Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Oct. 15-21

Josh Terry | October 15, 2025, 5:00 am

Hannah Frances (Credit: Grant Hindsley)

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, Oct. 15:
Geese, Racing Mount Pleasant at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The New York City headliners have the breakout indie rock album of 2025. The first of two sold-out shows.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thursday, Oct. 16:
Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Charlie Sexton at Auditorium Theatre. Tickets.
A living rock ’n’ roll legend in one of the city’s most historic venues.

Neko Case, Des Demonas at Salt Shed. Tickets.
This American songwriter, author and indie rock artist was featured on “Chicago Tonight” back in 2001.

Geese, Racing Mount Pleasant at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The New York City headliners have the breakout indie rock album of 2025. The second of two sold-out shows.

Delicate Steve, Dolly Creamer at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Like guitars? Try this show.

JW Francis, Fleshed Out at Hideout. Tickets.
Charming, loop pedal indie pop with a charismatic headliner.

Brendan Kelly, Sam Russo, Good Friend at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
The Lawrence Arms frontman returns to the bar where he used to work.

Stolen Gin, Post Sex Nachos at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
NYU undergrads turned rising jam band stars.

Friday, Oct. 17:
Hannah Frances Ensemble at Constellation. Tickets.
The must-see show of the week. Frances is a generational songwriting talent who crafted much of her new album “Nested in Tangles” while living in Chicago.

Violent Femmes at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Midwestern alt-rock legends play a career-spanning set.

Moe. at The Vic. Tickets.
The Buffalo jam band makes another visit to Chicago.

Home Is Where, Forests, Rugh at Subterranean. Tickets.
One of the most innovative, risk-taking and vital emo bands today.

Pachyman, MNDSGN, Michi at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
A night of tasteful vibes in Ukrainian Village.

Saturday, Oct. 18:
The Tubs, Foyer Red at Schubas. Tickets.
These Welsh indie rockers were on the essential but now-defunct local record label Trouble in Mind.

Lucius, Hurray For the Riff Raff at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Get there early for the exceptional folk songs of the now-Chicago-based opener Alynda Segarra.

Mach-Hommy at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
A critically acclaimed New Jersey rapper who proudly represents his Haitian family roots.

Frog, Godstar Megamix at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This New York indie rock band has released two albums this year. Coincidentally, they’re playing two shows in Ukrainian Village. This is the first.

Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, James Felice at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
The Hold Steady frontman teams up with the Felice Brother for two sets of solo music.

Sunday, Oct. 19:
Parcels, The Lemon Twigs at Salt Shed. Tickets.
A night of sleek, timeless pop outdoors at Salt Shed.

Indigo De Souza, Mothe at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
This Los Angeles via North Carolina artist is always electric.

Brian Dunne, Dead Gowns at Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
The Maine-based folk-rock opener has a stunning, dynamic and emotive voice.

Frog, Jason Shapiro at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The New York indie rock band has released two albums this year. Coincidentally, they’re playing two shows in Ukrainian Village. This is the second.

Monday, Oct. 20:
Smerz at Empty Bottle. Sold out.
This Norwegian art-pop duo has one of the year’s best songs in “You got time and I got money.”

Oklou, Umru at Metro. Sold out.
French producer and DJ Marylou Vanina Mayniel makes danceable pop that music critics love.

Autechre, Mark Broom at Concord Music Hall. Tickets.
The English electronic duo is in their fifth decade making music and puts on a challenging and immersive live show.

Tuesday, Oct. 21:
Erika de Casier, Fine at Outset. Tickets.
Two Danish artists at the forefront of cutting-edge pop.

Peel Dream Magazine, TV Buddha, Mia Joy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Throwback, sophisticated indie pop.

Petey, Alex Cameron at the Vic. Tickets.
Go early for the swaggering, gonzo pop-rock of the Australian opener.