** Note: As of 6/21, this show has SOLD OUT. Please update your RSVPs accordingly **

For June, we've decided to run with a member's suggested meetup idea (thanks Chris S.) with the Chicago return of indie poppers Mates of State. The veteran duo is currently on tour with up-n-coming rockers Free Energy. It should be a great night of music so think about joining us on June 22nd!

Mates of State is a Connecticut-based husband and wife tandem composed of Lead Singer/Keyboardist Kori Gardner and Drummer/Percussionist Jason Hammel. Gardner & Hammel met in Kansas in 1997, eventually moved to California, and got hitched in '01. They released their debut LP My Solo Project off the Omnibus label in 2000, eventually releasing their 4th album Bring It Back in '06 to popular & critical acclaim. They are currently on tour to promote their forthcoming album Crushes, to be released later this year.

Another exciting band on tap for tonight is Philadelphia's Free Energy. The five-piece has been gaining a lot of positive press momentum recently, due to the release of their strong debut LP Stuck on Nothing, just released this March. Their sound could be described as melodic rock with a 70's edge (at times it feels like a long lost companion piece to Thin Lizzy's 1976 classic Jailbreak). Hard ass critics Pitchfork gave it a not-too-shabby review of 8.1, and (for what it's worth) Rolling Stone named them one of one of the best bands of 2010. But hey, don’t take their (or our) word for it - take a listen to the new debut on their MySpace Page here. Also, for those of you going to the Pitchfork Festival this year, note that they'll be playing on Saturday.

Meetup and Ticket Details: The pre-show meetup will be held at Lincoln Station (next door) beginning at 9pm - I will be at one of the tables with the Blue CIRF tabletop sign. Comedian Todd Barry opens the show at 9pm, with Free Energy and then Mates of State to follow. Tickets are $20 + online fees and can be purchased through the Lincoln Hall ticket site here.