Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for March 4-10
Natural Information Society—Mikel Patrick Avery, Lisa Alvarado, Joshua Abrams, and Jason Stein (Jim Newberry)
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, March 4:
Glitterer, Graham Hunt, Prize Horse at Subterranean. Tickets.
A stacked lineup of anthemic indie rock. Get there early for Wisconsin’s Graham Hunt: There’s a chance you’ll hear an electric kazoo.
Oyeme, Preston Woolsey at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This rising Chicago artist plays her first full band show of 2026.
Paper Lady, Moontype, Cusp at Schubas. Tickets.
The local bands opening up this concert are some of Chicago’s very best.
Blackwater Holylight, Som at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
See why this California group calls their music “doom pop.”
Thursday, March 5:
Cut Worms at Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets.
This is a podcast taping of the great music show “Jokerman.” After a conversation with Jeff Tweedy, this great folk artist takes the stage for a performance.
LCD Soundsystem, Automatic at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
The dance-punk legends return to the city with a weekend residency in Uptown.
Ira Glass, Chemical, D. Jean-Baptiste at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
NPR fans, don’t be fooled: This is the local hardcore band.
Friday, March 6:
LCD Soundsystem, Automatic at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
The dance-punk legends return to the city with a weekend residency in Uptown.
Gary Higgins, Anna Johnson, The Singleman Affair at Hideout. Tickets.
Chicago Psych Fest kicks off its 16th iteration.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Your dad’s favorite songwriter plays two nights at this indoor venue.
Hudson Freeman, Brian Gerald Bulger at SPACE. Tickets.
This folk singer had a massive breakthrough in 2025. See why in Evanston this weekend.
Saturday, March 7:
Natural Information Society, Glyders, Shravan Raghuram at Hideout. Tickets.
The second night of Chicago Psych Fest has a killer lineup.
The Dead Bolts, Good Looks at Metro. Tickets.
Get there early for the charming and resilient rock of these Texas openers.
Feeble Little Horse, Squirrel Flower, Sleeper’s Bell, Dan English, Astrachan, Alta Vista, more at Thalia Hall. Free.
Throughout the day, this Pilsen venue is hosting a totally free, multi-building festival.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Your dad’s favorite songwriter plays the second of two nights at this indoor venue.
LCD Soundsystem, Automatic at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
The dance-punk legends return to the city with a weekend residency in Uptown.
Zastava, Hearthands, Mail., Cabwaylingo at Cole’s. Tickets.
Detroit punk in a dive bar? Sign us up.
Elway, The Maxwell Stern Band, Annabel, Sad Witches at Subterranean. Tickets.
This stacked punk bill is part of the venue’s Pop Punk Pizza Party. Yes, all tickets come with a free slice.
Smush, Daundry, This House is Creaking, Double Extra Large at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
You might discover your new favorite rock band here.
Sunday, March 8:
LCD Soundsystem, Automatic at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
The dance-punk legends return to the city with a weekend residency in Uptown.
Wallplant, Life in Public, Try a Dull Knife at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This Chicago band is releasing a new album the very same day.
Spiritual Cramp, GUV, Imploders, Fuerza Bruta at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Lots of punk talent in one Lincoln Park show.
To You, Deary, Daarling, Yours Mookie, Laceless at Schubas. Tickets.
A lineup so good you’ll forget it’s a five-band bill on a Sunday.
Monday, March 9:
Mx Lonely, bloodsports, Feller, Chaepter at Empty Bottle. Free.
Another Free Monday show at Chicago’s best small venue.
Tuesday, March 10:
Advance Base, Lilly Miller, Tall Tall Trees at Hideout. Tickets.
Chicago music staple Owen Ashworth plays a cozy venue for his cozy music.
Patti Smith, Tony Shanahan and Jackson Smith at Old Town School of Folk Music. Sold out.
You’re very lucky if you snagged tickets to this intimate show with a living legend.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
