Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Jan. 28-Feb. 3
Friendship (Charlie Boss)
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, Jan. 28:
Macie Stewart/Lily Finnegan/Katinka Klein Trio; Macie Stewart and V.V. Lightbody at Color Club. Tickets.
The Chicago songwriter and Finom member closes out her January residency in Old Irving Park with two guest-heavy sets.
Thursday, Jan. 29:
Friendship, Natalie Jane Hill, Krill 2 at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
“Caveman Wakes Up,” the latest LP from the conversational and empathic headlining band, was one of 2025’s most acclaimed indie rock records.
Sprints, Trophy Wife, No Men at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
This buzzy Irish post-punk band headlines a Tomorrow Never Knows Festival show in Lincoln Park.
Why?, Brotherkenzie at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
The longstanding Ohio experimental musician is just as innovative and self-excavating as ever. Part of TNK Fest.
Friday, Jan. 30:
Liam Kazar, Andrew Sa at Space. Tickets.
The Chicago folk-rocker returns home with a headlining show in Evanston.
Half Gringa at Athenaeum Center. Tickets.
This local indie rocker will perform in the Lakeview venue’s Paradiso space.
Antarctigo Vespucci, Golden Apples, Retirement Party at Lincoln Hall. Sold out.
If you were lucky enough to get tickets, be sure to catch Philadelphia power pop mainstays Golden Apples.
Hollyy, Runner and Bobby, Sarah Krohn, Julian Saunders at Park West. Tickets.
The energetic and charming Chicago soul-rock band leads a night out in Lincoln Park.
Ira Glass, Jawdropped, Retail Drugs, Starcharm, Immaterialize at Schubas. Tickets.
The rising and vital local record label Angel Tapes showcases its eclectic and essential roster in Lakeview. Part of TNK Fest.
Infamous Stringdusters, Mountain Grass Unit at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Bluegrass pickin’ in Pilsen.
Saturday, Jan. 31:
CRASHprez, Geferty at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
Two locals: one rapper and one indie rock band team up for TNK Fest in Wrigleyville.
Optic Sink, Artificial Go, Clickbait at Hideout. Tickets.
Like frantic punk? This is the TNK show for you.
Racing Mount Pleasant, Charlie Martin at Lincoln Hall. Sold out.
The orchestral emo rock of the headliner meets the soft folk-pop of the Hovvdy member opener.
Sons of the Silent Age, Jason Narducy and Michael Shannon at Metro. Tickets.
Chicago’s premier David Bowie cover band will be donating proceeds from this show to sponsor Integrative Medicine treatments for cancer patients at Endeavor Health.
Monday, Feb. 2:
Doom Flower, Surgery Boys, Surgery Cult at Empty Bottle. Free.
It’s supposed to tick up to 30 degrees next week. Why not spend it walking to the Ukrainian Village venue for its weekly Free Monday shows?
Tuesday, Feb. 3:
Del Water Gap, Hannah Jagadu at Riviera Theatre. Tickets.
Head to Uptown to see two rising acts make tasteful and adventurous indie pop.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
