Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Sept. 17-23

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here.

Wednesday, Sept. 17: 
Lawn, Discus, Blue Beam at Subterranean. Tickets. 
The best under-the-radar indie rock band from New Orleans makes a stop in Wicker Park. 

Foxwarren, Allegra Krieger at Thalia Hall. Tickets. 
Andy Shauf’s first band, before singer-songwriter indie stardom, is back with a sample-heavy and excellent album. 

Alex G, Nilüfer Yanya at Salt Shed. Tickets. 
One of the past decade’s most influential artists for underground music is back at a big venue with major label backing. 

Wombo, Shower Curtain at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
Louisville post-punks at a perfect venue. 

Spacey Jane, the Belair Lip Bombs at Metro. Tickets. 
Get there early for the irresistible power-pop of the Australian openers. The first of two shows. 

Lady Gaga at United Center. Tickets. 
One of her most notable early performances was at Lollapalooza’s smallest stage in 2007. Now look at her. The first of two shows. 

Thursday, Sept. 18:  
Guerilla Toss, Maya Ongaku, Melkbelly at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The bonkers and charming Boston art-rock weirdos get an assist from Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus and Phish’s Trey Anastasio on the stellar new LP “You’re Weird Now.” 

The Cactus Blossoms, Michael Gay at FitzGerald’s. Tickets. 
Like classic folk and country? Try this one. 

SUSTO at Garcia’s. Tickets. 
Twangy indie rock in one of the city’s best-sounding small rooms. 

Spacey Jane, the Belair Lip Bombs at Metro. Tickets. 
Get there early for the irresistible power-pop of the Australian openers. The second of two shows. 

Yaya Bey, Bathe, Gayun Cannon at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
A night of forward-thinking and undeniable R&B. 

Lady Gaga at United Center. Tickets. 
One of her most notable early performances was at Lollapalooza’s smallest stage in 2007. Now look at her. The second of two shows. 

The Baseball Project, the Dream Syndicate, the Minus 5 at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
A stacked bill of indie rock legends in Pilsen. 

NxWorries, Rae Khalil at Riviera Theatre. Tickets. 
The hip-hop duo of Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge head to Uptown. 

Friday, Sept. 19: 
“Weird Al” Yankovic, Sparks, The Pogues, Rilo Kiley, Blink-182, more at Riot Fest. Tickets.  
The first of three nights at the long-running Douglass Park punk festival. 

Ovlov, Wishy at Empty Bottle. Sold out. 
The best Riot Fest aftershows are in Ukrainian Village. 

Ada Lea, Ava Brennan at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
This newsletter producer loves the Montreal songwriter’s latest LP. 

Lorde, the Japanese House, Chanel Beads at United Center. Tickets. 
An arena show of cutting-edge pop fare, especially in the first act. 

Sextile, Automatic at Outset. Tickets. 
LA post-punks in Bucktown. 

Saturday, Sept. 20: 
Goose at Northerly Island. Tickets. 
Beneath this adventurous rock band’s extensive jams are great sturdy songs, as recently shown on their latest full-length “Chain Yer Dragon.” They recently sold out Madison Square Garden, too. 

Weezer, Jack White, Superchunk Militarie Gun, Wishy, more at Riot Fest. Tickets. 
The second of three nights at the long-running Douglass Park punk festival. 

Dehd, TV Buddha at Empty Bottle. Sold out. 
The best Riot Fest aftershows are in Ukrainian Village. 

Ethel Cain, 9Million at Salt Shed. Tickets. 
The brooding and experimental pop star plays outdoors at Chicago’s best big venue. 

Sunday, Sept. 21: 
Green Day, IDLES, Jawbreaker, more at Riot Fest. Tickets. 
The third of three nights at the long-running Douglass Park punk festival. 

@, Rain Garden at Schubas. Tickets. 
This bill might make you think they’re running out of band names. 

Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Carson McHone at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
Canadian rock ’n’ roll maestro is as prolific as he is consistent. 

Monday, Sept. 22: 
Nourished By Time, Zsela at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
Another night of cutting-edge R&B in Lincoln Park. 

The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Flavor Crystals at Metro. Tickets. 
You never know what you’re going to get with this long-running rock band, but there’s a good chance it’s an incredible show. 

Rachika Naya and Nina Keith, Lia Kohl at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
Expect experimental, improvised and awesome music. 

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