Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for May 27-June 2
Kevin Morby (Chantal Anderson)
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, May 27:
Elizabeth Moen, G’Nite at Empty Bottle. Free.
A free, 21+ concert previewing Do Division Fest with a talented local singer-songwriter headlining.
A$AP Rocky at United Center. Tickets.
The popular rapper’s “Don’t Be Dumb” tour kicks off Wednesday in Chicago.
Thursday, May 28:
National Photo Committee, Lifeguard, 2w33dy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The music blog Post Trash said the local twangy indie rock headliners could be the “best bar band in America.”
Belle & Sebastian, U.S. Girls at Salt Shed. Tickets.
The long-running Scottish indie pop band plays their debut album, “Tigermilk,” in full, alongside select hits from their catalog.
Joshua Ray Walker, Cecilia Castleman at Schubas. Tickets.
This country crooner has a powerful voice, which will effortlessly fill this tiny Lakeview club.
Weird Nightmare, Joe Glass at Cobra Lounge. Tickets.
The solo project from METZ vocalist/guitarist Alex Edkins makes a tour stop in the West Loop with a local power pop artist.
Paper Wings, the Montvales at Judson & Moore. Tickets.
Gentle roots and folk from a talented duo.
Friday, May 29:
Wild Pink, Spitalfield, Elizabeth Moen, more at Do Division Free. $10 suggested donation.
With programming curated by the Empty Bottle and Subterranean, Do Division is one of Chicago’s best street festivals.
Belle & Sebastian, U.S. Girls at Salt Shed. Tickets.
The long-running Scottish indie pop band plays their breakthrough second album, “If You’re Feeling Sinister,” in full, alongside select hits from their catalog.
Jeff Tweedy at Vic Theatre. Tickets.
The Wilco frontman’s annual benefit shows will feature fan-requested rarities and an intimate acoustic performance. The first of two nights.
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.
Saturday, May 30:
Pete and Bas, Rockie Rode, Glyders, Delivery Boys, Junegrass, Lip Critic, more at Do Division Fest. $10 suggested donation.
With programming curated by the Empty Bottle and Subterranean, Do Division is one of Chicago’s best street festivals.
Jeff Tweedy at Vic Theatre. Tickets.
The Wilco frontman’s annual benefit shows will feature fan-requested rarities and an intimate acoustic performance. The second of two nights.
Mekons at Hideout. Early show tickets and late show tickets.
The local country-punk pioneers are double-booked on Saturday: with one show at 4 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m.
MV Wells, Molly Carberry at Color Club. Tickets.
The singer-guitarist in NE-HI and Spun Out releases a new solo LP.
Marisa Anderson at Constellation. Tickets.
Expansive and experimental guitar music in Roscoe Village.
Gabacho, Astrachan at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Head to Ukrainian Village for a night of deliriously fun rock music.
Sunday, May 31:
Wombo, Nico Segal, Starcharm, Rich Jones, more at Do Division Free. $10 suggested donation.
With programming curated by the Empty Bottle and Subterranean, Do Division is one of Chicago’s best street festivals.
Talulah Paisley, Kitship, Adelaide at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
A cozy folk show in Ukrainian Village.
Mekons at SPACE. Tickets.
The pioneering country punks close out a busy weekend in Evanston.
Tuesday, June 2:
Kevin Morby, Liam Kazar at Metro. Tickets.
The Kansas City songwriter brings a Chicago folk-rocker to show the city songs from his excellent new LP “Little Wide Open.”
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
