Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Oct. 22-28

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. 22: 
Jensen McRae, Kahleah Lee at Metro. Tickets. 
The California songwriter behind the acclaimed 2025 LP “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” makes a stop in Lakeview. 

Activity, Daybreaker, Doom Flower at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
Brooklyn experimental rockers released an album called “A Thousand Years In Another Way” back in June. 

Thursday, Oct. 23: 
Blue Earth Sound, Chalk Cross at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
Cinematic jazz from a Chicago indie rock mainstay who has found more chill musical pathways. 

Jessica Risker, Raybody, Ava Brennan at Color Club. Tickets. 
The headliner is an acclaimed Chicago songwriter and a licensed therapist. 

The Beta Band at Metro. Sold out 
Yes, this was one of the many bands mentioned in “High Fidelity.” 

Friday, Oct. 24: 
Grateful Shred at Park West. Tickets.
The best Grateful Dead cover band plays the Lincoln Park venue. 

My Morning Jacket, BALTHVS at Salt Shed. Tickets.  
Louisville rock heroes play three shows at Chicago’s best big venue. 

Freddie Gibbs at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets. 
The beloved Indiana rapper returns to Uptown. 

Aitis Band, Wallplant, casualshrine at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
For fans of Joan of Arc, Rainbo Club and local rock at its most artful and thrilling. 

Purity Ring, yuniVERSE at Metro. Tickets. 
Delectable synth-pop from a longrunning Canadian duo. 

Ela Minus at Outset. Tickets.
The Colombian electronic artist Gabriela Jimeno Caldas makes an appearance in Bucktown. 

Orillia, Disaster Kid, Soft Holler at Hideout. Tickets. 
Chicago folk experimentalist Andrew Marczak celebrates a new album. 

Fruit Bats, Minor Moon, V.V. Lightbody at Old Town School of Folk. Sold out. 
The tasteful folk-pop of Eric D. Johnson will be on display over two nights in Lincoln Square. 

Saturday, Oct. 25: 
Cusp, Tenci, Pictoria Vark at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Originally from New York state, this excellent pop-rock outfit found its footing in Chicago. 
 
My Morning Jacket, BALTHVS at Salt Shed. Tickets.  
Louisville rock heroes play the second of three shows at Chicago’s best big venue. 

Madi Diaz, Clover Country at SPACE. Tickets. 
The folk mainstay just released her seventh studio album. 

TC Superstar, Josephine, Winefred RT at Hideout. Tickets. 
Two locals open for the sprawling Texas art-pop collective. 

Fruit Bats, Tobacco City at Old Town School of Folk. Sold out.
The tasteful folk-pop of Eric D. Johnson will be on display over two nights in Lincoln Square. 

Sunday, Oct. 26: 
Herbie Hancock at Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Tickets. 
You owe it to yourself to see the 85-year-old jazz icon and Chicago-born musical legend. 

My Morning Jacket, BALTHVS at Salt Shed. Tickets.  
Louisville rock heroes play the third of three shows at Chicago’s best big venue and will perform their album “Z” in full. 

Robbie Fulks at Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets. 
The country and folk veteran will play a career-spanning set in Lincoln Square. 

Monday, Oct. 27: 
Resavoir, Mamey at City Winery. Tickets. 
Chicago trumpeter and composer Will Miller headlines a benefit show for Merit School of Music. 

Tuesday, Oct. 28: 
David Byrne at Auditorium Theatre. Tickets. 
The Talking Heads frontman has a new solo album out and will bring his massive band to the Loop. 

YOB, mr.phylzzz at Thalia Hall. Tickets. 
Oregon doom metal mainstays bring their atmospheric and immersive songs to Pilsen. 

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