Concerts & Music Festival Guide

by Kathleen Hinkel

Summer in Chicago is back with a vengeance and with it arrives more live music events than we’ve seen in a very long time. This summer we will see the opening of the Salt Shed, a new venue located at the iconic Morton Salt factory. Chicago’s own improvisational music superstar Makaya McCraven will headline the inaugural show. We have the return of the monster music festivals Lollapalooza, Pitchfork and Riot Fest and for those looking for something a bit more quaint, there are the picnic-friendly fests such as Out of Space, Ravinia and the Millennium Park music series. Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Roger Water, Brandi Carlile and Elton John are among the biggest names stepping onto stages across town, but don’t snooze on rising stars such as L’Rain and Yola, who will be playing more intimate venues. This guide is a starting point for your summer’s sonic explorations.

Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, 600 Emerson St., Evanston presented by Evanston SPACE 8 pm $49.50+

Get out the map and head to Evanston to sing along with legendary folk rock duo Emily Saliers and Amy Ray. Four decades into their career, these artists and activists still put on joyful shows for their devoted fanbase. A guaranteed opportunity to belt out the lyrics to "Closer to Fine" - it’s only life after all!

Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 7:30 pm $23+

Umi is pioneering a new sound rooted in R&B and neo soul, and the amount of work she has put out at the age of 23 is jaw-dropping. Her most recent album, Forest in the City, is her most confident piece of work to date. Her work has honest lyrics with the somewhat predictable theme of self-discovery that many young artists take on. A rising star to keep an eye on, Umi cites Erykah Badu, Brandy and Sza among her influences.

Old Town School Of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 8 pm $75

It’s time to celebrate The Zombies' induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The iconic 1960s British psychedelic pop rockers will be dropping into Old Town School of Folk Music in what will likely be your final chance to ever see them play before they turn into actual zombies. I mean, seriously, how old are these people? The band is on a celebratory tour after their 2019 induction into the hall and becoming globally known for their hits “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There.”

Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive 7 pm $27.50

The world of rock is just a more fun place with bands like My Morning Jacket in it. Since 1998, they have been consistently churning out new, near-perfect albums while delivering electrifying live shows on a seemingly relentless touring schedule. They stop by Northerly Island for those daring enough to deal with getting to the museum campus venue on a July 4 weekend.

Radius Chicago, 640 W. Cermak Road 7:30 pm $47.50

Beach House’s phenomenal, whimsical new album Once Twice Melody runs almost 90 minutes and is beautifully consistent with the dream pop, neo-psychedelia sound that the Baltimore duo has delivered throughout their career. Pitchfork writer Philip Sherburne described it well: “As a slow drip of pure serotonin, Once Twice Melody delivers. It can be tempting to wonder if the album is too long, but the more time I have spent with it, the harder it has been to decide which tracks I might cut. They all—the ballads, the anthems, the lullabies, the synth-pop throwbacks—serve a purpose in fleshing out the enormity of Beach House’s spellbinding universe. The sprawl, the surfeit, is the point.”

GRANT PARK, S. Columbus Drive & E. Balbo Drive 4-DAY GA PASS $350 / 1-DAY GA PASS $125

Lollapalooza, one of the world’s most renowned music festivals, returns for four likely sweaty summer days of music in Grant Park. It can be tedious to sort through massive festival lineups, and truly, the best thing about attending a music festival is discovering/stumbling upon new music. Here are a few recommendations to anchor you on your journey through the Lolla cosmos.

Thursday: Tove Lo 5 pm | Billy Strings 6:15 pm | Metallica 8:15 pm | Lil Baby 8:45 pm

Friday: King Princess 5:45 pm | Glass Animals 6:45 pm | Machine Gun Kelly 8:30 pm | Dua Lipa 8:45 pm

Saturday: Griff 2:45 pm | Idles 6:45 pm | Big Sean 7 pm | J. Cole 9 pm

Sunday: Charli Xcx 5:15 pm | Beach Bunny 5:15 pm| Porno For Pyros 6:15 pm | Green Day 8:15 pm

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 10:30 pm $20

Experimental multi-instrumentalist Taja Cheek aka L’Rain is “mapping the enormity of how to change.” Her 2021 album Fatigue is a haunting blend of synths, keyboards and vocals – an ambitious, layered and ultimately, successful undertaking that establishes an artist with vision, talent and a distinguished sound. This work directly addresses the world we are living in. “Collectively, we are navigating the immense and looming figure of unremitting fatigue brought on by the ongoing pandemic, mass death, continued violence against Black people at the hands of the state, and the mountain range of systemic problems obstructing safety and security for those that need it most,” they stated.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. 6:30 pm FREE

Local Chicago rock star, author and GiveAShi*t T-shirt designer will play a free show at Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion, so pack a picnic and go claim your spot on that lawn! Best known as the founding member of Wilco, Jeff Tweedy is playing solo as part of the Millennium Park Concert Series, which happens every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer. Make sure to pick up Jeff's GiveAShi*t designs at giveashirt.net, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting StreetWise!

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. 8 pm $45+

THIS IS NOT A DRILL, founding Pink Floyd member Roger Waters is returning to Chicago. Waters describes the tour as “a groundbreaking new rock & roll/cinematic extravaganza, performed in the round. It is a stunning indictment of the corporate dystopia in which we all struggle to survive, and a call-toaction to love, protect, and share our precious and precarious planet [that we call] home." The show includes a dozen great songs from Pink Floyd’s Golden Era alongside several new ones — words and music, same writer, same heart, same soul, same man. Could be his last hurrah. Wow! My first farewell tour! Don’t miss it.”

The METRO, 3730 N. Clark St. 9 pm $49.50

Young eclectic Grammy-award winning guitarist and bluegrass musician Billy Strings has quickly developed a devoted following as one of music’s top artists to see live. Procuring a ticket to this intimate show will be tricky, but if you can find your way in, it promises to be a wonderful dance party and all-around joyous eve. Billy will be in town for Lollapalooza so you can also catch his set there.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. 6:30 pm FREE

The free Millennium Park concert series brings us the gift of Chilean-French hip-hop artist Ana Tijoux. With lyrics rich with activism, she denounces social and cultural deficiencies. The New York Times has called her a Latin American version of Lauryn Hill. This is part of a series of shows that will bring free music to the Pritzker Pavillion every Monday and Thursday this summer.

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., 7 pm $30

How many times in a Chicagoan’s life have they driven by the Morton Salt shed along 90/94? This summer, it opens as our city’s newest music venue from the same folks who brought us Thalia Hall. Local Chicago drummer and self-described “beat scientist” Makaya McCraven will headline the venue’s first show with the propulsive jazz quartet that is Sons of Kemet and saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia. Considering the lineup, it will be an evening of triumphant improvisational music.

One of Chicago’s most unique music venues, Ravinia has a starstudded 2022 season lineup. Metra is a great way to get to Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road. If you want to see the artist, get pavilion tickets. The lawn here is meant for enjoying music from a distance while enjoying a picnic with friends. Here are some of this year’s Ravinia shows that you should have on your radar.

7/7 Sheryl Crow

7/9 Michael Franti & Spearhead with Arrested Development

7/27 Bonnie Raitt

8/6 The Revivalists with Grace Potter

8/14 Ziggy Marley

8/27 + 28 Sting with Joe Sumner

9/4 Diana Ross

9/8 + 10 Stevie Nicks

9/11 Erykah Badu

Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive 8 pm $55+

Elton John returns to Chicago on his farewell tour – again! This time the show will be at Soldier Field. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is a rock spectacle with all the fascinating perks of a show with a massive budget and brilliant rock star with five decades of hit songs to draw from. Don’t forget that an Elton John show is also a fashion event, so wear a pair of flashy sunglasses at the minimum, if you plan to attend. You'll be "Laughing like children and living like lovers."

Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive 6:30 pm PRICEY! Resale only

After a couple decades of brilliant songwriting and electric performances, Brandi Carlile has arrived at peak stardom. Brandi has one of the most stunning voices in music, and she uses it to advocate for causes she cares about. She tirelessly promotes women in music and queer rights and will be joined at Northerly Island by legendary activist singer songwriter Ani DiFranco and up-and-coming guitarist/ vocalist Celisse. Brandi talks frequently about the obsession she had with Elton John as a kid. As an adult, Elton has become a mentor and close friend to her. This could be wishful thinking, but he will be in town for his show the night before, and I’m crossing my fingers that they will share the stage for a song or two.

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 8 pm $20

Reina Del Cid is a singer/songwriter whose career has been propelled by her YouTube channel, which has had over 90 million viewers. She tours with the incredibly talented guitarist Toni Lindgren and has recently released her fourth full-length album Candy Apple Red. Clever lyrics and a laid-back vibe characterizes the music.

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. 7 pm $60.50+

Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen and Julien Baker bring their Wild Hearts Tour to the brand new Salt Shed. Van Etten, who just released her pandemic album We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong says this of the tour: “Our aim is to strengthen our respective communities and promote camaraderie in the music world in a safe and enjoyable environment while supporting A New Way Of Life, an organization that we feel is making genuine impact for the underserved.” $1 of every ticket goes to people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St. 7:30 pm EXPENSIVE! Resale only

Pop star royalty Lady Gaga brings the Chromatica Ball to Wrigley Field. Originally scheduled for 2020, when the Chromatica album was released, the tour was delayed through this summer due to COVID-19. Gaga is known for reinventing herself, so it’s hard to know what to expect from her sixth headlining tour, although it is safe to assume she will blow you away. One of the hottest tickets of the summer, if you can’t find your way in, it will still be worth a stroll to Waveland Avenue to hear what you can of the singer’s distinctive voice from outside the stadium.

SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview $67+

The lineup for the inaugural Sacred Rose Festival is undeniably groovy, making it a destination festival for fans of the jam scene. The music of the Grateful Dead will bookend the festival with Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh playing on Friday and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead playing their energetic take on the Dead’s music Sunday. Acclaimed artists such as the Black Pumas, Kamasi Washington and Khruangbin will also headline while jam titans Umphrey’s McGee, Goose and Greensky Bluegrass will likely bring their devoted followings to the festival.

Friday: The War On Drugs, Phil Lesh & Friends, Black Pumas

Saturday: Umphrey’s McGee, Goose, Sts9

Sunday: Kamasi Washington, Khruangbin, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Greensky Bluegrass

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. 3-DAY GA PASS $200 | ONE DAY $99

Pitchfork returns to Union Park with another well-curated lineup for their three-day party in the West Loop. Big name acts are The National, Japanese Breakfast, and The Roots. Tierra Whack playing on Friday, is a guaranteed great show, and don’t snooze on local Chicago artist Kaina. Don't forget to stop by the GiveAShi*t booth and pick up some swag. All proceeds benefit StreetWise!

Friday: The National, Parquet Courts, Tierra Whack

Saturday: Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus

Sunday: The Roots, Cate Le Bon, Kaina

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. 7 pm $60.50+

Courtney Barnett’s Here and There Festival was born out of the artist’s love of curation and desire to share the stage with her favorite artists. Throughout the tour, Courtney is inviting fellow artists to perform with her. “It’s always been important to me to share the stage with people that I admire and artists that inspire me.” At the Chicago stop, she will be performing with Alvvays, and The Beths.

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. 7:30 pm $119+

One of the most influential rap artists performing today, Kendrick Lamar is coming through town on a worldwide tour in support of his acclaimed 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. His first album in five years lives up to his name and accomplishments, which include multiple Grammys and a Pulitzer for his 2017 album Damn. It was the first album to win the Pulitzer Prize for music that was not from the jazz or classical genre.

Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive 6 pm $94+

The Red Hot Chili Peppers make their way through town touring in support of a new album, Unlimited Love. John Frusciante, the band’s original guitarist who has left the band and come back several times over their almost 40-year career, rejoined the band in 2019 after a decade away. The reunion seems to be working out well. As Guitar World‘s Michael Astley-Brown put it: “In short, the chemistry between John, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and frontman Anthony Kiedis has resurfaced intact, a musical formulation unimpacted by the decade-plus break and even a global pandemic.”

Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive 8 pm $55+

15-time Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys stops at Northerly Island on her world tour. A classically-trained pianist who was signed at age of 15, Alicia Keys remains a highly productive and relevant artist and activist 25 years later. In 2020 she released her seventh studio album, ALICIA. She also released a New York Times-bestselling book in 2020, entitled “More Myself: A Journey.”

Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. 8:30 pm $25+

Niger-based Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar is nicknamed the Hendrix of the Sahara. He blends the influence of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen with traditional Tuareg guitar melodies to create a contemporary Saharan sound. Themes explored on his 2021 AFRIQUE VICTIME album are love, religion, women’s rights and Western Africa’s exploitation at the hands of colonial powers.

Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, 7 pm $90+

Count Florence Welch among the many who used the solitude of the pandemic as a time for cathartic selfreflection. Florence has just released a new album titled Dance Fever, which delivers thoughtful introspective lyrics with her trademark vocals. The album is Florence’s reconciling the balance of motherhood with being a creative touring artist, something she had consideredstopping altogether. Lucky for us, she is carrying on with a tour and a show in Chicago.

Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 7 pm $90+

The rapper, singer and fashion influencer will play two shows at the Aragon in September as part of the Long Live Montero Tour. Originally, Lil Nas X rocketed to stardom with the single “Old Town Road.” Born Montero Lamar Hill, Lil Nas X’s 2021 debut studio album Montero is named after his birth name, and this tour will be the young artist’s debut tour. Lil Nas X famously came out of the closet at the peak of the success of “Old Town Road” and has become one of the highest profile hip-hop artists embracing their LGBTQ+ identity.

Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. 8 pm $35+

Yola’s 2021 album Stand for Myself is appropriately described as a “timeless masterpiece” on her website. The upbeat second track “Dancing Away in Tears” specifically sounds like something that may launch you in a time machine to a space where you’re twirling in a 1970s disco. Yola’s music has a joyful sonic mix of soul and pop with a theme of standing up for ourselves.

Schuba’s Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave. 8 pm $15+

She’s Crafty is a local all-female Beastie Boys tribute band that met doing comedy in Chicago and formed after the passing of Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch. Named after the song “She’s Crafty” on the iconic Beastie Boys album Licensed to Ill, the group performs energetic covers from across the Beastie Boys catalogue.

The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. 7 pm $59.50+ Originally a member of the Drive-by Truckers, Jason Isbell is a gifted musician and songwriter who is also regularly recognized as a caring and thoughtful guy. “The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions, and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty.” His 2020 album Reunions is a collection of 10 original songs that showcase the acclaimed artist at his peak. In 2021 Isbell released Georgia Blue, an album that covers Georgia artists such as REM, Otis Redding and the Indigo Girls and honors Georgia’s role in the 2020 election.

The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 7:30 pm $38.50+

J Mascis brings the Dinosaur Jr. and his Marshall stacks to the Vic in September. The rock band’s most recent album Sweep It Into Space is an upbeat tick in the sprawling Dinosaur Jr. discography that dates back to the mid 1980s. J Mascis’s use of feedback and distortion has long been influential in the world of rock and roll.

Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive $109 +

Riot Fest is a music festival specializing in punk, rock, metal, alternative and hip-hop. Massive names in music take over the West Side. If I had to pick a day to go, I wouldn’t want to miss Sunday when Nine Inch Nails, Ice Cube and Sleater-Kinney all take a turn headlining.

Friday: My Chemical Romance, Portugal. The Man, Bleachers

Saturday: The Original Misfits, Yellowcard, Gwar

Sunday: Nine Inch Nails, Ice Cube, Sleater-Kinney

www.riotfest.org