THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

When Madonna tours, it is an event. Her latest trek, The MDNA Tour, is coming to The United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., on Wed., Sept. 19 and Thursday, Sept. 20. Her dates in Russia were surrounded with controversy, because she endorsed the native feminist band Pussy Riot and spoke out against the country's recent law making homosexuality among minors illegal. Sir Elton John's harsh words at Madonna's expense managed to keep her in the entertainment news. But for the remainder of her tour, will her nipple accidentally be exposed again? Will she tone down the violence of her production in the aftermath of the Aurora, Colo., shootings? Regardless, she will put on one hell of a show supporting her dance-driven album MDNA. Let's hope that "Some Girls," "I'm Addicted" and "I'm a Sinner" from MDNA find their way onto the setlist. Berlin Nightclub, 954 W. Belmont Ave., is having a special Madonnarama on Wed., Sept. 19, as an after party with DJ Riley York.

Bob Mould is on tour this month in support of his new, rock-driven outing, Silver Age. The openly gay rocker will be at The Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., on Thursday, Sept. 13, and Friday, Sept. 14. Thursday's show is already sold out. Here, Mould plans to play material from Silver Age as well as Sugar's Copper Blue. The night will feature other work from his catalog, too. Silver Age is buzzing with guitars, where "Steam of Hercules" and "Fugue State" are highlights. Mould also is half of the DJ duo Blowoff and penned his memoirs, See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody.

When it comes to concerts, I try to see the opening band. In 2008, Paper Route opened for Low Vs. Diamond at Subterranean and I was won over by the majestic number "American Clouds." Paper Route returns with its sophomore effort, The Piece of Wild Things. Here, the Nashville-based group proves to be on par with sensitive rockers like The Script and OneRepublic. It is the ethereal titles like "Calm My Soul" and "Born in Love" that make Paper Route stand out. "Better Life" is catchier than anything on radio now, with its killer chorus. Paper Route takes to the stage at Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport Ave., on Wed., Sept. 19 before embarking on tour with Switchfoot.

Already I am pegging Joan Osborne's Bring It on Home to be one of the top albums of the year. It is a solid collection of classic blues and R&B numbers. "Shake Your Hips" has an irresistible rhythm thanks to the drums, guitars and harmonica. "Bring It on Home" and "Broken Wings" are slower, but abundant with passion, as Osborne purrs to get her point across. The "One of Us" singer-songwriter has four dates scheduled at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Sunday, Sept. 16; Monday, Sept. 17; Tuesday, Oct. 16; and Wed. Oct. 17. Megan Reilly guests in September and Matthew Santos will join Osborne in October.

On her sophomore set, Anxiety, Ladyhawke favors a more rock vibe, as heard on the catchy opening track "Girl Like Me" and the title cut. "Sunday Drive" shows influence from The Cure, as the New Zealand artist sings, "I can't pretend to hate you / 'cause I will always love you." Good luck getting "Black, White & Blue" out of your head. Its video is trippy with a campy '80s-flavored storyline. On Sunday, Sept. 16, Ladyhawke comes to The Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., with Shuteye and Greg Corner.

Lollapalooza is becoming more mainstream with its line-up with each passing year. Chicago is one of the cities to host Riot Fest, a three-day festival focusing on alternative and punk acts starting Friday, Sept. 14. The schedule boasts pioneers like Elvis Costello and The Stooges plus favorites like Rise Against and Offspring. L.A. rock band Dead Sara just released its impressive self-titled debut and will playing at Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., on the opening day of Riot Fest. Dead Sara shines brightest on its edgier efforts "Weatherman," "Dear Love" and "Lemon Scent," where lead vocalist Emily Armstrong complements guitarist Siouxsie Medley's riffs. For information on the after shows with draws like Alkaline Trio, a complete schedule and tickets, visit www.riotfest.org/chicago-tickets.

Canadian electro-pop outfit Dragonette issued the tracks "Let It Go" and "Live in This City" as a precursor for the upcoming full-length Body Parts, which is due Sept. 25. That is Dragonette collaborating with Martin Solveig on the feel-good ditty "Hello." This crossover hit has been licensed to a Trident commercial as well as 90210, The Vampire Diaries, Skins and Gossip Girl. Dragonette will be at the Metro Tuesday, Sept. 18.