‘It’s the love bomb’: Chicago’s Lollapalooza returns to mark 30th anniversary
Following a layoff in 2020 amidst the pandemic, Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park Thursday, July 29. “It’s the medicine that we need,” says creator Perry Farrell.
Concerts
Bitter Jester Music Festival tunes up for its 15th anniversary season this weekend
After shifting to a virtual songwriting contest last year, the Bitter Jester Music Festival is back full force and in person this summer.
Sound check: Tina Jenkins Crawley at Gospelfest; Puddle of Mudd, Shallow Side bring rock to Lombard
Post-grunge/nu metal rockers Puddle of Mudd head the lineup at Afterlife Music Hall; the Bitter Jester summer concert/contest series returns; Underbelly Hours host a local showcase; and Tina Jenkins Crawley inspires at Gospelfest.
Summer 1999 is back as Lit headlines ’90s Fest in Lombard
Lit introduced one of the catchiest earworms of the last few decades in the summer of 1999. This weekend, the band brings “My Own Worst Enemy” and more to headline the Ultimate ’90s Fest in Lombard.
Sound check: Backyard Tire Fire returns to Aurora; Foghat at the Arcada; Geekd, The Shades and JORDY’s tour
Americana rock band Backyard Tire Fire plays The Venue’s outdoor stage, Mundy Park; Christian Moreno headlines the first night of the Separate Waves II art/music showcase; and Foghat takes the Arcada Stage.
Dive-bar soul singer Phillip-Michael Scales returns to Hey Nonny
Phillip-Michael Scales moved from Chicago to Nashville two years ago, but as live shows are returning, he’s jumping at the chance to head back to Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights for a show next week.
Sound check: Metal scene streaming Dio’s birthday, benefit show
Heavy metal rockers celebrate the birthday of the late Ronnie James Dio; country and folk artists play Chill Nation in Buffalo Grove; Everclear heads up Summerland Tour; Tony Ocean plays the suburbs; and catch new music from Everyday Fantastic.
Renovated Arcada Theatre set to reopen this weekend with two concerts
After being closed for 16 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic Arcada Theatre reopens this weekend in downtown St. Charles.
Lombard Cruise Nights return Saturday with 9 concerts in 9 weeks
Lombard Cruise Nights are back in after a haitus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine Saturday night concerts with displays of classic cars run weekly from July 10 to Sept. 4.
Sound check: Hey Nonny’s showcase with Todd Kessler
Deerfield musician Todd Kessler presents his final showcase (for now) at Hey Nonny; Long Play Music Festival brings hits to Loves Park; Buffalo Grove Brewing hosts a patriotic concert in Long Grove.
REO Speedwagon kicking off tour at RiverEdge Park in Aurora after pandemic break
REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin is looking forward to the band’s July 1 concert in Aurora. “It’s just going to be great to strap on a guitar and make some noise,” he said.
Sound check: Wolf Rd plays ‘Counterpoint’ release show at Empirical Brewery
Des Plaines-born Wolf Rd puts its pop-punk on stage; music on the menu at Long Grove Strawberry Fest; Reece Brunke’s livestreaming benefit; and Side Street gets behind the cameras.
Smashing music festivals: Our bird’s-eye view of the Chicago area’s summer, fall fests
The roster’s a little shorter for this music season, but here’s a quick look at the fests you should check out — from Homegrown in Lisle to Chicago’s Lollapalooza.
Sound check: House Music anniversary show, Underbelly Hours showcase and more
The Arcada Theatre’s new summer lineup, House Music Saved My Life’s 10th anniversary, Underbelly Hours’ local showcase, and three ways you can help podcasters and musicians.
Naperville Jaycees announce music lineup for 2021 Last Fling
The Naperville Jaycees have largely gone local for the music lineup of the 2021 Last Fling. The annual outdoor Labor Day weekend festival returns Sept. 3-6 after last year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Legend, Marie Osmond, Counting Crows added to Ravinia 2021 season
Ravinia Festival in Highland Park announced the addition of 10 new shows (and a few alterations to the already announced schedule) for its summer 2021 season.
Sound check: Billy Strings takes the stage at Wintrust Field
Bluegrass star Billy Strings plays Schaumburg’s Wintrust Field, Fletcher Rockwell heads to BrauerHouse and Norah Jones livestreams her latest album.
Sammy Hagar & Friends play Aurora’s RiverEdge Park on July 18
Tickets go on sale Saturday for Sammy Hagar & Friends at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.
Sound check: Moore’s listening party; the Morellos on Dave Grohl’s series
Elgin hip-hop artist Andrew Moore hosts a listening party/dinner; Dave Grohl features Tom Morello and his mom; Jeff Tweedy plays a drive-in show; Bitter Jester and Punk the Burbs are looking for submissions.
REO Speedwagon launches RiverEdge season in Aurora July 1
Classic rock band REO Speedwagon heads to Aurora’s RiverEdge Park to kick off the 2021 summer concert season.