Chicago duo Coltrane Motion will bring their intense electronic shoegaze to Ronny's on June 21 -- just one of many local shows worth checking out in the coming weeks.
This month, Chicago has already seen the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and REM (with Modest Mouse and The National), but we still got Lil’ Wayne, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Stevie Wonder and T.I. to look forward to. And now that festival season is officially in full swing, it’s a great time to be a music fan in the Windy City. And I’m not just talking about Lollapalooza and Pitchfork. The smaller, more low-key neighborhood fests will be happening almost every weekend for the rest of the summer.
Here’s some dates to keep in mind over the next few weeks.
Lil’ Wayne – June 11 @ House of Blues
This show was announced without much notice but still sold out quickly (It’s a relatively small venue for one of hip-hip’s biggest names). Either you love him or you hate him, but you can’t deny Lil’ Wayne is one of the most original rappers going.
Annuals – June 14 @ Empty Bottle
Back in 2006, Rolling Stone said the Annuals’ “woozy indie rock reminds us of Flaming Lips mixed with old Smashing Pumpkins.” Not a bad comparison for a group that was just getting started. Now they’re drawing comparisons to Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene (not too shabby either). They have actually opened for the Lips, and have since played Lollapalooza and Coachella. If they live up to the comparisons, it might be a good idea to check ‘em out in a small venue like Empty Bottle while you still can.
Stevie Nicks – June 14 @ Charter One Pavilion
Stevie Wonder ain’t the only legendary Stevie hitting Chicago this month. Fleetwood Mac’s singer may be 60, but she’s still a popular draw. And rumor has it Fleetwood Mac may be getting back together for a tour next year.
Wells Street Art Festival – June 14-15 @ Wells between North and Division
This lineup may not knock your socks off, but seeing the Flock of Seagulls play “I Ran (So Far Away)” could be a nice way to start off your Saturday night. The Sunday headliner is American English, a Beatles tribute band.
Swell Season – June 17-18 @ Chicago Theatre
In 2007’s “Once,” Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won over movie-goers with their musically-charged romance. They took home the Academy Award for best song for “Falling Slowly.” And now they’re winning over concert-goers as a real band. Both shows are sold out.
Ladytron, Datarock – June 17 @ Vic Theater
These two indie electronic bands from overseas may share a bill at the Vic, but that’s about all they have in common. Liverpool’s Ladytron will bring a stylish, dark brand of synth pop, while the fun-lovin, red jumpsuit-wearin’ members of Datarock will warm the crowd up with a more playful set of dance music.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – June 18 @ Ravinia
For a unique summer concert experience, check out Ravinia in north suburban Highland Park. Cart in a cooler, lay out a blanket and listen to the show on the sprawling lawn ($20). Or dish out some more dough to get a look at the performers from the pavilion ($80-$200). Led Zeppelin’s Plant and fiddlin’ virtuoso Krauss make for a good excuse to pay Ravinia a visit. Their first album together, last year’s Raising Sand, took home a Grammy for best pop collaboration.
T.I. – June 19 @ Congress Theater
Fresh off of a house arrest stint for weapons charges, the “King of the South” is hitting the road to promote his new album “Paper Trails,” which is due out in August. The Congress may not be in the most desirable location, but it’s one of the best mid-sized venues in the city.
Taste of Randolph Street – June 20-22 @ Randolph Street (just west of Halsted)
Boasting one of the best musical lineups of all the neighborhood fests this year, the Taste of Randolph is bringing in southern rockers Drive-By Truckers to headline Saturday night and Matt Costa and Josh Ritter to play the last two shows on Sunday.
Matisyahu, The Wailers – June 26 @ Ravinia
Two of the top reggae acts join forces to present another good opportunity to head north to Ravinia.
Taste of Chicago – June 27-July 26 @ Grant Park
If you’re up for battling the masses, the Taste offers more than a week of free concerts. From indie rockers Gomez to former American Idol Fantasia, it’s a very diverse lineup. But the one name that jumps out is Stevie Wonder, who will perform June 28.
Belmont Arts & Music Festival – June 28-29 @ Belmont Avenue (west of Damen)
With 25 bands on two stages over two days, you’re bound to discover a new band at this street festival. The big names include Smoking Popes, Cursive and The Redwalls.
Life During Wartime Dance Party – June 28 @ Hideout
DJs Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard have become fixtures at the Hideout, one of Chicago’s coolest venues. But this isn’t your typical rave-style dance party; these guys spin punk, new wave, hip-hop and indie rock.
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Jim Collins
Jim Collins follows Chicago's live music scene for the Windy Citizen with his Live Wire blog. He recently graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a master's degree in new media. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter for one of the Sun Times News Group's suburban newspapers and a small daily in southwestern Michigan. Jim's also a music junkie, who appreciates a wide range of musical tastes. From hipster to hippy, raver to rapper, he likes it all. More
Comments
Matisyahu and the Wailers look lie a good time and so does the Life During Wartime Dance Party. I got my boogie shoes!! Good article, Thanks for keeping me updated.
Matisyahu and the Wailers look lie a good time and so does the Life During Wartime Dance Party. I got my boogie shoes!! Good article, Thanks for keeping me updated.
Hey,
Ever heard of Local H? A client had me listen to a little of their music and it is pretty good...they are from Chicago, but I do not think they are very big!
Hey,
Ever heard of Local H? A client had me listen to a little of their music and it is pretty good...they are from Chicago, but I do not think they are very big!
Thanks for reading!
Local H is actually playing at the Metro on June 22. They had a big radio hit in the 90s called "Bound for the Floor."
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