Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 12-18

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, Nov. 12:  
Die Spitz, Babe Haven at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
This might be your last chance to see this rising punk band in a local venue this tiny. 

The Faint, Hercules & Love Affair at Metro. Tickets. 
The Omaha dance-punk outfit teams up with the New York dance-punk outfit. 

Robert Plant’s Saving Grace ft. Suzi Dian at the Vic Theatre. Tickets. 
Yes, the Led Zeppelin singer is playing a small theater and tickets are still available. 

Thursday, Nov. 13:
Tom Morello & Friends at the Vic Theatre. Tickets. 
Likely the best guitarist to ever come from Libertyville, Illinois. 

Billy Woods at Thalia Hall. Tickets.  
Here’s a chance to see one of hip-hop’s most ambitious and consistently acclaimed rappers. 

Facing, Uniflora, Accessory at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
Get there early for the solo project of Dehd’s Jason Balla. 

Dogs In a Pile at Garcia’s. Tickets. 
This jam band has a monthlong residency at a venue named after Jerry Garcia. 

Khruangbin, Resavoir at Metro. Sold out. 
The Texas trio usually plays venues 5x the size of the Lakeview icon. 

Friday, Nov. 14: 
Pixel Grip, The Serfs, Justin Aulis Long at Metro. Tickets. 
Danceable synth-pop with a palpable edge headlined by a talented Chicago trio. 

Alta Vista, Lia Kohl at Constellation. Tickets. 
Two experimental and talented locals are celebrating record releases. 

Bar Italia, Lifeguard at Thalia Hall. Tickets. 
The headliner’s name rhymes with the venue. Is this a sign to buy tickets? 

Saturday, Nov. 15: 
Beach Bunny, CRASHprez, Free Range, Living Thing at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
Expect solo sets and a great time benefiting the Midwestern Immigration Bond Fund. 

Eggy at Thalia Hall. Sold out. 
This Connecticut jam band is playing three sets in Pilsen. 

The Dirty Nil, War on Women, Chastity at Cobra Lounge. Tickets. 
Canadian rock ’n’ roll excellence in the West Loop. 

Mark William Lewis, Samba Jean-Baptiste at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
These songwriters traverse genres in a compelling, avant-garde fashion. 

The Wood Brothers, Dug at Riviera Theatre. Tickets. 
Folk veterans make another stop in Uptown. 

Sunday, Nov. 16: 
Dari Bay, Graham Hunt, Feller at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The Vermont rock group teams up with a Wisconsin rock stalwart. 

Constant Smiles at Ramova Loft. Tickets.
Delicate, knotty folk music in Bridgeport. 

Folk Bitch Trio, Alex Amen at Schubas. Tickets.  
Expect goosebump-inducing harmonies from this Australian trio. 

Minus the Bear, Slow Mass at Metro. Tickets. 
Seattle math rock legends reunite to celebrate 20 years of their album “Menos el Oso.” 

Danny Brown, underscores, Femtanyl at The Vic Theatre. Tickets. 
The Detroit rapper released a well-received new album this month. 

Monday, Nov. 17: 
Patti Smith & Her Band at Chicago Theatre. Tickets. 
The New York icon celebrates 50 years of her classic album “Horses.” The first of two shows. 

Wednesday, Daffo at Riviera Theatre. Tickets. 
“Bleeds,” the new album from this North Carolina band, is one of 2025’s most acclaimed LPs. 

Ira Glass, Repent, Alive Girl at Empty Bottle. Free. 
Please note that this is the Chicago hardcore band and not the “This American Life” host. 

Tuesday, Nov. 18: 
Patti Smith & Her Band at Chicago Theatre. Tickets. 
The New York icon celebrates 50 years of her classic album “Horses.” The second of two shows. 

Wyatt Waddell at Beat Kitchen. Tickets. 
Go see one of Chicago’s most talented rising singers in Roscoe Village. 

Post Animal, The Slaps at Thalia Hall. Sold out. 
Two Chicago indie rock bands link up for a hometown show. 

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WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.

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