This weekend: Singer, Was (Not Was)

Aptly named for a group including four solid vocalists, Chicagos Singer, the new quartet featuring Rob Lowe (90 Day Men), Ben Vida (Town & Country) and Todd Rittman and Adam Vida (US Maple), has issued a strong debut called Unhistories for the local Drag City label, exploring an airy brand of psychedelic jazz. The band headlines over Detholz! and Cloudland Canyon at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, at 10 p.m. Friday. The cover is $12; call (773) 276-3600 or visit www.emptybottle.com.

The legendary and once-again reactivated Detroit band Was (Not Was) is back on the road in support of the new album Boo!, playing two-hour sets of its unique mix of R&B, funk, rock and pop. It comes to the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, at 8 p.m. Saturday. Todd Snider opens, and tickets are $25. Call (773) 478-4408 or visit http://abbeypub.com/.