Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Jan. 7-13
Swamp Dogg (Magnolia Pictures)
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, Jan. 7:
Macie Stewart, Zander Raymond & Macie Stewart Duo at Color Club. Tickets
The multi-faceted and adventurous Chicago songwriter kicks off a month-long Wednesday residency in Old Irving Park.
Carter Ward, Scott Halko, Chaepter at Schubas. Tickets.
Why not start your year with a $5 show featuring local talent?
Thursday, Jan. 8:
Marble Teeth, Poolish, Glass Beagle at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The solo project of Decatur, Illinois-based musician Caleb Jefson headlines this night in Ukrainian Village.
Official Claire, Sick Day, Almost There But Not Really at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
The annual multi-venue winter music festival Tomorrow Never Knows kicks off at Wrigleyville and runs throughout January.
Friday, Jan. 9:
Pictoria Vark, girly pants at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
Rolling Stone had this Chicago artist’s latest album, “Nothing Sticks,” in their year-end Best Indie Rock of 2025 list.
Swamp Dogg, Marijuana Deathsquads at Metro. Tickets.
An 83-year-old soul, country and blues legend makes a stop in Wrigleyville. Part of TNK Fest.
Discus, Oyeme, Toadvine at Ramova Loft. Tickets.
Three great Chicago bands in Bridgeport. Part of TNK Fest.
Bill Murray & his Blood Brothers at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Yes, it’s that Bill Murray. First of two shows in Pilsen.
Saturday, Jan. 10:
Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff at Chicago Theatre. Tickets.
Two dynamite vocalists team up in the loop.
Joe Glass, Feller, Reciever at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Sharp Pins bassist released a stellar new album at the beginning of the year.
REZN, Interlay, Stalled at Schubas. Tickets.
Chicago metal stalwarts headline a venue where several of its members once worked.
Brokeback, Dianogah at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
This punk band loves the Gman Tavern.
Adelaide, Ava Brennan at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
Two Chicago songwriters team up for the headliner’s record release show.
Bill Murray & his Blood Brothers at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Yes, it’s that Bill Murray. Second of two shows in Pilsen.
Tuesday, Jan. 13:
Sam Prekop, Zander Raymond, Paige Alice Naylor at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Sea & Cake frontman had one of 2025’s best albums in “Open Close.”
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
