The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Curates "Friends With Benefits"

Artistic expression made by someone who is a private soul can project pretty far. For The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, their ambitious songs are draped in the drama of man letting out what he normally shuts in.

Chicago-raised Elia Einhorn leads this ensemble with a firm hand through his experiences with addiction, loss and want. In April, the band will curate Schubas' "Practice Space," monthly residencies where a local band plays every Monday with a revolving cast of friends to round out each night.

SYGC's four-week turn in Lakeview's venue of choice is called "Friends With Benefits," a cheeky nod at Chicago's seemingly endless supply of fund-raising parties.

A sly sense of humor isn't strange in Einhorn's songs, so a self-referential title like that (the series itself will raise money for several local charities, see myspace.com/scotlandyardgospelchoir for more information) isn't surprising. However, what you might not assume is that behind every clever Einhorn wink is an earnest attempt at optimism, a positivity that is the flip side to the bleak, sometimes tragic words he sings.

Elia is the kind of guy who greets everyone he knows and always leaves a warm fuzzy feeling. Maybe it's his beard, but the artist roster for "Friends With Benefits" confirms his close ties with his local music community.

Instead of just having several bands play, the month is peppered with comedians, DJ's, and solo performances from local front persons including Scott Mason (of Office), Martin Atkins and Elizabeth Elmore (from the Reputation). There is also a special appearance by local music critic and poet Gregg Shapiro.

Elia is looking forward to April. With familiar contrast, he says, "I would rather slit my wrists than watch another concert series. We gave put together an amazingly talented set of artists and will have all new SYGC songs for our fans."

SYGC's self-titled second record and first for Local Label Blood Shot was not born without band strife. Indeed after personal and professional break ups, it is exciting to see the Welsh-born band leader forge ahead with a new lineup, revamped sound and invigorated ownership of his band's artistic home.

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's month at Schubas is a perfect environment to see the struggle within an outgoing guy and the bottleneck pressure of cold city living. Einhorn wouldn't have it any other way.

Schuba's Tavern is at 3159 N. Southport. 773-525-2508. www.schubas.com