Sound check: Mike Doughty plays Evanston’s SPACE, Panic! at the United Center, ‘Troubadours’ at Des Plaines Theatre

Mike Doughty solo

Mike Doughty, founder of ’90s alternative rock band Soul Coughing and more recently Ghost of Vroom, has also been making the rounds as a solo artist lately on his first independent Midwestern tour in two years. With favorites from all of his projects in his 30-year career, he heads to Evanston for an intimate Saturday night performance. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $28-$30 at evanstonspace.com.

Panic! at the United Center

Multiplatinum-selling Panic! At the Disco hits Chicago on their “Viva Las Vengeance Tour,” featuring songs from the band’s newest album of the same title. Betty Who and Jake Wesley Rogers support the band on this tour stop at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $30.50-$130 at unitedcenter.com; $1 from each ticket sold will benefit the band’s Highest Hopes Foundation. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28

HunterGirl and Noah Thompson

Joe’s Live presents some of country’s rising stars as Nashville singer-songwriter HunterGirl and Kentuckian Noah Thompson hit the Rosemont venue along with singer Grace Leer. 7:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Joe’s Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. $25-$49 at joesliverosemont.com.

Soul Asylum at Rivers

With ’90s radio hits “Black Gold” and the Grammy-winning “Runaway Train,” alternative rockers Soul Asylum have proven they can write catchy hooks. But they also unleash their harder rock side with faves like “Somebody to Shove.” See them live the Events Center at Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines. $25-$79 at riverscasino.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

‘Troubadours’ King and Taylor

Two bands — Home Again and Sam Hyman’s Steamroller — come together to bring the unforgettable favorites of Carole King and James Taylor to the Des Plaines Theatre for the enchanting tribute “Troubadours.” 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $29-$69 at desplainestheatre.com.

The Smithereens

For more than four decades, the Smithereens have been fan favorites, slinging catchy hits and engaging performances around the world. The Jersey band comes to Chicago’s City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., for a midweek concert with special guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw. $48-$65 at citywinery.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2

Showcase premiere

Next week, The Venue in Aurora launches its new Songwriter Showcase Series, bringing up-and-coming artists to its stage for intimate performances the first Thursday of every month. The series starts out with Oswego artist Aaron Kelly sharing his recent debut LP “Songs Still Sing” as part of a full setlist. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway Ave., Aurora. $5, but additional donations are encouraged. themusicvenue.org.

Popster Charlie Puth

Grammy-nominated pop singer Charlie Puth brings his recent release “CHARLIE” to the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, for an intimate performance of his “One Night Only” touring show. Tickets start at $49.50 at charlieputh.com. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3

• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@thatshamieguy) or Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck).

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