Who: Umphrey’s McGee

Where: The Egyptian Theatre

When: Friday, April 17 at 9 p.m.

Cost: $30

Why you should go: Jam bands are usually hit or miss, and Umphrey’s McGee makes no bones about which side of the spectrum they stand. Formed in 1997, the progressive rockers have cycled through four different lineups and released nearly a dozen albums, a number of which are live. Very much a live band, a multi-hour set full of classic tracks and improvisation is always a distinct possibility.

Who: Wedding Banned

Where: Starbusters

When: Friday, April 17 at 10 p.m.

Cost: Unknown

Why you should go: Any band with the motto, “Skip the ceremony, start the party!” is worth something. What the members of Banned lack in original songwriting, they more than make up for in formal fashion wear, stage-top scissor kicks and raw energy. The shows feature cover hits from the ’80s, ’90s and today, as well as a live, impromptu wedding reception between two random audience members.

Who: Murder by Death

Where: Otto’s Niteclub

When: Monday, April 20 at 9 p.m.

Cost: $12

Why you should go: A banner ad on the band’s MySpace depicts a tortoise soaring through the air on affixed wings. Call it a metaphor, but that is exactly the type of music singer Adam Turla and company will offer you. Slow and brooding, yet wonderfully paced, a live Murder by Death show is a breathtaking experience, constantly crescendoing to a climax rife with heavy guitars, drums and cello.

Who: Mark Rose (ex-Spitalfield front man)

Where: The House Cafe

When: Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m.

Cost: $7

Why you should go: Spitalfield’s music has been described as punk, but its former front man doesn’t follow that particular business model with his solo performances. Though he plays many favorites from any of the old Chicagoland act’s four albums, he himself has adopted a more blues-influenced output. It works for him, making both his individual records and shows decidedly different from his old outfit.

Who: Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s

Where: Otto’s Niteclub

When: Friday, May 8 at 9 p.m.

Cost: $12

Why you should go: Their 2006 debut, “The Dust of Retreat,” melted the heart of many an indie kid, a feeling that was furthered by the band’s two 2008 releases, “Animal!” and “Not Animal.” Lumped into the ever-vague sub-genre of “chamber pop,” the Indiana natives promote a “wall-of-sound” approach akin to fellow alt-rockers The Arcade Fire and The Decemberists. Similar to those acts, singer Richard Edwards’s concentration on lyrics will have listeners talking hours after the show’s end.

Who: GWAR

Where: Otto’s Niteclub

When: Monday, May 11 at 8 p.m.

Cost: $20-$23

Why you should go: Yes, THAT GWAR. Known for its penchant for the grotesque and absurd, the costumed six-piece brings its blood-soaked stage show to DeKalb. What can you expect? Lots of metal, lots of mock celebrity disembowelment and lots of fun. Well, if you consider permanently staining your blue jeans beet red fun, that is. Prepare a change of clothes or even a diaper before lining up, then prepare for the ride of your life.