A little bit of a slow week for music that catches my eye (and/or ear). There are plenty of shows going on, but these are the ones I'd recommend.

Taste of Chicago kicks off this week. I forsee myself completely undoing my attempts to eat healthy. Thanks a lot, Chicago.

This week might as well be known as the Week of Great Shows that I Can't Go to Because I Have to Prepare for People to Come Install New Carpet. Home ownership is not always worth it, let me tell you.

But Taste of Chicago isn't just about eating until you don't think you can move anymore. There's also always a fantastically eclectic mix of live bands playing, and it's all free.

Derek Nelson has been gathering a following of fans, and pretty quickly at that, as he just released his first EP in October. Performing with a full band, he's headlining a show on Thursday at Lincoln Hall.

This week, my teenage years come back to haunt me.