Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 18-24
Margaux (Angalis Field)
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, Feb. 18:
Old Pup, Ava Brennan, Julia Morrison at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
Rustic, Midwestern folk music in Avondale.
The Black Heart Procession, Doom Flower at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
A stellar Chicago rock band opens for these San Diego indie veterans.
Thursday, Feb. 19:
Glen Phillips, Rachel Swain at SPACE. Tickets.
The Toad the Wet Sprocket songwriter makes a stop in Evanston.
DANA, Clickbait, Cel Ray, Bath Drawers at the Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Like punk music? Head to Ukrainian Village.
Friday, Feb. 20:
Margaux, Lucky Cloud at Hideout. Tickets.
The show of the week. A Philadelphia singer-songwriter is joined by an exceptionally talented local opener.
DJ Seinfeld, Madeline, Dean Raymond at smartbar. Tickets.
What’s the deal with this electronic DJ choosing the same name as the famous sitcom comedian?
Los Thuthanaka at Empty Bottle. Sold out.
The artists behind Pitchfork’s favorite album of 2025 make an appearance in Ukrainian Village.
Saturday, Feb. 21:
Los Thuthanaka, Lip Critic, Good Flying Birds, Snuffed, Body Shop at Empty Bottle. Free.
Every year, this Ukrainian Village venue holds a music festival outside in the middle of February. “Music. Frozen. Dancing” is a neighborhood party and a staple of the season. Bundle up for some great music and community.
The Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy at Nichols Concert Hall (Evanston). Free.
This nationally recognized local pre-college conservatory program for gifted high school pianists and string players has been performing free concerts at Evanston’s Nichols Concert Hall. This month’s program is conducted by Academy Director James Setapen and includes “Repair the World” by Stacy Garrop, who composed this piece following the horrific mass shooting at Highland Park’s 2022 July 4th Parade. For more info, click here.
Flesh Commodity, Ritual Cross, Leadburner at Tone Deaf Records. Free.
An evening of free heavy music at a Portage Park record store that is also a benefit concert for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
Monday, Feb. 23:
Naima Bock, Minor Moon at Constellation. Tickets.
This U.K. artist was born to Greek and Brazilian parents and spent her formative years as a postpunk bandleader. Now, she makes gorgeous, unclassifiable solo music.
Tuesday, Feb. 24:
Godstar Megamax, Ira Glass, Alive Girl, Glen Bias at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Some raucous and awesome punk and hardcore bands are putting on a show to benefit the National Immigration Law Center.
Sam Henshaw, Justice Hill at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Get there early for the soulful, funky crooning of the local opener.
Sword II, Total Wife, Con at Schubas. Sold out.
This impossibly cool and inventive Atlanta indie rock band had one of 2025’s best albums.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
