Club hopping

Aptly named for a group including four solid vocalists, Chicago's 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 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, at 10 tonight. Tickets, $12. Call (773) 276-3600. -- Jim DeRogatis

The Austin, Texas roots-rockers are touring in support of their upcoming seventh album, "Bulletproof," that finds them showing a bit more rock than roots. Check them out at 9 p.m. Saturday at Joe's, 940 W. Weed. Tickets, $10. Call (312) 337-3486. --MH

An entertaining triple bill. Megafaun is an avant-folk trio from Durham, N.C., Jon Mueller is a drummer-percussionist and Paulina Hollers is an Appalachian-style folk group featuring Jim Becker of Califone. At 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Tickets, $8. Call (773) 227-4433. --MH

The Avett Brothers are taking roots music in a new direction by filtering their high-lonesome harmonies and acoustic sound through a mix of punk, country blues and Southern gothic. Jessica Lea Mayfield opens at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn. Tickets, $17 in advance, $19.50 at the door. Call (312) 923-2000. --MH

With "Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State," the singer-songwriter has released his best album to date. His new band (behind Ryan, above) goes by same name. Filled with haunting songs inspired by his life and friends, it satisfies on many levels. Popular sideman Graham is touring behind something different, the DVD release of "Swept Away," a documentary that is part portrait, part in-concert revelry. At 8 p.m. Tuesday at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Tickets, $15. Call (773) 525-2508. -- Mary Houlihan