Sound check: Craig Finn, Indigo Girls in Evanston; Josh Caterer in Skokie
PravdaFest in Skokie
Chicago indie label Pravda Records celebrates 38 years of Chicago-area music with a two-years-postponed anniversary party at Skokie's Sketchbook Brewing Co. this weekend. The two-night PravdaFest, hosted by James Van Osdol, will highlight current artists and musical reunions from the label's roster; Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops and Boom Hank take the outdoor stage Friday night, while The Slugs. The Service, Diplomats of Solid Sound and The Handcuffs hit the spotlight Saturday. Sketchbook Brewing will also unveil Pravda38, a new lager brewed up for the event. 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Friday and Saturday, June 24-25, at Sketchbook Brewing Co., 3901 Main St., Skokie. $30 per night; $50 for both nights; $75 for a two-night VIP package. eventbrite.com.
Evanston goes Indigo
Iconic Grammy-winning folk duo the Indigo Girls - Amy Ray and Emily Saliers - visit Evanston next week with their nearly 40 years of music and camaraderie. Their gold, platinum and double-platinum-selling records have drawn diverse audiences together behind their stirring and heartfelt songs, and their shows are often punctuated with audience singalongs. Singer Lucy Wainwright Roche joins them for this stop on their tour. 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $245. ticketsmarter.com.
Craig Finn solo-ish
Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn visits Evanston's SPACE next week, bringing his newly released fifth solo album with him. The singer and his live band, The Uptown Controllers, will be joined by OTHERPEACE for the Wednesday night appearance. 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Evanston SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $25-$35. (847) 492-8860 or evanstonspace.com.
- Brian Shamie