Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 16-22

Josh Terry | July 16, 2025, 5:00 am

Phish. (Danny Clinch)

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, July 16:
Junegrass, Rujen, Head at Color Club. Tickets.
These heady local indie rockers headline a cozy room in Avondale.

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Graham Hunt, National Photo Committee, 2w33dy, Randal Bravery at Schubas. Tickets.
A Wisconsin songwriter who can pen an infectious, rockin’ and memorable tune.

Thursday, July 17:
Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick at Fitzgerald’s. Tickets.
Two iconic rock bands team up for career-spanning sets, stellar songwriting and onstage rowdiness.

Father John Misty, Lucinda Williams, Hamilton Leithauser at Salt Shed. Tickets.
A gold-voiced crooner who channels Randy Newman, Warren Zevon and more is joined on the bill by the iconic alt-country songwriter and the Walkmen frontman.

Les Savy Fav, Meat Wave at the Empty Bottle. Sold out.
A West Fest aftershow combines a touring act with a local.

Digable Planets, Mother Nature at Millennium Park. Free.
The hip-hop legends play a free show at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Hurray For the Riff Raff at Old Town School of Folk Music. Sold out.
The now-Chicago-based artist plays two sold-out shows.

Friday, July 18:
Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick at Fitzgerald’s. Tickets.
Two iconic rock bands team up for career-spanning sets, stellar songwriting and onstage rowdiness. The second of three nights.

The Swell Season at Auditorium Theatre. Tickets.
The 2008 Oscar winners have a new album out.

Phish at United Center. Tickets.
See you at the lot, Chicago. The iconic jam band makes a three-night return to the United Center. The first of three nights.

Finom, Senite at Kilbourn Park. Free.
The most chill and best-booked outdoor music event returns for another Friday.

Les Savy Fav, Edging, Cel Ray, Bianca Oblivion, more at West Fest. $10 suggested donation.
One of the best street festivals has a stellar lineup. The first of three nights.

Narrow Head, Laffing Gas at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
It might get loud in Ukrainian Village.

Hurray For the Riff Raff at Old Town School of Folk Music. Sold out.
The now-Chicago-based artist plays the second of two sold-out shows.

Saturday, July 19:
Phish at United Center. Tickets.
See you at the lot, Chicago. The iconic jam band makes a three-night return to the United Center. The second of three nights.

Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick at Fitzgerald’s. Sold out.
Two iconic rock bands team up for career-spanning sets, stellar songwriting and onstage rowdiness. The third of three nights.

Narrow Head, Special Interest, Ira Glass, Hiroko Yamamura, more at West Fest. $10 suggested donation.
One of the best street festivals has a stellar lineup. The second of three nights.

Oso Oso at Cobra Lounge. Tickets.
This critically acclaimed emo band makes a trek to the West Loop.

Lizzie No at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
Charming, genre-blending songs by a charismatic talent.

Sunday, July 20:
Phish at United Center. Tickets.
See you at the lot, Chicago. The iconic jam band makes a three-night return to the United Center. The third of three nights.

Derrick Carter, Mavi, Priyanka, more at West Fest. $10 suggested donation.
One of the best street festivals has a stellar lineup. The third of three nights.

Monday, July 21:
Novos Baianos, Joe Bataan, DJ Rudy de Anda at Millennium Park. Free.
This dance-worthy lineup is part of the Millennium Park Summer Music Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.