It may not be picnic weather, but it's still pretty damn nice for the first weekend in February. And yes, we realize the ice caps are melting and polar bears are frowning, which is why it is imperative that we not spend nights thinking about the possibility of maybe going to a show instead of actually going to one. There's plenty to draw you from the couch this weekend, including the Firebird's Three-Year Anniversary shindig featuring a mess of local rock all-stars (plus Chicago's Mutts) and a punk show at Off Broadway with a lineup that includes Black for a Second, the Haddonfields, the Chill Dawgs and Bass Amp & Dan-O (pictured). Organist Lonnie Smith continues a string of excellent shows at Jazz at the Bistro, N'Dambi has the biggest show at new-kid-on-the-block Plush to date and more:
Friday
Punk Rock Isn't Dead: It Just Smells Funny Off Broadway Bass Amp & DanO, The Haddonfields, Black for A Second and the Chill Dawgs 8 p.m. | $7
Spoken Nerd Schlafly Tap Room With Humdrum and the Skekses 9 p.m. | Free
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio Jazz at the Bistro 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. (also Saturday) | $25 to $30
Alvin Jett and The Phat Noiz Blues Band BB's Jazz Blues and Soups With Leroy Pierson 7 p.m.
Saturday
Junior by 8eat8 Records Firebird Three Year Anniversary The Firebird (duh) With Sleepy Kitty, the Blind Eyes, Bo & the Locomotive and Mutts 9 p.m. | $5
N'Dambi Plush With Julie Dexter and DJ Needles 8 p.m. | $15
