Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Dec. 17-30
Dehd. (Atiba Jefferson)
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, Dec. 17:
Cameron Winter at Rockefeller Chapel. Sold out.
Good luck getting a ticket to this idiosyncratic and masterful songwriter’s solo shows in Hyde Park.
The Lemonheads, Erin Rae at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The legendary rock group behind “It’s a Shame About Ray” is having a career resurgence, but get there early for the golden-voiced opener from Nashville.
Bruiser Wolf, Rich Jones at Schubas. Tickets.
The Detroit rapper gets an opening assist from a pillar of Chicago’s hip-hop community.
Thursday, Dec. 18:
Billy Joel Jr., Justice Hill & the Nightime Love, Sweet Hudson at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
A stellar collection of local talent. Note: Despite its name, the headliner has no relation to the “Piano Man” bard.
Andrew Sa’s Lonesome Holiday at Hideout. Sold out.
Chicago’s most impressive country crooner kicks off a Christmas residency in Bucktown. This is night three of four.
Swearwords, Plum, Soft Holler at Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
Want some punk from local artists? Head to Roscoe Village.
Friday, Dec. 19:
Andrew Sa’s Lonesome Holiday at Hideout. Sold out.
Chicago’s most impressive country crooner kicks off a Christmas residency in Bucktown. This is night four of four.
Dogs with Hats, The Orchard, Citrus at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
Pop into Wrigleyville’s best bar for a night of thoughtful local music.
The Cool Kids at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Chicago hip-hop royalty makes a stop in Ukrainian Village.
Hollyy, Ruby De Anda, Samuel Aaron at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Soulful, smooth and funky pop music from the local headliners.
Saturday, Dec. 20:
Disco Biscuits at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
If you’re a fan of jam bands, end the year with the electronic grooves of this genre mainstay.
Sunday, Dec. 21:
Roses for the Roches at Hideout. Sold out.
Chicago artists Finom (Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham) team up with Katy Hogan to pay tribute to the songs of the iconic band the Roches. Both the early and late shows are sold out.
Friday, Dec. 26:
The Waco Brothers at Hideout. Tickets.
Chicago roots rock mainstays play their annual “Yuletide Ramble.” This is night one.
Saturday, Dec. 27:
The Waco Brothers at Hideout. Tickets.
Chicago roots rock mainstays play their annual “Yuletide Ramble.” This is night two.
Neptune’s Core, Jane Hobson, Anna Henson at Epiphany Center for the Arts. Tickets.
See some local talent play in the West Loop.
Monday, Dec. 29:
Four Tet, Dylan Brady, INVT at Radius. Tickets.
Need some electronic music to get you out of a holiday funk? Head to Pilsen for this gig.
Old 97s, Rhett Miller at SPACE. Sold out.
Rhett Miller, frontman of Old 97s, does double duty in Evanston for an extended New Year’s run for the Americana rockers. This is night one.
Tuesday, Dec. 30:
Sextile, Snõõper at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Name a more iconic duo. These two electric live acts team up for two NYE nights in Ukrainian Village.
Dehd, Wombo at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The excellent Chicago post-punk trio kicks off two NYE shows in Pilsen.
Old 97s, Rhett Miller at SPACE. Tickets.
Rhett Miller, frontman of Old 97s, does double duty in Evanston for an extended New Year’s run for the Americana rockers. This is night two.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
