Fresh Start to Your Week: 7/31 – 8/02

It's Lollapalooza week! The now four day festival is kicking off on Thursday and most of the pre/after shows are sold out. Don't fret, there are still plenty of things to do before the citie biggest music festival. Take a look at this week's mostly free Fresh Start and begin your big Lollapalooza week off right! MONDAY, JULY 31st Dim / FACS / Torture Love / Cocktail Twins (DJ set) @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., 9:00PM WHAT: Experimental sounds for your Monday night needs! SO WHAT: If there is a free show at Empty Bottle, you should go and discover some new local music. This time around the free Monday show is headlined by Dim, who creates some incredibly heavy shoegaze that will remind you of Ride and My Bloody Valentine at their most raw. Joining Dim will be the sonic explorations of Torture Love and the unparalleled post punk minimalism of FACS. The Cocktail Twins DJs will be spinning tunes throughout the night! NOW WHAT: It's free! just head and prepare for some of Chicago's most interesting music! TUESDAY, AUGUST 1st Tuesdays on the Terrace @ Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave., 5:30PM WHAT: Enjoy an evening of free music on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden SO WHAT: This annual summer performance series, hosted by Al Carter-Bey from WDCB 90.0 FM and Richton Guy Thomas from WHPK 88.5 FM, highlights artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community. This evening will feature Dee Alexander! NOW WHAT: The concert series is free and open seating is still available on the terrace or bring a blanket to relax on the lawn.  MCA currently has their regular food service for this event including a buffet, which features a changing menu of themed dishes using fresh, locally grown produce for $30 per person. To make reservations for July–September, call 312-397-3805. In case of rain, the event moves inside to the MCA’s Kovler Atrium. Tuesday Funk #107 @ Hopleaf, 5148 N Clark St., 7:30PM - 9:00PM WHAT: An eclectic monthly reading series that celebrates good writing and good beer. SO WHAT: Andrew Huff and Eden Robins co-host Tuesday Funk, an eclectic monthly reading series where a group of writers read their works while the audience takes in a drink or two. Housed in the upstairs bar at Hopleaf, Tuesday Funk constantly delivers wonderful writers sharing their best work. Readers will include Jonathan Jones, Edward Moses, Tiffany Gholar, Hannah Gamble and Alicia Swiz! NOW WHAT: Doors open at 7:00pm and the show starts at 7:30 sharp. So get there early to grab a seat, but not overly early. Admission is always free and the event is 21 and older. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd Jazzin' at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr., 5:00PM - 10:00PM WHAT: Jazz, drinks, and sea life SO WHAT: Every Wednesday evening during the summer, Jazzin at the Shedd will let you enjoy live jazz, cool drinks and a relaxed visit with 32,000 animals. You’ll be able to take in the Chicago skyline while listening to some of Chicago’s top jazz musicians. You can see the full lineup of musicians at the Shedd website! NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20 (or $18 if purchased before June 21st. Shedd members get into the this wonderful series for free! Lakeview Live! Concerts on the Curb @ Paulina between Henderson & Roscoe, 3358 N Paulina St., 5:30PM - 8:30PM WHAT: Enjoy live outdoor music, craft beer, local food and family-friendly fun this summer in the heart of Lakeview! SO WHAT: Lakeview Live is a series that showcases the sounds of Chicago's talented musicians & performers and celebrates Lakeview's local businesses. There will be plenty of beer, wine, and food from several local restaurants located around the event. This evenings performers will include Baby Money & the Down Payments and Bethany Thomas! NOW WHAT: The series is free to attend! Go out and have a great time with music on the curb!