If you’re a fan of avant-garde jazz chances are you already know about the Umbrella Music Festival that kicked off last night, but if the sizable roster of talent performing over the course of the weekend has you feeling a little swamped, or if you’re looking to sort out a plan of attack to make the most of the multi-venue event—or if you just feel like soaking up some top-notch jazz criticism—you would be well advised to consult Peter Margasak’s thorough guide to the fest.
Fans of drone-rock should be thrilled at this week’s Artist on Artist, which pairs Disappears guitarist Jonathan van Herik with Wooden Shjips front man Ripley Johnson. In this week’s Three Beats we cover a new education-based rock project from Coach House Sounds founder Matt Baron, the latest news on Netherfriend’s ambitious ongoing recording project, and a new album from Chicago oddball Chris Ligon. Gossip Wolf’s got the dish on Wax Idols, Ben Weasel, and Miss Mia from Chic-a-Go-Go‘s burgeoning acting career. In the Secret History of Chicago Music Steve Krakow clues us in on soul singer Darrow Fletcher. And the Soundboard offers live music tips featuring Feist, SBTRKT, Fu Manchu, White Denim, Diego el Cigala, and more.