Tomorrow Never Knows 2011 kicks off this week, with shows at Schubas, Lincoln Hall, and Metro. Some year, I'll be able to do something wacky like go to a show every night. This is not that year. I'll be at the Marketa Irglova show for my one TNK 2011 stop this year. Should be good.

Lots of stuff during the week to check out; not so much over the weekend. I'll be checking out Carolina Chocolate Drops on Friday. As always, the below is just a list of shows that tickle my fancy. Your mileage, or taste in music, may vary.

A note to the city of Chicago: I don't care what kind of ridiculous budget cuts you have to make in the future. Please never, ever let go of Michael Orlove. This guy has done a whole lot to energize downtown Chicago with music of all genres. And best of all, it's free.