Poi Dog Pondering, “the little big band with the strong back and supple, stubborn heart,” has been following their intuition for over 25 years. From bohemian street buskers to impossible-to-market major label sacrificial lambs, the Chicago-based group has ripened into staunchly independent musical voyagers. The vinyl version of their latest album, Everybody’s Got a Star, will be available for the first time at Downtown Sound. Caroline Smith earned her place in the Midwest music community with her characteristic alto timbre, quivering with the presence of Billie Holiday, Leslie Feist and Joanna Newsom. Smith’s new music merges ’90s R&B and neo-soul with her indie-rock roots.