Dubbed “two of the most compelling new voices in Americana roots music” by their hometown Chicago Sun-Times, JT Nero and Allison Russell first crossed paths when their respective bands — JT and the Clouds (from Chicago) and Vancouver’s Po’ Girl — began collaborating. In 2011, Nero’s Mountains/Forests became the first full release to showcase the harmonious energy the two singers’ voices created together. Out of all of that collaboration came the Birds of Chicago collective, which ranges in size from just Nero and Russell (the core) to a full-on band of rotating musicians (including members of the Clouds and Athens, Ohio’s Michelle McGrath). Birds of Chicago has been capitalizing on the international acclaim of Mountains/Forests, touring frequently and gearing up for the much-anticipated debut full-length album under the Birds banner (due this summer). Birds of Chicago opens for Magnolia Mountain at MOTR Pub (1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine). 21 and up. Free. Saturday, May 19. 10 p.m. motrpub.com.
