Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 2-8
Ganser (Credit: Miles Kalchik)
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, July 2:
Nas with the Chicago Philharmonic at Ravinia. Tickets.
See an iconic rapper play songs from his storied career with an entire orchestra.
Thursday, July 3:
Lipticism, Devin Shaffer, Silktense, DJ Immaterial at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
One of Chicago’s most forward-thinking electronic pop artists plays a record release show.
Horse Meat Disco, Optimo (Espacio), Harry Cross, Michael Serafini at Smart Bar and Metro. Tickets.
An all-building celebration of disco and DJs happens at Metro from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Saturday, July 5:
Smut, Villagerrr at Schubas. Tickets.
Get there early for the Columbus, Ohio, folk-rock band.
Ganser, Christy Costello, Iron Years, Dangerous Chairs at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
This Chicago post-punk trio celebrates a new album.
Folk Music (Chris Corsano, Nate Wooley, Ches Smith) at Constellation. Tickets.
Three excellent musicians team up for a night at the city’s best jazz and experimental venue.
Cap’n Jazz, Coffin Prick, Jenny Pulse at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
These Midwestern emo icons have been a band for over 35 years. The first of two shows.
Sunday, July 6:
Fievel is Glauque, Flanafi, Jib Kidder at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
We promise these are real band names.
Cap’n Jazz, Coffin Prick, Jenny Pulse at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
These Midwestern emo icons have been a band for over 35 years. The second of two shows.
Monday, July 7:
Tension Pets, Andrew H. Smith, Half Scratches at Empty Bottle. Free.
Every Monday, the Ukrainian Village venue hosts free, 21+ shows.
Tuesday, July 8:
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley at Outset. Tickets.
The Ghanaian highlife musician has found a second life through recent reissues of his ‘70s albums. Now almost 80, he’s still touring.
Mia Joy, Patience, Ophelia, Matt Jencik at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
The Chicago songwriter headlines the Avondale venue.
Ezra Furman, the Ophelias at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The Chicago musician released a genre-defying LP this Spring called “Goodbye Small Head.”
