Contenders for the most stylish band in Chicago, the ska-pop Sapiens are still riding high on the release of their "Rind" EP, performing in the middle of a bill with JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound and Reds & Blue starting at 10 p.m. Friday at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western. The cover is $8; call (773) 276-3600 or visit www.emptybottle.com for more information.

The local music scene is pulling together in support of an old friend, singer and songwriter Diane Izzo, starting at 7 p.m. Sunday at the School of the Art Institute Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan. Izzo recorded and performed here for many years before relocating to New Mexico, where she is now battling a brain tumor. Among the artists performing to help raise money for her medical bills are Robbie Fulks, the Waco Bros with Sally Timms, Califone, Vernon Tonges and Beau O'Reilly and the Crooked Mouth String Band. Tickets are $20; for more information, call (773) 508-0666.