Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Sept. 9-15

Josh Terry | September 9, 2026, 5:00 am

Thomas Dollbaum (Beau Patrick Coulon)

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, Sept. 9:
James K, Dorothy Carlos, gs70 at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This Ukrainian Village club kicks off its annual Plantasia festival with a pre-party.

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Shadowgrass at Garcia’s. Tickets.
At the intersection of bluegrass and jam bands. Night one of two.

Thursday, Sept. 10:
Erykah Badu, De La Soul, The Alchemist at Ravinia. Tickets.
Several icons of hip-hop team up in Highland Park.

Helado Tropical, James K, Gigi Masin, Elori Saxl, Henry Solomon, Blue Earth Sound, Jeremiah Chiu, Age of Peace, Torn Light DJs at Garfield Park Conservatory. Tickets.
A celebration of ambient, electronic and jazz music takes place in a unique venue. Night one of two.

Noname at Park West. Tickets.
The Chicago rapper and poet celebrates 10 years of her breakthrough album “Telefone.” Night one of two.

Shadowgrass at Garcia’s. Tickets.
At the intersection of bluegrass and jam bands. Night two of two.

Friday, Sept. 11:
El Michels Affair, Brainstory, Thee Heart Tones at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Big Crown Records celebrates 10 years of releasing soul music in Pilsen.

Makaya McCraven, Green-House, Precious Renee Tucker, Chee Shimizu, Okonski, Flore Laurentienne, Gwenifer Raymond, Acopia at Garfield Park Conservatory. Tickets.
A celebration of ambient, electronic and jazz music takes place in a unique venue. Night two of two.

Noname at Park West. Tickets.
The Chicago rapper and poet celebrates 10 years of her breakthrough album “Telefone.” Night two of two.

The Punch Brothers at Cahn Auditorium. Tickets.
Expect expert pickin’ and gorgeous harmonies from Chris Thile’s virtuosic roots band.

Saturday, Sept. 12:
Alison Krauss & Union Station at Ravinia. Tickets.
This acclaimed singer loves this Highland Park stage.

Ceremony, Poison Ruin, World Peace at Metro. Tickets.
The long-running California punk band celebrates a new record called “Tell Me Your Dream.”

Chief Keef at Northerly Island. Tickets.
The Chicago rapper comes home for a lakefront concert.

Trampled by Turtles, Sierra Hull, Valerie June, Mdou Moctar, Tobacco City, more at Evanston Folk Festival. Tickets.
Head up to Evanston for a festival devoted to the best folk and Americana acts. Night one of two.

Sunday, Sept. 13:
Indigo Girls, Josh Ritter, James McMurtry, Margaret Glaspy, more at Evanston Folk Festival. Tickets.
Head up to Evanston for a festival devoted to the best folk and Americana acts. Night two of two.

Lily Allen at Chicago Theatre. Tickets.
The English songwriter promises a raw and detailed production of her new LP “West End Girl.”

Monday, Sept. 14:
Bikini Kill, Ganser at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Two generations of women-led punk bands.

Tuesday, Sept. 15:
Carla Dal Forno, Zelienople, Erik Kramer at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Australian songwriter has one of this newsletter producer’s favorite LPs of 2026.

Sondre Lerche, Julian Saunders at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
This charming Norwegian songwriter will bring his solo show to Lincoln Park.

Thomas Dollbaum, Glass Beagle at Hideout. Tickets.
“Birds of Paradise” is one of the best rock albums of the year.

WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.