Arts & Entertainment

Skipping Lollapalooza? Check Out These Other Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 30-Aug. 5

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.

It’s Lollapalooza this weekend. While the festival has sold out of four-day and single-day tickets, there’s still good live music happening in the city. From Lollapalooza aftershows to concerts that have nothing to do with the Grant Park jamboree, here’s what’s happening around Chicago. 

Wednesday, July 30: 
Otokoke Beaver, Spread Joy at Empty Bottle. Sold out. 
This unpredictable and thrilling Japanese band headlines one of the best Lollapalooza aftershows.

Sierra Ferrell, Yana at Metro. Sold out. 
Astounding charm matches virtuosic talent for this Americana songwriter.

Ratboys, Hemlock at Sleeping Village. Sold out.
Chicago’s most-lovable indie rock band brings anthems and twang to Avondale. 

Thursday, July 31: 
Djo, Post Animal at Salt Shed. Sold out. 
Former Chicagoan and “Stranger Things” actor Joe Keery brings both of his bands to a sold-out Lolla aftershow.

Otokoke Beaver, Stress Positions at Empty Bottle. Sold out. 
This unpredictable and thrilling Japanese band headlines another Lollapalooza aftershow.

Friday, August 1: 
Ghost at Allstate Arena. Tickets. 
Want to get out of town for Lollapalooza and like metal? Try this show in Rosemont.

Ole 60, Rob Langdon at Subterranean. Tickets. 
Want to see a Lolla aftershow? There are still tickets left here.

Saturday, August 2: 
SUMAC, Chepang, Patrick Shiroishi at International Museum of Surgical Science. Sold out. 
The adventurous and jam-minded post-metal group plays two shows in Chicago this weekend.

Foster the People, Junior Varsity at Metro. Sold out. 
Has “Pumped Up Kicks” been stuck in your head for 15 years now? This show can help.

Isaiah Rashad, Ray Vaughn at Riviera. Tickets.
The experimental and introspective rapper plays a Lolla aftershow in Uptown.

Kurt Vile & The Violators, Merce Lemon at SPACE. Sold out. 
Two heavyweights of folksy indie rock team up in Evanston.

Remi Wolf, Flowerovlove at Salt Shed. Sold out. 
The pop star mentions the Ukrainian Village venue Empty Bottle in one of her songs and plays at its sister venue.

Sunday, August 3: 
SUMAC, Chepang, Patrick Shiroishi at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The adventurous and jam-minded post-metal group plays the second of two shows in Chicago this weekend.

Jane Remover, dazegxd at Subterranean. Sold out. 
Ask the coolest young person you know if they have an extra ticket to this show.

Monday, August 4: 
Orchestra Resavoir, Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few at Millennium Park. Free. 
The sprawling jazz project of trumpeter, producer and Chicagoan Will Miller enlists an orchestra for this free show downtown.

Tuesday, August 5: 
Death Cab For Cutie, Nation of Language at Chicago Theatre. Tickets. 
Relive the indie rock explosion of the 2000s with these Washington state pioneers.

Sharpie Smile, Facing at Hideout. Tickets. 
This duo recently earned a coveted “Album of the Week” designation from Stereogum for their latest full-length. 

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