Thursday 5/21/26
Thursday!
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Check out the Onsales and Presales up top, and the Future Highlights after Jerome’s Highlights near the bottom
There are some great Thursday music event options in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Read on for the details, and get out to enjoy some of them if you can and want to…
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Onsales and Presales
x Fri 6/26 8:00 The Sullivan Sisters, Jonas Friddle at OTSFM Maurer Hall, $26-33, member presale Wed 5/20, public onsale Fri 5/22 9:00 online, 10:00 in person or phone
x Wed 7/8 7:30 John R. Miller at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:30 door, presale memorialday
x Thu 7/9 8:00 Dehd, Starcharm at OTSFM Maurer Hall, $60-73, member presale Wed 5/20, public onsale Fri 5/22 9:00 online, 10:00 in person or phone
x Mon 7/13 8:00 Rick King’s Blues of the Dead with Joe Marcinek, Paul Bolger at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 7:00 door, presale memorialday
x Fri 7/17 8:00 Peach Jam tribute to Allman Brothers at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:30 door, presale memorialday
x Wed 7/22 7:00 PureSoul tribute to Jeff Buckley at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:00 door, presale memorialday
x Sun 7/26 7:00 Songs of Protest, Sounds of Freedom with Billy Branch, Jason Narducy, Nicholas Tremulis, Lynne Jordan, Steve Dawson, Marc Smith, Kwame Bediako, Melody Angel, Dave Specter, John Kattke, Marty Binder, Kim Johnson, Chris Neal, Casey McDonough, Phil Angotti, ++ at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:00 door, benefits ICIRR Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, presale memorialday
x Fri 7/31 7:30 Chicago Catz Summer Dance Party at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:30 door, presale memorialday
x Thu 8/6 8:30 Chuck Prophet at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $35+, 7:30 door, onsale Fri 5/22 10:00a
x Sun 8/16 7:30 Eric Johnason at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:30 door, presale memorialday
x Sun 8/30 7:00 Mike Clark Organ Trio with Jerry Z and Dave Stryker at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:00 door, presale memorialday
x Wed 10/14 8:00 Smashing Pumpkins at United Center, 6:30 gates, presales start Tue 5/19 10:00a, public onsale Thu 5/21 10:00a
x Sat 11/14 8:00 Amythyst Kiah at SPACE Evanston, all ages, 6:30 door, presale memorialday
Today’s Thursday 5/21/26 Shows
? 12:00n-3:00 Mike Reeb? Pierce Crask? at Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
x 12:00n-3:30 Dom Flemons at Harper College Performing Arts Building L Room L109 Palatine, free
x 4:30-5:30 Spring Quarter Carillon Tower Tour at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel University of Chicago, no early 11:30 tour
x 4:30 Tea Time Concert with Chamber Music Ensembles at Goodspeed Hall Fulton Recital Hall University of Chicago, free, tea and cookies served at 4:15
x 5:00-7:15 Andy Brown at Green Mill
5:00 Martin Metzger Flamenco-Jazz Duo with Juan Pastor at Epiphany Center, free RSVP, Golden Hour
5:00 Modal Collective plays at Anna C. Schultz book launch for “Echoes of Translation” at Classics Building Room 110 University of Chicago, free
5:00 Andrew Diehl at Shaw’s Crab House
5:00 Tim Gleason at Old Republic Kitchen & Bar, country
5:00 Anthony Bruno Trio at Art Institute
5:00 Neon Union at Carol’s Pub
x 5:30-8:00 Matt Hendricks acoustic at Buddy Guy’s Legends, free
5:30-8:30 Amy Yassinger at Carnivore and the Queen Downers Grove
5:30 Ed Gershon at Squares Pizza Pub Bartlett
x 6:00-7:15, 8:15-9:30 Mario Abney at Andy’s, $20 RSVP required
x 6:00-10:00 Gerry Hundt at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, free, all ages
6:00-9:00 Petra van Nuis Duo with Chris White at Gale Street Inn, RSVP
6:00-7:45 Keenan Burgess at Cafe Mustache
6:00 Adara Rae at Raised Urban Rooftop Bar
6:00-8:00 Kevin Campbell “Dinner with The Beatles” at Bobby’s Eastside Forest Park, free, tip the artist
6:00-9:00 Alejandro Urzagaste Trio at Labriola Restaurant Oak Brook, WDCB Jazz Night
6:00-9:00 Megan Curran Duo at Adelle’s Modern Kitchen & Bar Wheaton, WDCB Jazz Thursdays
x 6:00-9:00 Despina Pafralides at Preservation Geneva patio
6:00 Shu-Tien Lin, guitar at McClintock Choral and Recital Room Northwestern University Evanston, free, student recitals
6:00 Sean Jang, violin at Regenstein Master Class Room Northwestern University Evanston, free, student recitals
6:00-9:00 Jonny DiSilvestro at Church Street Brewing Taproom Itasca
6:00 Jack Byron at Rookies Roselle
6:00-12:00m Open Jam at Main Street Outfitters Pub Wauconda
6:00-9:00 John Lambert at Lindy’s Landing Wauconda
6:00 Cole Brandt at The Spirit Elephant Winnetka
x 6:30, 8:30 Jeremy Kahn Trio with David Blamires “The Chet Baker Songbook” with Lawrence Kohut, Jon Deitemeyer at Winters Jazz Club, $24-29, one drink minimum $10 per set
? 6:30 The Mill Variety Show & Open Mic at The Burlington, free
6:30 Katy on Keys at Barrel Cheese and Wine Lakeview
6:30-9:30 Abigail Riccards Trio at Eddie V’s Oak Brook
x 6:30-9:00 Joe Policastro Trio at Bubblehouse Brewing Company Lisle, WDCB Jazz in the Bubble, 3rd Thursdays
6:30-10:00 Open Mic at Crooked Arm Lisle, signup at 6:30, 3rd Thursdays
6:30-9:30 Jim Gruden at Cooper’s Corner Restaurant Winfield, RSVP
x 6:30-9:00 English Country Dance North with English Country Dance, caller Cheryl Yenter at John’s Park Field House Glenview, $10, students $8
6:30-9:30 Chad Christensen at Emerson and Oliver Woodstock
6:30-11:30 Powerman 5000, 12 Stones, Makes My Blood Dance, The Waterfall King at The Forge Joliet, $33-61, all ages, 6:00 door
6:30 Allan Laskey Trio at Banging Gavel Vogt House Tinley Park, jazz
x 6:30-9:45 Storytime Songwriter Showcase hosted by Demi Clara with Scott McNeil aka S.A McNeil, Allison Flood, Brian Motyll, John Condron at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe Plainfield, $5
6:45-9:00 Heavy Rotation Session 10 with Doechii “Alligator Bites Never Heal” at Salt Shed Three Top Lounge, $10-15, 5:30 door
7:00-10:00 Ambient Chess hosted by Michael Perkinson at Sleeping Village Main Bar, free
7:00 Arm’s Length, The Callous Daoboys, Super Sometimes, Harrison Gordon at House of Blues, $37-83, 17+, 6:00 door
7:00-9:30 Thirsty Thursday Monthly Jazz Fusion Jam at Fox Republic Brewing Co Yorkville
7:00 Wax Trax Night at Liar’s Club, $7, 7:00 door
7:00-9:00 Jameel Stephens at Uncommon Ground Lakeview, $30-34, all ages, 6:30 door
x 7:00 Thursday Night Music Sessions at Fifth Province Pub Irish American Heritage Center, free, bring your instrument, a friend, love of Irish tradition
7:00-10:00 The Ben Paterson Organ Trio with Bobby Broom, Greg Artry, ++ at Le Piano, $15, Lauren’s Hammond B3 Night
x 7:00-10:00 Banjo After Dark with Jonas Friddle Happy Hour Public Jam 8:00 at Borelli’s Pizza
7:00-8:15 Jesus Avila, cello at Holtschneider Performance Center Brennan Recital Hall DePaul University, free RSVP required
7:00 Jon Allegretto at The Hurley Tap
x 7:00 Dany Harp & his Arpa Cafe Band at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 5:00 door, Pachanka Music presents
x 7:00 August James Band at La Barra Riverside, free RSVP
x 7:00 Open Mic Night at The Little Owl Social Pub Brookfield, signup after 6:00
7:00-10:00 James Libera at Jonny Cab’s Burr Ridge
x 7:00-10:00 ProJam presented by Geoffrey Lowe with Chris Siebold at Shanahan’s Woodridge
7:00 Million Dollar Quartet at Paramount Theatre Stolp Island Theatre Aurora, $75
7:00-10:00 The Open Jam with Sam Wyatt at Pollyanna Brewing St Charles
7:00-10:00 Open Mic Night hosted by Jimi D’Lux at St Charles Motorcycle Museum
7:00 Diva Montell at Moretti’s Morton Grove
7:00-10:00 Jazz Jam Session hosted by Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Quintet at Sabor a Café Steakhouse Niles, free RSVP
7:00 Dead Pink Radio at Broken Oar Port Barrington
7:00-10:30 The Rockett Mafia, Blockchain Coalition at Vixen Lounge McHenry, $30-38 GA remain, all ages with guardian
7:00 Open Mic hosted by Kent Lewis at Black Lung Brewing Grayslake, 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursdays
7:00-11:00 Open Mic Night at Copper Fiddle Distillery Lake Zurich
7:00 Open Mic Night at Raue Center for the Arts Crystal Lake, RSVP
7:00-11:00 Todd Donnelly duo at Sideouts Island Lake
7:00-9:00 Fred & Friendz aka The Fred Johnson Trio at McCord Gallery Palos Park, $25
7:00-10:00 Jonny Lyons & The Pride at Hollywood & Vine Joliet, rock n roll, blues, surf, country
7:30 The Third Son aka Larry Borum III, Heat Lightning aka Devin McNulty, Ian Fletcher, Emily Ahrens, opening set by Jacolyn Parker at Montrose Saloon, $15 door
x 7:30 The MomCore Show presented by Kelli Owens Hutton with Eunji Kim & Kristen Toomey at Hideout, $20-26
x 7:30-10:00 Super Flower Blood Moon with Victor Garcia, Michael Nearpass, Josh Torrey, Gerald Martinez, Artie Black, Alex Blomarz, Katie Klocke, Mason Spencer, Kristine Kruta, Tim Fitzgerald, Lara Driscoll, Crystal Rebone, Matt Plaskota, Alysha Monique, Joel Caracci at FSC aka Fulton Street Collective in Hubbard Street Lofts, donation
7:30 Sound and Fury conducted by James Gaffigan with Yuan-Qing Yu violin, Anna Clyne? at Symphony Center Orchestra Hall, $39-199
7:30 Paige & the Kizers, Front Desk, Cody James at Lemon Chicago, $12
7:30 The Klezmatics, Lynne Jordan at City Winery, $42+, 2 item per person encouraged, 6:00 door
7:30 Fish and the Cats at Epiphany Center Sanctuary, $20-25, 5:00 venue door, 7:00 Sanctuary door, jazz that swings, grooves, bops and rocks
7:30 Clara La San, Sausha at Riviera Theatre, $113+, all ages, 6:00 door
7:30 Concrete Boys at Park West, $41+ GA SRO, all ages, 6:30 door
7:30-11:00 Open Mic Jam hosted by Wes Tabayoyong at Johnny’s Blitz Westmont
7:30 Dina Bach with Jordan & The Associates at Venuti’s Addison
7:30 The Rolling Dead jam band tribute to Rolling Stones, Pawnshop at Arcada Theatre St Charles, $23-36+
x 7:30-10:00 Jaik Willis blues night at Arcada Theatre Legends Stage St Charles, one man band
7:30-10:00 Miles Minor blues at Des Plaines Theatre Bourbon ‘n Brass Speakeasy, $5, two drink or equivalent minimum
7:30 Live Pete at Moretti’s Barrington
7:30 Judson Brown at Moretti’s Hoffman Estates
x 8:00 Twin Peaks, Post Animal at Thalia Hall, sold out, limited number at 7:00 door, 17+
x 8:00 Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, Expo’76 at Reggies Rock Club, $20-27, 7:00 door, party, rock, soul
x 8:00 Leon Lewis-Nicol at Reggie’s Music Joint, 7:00 door, fusion, jazz
8:00 Greenlights Music, Moecyrus, Ari The Indigo, DJ Phonetics at Beat Kitchen, $22, 17+, 7:00 door
x 8:00 Trash Kickers album release, Pleaser, Joe Glass at Schubas, $13-20, 18+, 7:30 door
8:00 Fightmaster, Hannah Hill at Lincoln Hall, $26-41, 18+, 7:00 door
8:00 Zander Raymond solo, Tyler Wagner & Zander Raymond duo at Judson & Moore, $15, 7:30 door
x 8:00 Alan Gresik’s Swing Orchestra at Green Mill, $10
x 8:00, 10:00 Joe Farnsworth Quartet with Sarah Hanahan, Peter Washington, Emmet Cohen at Jazz Showcase, $30-45
8:00 BTS Express with Laretha Weathersby at Blue Chicago
8:00-10:00 Open Jam Thursdays hosted by Ian Valentin and Mimi Martinez tribute to Juan Gabriel at The Tonk Pilsen, 3rd Thursdays
8:00 Kris Dabu and The Troublemakers at Phyllis’ Musical Inn
8:00-11:00 Open Mic Night at The Tattler American Legion Post #973, 7:00 door, 3rd Thursdays
8:00 The Drastics at Dorian’s, $10 after 8, 6:00 door
8:00 Arman Sangalang at The Checkout, $18+, 7:30 door, Jazz Composer Night
8:00 Khimera Art Show and Live Music with live performances by Adrian Parris, Rico the Artist, Kay Lu, Special, Verb the Action at Bookclub, $13-15+, 7:00 door
8:00 Mourning Star, The Tracies, King Elessar, Paper Hotel at Cobra Lounge, $15-17, 17+, 7:00 door
8:00 2 Mello, TV-MA, Proxoxie, Snake Eater at The Burlington, $12
8:00 Open Mic with Kelly at Gallery Cabaret
8:00 Triangle Fire, Black Market Kidney Surgeon, Revel Noise at LiveWire Lounge
8:00-10:00 Tim Fleming, Lexi Kennedy and friends at The Galway Arms, Irish
8:00 Green Showcase curated by Nathan Graham with Lyn Re, Susie McCollum at Color Club Tavern, $10, all ages, under 16 accompanied by adult 25+, 7:30 door
8:00-10:30 Southside Together Bands for Better Housing with Loud and Awful, Dirt Red Brass Band, Sleazy Disco at Logan Center Logan Cafe University of Chicago, free RSVP, donations for Southside Together
x 8:00 Neal Alger Trio at The Gage across from Millenium Park, WDCB celebrates Matisse’s “Jazz” at the Art Institute
8:00-9:30 Weekly Blues Jam hosted by Mr. Sho G at OTSFM Armitage Concert Hall
8:00 Night School with Sisi Wattanagool, Dustin Laurenzi, Clark Woods, Fred Jackson Jr, Alexander Dupuis, Jeb Bishop at Bim Bom Studios, $10 suggested donation, experimental video and music
8:00 Renata The Band at Tin Roof Chicago
8:00 Dylan Raymond at Mary Jo McGuire’s
x 8:00 Torpedo Los, The Nobodies at Friendly Music Community, benefits Regan McEvoy
8:00 True Story at Quigley’s Irish Pub Naperville
x 8:00 Toronzo Cannon at SPACE Evanston, $18-38, all ages, 6:30 door
8:00 Joshua Achiron at Ward Eight Evanston
8:00 M.G. Bailey at Austin Community Tavern Steger, RSVP
x 8:30, 9:30, 11:00 Lil Ed Williams with Sumito ‘Ariyo’ Ariyoshi & Rosa’s All Stars, opening set by Joey J. Saye at Rosa’s Lounge, $10-22, 8:00 door, “Thursday Night Live” Blues
8:30 Electric Six, Tragedy all metal tribute to Bee Gees at Chop Shop, $26-39+, 18+, 7:30 door
8:30 Tommy Carroll’s Original Medicine with Preyas Roy, Maggie Cousin, Chandler Browne, Andrew Scott Young, Tallulah Bankheist with Hedra Rowan, Nick Meryhews at Elastic Arts, $15, students $10, Improvised Music Series
8:30-1:30a Molly at The Zebra Lounge
x 8:30 Jackie Venson residency night 3 at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $25-38, 7:30 door
x 8:30 Songwriter Circle hosted by Tanner Dane with Julian Saunders, Burr Oak at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 7:30 door
8:30 Peng Huang, violin at McClintock Choral and Recital Room Northwestern University Evanston, free, student recitals
8:30 Harry Guan, trombone at Regenstein Master Class Room Northwestern University Evanston, free, student recitals
9:00 Just Mustard, Miss Grit at Empty Bottle, sold out, follow for details, 8:00 door
9:00 Big Al & The Heavyweights at Buddy Guy’s Legends, $17
9:00 Altamira, Tofts, Something Easy at Cole’s Bar, $16, 8:30 door
9:00-1:00a Open Jam at Fuller’s Pub, every Thursday
9:00-1:30a Jeffrey Campbell, Leaf Miner, Atticus von Holten at California Clipper, free, live music, experimental, ambient, ++
9:00 Research & Development with Zona Cinco, Urakan, Henry Tegethoff at The Whistler, free, 6:00 door, all vinyl, techno, various electronic music genres and beyond
9:00 Sing Along at Bub City Chicago, RSVP
9:00-2:00a Aughts Alternative DJ Day Mary at Delilah’s
9:00-2:00a TomCat Trumpet Experience at aliveOne
9:00-2:00a Skoli Moly Donut Shop hosted by DJ Skoli at Cafe Mustache, hip hop, rap, beats
9:00 The Craigslist Swingers at Weegee’s Lounge
9:00-11:00 Juliette Gardner Quintet at Bobby’s Eastside Forest Park, free, tip the band
9:00 Ben Crooch at House Pub St Charles
9:30 Rebound, Geto Mark, Bodhi, Too Dope at Subterranean Downstairs, free
9:30 Rick King’s Royal Hustle at Mom’s Place
x 10:00-11:15 The Chi-Nola Jam Session at Andy’s, $10 RSVP required
Jerome’s highlights for Today’s Thursday 5/21/26 Shows
x 12:00n-3:30 Dom Flemons at Harper College Performing Arts Building L Room L109 Palatine, free
x 4:30-5:30 Spring Quarter Carillon Tower Tour at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel University of Chicago, no early 11:30 tour
x 4:30 Tea Time Concert with Chamber Music Ensembles at Goodspeed Hall Fulton Recital Hall University of Chicago, free, tea and cookies served at 4:15
x 5:00-7:15 Andy Brown at Green Mill
x 5:30-8:00 Matt Hendricks acoustic at Buddy Guy’s Legends, free
x 6:00-7:15, 8:15-9:30 Mario Abney at Andy’s, $20 RSVP required
x 6:00-10:00 Gerry Hundt at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, free, all ages
x 6:00-9:00 Despina Pafralides at Preservation Geneva patio
x 6:30, 8:30 Jeremy Kahn Trio with David Blamires “The Chet Baker Songbook” with Lawrence Kohut, Jon Deitemeyer at Winters Jazz Club, $24-29, one drink minimum $10 per set
x 6:30-9:00 Joe Policastro Trio at Bubblehouse Brewing Company Lisle, WDCB Jazz in the Bubble, 3rd Thursdays
x 6:30-9:00 English Country Dance North with English Country Dance, caller Cheryl Yenter at John’s Park Field House Glenview, $10, students $8
x 6:30-9:45 Storytime Songwriter Showcase hosted by Demi Clara with Scott McNeil aka S.A McNeil, Allison Flood, Brian Motyll, John Condron at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe Plainfield, $5
x 7:00 Thursday Night Music Sessions at Fifth Province Pub Irish American Heritage Center, free, bring your instrument, a friend, love of Irish tradition
x 7:00-10:00 Banjo After Dark with Jonas Friddle Happy Hour Public Jam 8:00 at Borelli’s Pizza
x 7:00 Dany Harp & his Arpa Cafe Band at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 5:00 door, Pachanka Music presents
x 7:00 August James Band at La Barra Riverside, free RSVP
x 7:00 Open Mic Night at The Little Owl Social Pub Brookfield, signup after 6:00
x 7:00-10:00 ProJam presented by Geoffrey Lowe with Chris Siebold at Shanahan’s Woodridge
x 7:30 The MomCore Show presented by Kelli Owens Hutton with Eunji Kim & Kristen Toomey at Hideout, $20-26
x 7:30-10:00 Super Flower Blood Moon with Victor Garcia, Michael Nearpass, Josh Torrey, Gerald Martinez, Artie Black, Alex Blomarz, Katie Klocke, Mason Spencer, Kristine Kruta, Tim Fitzgerald, Lara Driscoll, Crystal Rebone, Matt Plaskota, Alysha Monique, Joel Caracci at FSC aka Fulton Street Collective in Hubbard Street Lofts, donation
x 7:30-10:00 Jaik Willis blues night at Arcada Theatre Legends Stage St Charles, one man band
x 8:00 Twin Peaks, Post Animal at Thalia Hall, sold out, limited number at 7:00 door, 17+
x 8:00 Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, Expo’76 at Reggies Rock Club, $20-27, 7:00 door, party, rock, soul
x 8:00 Leon Lewis-Nicol at Reggie’s Music Joint, 7:00 door, fusion, jazz
x 8:00 Trash Kickers album release, Pleaser, Joe Glass at Schubas, $13-20, 18+, 7:30 door
x 8:00 Alan Gresik’s Swing Orchestra at Green Mill, $10
x 8:00, 10:00 Joe Farnsworth Quartet with Sarah Hanahan, Peter Washington, Emmet Cohen at Jazz Showcase, $30-45
x 8:00 Neal Alger Trio at The Gage across from Millenium Park, WDCB celebrates Matisse’s “Jazz” at the Art Institute
x 8:00 Torpedo Los, The Nobodies at Friendly Music Community, benefits Regan McEvoy
x 8:00 Toronzo Cannon at SPACE Evanston, $18-38, all ages, 6:30 door
x 8:30, 9:30, 11:00 Lil Ed Williams with Sumito ‘Ariyo’ Ariyoshi & Rosa’s All Stars, opening set by Joey J. Saye at Rosa’s Lounge, $10-22, 8:00 door, “Thursday Night Live” Blues
x 8:30 Jackie Venson residency night 3 at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $25-38, 7:30 door
x 8:30 Songwriter Circle hosted by Tanner Dane with Julian Saunders, Burr Oak at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 7:30 door
x 10:00-11:15 The Chi-Nola Jam Session at Andy’s, $10 RSVP required
Future Highlights through next Sunday 5/31/26
x Fri 5/22 5:00 Joel Paterson at Judson & Moore, free, Old Fashioned Friday
x Fri 5/22 5:00 Kathryn & Chris at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 4:00 door, Happy Hour
x Fri 5/22 5:30-7:30 The Hoyle Brothers at Empty Bottle, free RSVP, Hard Country Honky Tonk
x Fri 5/22 7:00 Real Pretenders at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 5:00 door
x Fri 5/22 7:00-10:00 Bill Czerny at Pub 72 Gilberts
x Fri 5/22 7:00 Hot Flash Dance with DJ Mary Nisi, A Punctual Party for Rowdy Women at SPACE Evanston, $35-47 SRO, all ages, for women and women-identifying folks, sorry, no dudes – not sorry
x Fri 5/22 7:00 (8:00 ET) Jackie Venson at Acorn Theatre Three Oaks MI, $30-70, blues
x Fri 5/22 7:30 Tributosaurus becomes Pink Floyd at Theater on the Lake, $39, 6:00 door
x Fri 5/22 7:30 Ernie Hendrickson duo with John Kattke at Shea’s Lounge Elmwood Park
x Fri 5/22 8:00 Girls Inc, Esculis, Black Denim Blues, Someone’s Villain at Montrose Saloon, $15 door
x Fri 5/22 8:00 Hot Like Mars, Anders Nordstrom at Garcia’s, $27-34, 6:30 door
x Fri 5/22 8:00-1:30a The Fighting Side at Broken Hearts Bar, tip the band
x Fri 5/22 8:30 The Handsome Devilz tribute to The Smiths and Morrissey with Louder Than Bombs, Sub Culture tribute to New Order?, DJ Philip Delamora, DJ Diamond Boy Dito at Martyrs, $15-20, 7:30 door
x Fri 5/22 8:30-11:30 Torpedo Los at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard
x Fri 5/22 8:30 Shadowcaster tribute to Weezer at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $20-28, 7:30 door
x Fri 5/22 8:30 Aimont Moon at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 7:30 door
x Fri 5/22 9:00 Uncle Sexy and Friends “Bob Dylan Night” with DeeOhGee, The Magpies, Charlie Overman, Coyote Riot, Rocks Off, Pat Egan and The Heavy Hearts, The Deadbolts, ++ at Reggies Music Joint, $15-21, 8:00 door
x Sat 5/23 Mayfestiversary at Ravenswood between Cuyler and Belle Plaine
Main Stage
11:30a Wiggleworms with Anne-Marie Akin
12:30 Alpine Thunder
2:00 Time Thieves
3:00 Brandon Good
4:30 Midwest Blender Company
6:00 Punk’d
8:00 Reality Bytes
Secret Stage
12:00n DJ Josh Rodin
1:15 Rosacea boy
2:30 Barrett Haselwood
3:45 Damon Hennessey
5:00 Toney Honk
6:15 Jon Langford and Kelly Hogan aka “Hogford”
x Sat 5/23 12:00n The Mighty Lonesome Trio with Chris Walz, Don Stiernberg, Marc Edelstein at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, free RSVP, Bluegrass Brunch
x Sat 5/23 2:00 Warm Love Cool Dreams with The Jesus and Mary Chain, Pixel Grip, Tortoise, Smerz, YHWH Nailgun, kumo 99, mark william lewis at Salt Shed Outdoors Fairgrounds, $66-160, 2 day GA pass $135, 1:00 gate
x Sat 5/23 4:00-7:00 The O’My’s Maceo Vidal-Haynes solo, Pat Owen-Leary at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard
x Sat 5/23 4:00 Nikki O’Neill Band at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door
Sat 5/23 5:00 “Bells of Spring” Senior Concert at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel University of Chicago
x Sat 5/23 7:00 Super Creeps, Model-J, Who’s This Mary at Montrose Saloon, $15
x Sat 5/23 7:00 Olivia Gregorich, Molly Coleman & Tyler Rice, Amy Rosendall at Jarvis Square Pottery, arrive early and hungry, BYOB, donation, music at 8:00
x Sat 5/23 7:00 Gerald McClendon at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door, soul
x Sat 5/23 8:00 Lydia Cash, Orillia, Mikey Harms at Martyrs, $15, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/23 8:00 The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club record release for “Fever Dreamer”, Thrift Store Halo?, Levee District, Tim Hort & The Radio Hour at Reggies Music Joint, $15-21, 8:00 door
x Sat 5/23 8:00 The Menards with Tim Menard, Cathie Van Wert Menard, Paul Bivens, Michael Krayniak, Gabriel Stutz, Blue Lorraine Quartet with Linda Weseman, Jason Batchko, Josh Piet, Gabriel Stutz at Friendly Music Community, tip the bands
x Sat 5/23 8:00-10:30 Esso Afrojam Funkbeat at Robert’s Westside, $15-20+, under 21 with guardian, 6:30 door
x Sat 5/23 8:00 Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts at The Venue Aurora, $20-30, all ages, 7:00 door
X Sat 5/23 8:00 Graham Parker at SPACE, $30-41, sold out, all ages, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/23 8:00-11:00 George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Hollywood Casino Joliet, $51-203, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/23 8:00-11:00 Ernie Hendrickson duo with Brian Wilkie at the Bur Oak Madison WI, $15 seated, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/23 8:30-11:30 O.P.E. Band at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard, originals, prog rock, funk, jam, high energy
x Sat 5/23 8:30 Lauren Anderson/Nathan Graham acoustic duo at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, free RSVP, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/23 9:00-2:30a Hoover & Harley and the Boys at Broken Hearts Bar, tip the band
x Sat 5/23 9:00 Imperial Sound, The Webstirs at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 5:00 door
x Sat 5/23 9:30, 11:00 Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues at Rosa’s Lounge, $20-30+, 8:00 door
Sat 5/23 10:00-1:30a Belfusch at Four Treys Tavern, free
x Sun 5/24 Mayfestiversary at Ravenswood between Cuyler and Belle Plaine
Main Stage
11:30a Wiggleworms with Nathan Kistler
12:30 Sweet Kay String Band
2:00 Dr. Goldfoot & The Bikini Machine
3:30 Marina City
5:00 The Alright Maybes
7:00 Yacht Rock-ettes
Secret Stage
12:00n DJ so crates
1:15 Scott & Odie
2:30 Tuba Force
3:45 Expo 76
5:00 John Green Band
6:15 Phillip-Michael Scales
x Sun 5/24 10:00a-2:00 Gardening Day at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, volunteer to help prepare the Blues Garden for Record Row Concerts, music, snacks, refreshments provided
x Sun 5/24 2:00 Warm Love Cool Dreams with Courtney Barnett, Whitney, Toro y Moi, Nourished by Time, Moin at Salt Shed Outdoors Fairgrounds, $66-160, 2 day GA pass $135, 1:00 gate
x Sun 5/24 2:00 Ernie Hendrickson solo at Whiskey Acres De Kalb, free
x Sun 5/24 3:00 The Hoyle Brothers at Martyrs, free, 2:00 door, Honky Tonk Sundays
x Sun 5/24 4:00-7:00 Greasy Gravy with Matt Hendricks & Rick “Cookin’” Sherry at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard
x Sun 5/24 4:30 Rambling Deano at Illuminated Brew Works, tip the artist
x Sun 5/24 5:00 The Scovilles at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 11:00a door, Sunday Sunset
x Sun 5/24 7:00-12:00m John Ballantyne’s Crazy Heart at Broken Hearts Bar, tip the band
x Sun 5/24 7:00 Chris Greene Quartet “Turns 21” with Damian Espinosa, Marc Piane, Steve Corley, DJ Pickled Beets at SPACE, $18-37, all ages, 6:00 door, Pravda Records presents
x Sun 5/24 7:00 Cher the Love with The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at Van Dusen Theatre North Shore Center Skokie, $46-142, 6:00 door
x Sun 5/24 8:00 Graham Parker at Shank Hall Milwaukee WI, $35
x Sun 5/24 8:30 Gerald Dowd & Steve Frisbie at Simon’s, tip the artists
x Tue 5/26 7:00 Isaac D. Lyons’ OYASSSWCAFSIB at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 5:00 door
x Tue 5/26 7:30 Jimmy Burns and The Soul Message Band at SPACE, $18-37, all ages, 6:30 door
x Tue 5/26 8:00-11:00 The Lawrence Peters Outfit at Broken Hearts Bar, $5, Two Step Tuesdays
x Tue 5/26 8:30 Thelma and the Sleaze at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, free RSVP
x Wed 5/27 6:00-8:00 Songwriter’s Showcase hosted by Al Rose with Robinlee Garber, Alice Wallace at Kopi Cafe, tip the artists
x Wed 5/27 6:30 Joe Policastro & Friends at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 5:00 door
x Wed 5/27 7:30 Tuvergen Band at OTSFM Maurer Hall, free RSVP, $10 suggested donation, World Music Wednesdays
x Wed 5/27 7:30 Programme 4 “Make the Scene” with Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Steve Darnell, Dag Juhlin, Kelly Hogan, Rich Koz, Jon Langford, Joel Murray, Chris Murphy, Nora O’Connor, Jim Roche, Bethany Thomas, The Carolynn Englemann Vibration at SPACE, $15-27, all ages, 6:30 door
x Wed 5/27 8:30 Heavy Sounds at Simon’s, tip the band, instrumental delights
x Wed 5/27 8:30 Matt Kavanaugh at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, all ages, 7:30 door, jazz
x Thu 5/28 6:00 Oak Park Chamber Orchestra debut concert “Masterful Winds” at NCCA Ballroom Oak Park, $25 suggested donation, hosted by Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
x Thu 5/28 7:30 Dan Tyminski Band at SPACE Evanston, $35-60, all ages, 6:30 door, bluegrass
x Thu 5/28 8:00 Clay Street Unit at Martyrs, $20, 7:00 door
x Thu 5/28 8:00 Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, Expo’76 at Reggies Rock Club, $20-27, 7:00 door, party, rock, soul
x Thu 5/28 8:00 Joshua Ray Walker, ++ at Schubas, $20-33, 18+, 7:30 door
x Thu 5/28 8:00 Dumpstaphunk at Garcia’s, $44-178, 6:30 door
x Thu 5/28 8:00 Here Come the Mummies at House of Blues, $10-30+, 17+, 7:00 door
x Thu 5/28 8:30 Jackie Venson residency night 4 at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $25-38, 7:30 door
x Fri 5/29 7:00 The Heartwreckers tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 4:00 door
x Fri 5/29 7:00 Jason Ringenberg at Molly’s House Concerts Lincolnwood, RSVP, $25+ prepaid donation to artist, BYO, 6:00 door
x Fri 5/29 7:30 Jeff Tweedy at The Vic Theatre, $113+
x Fri 5/29 8:00 Andy Hull, Brother Bird at OTSFM Maurer Hall, $35-45, sold out, wait list
x Fri 5/29 8:00 Dumpstaphunk at Garcia’s, $44-176, 6:30 door
x Fri 5/29 9:00 Doc Wattson & Friends at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, all ages, 5:00 door
x Sat 5/30 12:00n Alyssa Allgood at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door
X Sat 5/30 3:00, 7:00 mekons at Hideout, $50-59, after late show mekonic disco
x Sat 5/30 3:00-6:00 Bill Czerny at Potter’s Patio Naperville
x Sat 5/30 4:00-7:00 Deano & Jo at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard
x Sat 5/30 4:00 Michelle Billingsley at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door
x Sat 5/30 7:00 Joel Paterson Swing Quartet with Natalie Scharf, Jeff Parker, Alex Hall at Hungry Brain, $15-21, 6:00 door
x Sat 5/30 7:00 Greg Jacks & Brother Help at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door
x Sat 5/30 7:30 Jeff Tweedy at The Vic Theatre, $113+
x Sat 5/30 7:30-10:30 Rachel Swain record release, Reilly Downes & The Acid Cowboys at Robert’s Westside, $15-20+, under 21 with guardian, 6:30 door
x Sat 5/30 7:30 The Imperial Sound at Hey Nonny, $20-44, all ages
x Sat 5/30 8:00 “1976 Night” with Super X, Rolling Numbers, Staff Infexion, The Dry Look at Montrose Saloon, playing rocking songs from 1976
x Sat 5/30 8:00 Andy Hull, Brother Bird at OTSFM Maurer Hall, $35-45, sold out, wait list
x Sat 5/30 8:00 Peter Mulvey & Jenna Nicholls at OTSFM Maurer Hall, ?
x Sat 5/30 8:00 Oteil & Friends with Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, Lamar Williams Jr. at Park West, $63 GA remain, 18+, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/30 8:00 Sam Bush at SPACE Evanston, $58-100, all ages, 7:00 door
x Sat 5/30 8:30 DD3 at Simon’s, tip the band, eclectic electric jams
x Sat 5/30 8:30-11:30 More Whiskey with Erinn & Lila at Cary’s Lounge, tip hard
x Sat 5/30 8:30 Jon Cleary at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $25-30, 7:30 door
x Sun 5/31 12:00n Diamondback at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a door, Country Brunch
x Sun 5/31 7:00 Toadies, Local H, Vandoliers at The Vic Theatre, $52-77, all ages, 6:00 door
x Sun 5/31 8:00 Sqwerv at Martyrs, $20, 7:30 door
X Sun 5/31 8:00 mekons at SPACE Evanston, $50-67 SRO, all ages, 7:00 door
x Sun 5/31 8:30 DD3 aka Dave Dakich, Craig Urban, Bob Bechstein at Simon’s, tip the band
Newly Added Future Highlights beyond next Sunday 5/31/26
x Mon 6/1 Full Moon Fire Jam kickoff at Foster Beach
x Tue 6/2 7:00 Stefan Hillesheim at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 5:00 door, Bluesday Tuesday hosted by Scott “Hambone” Hammer
x Wed 6/3 6:30 Henry Carpender Quintet at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 5:00 door
x Wed 6/3 8:30 The Andy Brown Trio at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 7:30 door
x Thu 6/4-Sun 6/7 Chicago Blues Festival with Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Duo, Willie Clayton, celebrations of Alligator Records, Billy Branch, John Primer, +++
x Thu 6/4 6:00-7:30 Lamont Harris at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, free, Record Row Concerts Thursdays through 9/10
x Thu 6/4 8:30 Loewy at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, 7:30 door
x Sat 6/6 8:30 Fuego De Cumbia & Rosalba Valdez at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $20-26, 7:30 door, Pachanka Music presents Cumbia & Comunidad
x Sun 6/7 12:00n Phil Angotti & Friends Beatles Brunch at FitzGerald’s Patio, $15-18+, 11:00a door
x Thu 6/11 6:00-7:30 The Pastiche Experience at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, free, Record Row Concerts Thursdays through 9/10
x Thu 6/11 8:30 Aval Stanley Zaucha Organ Trio at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, all ages, 7:30 door
x Sat 6/13 4:00 The Hold Steady, Built To Spill, Bully, Titus Andronicus at Salt Shed Outdoors Fairgrounds, $80-157, 3:00 door
x Wed 6/17 7:00 The Strokes, Thundercat, Hamilton Leithauser at United Center, $71-411, 5:30 gates
x Thu 6/18 6:00-7:30 Jordan Rivers & The Real Juice Band at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, free, Record Row Concerts Thursdays through 9/10
x Fri 6/19 7:30 Juneteenth Celebration with Freddie Dixon Blues Band at OTSFM Szold Hall, free RSVP, suggested donation
x Sun 6/21 4:00 Sunday Daydream at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, 11:00a door, Summer Solstice Celebration
x Tue 6/23 8:00 Kim Gordon, The Fiery Furnaces at Metro, $43+, 18+, 7:00 door
x Thu 6/25 6:00-7:30 Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, free, Record Row Concerts Thursdays through 9/10
x Fri 6/26 8:00 Kurt Vile and the Violators, The Sadies at Salt Shed Indoors Shed, $50-103+, 17+, 7:00 door
x Thu 7/2 5:00-8:00 Willie Dixon Birthday Bash with The Joanna Connor Band at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation at Chess Records 2120, free, Record Row Concerts Thursdays through 9/10
x Thu 7/2 7:00 Buju Banton & Stephen Marley at Aragon Ballroom, $81+, 17+, 6:00 door, reggae, “Roots and Rhymes”
x Sat 7/11 8:00 Neo Reunion 2026 with DJs Glenn Russell, Rob Kokot, Jeff Moyer, Suzanne Shelton, Bill Saveley, Scary Lady Sarah at Metro, $27+
x Wed 7/15 7:30 CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band at Lakeside Pavilion, McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, free, part of WDCB Jazz Series
x Thu 7/16 7:30 The Black Keys at Salt Shed Outdoors Fairgrounds, $312-502 VIP remain, 3:00 door
x Tue 7/21 6:30 Kaleo, Dawes at Salt Shed Indoors Shed, $66-108, 5:30 door
x Sat 7/25 1:30 School of Rock Allstars at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $15+, all ages, 1:00 door
x Sat 7/25 7:30 Buddy Guy 90 at Chicago Theatre, $96-408, 6:30 door
x Wed 7/29 8:30 Righteous Rooster at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, all ages, 7:30 door
x Fri 8/7 8:30 The Fran Banish Trio at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, free RSVP, all ages, 7:30 door
x Tue 8/11 7:30 Dale Watson at SPACE Evanston, $25-54, all ages, 6:30 door
x Fri 8/14 8:00 Second Hand News “We Will Never Forget Tonight” tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Metro, $31+, 18+, 7:00 door
x Sat 8/15 7:00 Environmental Encroachment at FitzGerald’s Patio, free RSVP, all ages, 11:00a
x Sat 8/15 8:00 Southern Hospitality at SPACE Evanston, $25-47, all ages, 7:00 door
x Thu 8/20 7:30 Kacey Musgraves, Midland at United Center, $51-349
x Fri 8/21 7:30 Kacey Musgraves, Midland at United Center, $76-643
x Sat 8/22 8:00 Nitzer Ebb, Dopplereffekt at Metro, $45+, 18+, 7:00 door
x Mon 9/14 7:00 Bikini Kill, Ganser at Salt Shed Indoors Shed, $64-103, 6:00 door
x Tue 9/15 8:00 Cabaret Voltaire, I Speak Machine at Metro, $50+, 18+, 7:00 door
x Wed 9/16 8:00 Cabaret Voltaire, I Speak Machine at Metro, $50+, 18+, 7:00 door
x Tue 9/22 7:00 Weezer, The Shins, Silversun Pickups at United Center, $51-403, 5:30 gates
x Fri 9/25 7:00 Teddy Swims, Freak Freely at United Center, $87-608, 5:30 gates
x Fri 10/2 8:00 Maro at SPACE Evanston, $25-34 SRO, all ages, 7:00 door
x Mon 10/5 7:30 Journey at United Center, $54-306, 6:00 gates
x Thu 10/8 7:30 Gorillaz, Little Sims, Deltron 3030 at United Center, $312-1290, 6:00 gates
x Sun 10/11 7:00 Olivia Rodrigo, Wolf Alice at United Center, sold out?, 6:00 gates
x Mon 10/12 7:00 Olivia Rodrigo, Wolf Alice at United Center, sold out?, 6:00 gates
x Thu 10/14 7:30 Laura Veirs, Karl Blau at SPACE Evanston, $15-34, all ages, 6:30 door
x Fri 11/13 8:30 Them Coulee Boys at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, $35+, 7:30 door
x = recommended, interested, notable to me or friends
X = the plan, though that can change
? = uncertainty, likely good to call ahead to verify
(date)? happening that date? conflicting sources?
(time)? time uncertain?
++ = and more
144/35