Kanye announces next week’s ‘Donda’ Soldier Field show
Chicago rapper Kanye West is coming back to town next week, and he’s bringing his new album with him. Sort of.
Concerts
Sound check: Waco Brothers bring a barnburner to The Venue
Punk cowboys The Waco Brothers play outdoors at The Venue; 56 Music Fix returns to Mount Prospect; and Vince Neil headlines next week’s VetFest 2021 in Oswego. Plus, 10 shows not to miss.
56 Music Fix fest takes over Mount Prospect businesses this weekend
Mount Prospect’s 56 Music Fix returns this weekend with a three-day celebration of local music and art.
With a new Kings of Leon album, why is bassist Jared Followill excited to play the oldies on Chicago tour stop?
When Kings of Leon heads to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre next week, bassist Jared Followill said in addition to playing new songs from their recent release “When You See Yourself,” he’ll be reveling in the love for their breakout hits as well. “That’s when I feel the most confident on stage.”
Sound check: ‘Long Way Home’ supports children’s choir; Better Than Ezra, Brian Fallon livestreams
A studio recording of “Long Way Home,” a theatrical production by the Q Brothers Collective, becomes available for streaming, and Marina City kicks off one of Wrigley’s hottest concerts of the summer, featuring Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer.
Savanna Dickhut captures raw moments in time for Burr Oak’s ‘Late Bloomer,’ release show
“I felt like I needed to release them out into the world to get it off my chest or feel better.” Savanna Dickhut tackles more personal songwriting for Burr Oak’s debut album.
Lindsey Stirling brings dynamic ‘Artemis’ story to life with rescheduled show
Violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling packs “color and depth and vibrance” into her “Artemis” tour stop in Chicago next Tuesday.
Sound check: Mackey’s, Mike Maimone, Slaughter and more
Mackey’s Hideout hosts two Concerts By the Creek, Mike Maimone swings back home for a series of shows, West Town’s Dancing in the Streets fest, Bitter Jester, Ravinia, Slaughter and a night outside the Raue with Corky Siegel and Ernie Watts.
After 2020’s COVID detour, Homegrown music fest is back in full bloom this weekend
Homegrown’s Aaron Williams had to pivot online when the pandemic threatened to shut down the annual local music celebration last summer. This weekend, the fest returns in person to Lisle with favorite alums and plenty of new music.
Sound check: Lolla, Homegrown and Bitter Jester this weekend
Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park. Homegrown celebrates local artists. Brian McKnight and Ruben Studdard hit Ravinia and Bitter Jester preps for week two of its summer series.
‘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.
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.