Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for June 4-10

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, June 4: 
Dutch Interior, Poor Image, Sleeper’s Bell at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The adventurous indie rock group boasts a healthy dose of twang and multiple songwriters who take lead vocal duties.

BCMC, Michael Zerang at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
Two Chicago experimental vets, Cooper Crain and Bill MacKay, team up as BCMC.

Thursday, June 5: 
Samuel Aaron, Winefred RT, Lucky Cloud at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
An all-local bill gathers in Ukrainian Village to celebrate Aaron’s new LP “Rambler.”

Cosmic Country Showcase at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
This revue mixes live music, comedy and country music that highlights local artists and touring acts. The first of two shows.

Friday, June 6: 
Dead Gowns, Lillian King at Hideout. Tickets. 
One of indie rock’s most transfixing voices performs at the Bucktown dive.

Cosmic Country Showcase at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
This revue mixes live music, comedy and country music that highlights local artists and touring acts. The second of two shows.

Billy Strings at Allstate Arena. Tickets. 
See why this Michigan-born bluegrass picker inspires a Grateful Dead-like following. The first of two shows.

Kendrick Lamar, SZA at Soldier Field. Tickets.
2025’s most acclaimed arena tour finally makes its stop in Chicago.

The Menzingers, Lucero, Queen of Jeans at Metro. Tickets.  
Punk music takes many forms on this three-band bill. The first of two shows.

Saturday, June 7: 
Mei Semones, John Roseboro at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
The New York artist makes intricate, string-laden and stunning music that combines jazz, indie rock and bedroom pop.

Discus, Lake J, Josephine at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
All Chicago bands and all are excellent.

Grace Jones, Janelle Monae at Ravinia. Tickets. 
Two generations of boundary-pushing pop stars team up in the northern suburbs.

Billy Strings at Allstate Arena. Tickets. 
See why this Michigan-born bluegrass picker inspires a Grateful Dead-like following. The second of two shows.

The Menzingers, Lucero, Queen of Jeans at Metro. Tickets. 
Punk music takes many forms on this three-band bill. The second of two shows.

Sunday, June 8: 
Mavis Staples at Pritzker Pavilion. Free. 
The iconic soul legend caps off the Chicago Blues Festival with a headlining set.

Bloc Party, Blonde Redhead, joan at Salt Shed Fairgrounds. Tickets. 
Alt-rock icons cross the pond to celebrate 20 years of their acclaimed LP “Silent Alarm.”

Monday, June 9: 
Cusp, Special World, D. Jean-Baptiste at Empty Bottle. Free. 
Chicago’s rising alt-rock stars headline a free show in Ukrainian Village.

Tuesday, June 10: 
MV Wells, Sonny Falls, Molly Carberry at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The former NE-HI frontman and Spun Out member headlines a night of solo music. 

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