Arts & Entertainment
Local Live Music Recommendations for May 28-June 3
Justice Hill (Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson Photography)
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 28:
Blue Earth Sound at Dorian’s. Free.
The first show of the new jazz project by James Weir, who played in the influential Chicago indie rock band NE-HI and is a member of the synth-rock project Spun Out.
Justice Hill, Icken Grimms at Schubas. Tickets.
This surprisingly tall local songwriter makes a playful and groove-based blend of what the Chicago Reader calls, “a perfect slice of Midwest soul” on his new album “Cooler By the Lake.”
Turnover, Balance & Composure, Horse Jumper of Love at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
The emo-adjacent indie rock band celebrates 10 years of their acclaimed album “Peripheral Vision.”
Thursday, May 29:
Neu Blume, Sleeper’s Bell, Conor Lynch Band at Hideout. Tickets.
Detroit via Arizona folk-rockers have one of 2025’s best albums in “Let It Win.”
Los Campesinos, Empty Country at Metro. Tickets.
Get there early for the opener. It’s the project of Joseph D’Agostino, who used to front the excellent New Jersey indie rock band Cymbals Eat Guitars.
Trixie Mattel, Shea Coulee, Daya, DJ Mateo Segade, Rika B at Salt Shed. Tickets.
“Solid Pink Disco” is a night of DJs, drag queens, DJ drag queens and outdoor fun.
Friday, May 30:
Major Murphy, Carriers, Sonny Falls at Color Club. Tickets.
Grand Rapids trio Major Murphy makes breezy and likable indie rock that’s easy to root for.
The Wedding Present, Current Union, The Tubs, Mykele Deville, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
Three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside.
Parking, Spencer Tweedy, Macie Stewart, Johnny Skin at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. $10 at the door.
This show featuring local talent benefits the Brave Space Alliance.
Hippo Campus, Hotline TNT at Salt Shed. Tickets.
The Minnesota indie pop outfit enlists a great rising shoegaze act.
Saturday, May 31:
Eli Winter, Feller, Zander Raymond at Hideout. Tickets.
An inventive Chicago guitarist celebrates the release of his excellent new album
“A Trick of the Light.”
Doom Flower, Michael Columbia at Judson & Moore. Tickets.
This Chicago band features members of Campdoggz and Joan of Arc.
Y La Bamba, Frente Cumbiero, Universal Togetherness Band, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
The second of three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside.
Zola Jesus at Constellation. Tickets.
The experimental artist returns to Chicago for a stripped-back solo show.
Preoccupations, Still Depths at Empty Bottle. Sold out.
Canadian post-punks play another show at the Ukrainian Village venue.
Sunday, June 1:
Gustaf, Interlay, Being Dead, Mass Text, Illuminati Hotties, Georgia Maq, more at Do Division. $10 suggested donation.
The third of three nights of curated music from Subterranean and Empty Bottle outside.
Being Dead, Starcharm at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Austin band has gotten a lot of press and organic hype. Be warned, this is a late show that will start after Do Division ends at 10 p.m.
Monday, June 2:
Samia, Raffaella at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The Los Angeles mononymous artist plays the first of two shows in Pilsen.
Tuesday, June 3:
Samia, Raffaella at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The Los Angeles mononymous artist plays the second of two shows in Pilsen.
The Part Timers, Orillia, Local Memory at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
An all-local bill playing twangy rock music in Ukrainian Village.
