Arts & Entertainment

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Oct. 14-20

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, Oct. 14:  
The Smashing Pumpkins at United Center. Tickets. 
The Billy Corgan-fronted rock group first played this arena in 2000, and they played 27 songs that night. Expect a career-spanning set from a longtime area favorite. 

Swapmeet, Baby Wave at Schubas. Tickets. 
One of Australia’s most exciting rock bands plays in this city for the first time. 

Thursday, Oct. 15: 
Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, Suzi Dian, Rosie Flores at Chicago Theatre. Tickets. 
The Led Zeppelin singer tours a new album with a new band. 

HUG at Constellation. Tickets. 
This is the new trio from songwriters Devendra Banhart, Gyan Riley and Noah Georgeson. 

Laura Veirs, Karl Blau at SPACE. Tickets.
Two folk songwriters with a cult following team up in Evanston. 

Osees, Traps PS at Thalia Hall. Tickets.  
Still energetic and still vital, Jon Dwyer’s enduring garage-rock outfit has gotten jammier and more exploratory each year. They play two shows in Pilsen. 

Teddy & The Rough Riders at Judson and Moore. Tickets. 
This country duo has a timeless sound with a repertoire of fantastic originals. 

V.V. Lightbody, Sports Boyfriend at Hideout. Tickets. 
The Chicago songwriter just put out an album-of-the-year contender in “Period Piece.” She celebrates with two release shows. 

Friday, Oct. 16: 
Horse Jumper of Love, Flooding, Sects at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The influential indie rock group hits Ukrainian Village twice this weekend. 

Medium Build, Bella White at Metro. Tickets. 
Get there early for the golden-voiced Canadian country crooner. 

Mike D, Knox Fortune at Riviera Theatre. Tickets. 
The Beastie Boys star enlists a Chicago-raised opener. 

Osees, Traps PS at Thalia Hall. Sold out. 
Still energetic and still vital, Jon Dwyer’s enduring garage-rock outfit has gotten jammier and more exploratory each year. They play two shows in Pilsen. 

Tinashe at Salt Shed. Sold out. 
R&B’s brightest star just got a coveted 9.0 (out of 10) at Pitchfork for her latest LP. 

V.V. Lightbody, Matt Gold & Storms of Love at Hideout. Tickets.  
The Chicago songwriter just put out an album-of-the-year contender in “Period Piece.” She celebrates with two release shows. 

Saturday, Oct. 17: 
Jesse Welles, Hudson Freeman at Salt Shed. Tickets.
The politically-minded folk singer is a breakout success. 
 
Horse Jumper of Love, Flooding Memory Card at Empty Bottle. Tickets. 
The influential indie rock group hits Ukrainian Village twice this weekend. 

Oso Oso, Leisure Hour, Bad Luck at Reggies Rock Club. Tickets. 
Adventurous emo and indie rock in the South Loop. 

Suki Waterhouse, Rochelle Jordan at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets. 
An exception to the rule that actors usually aren’t great at making music. 

Sunday, Oct. 18: 
Digable Planets at Metro. Tickets. 
Iconic hip-hop in Lakeview. 

Monday, Oct. 19: 
Eggy at Garcia’s. Tickets. 
The charming Connecticut jam band (with a drummer from Oak Park!) returns to the city for a special acoustic performance at a cozy West Loop club. 

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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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