Chicago Music February 2013: The Hidden Gems And Must-See Shows (Early Edition)

Pitchfork has been announced and Beyonce is coming, but there's no need to wait until summer to dig into Chicago's top-notch shows happening around the city.

The month started on an exceptionally high note, with super shows like Big Freedia at the Empty Bottle, Yo La Tengo at The Vic and Shabazz Palaces at The Shrine already in the February rearview.

The shortest month of the year is a high time to catch solid acts since many bands try to fit in tours after the holiday months but well before the restrictions of radius clause seasons beings; major festivals like Pitchfork and Lollapalooza clamp down on where bands on their bill can play in the weeks and even months pre-fest to keep the acts as enticing as possible. Looking ahead, here's a look at some of the most promising Chicago shows on the horizon for early February.

Sold-out shows that are worth chasing down on Craigslist: The Vaccines (Lincoln Hall, 2/6), Cody ChesnuTT (Martyr's, 2/8), Ty Segall (Empty Bottle, 2/9)

Note: All performances listed have tickets available as of Tuesday.