New York
On the eve of Music Hall of Williamsburg's fifth anniversary (gosh, it seems just yesterday it was still called North 6th!) dance-punk darlings The Rapture will be playing their first of three consecutive shows with sets that will likely include everything from the frenzy of their debut album Echoes to last year's ecstatic In The Grace of Your Love. [Flavorpill]
Her brassy voice and larger than life persona has made her a staple of the New York cabaret scene. Yes, we are talking about the bold, riotous and fearless Bridget Everett (who has wowed our own Mr. Mickey in the past), will be taking the stage at Joe's Pub tonight with her band Tender Moments for what will surely be a bawdy, brassy and entertaining evening. [Flavorpill]
To celebrate what would have been the late, great iconic avant-garde composer John Cage's 100th birthday, the New York Chamber Music Festival, conducted by Derrick Inouye, will present three of Cage's most dramatic pieces: Living Room Music, Sonata for Two Voices and The City Wears a Slouch Hat. [via Time Out]
As we all know, Fashion Week is fast approaching, and your ratty little New Yorker tote bag and H&M romper just aren't going to cut it this time around. Which is why we suggest hitting up the Hermès sample sale, where ready-to-wear, scarves, ties, bags and other accessories are a whopping 70 percent off, starting today. [via Racked]
Los Angeles
Todd Barry only appears to be a timid guy, but under that muted delivery is always a comedic curve ball. And while the dry comedian's show Todd Barry & Friends sounds as gentle as a PBS special, when some of the friends showing up are Sarah Silverman and Marc Maron, it's sure to be anything but that tonight at Largo at the Coronet [LA Weekly]
The Tallest Man on Earth, aka gifted, stripped-down, Dylan-esque singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, made the rounds this summer performing tunes of his wonderful second album, The Wild Hunt. In case you've missed this talented crooner, you have another shot tonight at The Glass House. [Oh My Rockness]
Chicago
Seattle based trio of rebel rousers Champagne Champagne serve their brand of synthesized beats and free flowing rhymes at the Schubas tonight. The group's sound seemingly blends both old school hip-hip jams and shoegaze, which the group can only describe as "rejecting easy classifications, broke groupies, and bammer weed." Joining the party are the equally rowdy supporting acts The Knux and ShowYouSuck [Flavorpill]
Did you know that Studs Terkel -- the late, Chicago-based, Pulitzer-prize winning author known for his sweeping oral histories of 'regular' Americans -- had a TV show? Tonight, the Museum of Broadcast Communications screens four lost episodes of of his early-'50s talk show Studs' Place, an improvised show that featured Terkel as himself as well as musical performances. Journalist Rick Kogan and documentarian Tom Weinberg will be on hand to discuss. [via Chicago Reader]
London
The princess of ethereal, lush, "goth-pop," Grimes, who is currently featured in this month's issue of Paper, will perform atHeaven, perhaps providing a Canadian answer to the beloved U.K. diva Kate Bush. [Time Out]