Nice Tix: Sleep is for Scrooges

I’m always excited about Second City’s annual fundraiser, The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters To Santa, which mixes 24 hours of improv with some all-star music guests. This year’s lineup has just been announced (and yes, it’s worth getting up at 6am or whenever to see Steve Albini, in my humble opinion). Other great acts include Sally Timms and Jon Langford, Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, Robbie Fulks, and the one that’s the big kicker, Kim and Kelley Deal (and if they play “Cannonball” that will be the bestest, although I doubt it’ll happen).Tickets are $10 at the door, and for more info, click here.

A few more choice gigs to keep your eye on:

Indian December 8, Hideout The local heavies celebrate their two new vinyl releases, Slights and Abuse and The Sychophant, both on Seventh Rule Records. (Tickets available day of show)

Tomorrow Never Knows Festival January 16-20, Schubas  Schubas holds another TMN fest, your indie-rock salvation from the post-holiday, mid-winter doldrums. I particularly recommend checking out White Williams January 19, who opened for Battles earlier this month. (On sale Friday 16 at noon)

Members of the Jam Februrary 4, Abbey Pub  Bruce Foxton, Rick Buckler and Hugh Cornwell (of the Stranglers) go on a semi-reunion tour to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. (On sale Saturday 17 at noon)