Polarcode to Perform at Mickey Finn's

A Chicago-based band whose keyboardist starred as Jerry Lee Lewis in "Million Dollar Quartet" will take the stage with two other bands at Mickey Finn's in downtown Libertyville Saturday night.

Polarcode will play the first set at Mickey Finn's, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., at about 9:45 p.m. March 2. They will be followed by Waukegan-based band Minor Rites and Chicag-based Molehill.

Eric Stang, Polarcode's keyboardist, formed the band with drummer Mario Cerutti in 2010. Polarcode plays original alternative music that Stang likens to Muse, Coldplay and Radiohead.

Stang, who grew up in Highland Park and has recorded for artists like Kanye West and Twista, said he had been in a version of the band while in college. The band went through a lot of changes, including different people and styles, before finding the group of musicians who fit the band.

Rob Knapik of Barrington provides the vocals, while Geoff Shell of Deerfield plays bass.

There's also a dash of Foster the People, he said. The band is unique, he said, because while they're an alternative/rock band, there are no guitars. Instead, Stang, who started playing piano professionally at a young age in Highwood, playes three or four keyboards.

"You'd think you're hearing guitar, but there's no guitar in it," he said.

The band has played all over the country, including Chicago, Boston, New York and Los Angeles.

"We're enjoying playing," said Stang. The band's upcoming dates include March 9 at the Double Door in Chicago and April 12 at Focus on the Arts at Highland Park High School.

Polarcode, which has a three-song EP due out this spring, along with a debut album already available on iTunes, is looking forward to playing at Mickey Finn's.

"I think it's great for us," said Stang. "We're excited to face the challenge."

Ultimately, the band hopes to sign to a major label.

"Our ultimate goal is to be a touring band," said Stang. "We're currently unsigned, but we hope to get signed."

For more information about Polarcode, visit the band's website.