Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for March 18-24
Carriers (Romain Mayambi)
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 18:
Elly Kace, Carl Hauck at the International Museum of Surgical Science. Tickets.
A Chicago-raised singer with a spectacular voice makes a stop in the Gold Coast for an intimate show at a museum.
Fust, Merce Lemon, Walker Rider at SPACE. Tickets.
Three of the best rising artists in folk rock team up in Evanston.
Thursday, March 19:
Immaterialize, Zach Moore, Justindemus at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This all-local bill operates at the intersection of experimental and electronic.
Steve Hauschildt, Kara-Lis Coverdale at Epiphany Center for the Arts. Tickets.
One-third of the electronic trio Emeralds heads to the West Loop for a solo headlining set.
Westhead, Glass-Beagle at Hideout. Tickets.
Like rock music that’s also twangy? You’re in luck.
Friday, March 20:
DJ Spinn, TRAXMAN, Jana Rush at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This Friday night in Ukrainian Village, celebrate the roster and catalog of local footwork label Teklife.
Carriers, DD Island, Jessica Risker at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
This excellent Ohio songwriter has collaborated with and opened up for the National.
Moon Bros., Louise Bock at Constellation. Tickets.
Another thoughtfully curated night of experimental music in Roscoe Village.
Twen, Monsoon at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
This rock band always brings a raucous energy and swaggering charisma to their live shows.
Saturday, March 21:
Cory Branan, The Sunchokes at the Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
Perceptive and memorable folk-punk in Roscoe Village.
Lefty Parker, Blue Ranger, Sleeper’s Bell at Color Club. Tickets.
This Texas artist is playing a couple of shows in Old Irving Park. Get there early for the local and national openers.
Universal Togetherness Band at Subterranean. Tickets.
This Chicago soul and disco band from the ‘70s and ‘80s found a second life from local archival label Numero Group.
Chalk, Totally Cashed at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
Avondale will host a night of ripping punk music.
Joe Glass, Barreleye, Alga, Jason Shapiro at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
The headliner is a member of the Chicago rock band Sharp Pins and has one of this newsletter producer’s favorite albums of 2026 in “Snakewards.”
Sunday, March 22:
Molina, Lipsticism at Schubas. Tickets.
The Danish-Chilean artist enlists a like-minded Chicagoan to open this Lakeview show.
Lefty Parker, Blue Ranger, Conor Lynch at Color Club. Tickets.
This Texas artist is playing a couple of shows in Old Irving Park. Get there early for the openers.
Monday, March 23:
Cootie Catcher, Bungee Jumpers, National Photo Committee, Alive Girl at Hideout. Tickets.
A pretty stacked lineup for a Monday rock show.
Tuesday, March 24:
Patrick Watson, La Force at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The veteran piano bard makes a return to Pilsen.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
