Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for May 13-20
Twin Peaks (Provided)
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here.
Wednesday, May 13:
Robber Robber, Golomb, Starcharm at Schubas. Tickets.
Burlington, Vermont’s most innovative young band headlines a stacked bill in Lakeview.
King Tuff, Mod Lang at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Get there early for the fuzzy power pop of the Detroit openers.
Elias Rønnenfelt, Evanora Unlimited at Outset. Tickets.
The Iceage frontman stops for a solo gig at a newer venue.
Thursday, May 14:
Brown Horse, Glass Beagle at Hideout. Tickets.
These U.K. musicians meld twangy countrified sounds into anthemic and cathartic rock music.
Ivy, Friend of a Friend at Park West. Tickets.
The excellent, longrunning indie pop outfit returns without the late founding member Adam Schlesinger.
Twin Peaks, NE-HI at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The beloved Chicago rock band reunites for their first shows since 2020 for a stretch of eight consecutive sold-out nights in Pilsen. The openers, another beloved local indie rock outfit, are playing their first gig since 2017.
Friday, May 15:
Moontype, Caution, Memory Card at GMan Tavern. Tickets.
Three impressive indie rock bands play a Lakeview bar perfect for a cozy show.
Empath, The Lipschitz, pee.jay.el at Color Club. Tickets.
Energetic, inventive rock music in Old Irving Park.
Caroline at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The sprawling U.K. collective heads to Ukrainian Village.
Teen Suicide, Cloud Nothings, Liquid Mike at Bottom Lounge. Tickets.
The longrunning songwriting project of Maryland’s Sam Ray enlists a duo of Midwestern rock bands to open his West Loop gig.
The Hoyle Brothers at Empty Bottle. Free.
Want a matinee show? This honky tonk residency is always on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and always free.
Twin Peaks, Lifeguard at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
Reunited rockers give a younger and just-as-exciting local band an opening slot.
Saturday, May 16:
Sam Prekop & John McEntire, Jungle Boogie at Constellation. Tickets.
Two titans of Chicago experimental music team up for a duo set at a North Center club best suited for that genre.
Sessa, Kolumbo at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This is not the actor Dominic Sessa (of “The Holdovers” and “Tony” fame), but the São Paulo indie pop musician.
Ray Bull, Babehoven at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Get there early for the New York duo openers.
Soul Asylum, Jason Narducy at SPACE. Tickets.
The veteran rockers attempt an acoustic trio set in Evanston.
Twin Peaks, Pool Holograph, Carmen Christopher at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The openers on night three of this residency will be playing their first full band performance in four years.
Sunday, May 17:
Armlock, Feller at Schubas. Tickets.
Two like-minded acts of intricate indie rock team up in Lakeview.
Twin Peaks, Neptune’s Core, Carmen Christopher at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
Two generations of local indie rock bands team up alongside a hometown comedian.
Monday, May 18:
Local Memory, Ladybird, Hannah Frey at Empty Bottle. Free.
There’s nothing better than a free show at the Ukrainian Village dive.
Twin Peaks, Free Range at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
The astoundingly perceptive local songwriter Sofia Jensen kicks off night five and an eight-show run.
Tuesday, May 19:
The Deslondes, Sam Gelband, Kiki Cavazos at Hideout. Tickets.
Your favorite country band’s favorite country band.
Twin Peaks, V.V. Lightbody at Thalia Hall. Sold out.
Get ready for amazing new songs from the Chicago folk-rocker opening up night six of the beloved local band’s reunion residency.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
