Big Star, and Alex Chilton in particular, was a band driven to madness by a nation turning a blind eye to some of the purest pop music around. In typical fashion, Big Star were ignored in their time, but later discovered by several generations of power pop acts that valued haunting harmonies and indelible hooks over chunky guitars and arena anthems.

Blue Skies for Black Hearts is such a band. Formed 13 years ago, this Portland group began as a solo project for recording studio engineer Pat Kearns.

Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Blue Skies for Black Hearts in the Music and Culture section.

BLUE SKIES FOR BLACK HEARTS, w/ A Leaf, Brite Lines and The Stravinsky Riots, 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, Bob's Java Jive, 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $5, 253.475.9843

See More

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife