Chicago’s cultural scene is unraveling from the pandemic, and artists and promoters are doing everything in their power to bring back audiences this spring. Throughout the week, from now on he’ll preview the best and more interesting shows coming through June 1st in his five categories, starting with music. (For the rest of the week, we’ll be bringing you dance, theater, opera, art, and spring flower picks.)
When it comes to music, this list is primarily focused on up-and-coming artists with new topics and new projects. The list includes venues and ticket prices, but please note that shows may sell out.
Tell us about your favorite items not listed here. Let us know on social media #WBEZspring.
Kip Stone, Boathouse & greenSLLIME
When: March 24th
Where: Shubus
This hip-hop showcase features Cleveland-born headliner Kip Stone. But other works are great. Closed Sessions’ own super-producer, his BoatHouse, teams up with his greenSLLIME, a polymer of DJs, producers and rappers. The duo will premiere a new song from his soon-to-be-released collaboration his project. All hip-hop heads are called to the forefront for this one, as it’s sure to be a night chock full of dirty beats and bars.
information: Tickets at Schubas (3159 N. Southport Ave.) are $15.
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wilco and horse girl
When: March 23, 24, 26
Where: Riviera Theater
Wilco needs no introduction. But this is an up-and-coming list, so before heading west to play a set at the opening of this season’s big music festival, local rock trio The Horses, who will be opening at some of Wilco’s dates. We’re setting our sights on Girl. Coachella. Horsegirl doesn’t have another Chicago date in the books until August, so now is the time to see them.
information: Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave. Tickets from $65.
Rise Against, ALIVE & WELL: THE METRO RESIDENCY
When: March 30th
Where: Metro
Legendary Chicago punk rock band made headlines this spring by announcing a three-day stay at the Metro to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Three nights is enough for the band to go through all stages of a generation-defining catalog. With fast-paced guitar licks and pounding drums, the band should give headbangers a reason to wake up the next day with a sore neck. should make the night worth it.
information: The Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets are $49 in advance, $55 on the day.
Zakir Hussein Masters of Percussion
When: April 7th
Location: Chicago Symphony Center
Indian-born tabla player Zakir Hussein is a familiar talent on the world music scene. he cooperated With many greats, from George Harrison of the Beatles to Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. But one of Hussain’s many talents is his ability to play virtuoso percussionists of all ages, cultures and instruments as an ensemble in his traveling Masters of Percussion series. This is a night like no other to see Hussein and the emerging field of percussion talent on the world music stage.
information: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets start at $29.
Constellation 10th anniversary!
When: April 7th and 8th
Location: Constellation
Chicago’s home of avant-garde jazz and experimental ensembles celebrated its 10th anniversary this April with a two-day music festival at the venue. Constellation’s birthday features skilled jazz his trumpeter Wada Dareo Smith and experimental composer Art his Lindsay. Also included are local talent from Sam Prekop and the Natural Information Society. The latter will perform following the release of the new album.
information: Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave. Tickets are $50.
Monterey Jazz Festival on tour
When: April 14th
Location: Chicago Symphony Center
The past, present and future of jazz music are all on display at the Monterey Jazz Festival in Chicago this April. Chicago audiences will be familiar with local Grammy-winning veteran vocalist Kurt Elling.But the event puts the spotlight on many rising stars, including vocalist Veronica Swift and saxophonist Rakia Benjaminrecently released their critically acclaimed fourth album Phoenix. The band also includes pianist Christian Sands, who directs the performance, as well as Sands’ longtime musical partners Yasushi Nakamura on bass and Clarence Penn on drums.
information: Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets start at $45.
marcus roberts trio
When: April 15th
Where: Nichols Concert Hall
Presented by the Chicago Institute of Music, the Marcus Roberts Trio brings jazz to Nichols Concert Hall. Led by the pianist of the same name, the band will be joined by drummer Jason Marsalis and Martin Jaffe on bass. The band’s precise chemistry and technical prowess are fully demonstrated in works that unilaterally emphasize each skill set. It’s a night that will perform classic originals and covers and fully celebrate his one of the most influential musical genres of all time.
information: Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Tickets start at $25.
Fabian Gabel, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Trifonov
When: April 20-23
Location: Chicago Symphony Center
French conductor Fabien Gabel is known all over the world, but it took him until 2023 to make his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He’s bringing in Russian pianist and composer Daniil Trifonov, who will make another appearance at his CSO in Chicago on March 29, a month before that.Expect Lyadov to play in this series of performances kikimora Stravinsky’s parsley, and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
information: Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets start at $55.
Vanda MS
When: April 28th
Where: Allstate Arena
The legendary Mexican banda from Sinaloa has some of the most loyal fans in Latin America and will perform for two days at Rosemont’s Allstate Arena. For those who plan to go, be sure to bring your best cowboy boots. A fan favorite, especially among Chicago’s Mexican community, Banda MS concerts are always a massive fiesta with danceable tunes and dynamic ensembles.
information: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $69.
third coast percussion
When: May 2nd
Where: Harris Theater
This May, Third Coast Percussion transformation It focuses on the dual nature of humans. Choreographed by Movement Art Is, this performance uses music and street dance to express various human emotions.
information: Tickets to Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street start at $18.
alpha mist
When: May 2nd
Where: Talia Hall
The UK-based jazz pianist and producer surprised his fans by releasing two singles ahead of his new album earlier this year. variable, Alfa Mist effortlessly weaves influences from various genres into their exuberant jazz productions.his previous 2021 efforts brickbacks brought him critical acclaim and toured internationally, including a Chicago premiere at Sleeping Village last year. Now is the perfect time to catch him.
information: Tickets at Thalia Hall at 1807 S. Allport St are $25.
baby face ray
When: May 10th
Where: Patio Theater
The Detroit star continues his ascent to hip-hop’s peak after successful 2022 album mob, His show at the Patio Theater is sure to be unforgettable. Thanks to Chicago’s proximity to Detroit, Babyface’s Ray had a fan base here even before his name was mentioned among the nation’s best rappers. Hometown hero and collaborator Lil Durk might make a surprise appearance! Anything is possible.
information: May 10, The Patio Theater, 6008 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets are $30.
Rico Nasty
When: May 24th
Where: Avondale Music Hall
Maryland’s punk rap princess is back in Chicago for the first time since her impressive Soundclash performance in 2021.Her 2022 album despite being criminally underrated Remains Another solid addition to the rapper’s stellar catalog, one that experiments with more electronic music than her previous work. Avondale Music Hall is becoming her hot spot for young hip-hop fans looking to mosh their favorite rappers. Reconasti is another brand her performer adding to the marquee with her trap-and-rock-infused musicality.
information: Tickets to the Avondale Music Hall (3336 N. Milwaukee Ave.) are $30.
Dreams Festival
When: May 27th and 28th
Where: Grant Park
Chicago’s first reggaeton-centric music festival, introduced last year, was widely regarded as a success. So the promoter will bring it back this year with headliners Wisin Y Yandel and Feid on Saturday, and on Sunday he’ll close out Grupo Firme and Nicky Jam. Other highlights from the two-day festival: The legendary reggaetonella Ivy Queen draws huge crowds alongside modern stars Becky G, Archangel, Eladio Carrion and Mike Towers. Chicago is also well known for its supporting DJs, including local talent DJ Chava, DJ Miriam and the Sorry Papi Dance Party team. This is considered the kick-off for his season of summer festivals.
information: Grant Park with entrances on Columbus and Balbo Drives near Buckingham Fountain. 2-day general admission passes start at $299.
Alejandro Hernandez is a freelance writer based in Chicago.
Cassie Walker Burke contributed to this report.
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