Out in Chicago this weekend, primarily to see my alma mater, Notre Dame, lose their sixth game in seven. In search of a nightcap, I headed up to Clark Ave. in Wrigleyville, which is mostly a frat-house trashfest. Unless you wander north of Addison, where the neon finally dims and the cool kids hang out around indie club The Metro and the adjacent Ginger Man Tavern. Ted Leo played here last night; tonight had San Diego beat duo Pinback. After, I might head down to the Metro's downstairs lounge, Smart Bar for their underground house night.

Tomorrow, it's off to the Around the Coyote arts festival in Wicker Park, which features open galleries, theater, and several music stages, at least one of which is outdoors. Fortunately, it hasn't been that windy...

P.S. The Chicago Symphony hosted their annual free Day of Music today in Orchestra Hall, featuring a full CSO concert under David Robinson, as well as jazz, latin, klezmer, and everything in between. One can only dream of the NYP pulling off such an event.