Arts & Entertainment
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 8-14
Hurray for the Riff Raff (Alexa Viscius)
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, July 8:
Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, John Doe Folk Trio at Northerly Island. Tickets.
The songwriting icon just enlisted local guitarist Joel Paterson into his band.
Suitor, Current Union TM, Alga, Bath Drawers at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Some of the most exciting rising indie rock bands all on one bill.
Beach Bunny, Friko at Taste of Chicago. Free.
Two of Chicago’s best rock bands kick off the Grant Park festival.
Thursday, July 9:
Original Koffee, Funadesi at Taste of Chicago. Free.
This Jamaican singer is excellent.
Dehd, Starcharm at Old Town School of Folk. Tickets.
These two local indie rock bands launch Square Roots Festival with a Thursday club show in Lincoln Square.
Blue Earth Sound at Top Note Theatre. Tickets for the early show and late show.
The groove-minded jazz project by Spun Out’s James Weir plays two shows at the Metro’s intimate top-floor theater.
Jack Brereton, Discus, Hell Trash at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The local headliner just released an excellent LP called “Jenny + Ash.”
Bellows, Cusp, Terror Pigeon, Girl K at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
An eclectic four-band bill in Avondale.
Al Scorch at Hideout. Tickets.
The roots artist and social media personality starts a new monthly “Fantastical Residency” at the cozy venue.
Friday, July 10:
National Photo Committee, Krill at Kilbourn Park. Free.
The best free summer concert series is at a cozy Northwest Side park.
Common, Recoechi, Kaicrewsade at Taste of Chicago. Free.
A Chicago hip-hop legend headlines a Grant Park food festival.
Dehd, Deeper, The Soul Rebels, Starcharm, more at Square Roots Festival. Free.
Head to Lincoln Square (with a $10 suggested donation) for one of the summer’s best curated festivals.
The Bug Club, Golomb at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
The best indie rock show of the week.
Rebirth Brass Band at Martyr’s. Tickets.
This New Orleans mainstay plays two sets each night of their two-show run.
Cola, PARKing at Empty Bottle. Sold out.
Canadian post-punk in Ukrainian Village.
Hurray for the Riff Raff at FitzGerald’s. Sold out.
If you can’t make this intimate club show in Berwyn, Alynda Segarra is playing Square Roots Fest on Saturday.
The Hoyle Brothers at Empty Bottle. Free.
Want a matinee show? This honky tonk residency is always on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and always free.
Saturday, July 11:
Margo Price, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Robbie Fulks, Grelley Duvall, Finom, Aunt Kelly, Sleeper’s Bell, more at Square Roots Festival. Free.
Head to Lincoln Square (with a $10 suggested donation) for one of the summer’s best curated festivals.
Rebirth Brass Band at Martyr’s. Tickets.
This New Orleans mainstay plays two sets each night of their two-show run.
Babyface, Opal Staples, Isaiah Sharkey at Taste of Chicago. Free.
Another free night of music and food in Grant Park.
Reilly Downes, Grady Drugg, Dogcatcher at Judson and Moore. Tickets.
Head to this Avondale distillery for a night of tasteful Americana.
Adamn Killa, Taylor Bennett at Bottom Lounge. Free.
Two local rappers team up in the West Loop for a free Vocalo-sponsored show.
Death Pose, Consumer Culture at GMan Tavern. Tickets.
Your favorite GMan bartender is probably in the band.
Sunday, July 12:
Julieta Venegas, Valebol at Taste of Chicago. Free.
Another excellent booking to close out the Grant Park food festival.
Nick Lowe, Los Straightjackets, JD McPherson, Sons of the Silent Age, more at Square Roots Festival. Free.
Head to Lincoln Square (with a $10 suggested donation) for one of the summer’s best curated festivals.
Margo Price at FitzGerald’s. Sold out.
The country crooner closes out Square Roots Fest with an evening aftershow in Berwyn.
Cootie Catcher, Memory Card, Sacred Heart Academy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Guitar-pop in Ukrainian Village.
Monday, July 13:
Babe Report, Grocer, Patter at Empty Bottle. Free.
A free Monday show in Ukrainian Village? Sign us up.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
