Local Live Music Recommendations for May 14-20

Josh Terry | May 14, 2025, 2:22 pm

Jensen McRae (Credit: Bao Ngo)

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 14:
Anna B. Savage, V.V. Lightbody at Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets.
The local songwriter opening the show might debut some new songs.

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Elway, Sam Russo, BUGOFF! at Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
Fun, rowdy punk converges in Roscoe Village.

Thursday, May 15:
Jensen McRae, Lauren Juzang at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
This well-rounded artist makes compelling pop music.

Philip Michael-Scales, 100 Dayys at Schubas. Tickets.
This golden-voiced songwriter used to be based in Chicago.

Beyoncé at Soldier Field. Tickets.
These tickets will cost you a pretty penny, but the iconic pop star puts on an amazing stadium show. The first of three nights.

Friday, May 16:
Grelley Duvall Presents: Heaven at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Alex Grelle performs an all-Eurythmics concert led by bandleader John Cicora over three nights in Ukrainian Village.

Wet, Julie Byrne at Outset. Tickets.
Get there early for the pristine and adventurous folk songs of the opener.

Half Gringa, Gabacho at Schubas. Tickets.
The local songwriter levels up on her new album “Cosmovisión.”

The Juju Exchange, Kopano at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
Jubilant and cosmic jazz led by Chicago’s Nico Segal.

Saturday, May 17:
Grelley Duvall Presents: Heaven at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Alex Grelle performs an all-Eurythmics concert led by bandleader John Cicora at the second of three shows in Ukrainian Village.

Emily Hines, Sarah Weddle, Nathan Evans Fox at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
This Nashville songwriter has a striking voice and a new album out in August.

Rodney Crowell, Laurel Lewis at SPACE. Tickets.
The legendary Americana wordsmith recorded his last LP in Chicago.

Beyoncé at Soldier Field. Tickets.
These tickets will cost you a pretty penny, but the iconic pop star puts on an amazing stadium show. The second of three nights.

Sunday, May 18:
Grelley Duvall Presents: Heaven at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Alex Grelle performs an all-Eurythmics concert led by bandleader John Cicora at the third of three shows in Ukrainian Village.

Beyoncé at Soldier Field. Tickets.
These tickets will cost you a pretty penny, but the iconic pop star puts on an amazing stadium show. The third of three nights.

Kitchen, Sleeper’s Bell, Shep Treasure at Hideout. Tickets.
If you like earnest rock music, the headliner is excellent.

Tuesday, May 20:
Vicky Farewell, Leo Paterniti at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Mac DeMarco-affiliated artist makes off-kilter pop.

Kassie Krut, Dorothy Carlos at Schubas. Tickets.
Fans of the excellent and disbanded Philly group Palm should see its members play in their new electronic project.

Stephen Malkmus at Old Town School of Folk Music. Sold out.
Featuring an interview and a concert with the Pavement and Hard Quartet songwriter.

Momma, Wishy at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
Two rising rock bands team up in Pilsen.