Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. Wednesday, July 8: Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, John Doe Folk Trio at Northerly Island. Tickets.The songwriting icon just enlisted local guitarist Joel Paterson into his band. Suitor, Current Union TM, Alga, Bath Drawers at Empty Bottle. Tickets.Some of the most exciting rising indie rock bands all on one bill. Beach Bunny, Friko at Taste of Chicago. Free.Two of Chicago’s best rock bands kick off the Grant Park festival.
Thursday, July 9: Original Koffee, Funadesi at Taste of Chicago. Free.This Jamaican singer is excellent. Dehd, Starcharm at Old Town School of Folk. Tickets.These two local indie rock bands launch Square Roots Festival with a Thursday club show in Lincoln Square. Blue Earth Sound at Top Note Theatre. Tickets for the early show and late show.
The groove-minded jazz project by Spun Out’s James Weir plays two shows at the Metro’s intimate top-floor theater.
Al Scorch at Hideout. Tickets.The roots artist and social media personality starts a new monthly “Fantastical Residency” at the cozy venue. Friday, July 10: National Photo Committee, Krill at Kilbourn Park. Free.The best free summer concert series is at a cozy Northwest Side park.
Common, Recoechi, Kaicrewsade at Taste of Chicago. Free.A Chicago hip-hop legend headlines a Grant Park food festival. The Bug Club, Golomb at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.The best indie rock show of the week. Rebirth Brass Band at Martyr’s. Tickets. This New Orleans mainstay plays two sets each night of their two-show run.
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.
Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 12: Dehd, Margo Price, Deeper, Nick Lowe, Hurray for the Riff Raff, more at Square Roots Festival. Free.Head to Lincoln Square (with a $10 suggested donation) for one of the summer’s best curated festivals.
Saturday, July 11:
Rebirth Brass Band at Martyr’s. Tickets. This New Orleans mainstay plays two sets each night of their two-show run.
Sunday, July 12: Julieta Venegas, Valebol at Taste of Chicago. Free.Another excellent booking to close out the Grant Park food festival. Cootie Catcher, Memory Card, Sacred Heart Academy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.Guitar-pop in Ukrainian Village. Monday, July 13: Babe Report, Grocer, Patter at Empty Bottle. Free.A free Monday show in Ukrainian Village? Sign us up.
