Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to large festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, and intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest music entertainment. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on concerts and events.
Andrew Sa and Local Universe
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What: The Millennium Park Music Series continues with Andrew Sa and Local Universe. A rotating cast of musicians of different backgrounds and talents share a microphone with country crooner Sa backed by an all-star band. Guest vocalists are Kelly Hogan, Liam Kazar, Sima Cunningham and Ohmme, Alex Crelle, Connie, and Hawk Colman. The musical event concludes with the debut of a sprawling film, “Andrew in Anotherland,” that utilizes Chicago artists and filmmakers to create an unearthly adventure. When: From 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 16
Where: Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph
Admission: free
Visit millenniumpark.org.
‘San Juan to Chicago: Un Puente Musical’
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What: “San Juan to Chicago: Un Puente Musical” is a collaboration between the Chicago Philharmonic and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. The concert, recorded live in June at the Harris Theater features Puerto Rico Symphony conductor emeritus Roselin Pabon leading the Chicago Philharmonic orchestra and Puerto Rican soloists. Pieces performed feature the music of great Puerto Rican composers such as Rafael Hernandez, Tito Henriquez, Jose Ignacio Quinton, Antonio Caban Vales plus traditional Puerto Rican music.
When: The concert streams free for 60 days beginning August 17
Visit chicagophilharmonic.com.
Thirsty Ears Festival
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What: Access Contemporary Music presents the 6th annual Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only classical music street festival. Highlights include a special screening of ACM’s Sound of Silent Film Festival, a performance by five-bass ensemble the Growlers, new premieres by five Chicago composers and a classical remix from art-rock band Origin of Animal. There’s also vendors, food and children’s activities.
When: From 2-10 p.m. Aug. 14 and 2-9 p.m. Aug. 15
Where: Wilson from Hermitage to Ravenswood
Admission: $10
Visit acmusic.org.
Elizabeth Moen
What: Blending fierce, massive vocals and raw bluesy guitar with introspective lyrics and electronic textures, Elizabeth Moen “showcases both strength and vulnerability, reminding us that these traits often go hand in hand,” says NPR Music. A native of Vinton, Iowa, now residing in Chicago, Moen plays a hometown show before heading out on tour opening for Ani Di Franco. Reno Cruz and Nathan Graham open.
When: beginning at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14
Where: The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western.
Tickets: $12. For updated information regarding the venue’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit emptybottle.com.
Brandi Carlile
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What: While much music is returning to live stage shows, there are a few events still on the streaming schedule and Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes Through the Canyon” a livestream from Washington’s legendary Gorge Amphitheatre is one not to be missed. The Grammy-winning artist is joined by friend and collaborator Sheryl Crow and emerging songwriter-musician Amythyst Kiah. The performance is in advance of Carlile’s highly anticipated new album “In These Silent Days” due out Oct. 1. She says the new songs were written during “a time of such uncertainty and quiet solitude…This album is what drama mixed with joy sounds like. It’s resistance and gratitude, righteous anger and radical forgiveness.”
When: The concert streams live 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14
Tickets: $25
Visit brandicarlile.veeps.com.
Lindsey Stirling
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What: Platinum-selling artist Lindsey Stirling, known for her futuristic violin-driven electronic music and unique live show; her music incorporates elements of classical music, hip-hop, pop and dubstep. Also on the bill: electro-pop artist Kiesza.
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 20 (rescheduled from Aug. 10)
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.
Tickets: $23+
Visit pavilionnortherlyisland.com.
Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret
What: Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret reopens with Joan Curto’s “Back in Business” (8 p.m. Aug. 5-8, $30), featuring vocalist Curto with Beckie Menzie (piano), Jim Cox (bass) and Tim Davis (percussion). Other performers in the Cabaret include Cathy Glickman and Anna Palermo with “Judy and Liza, Don’t Tell Mama” (8 p.m. Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $25) a tribute to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli; singer-songwriter Kelly Tansor (8 p.m. Aug. 19, $10) performing songs by Billy Joel, Regina Spektor, Olivia Rodrigo and more; and David Edelfelt with “Broadway Baritones: The Men, the Music, the Magic” (8 p.m. Aug. 20-22, $25). Cabaret shows require advance tickets and a two drink minimum for each show. The Piano Bar has a variety of performances each week that do not require advance tickets. Masks optional for the vaccinated; the non-vaccinated must wear a mask.
Where: 1383 N. Milwaukee. Visit davenportspianobar.com.
House City Series
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What: The Departments of Cultural Affairs and Special Event’s tribute to house music continues with House City, a new series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the house music genre over 35 years ago.
When/Where: vent dates and communities are July 23 in South Shore, July 31 on the Southeast Side, Aug. 14 in Humboldt Park, Aug. 28 in Englewood, Aug. 29 in Lakeview, Sept. 12 in South Shore and Sept.19 in Bronzeville. DJs playing include Traxman, Lori Branch, Deeon, Elbert Philips, Duane Powell and more.
Info: For locations and times, visit chicagohousemusicfestival.us
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Chris Foreman at the Green Mill
What: The Green Mill has reopened and that means the return of Chris Foreman, a Friday night fixture at the popular jazz club. Foreman, a jazz organist blind since birth, is a master on the Hammond B3 and regarded as Chicago’s best. His playing is a blend of blues-gospel and jazz honed in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Deep Blue Organ Trio and The Mighty Blue Kings.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays
Where: The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway
Cost: No cover charge
Visit greenmilljazz.com
Ravinia Festival
What: The Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the country, returns with reduced capacity. As usual, the lineup is a varied slate of music from classical to pop, jazz and rock. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns for a six-week run with conductor Marin Alsop leading seven concerts in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor. Also on the roster are: Garrick Ohlsson, Cynthia Erivo, Counting Crows, Kurt Elling, Brian McKnight, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, The Roots, John Legend, Madeleine Peyroux, Midori, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet.
When: July 1-Sept. 26
Where: Highland Park
Tickets: prices vary
Visit: ravinia.org.
Grant Park Music Festival
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What: The Grant Park Music Festival is fully open for capacity audiences in the seated area and the lawn.
When: July 2-Aug. 21
Where: Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph.
Admission: free
Visit: gpmf.org
Chicago Philharmonic
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What: Chicago Philharmonic returns with a three-concert outdoor chamber series at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts parking lot, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. The opening performance at 7 p.m. June 27 is “Chicago Phil Brass: Brass with Sass” and features Edward Elgar’s “Chanson du Matin,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion,” Fats Waller’s “That’s a Plenty,” Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and more. There’s also a free streaming concert “Redemption” (June 29-Aug. 27), which features spirituals and gospel songs conducted by Adrian Dunn.
When: Subsequent concerts are July 25 and Aug. 5.
Tickets: $36-$42
Visit: chicagophilharmonic.org
Summer Nights with Northlight
What: Summer Nights with Northlight is a cabaret series held at Evanston restaurants to benefit Northlight Theatre. The performers are Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. (June 10, Good to Go Jamaican, 711 W. Howard), Linda Solotaire (July 27, Sketchbook Brewing Company, 4901 Main, Skokie) and Heidi Kettenring (Aug. 24, Peckish Pig, 623 W. Howard).
When: Performances times are 6 p.m.
Tickets: $60 includes light dinner and select drinks. Visit northlight.org.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
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When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 1-Aug. 31
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden, 220 E. Chicago
What: Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden. The popular jazz concert series features an array of Chicago jazz musiciansFirst up on June 1 is Alexis Lombre’s Ancestral Awakenings. Free with advance reservations. Visit mcachicago.org.
