Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
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Wednesday, May 21:
Stephen Malkmus at Old Town School of Folk Music. Sold out.
Featuring an interview and a concert with the Pavement and Hard Quartet songwriter.
Paul Simon at Symphony Center. Tickets.
The first of three chances to see one half of Simon & Garfunkel (you’ll have to guess which one) play Chicago.
Bartees Strange, Sloppy Jane at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
This D.C.-based indie rocker boasts a booming voice and anthemic, galvanizing songs.
Thursday, May 22:
Billy Joel Jr., Microcosms, Molly Carberry at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
While this Chicago band first got press for faking a cease-and-desist letter from Billy Joel himself and fooling some music publications, their raucous rock songs are fun and worth checking out.
Friday, May 23:
Meg & the Wheelers, Los Gallos, Lydia Cash at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Like country? Like local music? Go to Ukrainian Village on Friday.
Craig Finn, Nathan Graham at Old Town School of Folk. Tickets.
Songs and stories from the Hold Steady frontman and podcast host.
MIKE, Navy Blue, Semiratruth at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Three critically acclaimed rappers are on the same bill in Pilsen.
Paul Simon at Symphony Center. Tickets.
The second of three chances to see one half of Simon & Garfunkel (you’ll have to guess which one) play Chicago.
Saturday, May 24:
Nick Shoulders, Pat Reedy at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Boundary-pushing country music.
AC/DC at Soldier Field. Sold out.
Songwriter Harlan Howard once called country music “three chords and the truth.” AC/DC songs are “three chords and a good time.”
Matt Berninger, Ronboy at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The National frontman goes solo in Pilsen.
Paul Simon at Symphony Center. Tickets
The third of three chances to see one half of Simon & Garfunkel (you’ll have to guess which one) play Chicago.
Sunday, May 25:
Moontype, Krill (2), Fran at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
A Chicago band switches its lineup and releases its best album yet.
Florist, Allegra Krieger at Old Town School of Folk. Tickets.
Gentle folk and devastating lyrics from two rising songwriters.
Tuesday, May 27:
Plum, Everlasting Light, Noiseland at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Tasteful indie rock at Chicago’s best rock club? Sounds like a great Tuesday.
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