Performing in Chicago for the first time since 1990, English progressive-rock legend Peter Hammill of Van der Graaf Generator comes to the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 7. Though the group remain cult heroes far less familiar than a Genesis or a Yes, it was one of the most rewarding bands of its era, as charted in a fine history co-written by Chicago author Jim Christopulos entitled Van Der Graaf Generator, The Book: A History of the Band Van Der Graaf Generator 1967 to 1978. Tickets are $25 in advance or at the door, and local prog heroes Cheer Accident open; for more information, call (773) 478-4408 or visit http://abbeypub.com/.

Two of the most promising and inventive up-and-coming indie-rock bands from the South Side, Calumet City's River Oaks and the ambitious quintet Haymarket (not to be confused with Haymarket Riot) sandwich a visit from Texas space punks the Frontier Brothers starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 8 at Ronny's, 2101 N. California. The cover is $7; for more info, visit www.mpshows.com.