Rock acts augmented on album and stage with full orchestras is nothing new though the results of the collaborations vary. It's hard for some to imagine the Moody Blues without the grandiosity of a symphony, while past efforts in the last decade and a half or so by Eric Clapton (see 1991's "24 Nights") and Metallica (1999's "S&M") are best forgotten.
Yet the Decemberists, the Eugene, Ore.-based alt-rock darlings featuring Valparaiso native Chris Funk on guitar, predictably fare much better than the above-mentioned household names.
Their most recent effort, last year's "The Crane Wife," is an adventurous and complex, yet dazzling collection of songs that have more in common with the classic/prog leanings of Yes or Jethro Tull than the aggro, lo-fi stylings most associated with the Northwest indie music strata.
Many of the songs, most specifically the terrific, 12-minute-plus epic "The Island" and the 11-minute-plus title track, lend themselves to a successful collaboration without either party sounding awkward.
Joined Wednesday by the Grant Park Orchestra, the price can't be beat as well; their performance together, part of the orchestra's summer concert season, is free, which could mean record turnouts for both ensembles.
The Decemberists with the Grant Park Orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street, Chicago. Free.
FYI: (312) 742-1168 or www.millenniumpark.org
"Jumpin' Jack Bash," featuring ZZ Top, the Pretenders, Joan Jett, Stray Cats and REO Speedwagon, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. $14 to $85.
Modern rock fans who disdain multi-act classic rock shows such as Thursday's "Bash" can have a field day with the following stat -- combined, the five above acts on the bill have been recording and performing in the national spotlight for 152 years -- and that's not counting Joan Jett's pre-solo stint with the Runaways. And that's the only old fogey joke you're getting here.
With the arguable exception of REO, the impact of this "Jumpin' " lineup can be felt on today's rockers. Both ett and head Pretender Chrissie Hynde can be looked to as the blueprint, both musically and in attitude, for both the Riot Grrrl rockers in the '90s and indie-minded femmes this decade. ZZ Top axeman Billy Gibbons has made memorable guest appearances on sets by modern-day faves ranging from Queens of the Stone Age to Kid Rock. And the Stray Cats' sparse sonic approach in their '80s heyday was at least a decade ahead of the still-kicking-for-better-or-for-worse lo-fi movement. Take that, ya little wiseacres!
FYI: 708-594-7700 or www.toyotapark.com
On sale now
For more information, contact the venues or Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all shows are all ages.
* "Hot Mix 5" Reunion, featuring Farley Jackmaster Funk, Mickey Oliver and others, Sept. 1, House of Blues (21 and older)
* Detroit Cobras, Aug. 31, Double Door (21 and older)
* DJ Monk, Aug. 16, Smart Bar (21 and older)
* Rob Bell, Nov. 5, Vic Theatre
* Res, July 22, Double Door (21 and older)
* Digitalism, Oct. 19, Smart Bar (21 and older)
The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. He can be reached at T.shellberg@comcast.net.
