Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for March 11-17
Florry (Connor Turque)
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, March 11:
Cornelia Murr, Reverend Baron, Mia Joy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Expect dreamy, mesmeric pop from the London headliner.
Thursday, March 12:
Fran, glow in the dark flowers at Constellation. Tickets.
Whether she’s with a full band or totally solo, this Chicago songwriter is a captivating live performer.
Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore, Nicole Miglis at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
These two artists, an ambient musician and a harpist, recently teamed up on the collaborative LP “Tragic Magic.”
Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, Bobcat Goldthwait at Metro. Sold out.
A Chicago actor and an Evanston indie rock lifer join forces to pay tribute to R.E.M. Both shows in Lakeview are long sold out.
Friday, March 13:
Ganser, Repent, Strapped at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
A beloved local art-rock outfit takes the stage in Ukrainian Village.
Grace Rogers, Kate Teague, Sleeper’s Bell at Hideout. Tickets.
This Kentucky folk-rocker had one of 2025’s best albums in “Mad Dogs.”
Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy, Bobcat Goldthwaite at Metro. Sold out.
A Chicago actor and an Evanston indie rock lifer join forces to pay tribute to R.E.M. Both shows in Lakeview are long sold out.
Saturday, March 14:
Dark Star Orchestra at Riviera Theatre. Tickets.
Mourn January’s loss of Bob Weir with one of the premier Grateful Dead cover bands.
White Reaper, Drug Church at Concord Music Hall. Tickets.
One of Louisville’s finest rock bands headlines the Logan Square club.
Cleared, Douglas McCombs at Constellation. Tickets.
This local experimental duo is celebrating a new album called “Lustres.”
Cult Canyon, Reid Coker at Hideout. Tickets.
A folk-rock band fronted by Chicago’s Josh Chicoine is releasing a new album called “Smoke Tricks” that very night.
Sunday, March 15:
TAKAAT at Constellation. Tickets.
Pronounced “tuh-cot,” this band name means “noise” in the Tuareg language Tamashek and features the rhythm section of Nigerien guitarist Mdou Moctar’s band.
Monday, March 16:
Florry, National Photo Committee at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
This is the best rock show of the week. Get there early for the local openers.
Powerwasher, Crisis Actress, Uniflora at Hideout. Tickets.
A thoughtfully curated night of punk and indie rock, capped off by a Baltimore touring group.
Tuesday, March 17:
Matt Berninger, Ronboy at Park West. Tickets.
Get there early for the opener. If you’re late, don’t worry. The opener also plays in the headliner’s band.
Little Lungs, Holy Joke, Virginity Club, Deer Scout at Burlington. Tickets.
While the band is from Baltimore, some of its earliest songs date back to songwriter Leena Rhodes’ time living in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Lucero, Otis Gibbs at Vic Theatre. Tickets.
Memphis country punks celebrate 20 years of their LP “Nobody’s Darlings.”
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.