Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Aug. 26-Sept. 1
Robert Lester Folsom (Maren McGuire)
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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Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 26:
Brandi Carlile at Ravinia. Tickets.
The Grammy-winning folk songwriter and friend of Joni Mitchell takes the stage in Highland Park.
Ken Carson, xaviersobased, Prettifun at Northerly Island. Tickets.
A rap show on the lakefront.
Quicksand, Bane at Bottom Lounge. Tickets.
The NYC post-hardcore icons are in the middle of a much-deserved renaissance.
Thursday, Aug. 27:
Kool & the Gang, Morris Day & The Time at Ravinia. Tickets.
Recommended if you like ampersands.
Pond, Daisychain at Metro. Tickets.
Australian psych-rock at an iconic Lakeview venue.
The Sadies at FitzGerald’s. Tickets.
This Americana band has multiple decades under their belt.
Friday, Aug. 28:
LUCKI, Sk8star at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets.
A Chicago rapper plays a big headlining show.
Magnolia and Johnson Electric Co. at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
The Texas songwriter Will Johnson teams up with Jason Molina’s former band to celebrate the late songwriter’s oeuvre.
Mucca Pazza, NNAMDÏ, Justice Hill, Girl K, more at Edgewater Music Festival. $10 suggested donation.
A dark horse contender for the best-booked street festival of 2026. Night one of three.
Peter Hook & the Light at Metro. Sold out.
The bassist will perform all of New Order’s 2001 LP “Get Ready,” in full, plus a selection of that band and his old group Joy Division’s greatest hits.
Saturday, Aug. 29:
The Innocence Mission at Lincoln Hall. Sold out.
The long-running alternative folk band has been around for 40 years, and they’re still selling out shows.
Peter Hook & the Light at Metro. Sold out.
The bassist will perform all of New Order’s 2001 LP “Get Ready,” in full, plus a selection of that band and his old group Joy Division’s greatest hits.
Ray LaMontagne, the Weather Station at Ravinia. Tickets.
A night of cozy folk-pop on the North Shore.
Robert Lester Folsom, Corey Parsons at SPACE. Tickets.
An influential songwriting icon takes the stage in Evanston.
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Lowdown Brass Band, Cabeza de Chivo, more at Edgewater Music Fest. $10 suggested donation.
A dark horse contender for the best-booked street festival of 2026. Night two of three.
Trish Toledo, Six Foot Blonde, Runner and Bobby, more at Thalia Hall. Free.
This is part of the Pilsen venue’s all-day “Free For All” festival.
Sunday, Aug. 30:
Asleep at the Wheel at Old Town School of Folk. Tickets.
Western swing in Lincoln Square.
Maps & Atlases, Spitalfield, Neptune’s Core, more at Edgewater Music Fest. $10 suggested donation.
A dark horse contender for the best-booked street festival of 2026. Night three of three.
Killer Mike, Snow Tha Product, DJ Premier, Rapsody, Navy Blue more at Salt Shed. Sold out.
This venue’s GoodWaves Festival takes the prime acts from hip-hop and rap.
Monday, Aug. 31:
Gerfety, Double Extra Large, Sacred Heart Academy at Empty Bottle. Free.
There’s nothing better than a free Monday show in Ukrainian Village.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
