Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 9-15
Yo La Tengo (Credit: Cheryl Dunn)
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 9:
Friendship, 2nd Grade, Free Range at Schubas. Sold out.
The poet-led Philadelphia rock group released their best album so far in “Caveman Wakes Up” this year.
Thursday, July 10:
Sam Prekop, James Elkington at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
The Sea and Cake frontman turned modular synth solo artist enlists the impressive local guitarist as opener.
Jason Narducy, Neptune’s Core, Chaepter at SPACE. Tickets.
A cross-generational lineup performs a benefit show for Santa for a Day (SFAD).
Heart Attack Man, the Dirty Nil, Carpool, Dear Seattle at Bottom Lounge. Tickets.
There are a lot of bands on this bill, but we recommend the Dirty Nil: Canada’s most fun rock band.
Friday, July 11:
Ganser, Plum at Kilbourn Park. Free.
Throughout the summer, the Northwest side’s Kilbourn Park becomes Chicago’s best-booked outdoor venue.
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Los Vicios De Papa, Verböte, Official Claire, Minor Moon, more at Square Roots Festival. $10 suggested donation.
A three-day festival celebrating roots, rock and Americana. See Minor Moon on Friday.
Primus, Ty Segall at Salt Shed. Tickets.
A surprising opener and headliner pairing that makes sense the more you think about it.
Saturday, July 12:
Calexico, Mekons, Cosmic Chaos, Cosmic Country Showcase, Tobacco City, DUSK, more at Square Roots Festival. $10 suggested donation.|
A three-day festival celebrating roots, rock and Americana. See Tobacco City and DUSK on Saturday.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, JJ Grey & Mofro, Dumpstaphunk at Salt Shed. Tickets.
A celebration of New Orleans music outdoors at Chicago’s best big venue.
Smushie, Edie McKenna at Hideout. Tickets.
Two stellar local acts team up at the city’s coziest venue.
The Dead Bolts, Lighter Co. at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
This Chicago band rocks.
Sunday, July 13:
Yo La Tengo, Built to Spill at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Two titans of indie rock share a bill.
Todd Rundgren at Riviera. Tickets.
The acclaimed songwriter is still going strong.
Alejandro Escovedo, Heartless Bastards, The Lone Bellow, The Ike Reilly Assassination, more at Square Roots Festival. $10 suggested donation.
A three-day festival celebrating roots, rock and Americana. See headliners Alejandro Escovedo and Heartless Bastards on Sunday.
Tuesday, July 15:
Shawnee Dez at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Free.
See the Chicago artist as part of the museum’s Tuesdays on the Terrace concert series.
Alabama Shakes, Lee Fields at Salt Shed. Sold out.
One of the most popular southern rock bands returns to Chicago.
Colin Blunstone, Rooney at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
This “unplugged” show is part of a documentary screening for “Hung Up On A Dream,” which tracks the career of the Zombies.
