ALLA
This Chicago-based Mexican-American band is the vision of brothers Jorge and Angel Ledezma and vocalist Lupe Martinez. The trio was interested in creating a sound that took inspiration from, and paid homage to, their Mexican heritage. The bands sound is influenced by Brazilian Tropicalia, Motown, German Krautrock, traditional Mexican trio music and the symphonic pop sound of the 60s. Also on the bill: Tirra Lirra, the Singleman Affair, A Lull. At 8 p.m. Saturday at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake. Tickets, $5 in advance, $8 at the door. Call (312) 666-6775; www.bottomlounge.com. Mary Houlihan
JONATHAN TYLER & THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The blues-rock outfit from Dallas, fronted by 23-year-old Tyler, sounds like its been around for decades. Fierce youthful abandon mixed with the serenity of an old soul makes for some rockin songs and smooth ballads. At 8 p.m. Wednesday at Space, 1245 Chicago in Evanston. Tickets, $5. Call (847) 492-8860; www.evanstonspace.com. At 9 p.m. Thursday at Joes Bar, 940 W. Weed. Tickets, $5. Call (312) 337-3486; www.joesbar.com. MH
LISA HANNIGAN
The Irish singer and songwriter first made her mark on the music world accompanying Damien Rice. Now shes touring behind a strong debut album, Sea Sew, thats winning comparison to eccentric female musicians ranging from Jane Birkin to Edie Brickell to Bjork. She takes the stage at Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln, Saturday after an opening set at 9 p.m. by the Low Anthem. Tickets, $15. Call (773) 404-9494; www.martyrslive.com. Jim DeRogatis
STEPPIN IN IT; THE WIYOS
The acoustic quartet Steppin In It pounds out its own brand of roots music via old-time country, swing and blues. The Wiyos exuberant repertoire combines original songs with covers from Tin Pan Alley to Western swing. At 8 p.m. Saturday at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Tickets, $16-$20. Call (773) 728-6000; www.oldtownschool.org. MH
SPANDEXXX
Launch by the DJ duo Rocktapussy (DJ Mother Hubbard and DJ A-Cup), Spandexxx is a monthly dance party celebrating female DJs and electronic musicians in a field dominated by men. Co-sponsored by Venus magazine, the party comes to Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago, at 9 tonight, featuring the entrancing grooves of Golden Filter, Yello Fever and Rocktapussy itself. The cover is $10. Call (312) 226-7600; www.sonotheque.net. JD
ANDREAS KAPSALIS TRIO; NICHOLAS BARRON TRIO
Known to many for his Macy Gray-esque quivers on the light-rock hit single Im Not Superman, Barron started out busking for change on the CTA circuit 20 years ago. Heres a chance to see him bend the rules of blues with Steve Gillis, the drummer responsible for the brooding, hard-rock sounds of Filter, and an orchestra-weathered keys player, Vijay Tellis-Nayak. Meanwhile, technical guitar-warrior Kapsalis closes with two cohorts experienced in filling rhythmic patterns on everything from jazz to African drum circles; you might have heard their work on Sundance movie scores. At 9 p.m. Saturday at SPACE, 1245 Chicago in Evanston. Tickets, $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call (847) 492-8860; www.evanstonspace.com.
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