Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 19-25

Josh Terry | November 19, 2025, 10:25 am

Paul McCartney (© 2024 MPL Communications Ltd / Photographer: MJ Kim)

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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Thursday, Nov. 20:
Elizabeth Moen at Color Club. Tickets.
This Chicago singer-songwriter with a powerhouse voice plays two shows this weekend, kicking this off at the Irving Park venue.

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Natural Information Society at Constellation. Tickets.
The local experimental jazz ensemble just released an acclaimed new LP called “Perseverance Flow.”

Saintseneca, Radiator Hospital, Oyeme at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Ohio folk rock outfit hasn’t lost a step with “Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs,” their first album since 2018.

Dogs in a Pile at Garcia’s. Tickets.
A jam band continues its November residency at the West Loop venue named after Jerry Garcia.

Friday, Nov. 21:
Joan Shelley at Constellation. Tickets.
It’s an evening with the excellent Michigan via Kentucky folk artist.

Ultra Lights, Deep Tunnel Project at GMan Tavern. Tickets.
An Atlanta quartet that makes aggressive, energetic and punk-inflected indie rock plays the Lakeview dive bar.

Billy Corgan at Lyric Opera House. Tickets.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman teams up with Lyric Opera of Chicago to celebrate 30 years of his band’s classic album “Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness.” The first of five shows.

Saturday, Nov. 22:
Billy Corgan at Lyric Opera House. Tickets.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman teams up with Lyric Opera of Chicago to celebrate 30 years of his band’s classic album “Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness.” The second of five shows.

Glyders, Axis: Sova at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This psychedelic rock outfit from Chicago celebrates a new album that’s their best yet.

Toadvine, Red PK, Hell Trash at Hideout. Tickets.
Three Chicago bands that infuse twang into folk and indie rock.

Elizabeth Moen at Timber Lanes. Tickets.
This Chicago singer-songwriter with a powerhouse voice plays two shows this weekend, ending the run at a cash-only bowling alley. Yes, your ticket price for the 9:30 p.m. concert includes a round of bowling.

Half Gringa, Emily Jane Powers at Schubas. Tickets.
Songwriter Izzy Olive thoughtfully bridges worlds and genres.

Portugal the Man, La Luz at Salt Shed. Tickets.
This rock show is a benefit for Beyond Hunger.

Sunday, Nov. 23:
Phil Cook at FitzGerald’s. Tickets.
The veteran North Carolina songwriter returns to the Chicago area for a matinee show, which kicks off at 4 p.m.

The Beths, Squirrel Flower at Salt Shed. Tickets.
The Australian rock band makes catchy songs and gets an assist from one of Chicago’s most commanding performers.

Monday, Nov. 24:
Paul McCartney at United Center. Tickets.
The rock ‘n’ roll legend has been playing shows in the city since 1964. Sixty-one years later, he’s still got it. The first of two shows. Note: the available tickets are resale and very expensive.

Good Flying Birds, Phoebe Rings, Cootie Catcher at Empty Bottle. Free.
Indianapolis jangle rockers headline a free show in Ukrainian Village.

Brendan Kelly, Blake Cateris at Color Club. Tickets.
The Lawrence Arms frontman headlines a stripped-down show in Irving Park.

Tuesday, Nov. 25:
Santah, Marrow at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
After nearly a decade away, two Chicago bands reunite for a special show in Ukrainian Village.

Paul McCartney at United Center. Tickets.
The rock ‘n’ roll legend has been playing shows in the city since 1964. Sixty-one years later, he’s still got it. The second of two shows. Note: the available tickets are resale and very expensive.

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