Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for June 25-July 1

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here.

Wednesday, June 25: 
Mikaela Davis, Lily Seabird at Garcia’s. Tickets. 
The acclaimed harpist and Deadhead brings her band to the new West Loop venue catered to jam bands. One of Vermont’s best songwriters opens.

Another Michael, Keep for Cheap at Beat Kitchen. Tickets. 
Expect ample falsetto and gently tasteful folk songs.

Boldy James, Theolonious Martin, IAMGAWD at Subterranean. Tickets. 
Detroit’s most consistent rapper headlines a tiny Wicker Park stage.

Thursday, June 26: 
The Convenience, The Lipschitz, Wallplant at Cole’s. Tickets.
New Orleans indie rockers channel Spoon, the Fall and Omni on their excellent new album.

Mute Duo, KVL at Judson and Moore. Tickets.  
Heady, instrumental grooves and jamming will happen at the Avondale distillery.

Henry Geraghty, Sara Geist, Henry True at Hideout. Tickets. 
A lot of artists named Henry on this bill but both are worth checking out.

Friday, June 27: 
Cloakroom, Bleached Cross, Illusion of Choice, Turquoise at Cobra Lounge. Tickets. 
While they’ve thrived on pummeling stoner metal and noisy shoegaze, their latest LP takes the Indiana band to unexpectedly diverse and infectious places.

Sam Amidon at Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets. 
A songwriter’s songwriter headlines the Lincoln Square venue.

Lia Kohl and Zander Raymond at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
Adventurous and patient improvisers team up for something that blends classical, ambient, experimental and jazz.

Neggy Gemmy, George Clanton, Manapool, Casper McFadden at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
The dance artist celebrates a new album with a Chicago release show.

Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith at Constellation. Tickets. 
Two jazz stalwarts join forces at the city’s best venue for improvised music.

Saturday, June 28: 
Lifeguard, PARKiNG, TV Buddha, Bungee Jumper at Thalia Hall. Tickets. 
These local headliners have a stellar new album out and will be performing “In the Round” in the middle of the crowd. 

Chaparelle, Andrew Sa at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
Get there early for the city’s most dynamic country crooner opening.

Buscabulla, Matt Louis at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
The Puerto Rican indie duo blends a wealth of styles into something poppy, fun and mesmerizing.

Sunday, June 29: 
Greg Mendez at Beat Kitchen. Tickets. 
Come see why this Philly songwriter earned Elliott Smith comparisons early on in his solo career.

Matmos, Mukqs, Mrs. Hands at Constellation. Tickets. 
Several acclaimed experimentalists will perform an unpredictable show in Roscoe Village.

U.S. Girls, Alive Girl at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
The thrilling Toronto songwriter brings a full band to Lincoln Park.

“Weird Al” Yankovic, Puddles Pity Party at Ravinia. Tickets. 
After taking in hours of parody songs, you might start calling him “Fun Al” Yankovic.

Sun Ra Arkestra at The Promontory. Tickets. 
Bandleader Marshall Allen just turned 101 and shows no signs of slowing down. The first of two shows in the Chicago area.

Monday, June 30: 
Sudan Archives, Lido Pimienta, DJ Roxyo Sounds at Millennium Park. Free. 
Nothing says summer quite like a free Monday concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Sun Ra Arkestra at SPACE. Tickets. 
Bandleader Marshall Allen just turned 101 and shows no signs of slowing down. The second of two shows in the Chicago area. 

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