Sound check: mc chris, Norah Jones hit town; Barrington Porchfest premieres; shows with POZZI, Sammy Cannillo, King of Mars, 4th Point and more
Nerdcore at Beat Kitchen Fans might know Libertyville-native improv artist Chris Ward from his numerous
Concerts
Chicago rock band RELEASE(R) reflects on ‘Vicious Cycles’ single ahead of Friday show with Filter
With strains of industrial leading off its latest single “Vicious Cycles,” Chicago band RELEASE(R) walks a razor’s edge between hard rock and comforting alternative. The band showcases its new music with Filter Friday at The Piazza in Aurora.
Sound check: Rage reunion, Jazz in the Park, DZ Fest, Alex Bracy and more
Rage Against the Machine — with Libertyville native Tom Morello — heads to the United Center for two nights; Jazz in the Park takes over The Venue; Alex Bracy’s new release show at Nellie’s; DZ Fest celebrates 10 years; Third Eye Blind’s Summer Gods tour comes to town; and much more.
Ravinia cancels Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, all concerts through the weekend
In response to the shootings at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade Monday, Ravinia Festival organizers are postponing or canceling shows at the outdoor music venue through July 10.
Sound check: Get back to our musical roots with FitzGerald’s American Music Festival
FitzGerald’s 39th American Music Festival celebrates the U.S. through its music this weekend with four days of Americana, roots, folk and jazz; Waco Brothers play in Aurora; Charlie Otto hits Hey Nonny; and Broken Robots share a new single at Chop Shop with Girl Named Nino and HLDAY MAGK.
Concerts in the park: The Student Body and the summer lineup for Northbrook, Glenview and Deerfield
The temps hovered around 100 early Tuesday night, but that didn’t keep the crowd from coming out to see The Student Body. Here’s where to find more summer park district concerts on the North Shore.
Chicago’s Da$Htone drops weighty new album for release show Friday
Darien Pasulka’s new Da$Htone release looks back on how our decisions and behaviors make us who we are.
Sound check: PravdaFest, Dry City Music Festival, Soundboard Sessions, The Chainsmokers headline Pride in the Park
The Chainsmokers and Alesso hit the spotlight for Chicago’s Pride in the Park festival this weekend; plus PravdaFest, Dry City Music Festival, Modern English at the Raue, Indigo Girls at Evanston’s Cahn, Craig Finn and much more.
Sound check: Releaser news, New Kids on the Block and a weekend of festivals
Hard-rocking Releaser drops a new single at Elmhurst Hall; New Kids on the Block’s nostalgia-packed show with Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley and En Vogue; plus more on Phillip-Michael Scales, Ribfest, Winnetka Music Festival, Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, Q101’s PIQNIQ and a special Album Rebrews live podcast presentation.
North Shore native flutist Steve Kujala helps bring ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Lion King’ to life
North Shore native and freelance flute aficionado Steve Kujala returns to perform with the Chicago Philharmonic alongside screenings of “Black Panther” and “The Lion King” at the Chicago Theatre and Ravinia respectively.
Sound check: Ivy Ford, Toronzo Cannon kick off Blues and Brews Friday; T1 Fest at Reggies
Blues and Brews fest, Liquid Soul, T1 Fest, The Throwbacks and the Chicago Philharmonic summer schedule; plus more from Side Street Studio Arts and Bitter Jester.
Camp Broadcast benefit show brings Nashville artists to Joe’s Live
Four Nashville artists — Abby Anderson, Canaan Smith, Darryl Worley and Ray Fulcher — are flying into town for a “songwriters in-the-round-style” event.
With a side of music: Suburban venues that satisfy both culinary and musical appetites
Looking for a place where you can grab a bite while listening to some live tunes? Here are some indoor and outdoor music offerings at suburban restaurants and bars.
Sound check: Marcy Playground, Cracker play Piazza’s Alt-Rock Rager
The Piazza in Aurora and the relaunched Q101 host the Alt-Rock Rager, featuring alternative favorites Cracker and Marcy Playground; Debbie Gibson and Randy Travis at the Des Plaines Theatre; plus Bitter Jester and Side Street Studio’s band battles and Lollapalooza aftershows.
Sound check: Fluorescents, Dreadwolf, Wolf Rd benefit show going to the dogs (and cats)
This week on the local music scene: Tony Ocean’s 30th Anniversary Extravaganza, an Anti-Cruelty Society benefit show, and band battles with Side Street Studio Arts, Bitter Jester and the Homegrown Arts & Music Festival.
Get moving! It’s summer music festival season
From hometown artists to international acts, Chicago and the suburbs know how to celebrate music when summer festival season hits. Here’s what to watch for.
Sound check: Dance shows and benefits with Girl Named Nino, RubyGld Smoke, Max Happy Fest; plus an industry happy hour
Girl Named Nino partners with L-Theory Dance; Rotten Mouth headlines Max Happy Fest; RubyGld Smoke hosts a Symphony of Change benefit show; and Gman Tavern invites the Chicago music scene to an artist and industry happy hour.
Bitter Jester warms up for Highland Park music series starting this week
Highland Park’s Bitter Jester Music Festival is counting down to the opening act of its four-week showcase series, starting its 16th season Friday, May 20.
Spring Awakening fest in Chicago postponed to 2023
Hold on to those Spring Awakening passes (or get a refund) as the EDM and dance festival is postponed to summer 2023.
Concerts: The North 41, The Mild West, Joe Piscopo and much more
A week’s worth of concert highlights in the city and the suburbs