard. Get on it.
Rat Hammer
Their songs are fast, loud , and generally under two minutes, what’s not to love? Equal parts metal and punk, all around HEAVY rock n’ roll. Here they are live at the Flower Shop- you’d have at least this good of a time if you go see them on Friday (It’ll probably be even better.)
Diagon Alley
Personally, I never got on the whole Harry Potter bandwagon, but I do enjoy the “Wizard Rock” stylings of Diagon Alley. It’s a lot like the kind of stuff I used to skateboard to, but with a little more “whimsy”. Songs like “Padfoot’s Revenge” have a heavy folk punk influence but still manage to pack in a mystical vibe, like what Led Zeppelin did with The Hobbit. It’s fun stuff, regardless of your wizard status.
Count ’em, 6 bands, at Empty Bottle, for a great cause. Tickets are still available here but they’re going fast.
All proceeds from the evening will go to Sweet Relief, an organization that “provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.”
Show starts at 8:00pm, doors shortly before that, $10, 21+ at The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.)