Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 22-28

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here.

Wednesday, July 22:  
Jeff Rosenstock, Beach Bunny at Metro. Tickets. 
This punk mainstay is playing nine shows in Lakeview. This is Night 6.

Pavement, Nap Eyes at Salt Shed. Tickets. 
The iconic indie rock outfit brings a like-minded Canadian opener for an outdoor show. 

Rush at United Center. Tickets. 
Speaking of Canadian bands, you can’t go wrong with this legendary power trio. 

Gooseberry, Lucky Square, Brad Goodall at Subterranean Downstairs. Tickets. 
Get there early for the excellent piano-based songwriting of the West Virginia opener. 

Blu & Exile, Vic Spencer, more at Subterranean. Tickets. 
A lot of hip-hop talent in Wicker Park. 

Alex Lahey, Gay Meat at Schubas. Tickets. 
This Australian power-pop songwriter plays solo in Lakeview. 

Thursday, July 23: 
Jeff Rosenstock, AJJ at Metro. Sold out. 
This punk mainstay is playing nine shows in Lakeview. This is Night 7.

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, Chris Coleslaw at Subterranean. Tickets. 
The Louisville folk-rocker and Wicker Park Fest headliner puts on one of the best live shows you’ll see this year. 

Jack White, Miniskirt at Radius. Tickets. 
The Detroit rock maestro kicks off two shows in the city. The first is in Pilsen. 

Kneafsey, Dogcatcher at Hideout. Tickets. 
Catch two rising local folk-rock acts here. 

WU LYF, 4 x 4 Animal Style at Lincoln Hall. Tickets. 
Expect a charismatic frontman and atmospheric guitars from this recently reunited U.K. rock band. 

Friday, July 24: 
Jeff Rosenstock, Sidney Gish, Pictoria Vark at Metro. Tickets
This punk mainstay is playing nine shows in Lakeview. This is Night 8.

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, Reilly Downes, Devon Gilfillian, more at Wicker Park Fest. Free. 
Stay late to see Ryan Davis at one of the best booked local street festivals this summer. 

Jack White, Plum at Salt Shed. Sold out. 
The Detroit rock maestro closes out two shows in the city. The last is outside on the riverbank. 

Metric, Broken Social Scene, Stars at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets. 
Three Canadian indie rock stalwarts team up in Uptown. 

The Cool Kids at Chop Shop. Tickets. 
One of Chicago’s most beloved hip-hop duos returns to Wicker Park. 

Cel Ray, Negative Scanner, Fruit Looops at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
Lively punk in Ukrainian Village. 

Max Subar, Sarah Weddle at Hideout. Tickets. 
The local singer-songwriter is celebrating his new album “Anything Could Be.” 

Spoils, Devils Cross Country, Try a Dull Knife, Cabway Lingo at Timber Lanes. $10 at the door. 
Want to see an indie rock show at a bowling alley? At 9 p.m. Friday, you’re in luck. 

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 25: 
Jeff Rosenstock, Dan Andriano at Metro. Tickets. 
This punk mainstay is playing nine shows in Lakeview. This is the final night.

St. Vincent at Ravinia. Tickets. 
Head up to Highland Park for this acclaimed alt-rock artist, who will play backed up by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 

Ovlov, Liquid Mike, Moving Mountains, more at Wicker Park Fest. Free. 
Be sure to catch Michigan’s Liquid Mike at one of the best booked local street festivals this summer. 

Shannon Shaw, Georgia Maq at Subterranean. Tickets. 
The Shannon from Shannon and the Clams plays Wicker Park for a solo show. 

Sunday, July 26: 
Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash at Ravinia. Tickets. 
Two songwriting greats share the stage on the North Shore. 

The Frights, Shannon Shaw, Georgia Maq, Mexican Slum Rats, Pinksqueeze, more at Wicker Park Fest. Free.
One of the best-booked local street fests closes out a three-night run. 

Ovlov, Cusp at Sleeping Village. Tickets. 
Two great indie rock bands split an Avondale bill. 

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Wendy Eisenberg, Matt Espy at Chop Shop. Tickets. 
Make sure to catch the spectacular guitarist and songwriter Wendy Eisenberg. 

Monday, July 27: 
Aterciopelados, La Rosa Noir at Millennium Park. Free. 
A perfect way to start a week is to be outside for a free concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. 

Billie Marten at Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets. 
One of the most tasteful and talented British singer-songwriters plays Lincoln Square. 

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

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