Tom Lynch

This weekend the venerable local label Thrill Jockey celebrates fifteen years in the business with a two-day blowout of TJ acts, all of which, of course, are charmingly different than one another, which will ultimately make this fest wonderfully jarring. Day one features performances by Arbouretum, Archer Prewitt, Bobby Conn, Brokeback, Fiery Furnaces, Fred Anderson, School of Language, Thalia Zedek and The Sea & Cake. Day two offers Adult., Califone, Eleventh Dream Day Frequency, Pit Er Pat, Trans Am and The Zincs. If you have to choose one, take day two, as Adult., Califone, EDD and Trans Am are all live acts that shouldn’t be missed. The weekend also promises to offer special surprise guests, so be prepared for a treat (thought: where the hell is Tortoise on this bill? Hmm). Fifteen years is quite an accomplishment for founder Bettina Richards and her crew—the bill here speaks for itself, and answers why Thrill Jockey is still a great label.

Thrill Jockey’s 15th Anniversary Celebration is December 14-15 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 North Kedzie, (773)509-5019, at 7pm. $25.

(2007-12-11)

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