Summer is here (almost). It’s time for street festivals and massive outdoor gigs, sweating walls and sweaty people, hopping clubs and jam-packed little spots. Whether the shows are big or small, summer is the time to be in Chicago if you’re a music fan.
Which is where we come in. Time for On the Town’s annual summer music preview, a critical guide to shows of the summer.
Ravinia, Millennium Park, Lollapalooza and Pitchfork are the big music guys in town, of course, and they will keep our summer rocking. But gas isn’t the only thing that’s expensive. If Lolla is too much scratch for you, or if you loathe huge, sweaty crowds, hate fighting the mosquitoes at Ravinia or just want to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of great shows this summer at smaller venues.
INSIDE: Detailed calendar listings of our best bets for summer. Keep ahold of the calendar, because you’ve got planning to do. Pages 5, 6.
POP
Lollapalooza, the granddaddy of summer rock fests, rolls into town the first weekend in August and costs roughly $200 for three days of great live music. Radiohead, Wilco, Nine Inch Nails and Kanye West will be in Grant Park, along with many more.
Vs.
Before it gets hot, you could check out the Do
Division Street Festival May 31-June 1. A lineup that includes Lucero, Ted Leo, the 1900s, Frightened Rabbit and Mucca Pazza proves the music is not an afterthought or just background noise at this low-cost street fest.
CLASSICAL
Opera star Kiri Te Kanawa is retiring this year, and she’ll give a Ravinia Festival farewell performance on July 19. You can get a comfy reserved seat for what is sure to be a memorable performance for $75-$100.
Vs.
The Grant Park Music Festival in beautiful Millennium Park offers a stellar lineup for no dinero. Wagner, Beethoven, Verdi, Puccini and others will be celebrated this summer.
JAZZ
A ticket to Ravinia’s elegant Martinis at the Martin series, which will include Betty Buckley, Barbara Cook, a tribute to Ira Gershwin and more this season, goes for $225.
Vs.
The innovative jazz great
Ornette Coleman closes out the Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park over Labor Day weekend. The free fest runs Aug. 28-31 and also includes saxophone master Sonny Rollins in Millennium Park.
– – –
SUMMER MUSIC GUIDE
How to use this bad boy:
* Critics’ picks
** Continuing series
*** Free or cheap show
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(pop)
JUNE
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2
ISLANDS
*** CHEAP: The Montreal band plays with a variety of genres and moods: beautiful pop melodies, a bit of afro-pop, hip-hop and indie rock, among others. The group, partly made up of some ex-Unicorns members, has an ambitious new light and dark disc, “Arm’s Way.” Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie, $12; ticketweb.com
3
* Critics’ pick: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
Over the last decade, this Seattle quartet has risen from indie-rock obscurity to mainstream success, with a series of albums that frame Ben Gibbard’s erudite introspection in melancholy grandeur. Millennium Park, $10-$45 (sold out); 312-559- 1212
6
* Critics’ pick: R.E.M.
The trio hasn’t been the same since drummer Bill Berry left in 1997, but their latest album, “Accelerate,” is their feistiest in a decade. That’s a good thing, because the band’s recent ballad-heavy albums have been ill-suited to arena rocking. With Modest Mouse at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., $37.50-$85; 312- 455-4500
7
SMOKING POPES
Chicago’s Smoking Popes claimed the spotlight in the mid-1990s with an album deal with Capitol and an endorsement from Morrissey. After temporary retirement, the Popes are reunited, releasing “Stay Down” (Flameshovel), their first album of new material in 11 years. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., $20; 773-549-0203
7
* Critics’ pick: ALICIA KEYS
When she’s at the piano pouring herself into her songs, Keys shows she’s capable of growing into one of the soul greats. It’s when she starts pushing the spectacle in her over-size shows that she gets into trouble. Here’s hoping she trusts her talent enough to lay off the shtick. Allstate Arena, Rosemont, $49.50-$125; 312-559-1212
13
LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION
*** CHEAP: Dev Hynes, formerly of British band Test Icicles, has taken a colorful moniker, plopped a dead wombat on his head, and in his solo work is producing thoughtful, lush and angry songs. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., $10; ticketweb.com
13-14
BLUES ON THE FOX FESTIVAL
*** CHEAP: A free two-day blues festival on the Fox River, featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd (left), Elvin Bishop, Bettye LaVette, Marcia Ball and more. June 13-14, Stolp Avenue and Galena Boulevard in downtown Aurora, free; www. bluesonthefoxaurora.com
14
BILLY BRAGG
He remains one of rock’s most direct heirs to Woody Guthrie, which came front and center when he partnered with Wilco for the two-volume “Mermaid Avenue” series of music built from unreleased Guthrie lyrics. “Mr. Love & Justice” (Anti-) is his new album. Park West, 322 W. Armitage, $27.50; ticketmaster.com
14
EMMYLOU HARRIS
She’s worked with Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and toured with Elvis Costello. She’s folk, country and pop, sometimes all at the same time, sung with a voice that these days hits you like walking on cracked eggshells. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, $35-$50; www.mortonarb.org
18
* Critics’ pick: ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS
The unlikely melding of Led Zeppelin rocker and bluegrass thrush produced one of last year’s best albums, “Raising Sand.” Now on tour, they’ll be accompanied by producer T-Bone Burnett, whose feel for mystical blues and country noir should make this a night to remember. Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, $20-$250 (sold out); 847- 266-5100 or www. ravinia.org
19
GILBERTO GIL
The Brazilian great, one of the founding fathers of the revolutionary Tropicalia movement in the ’60s alongside Caetano Veloso, makes a rare Chicago stop. His gentle voice, graceful guitar playing and indelible songwriting make him one of the true giants of South American music. Ravinia, Highland Park, $10-$50; 847-266-5100
20
NACHTMYSTIUM AND YAKUZA
*** CHEAP: Up from the underground and on the verge of a breakout with a brilliant new album, the local quartet makes black magic out of psychedelic rock and ferocious metal. Reggies, 2109 S. State St., $10; ticketweb.com
20
THE BLACK ANGELS AND WARLOCKS
*** CHEAP: This is more of a high-volume throb than music as these bands bring their psychedelic alchemy to our fair town. Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie, $15; ticketweb.com
27-29
LAZY RIVER MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
A camping and music festival on the Fox River, featuring Son Volt, Rusted Root and more; framed as a mini-Bonnaroo. June 27-29, Vasa Park in South Elgin, $75 for a three-day pass; www.lazyrivermusic.com
28
* Critics’ pick: STEVIE WONDER
*** FREE: The soul legend ripped it up last fall at the Charter One Pavilion with a stellar big band and a bevy of hits spanning four decades. There’s no reason to expect anything less than greatness on what promises to be one of the most well-attended Taste of Chicago concerts ever. Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park, free; tasteofchicago.us
JULY
1
RZA
RZA is as close to rap royalty as it gets these days. As leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA has produced the bulk of the group’s albums, contributing the beat-heavy, menacing soundscapes that propel the group’s raps. He’s headed to town as Bobby Digital, his alter-ego who is exceedingly fond of women, dope and guns (probably not in that order). House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, $22; ticketmaster. com
2
* Critics’ pick: TOM PETTY
The veteran has rolled up three decades’ worth of classic songs, and he?s done it with understatement and modesty. He’s relied on craft, heart and resilience to fashion one of the finest–and most underrated–careers in rock since John Fogerty. With Steve Winwood at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., $55-$99; 312-559-1212
2-5
FITZGERALD’S 28TH ANNUAL AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Featuring Paul Thorn, Joe Ely, Marcia Ball, Chuck Prophet, Tributosaurus and many more on three stages. July 2-5, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn; price TBD and no advance tickets sold; www.fi tzgeraldsnightclub. com
6
TRACE ADKINS
*** CHEAP: A one-time pipe fitter on an offshore oil rig, a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice” and an author, Adkins has been shot by a wife, beaten up in barroom brawls and gone through rehab. Is it any surprise that he’s a country singer? The hitmaker brings his pleasing, rumbling baritone and some “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” to Ribfest, in one of the biggest bargains this summer. Naperville Ribfest, Knoch Park, 700 S. West St., Naperville, $10; www.ribfest. net
8
CAMERON MCGILL
*** FREE: The Chicago troubadour is known for ambitious live shows incorporating horns, barroom pianos and shaggy guitars. “Hold On Beauty,” his latest album, the countrypop fusion rises to the next level with doomed rock epics designed to make fans of Morrissey and Freddie Mercury turn their heads. Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside, free
12-13
THE CHICAGO FOLK AND ROOTS FESTIVAL
*** CHEAP: Presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music, featuring Kinky, Slavic Soul Party! the Mother Truckers and more. July 12-13, Welles Park, between Montrose and Sunnyside Avenues, $7 suggested donation; www.chicagofolkandroots. org
18-20
* Critics’ pick: PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Once again the indie-rock e-zine has delivered the goods with a lineup that mixes intriguing newcomers (No Age, Bon Iver), Internet-driven success stories (Vampire Weekend, left, Animal Collective) and adventurous veterans (Public Enemy, right, Mission of Burma). All told, 41 bands and artists will cavort on three stages in what has become an annual summer highlight, for a reasonable price. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., no more three-day passes, two-day pass $50, one-day pass $30; pitchforkmusicfestival.org
26
ISIS
*** CHEAP: Like Chicago’s Pelican, Isis is Boston’s leader in the progressive metal scene that would find more welcome ears with the sensitive skateboarders at Warped Tour than the leather-clad bikers at Ozz Fest. Relying heavily on loud/soft dynamics as much as they do ambiance, classical motifs and cosmic song themes, the guitar-electronics quintet is for metal fans interested in thinking as much as they are banging their heads. Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., $16; ticketweb. com
27
DAVID VANDERVELDE
*** CHEAP: While this local singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist seems to prefer plaid shirts over blouses, there’s no denying that his folk-rock tunes recall those of eccentric British ’60s icon Marc Bolan and his seminal glam-rock outfit T. Rex. Luckily, young Vandervelde’s music stands up to widespread comparisons to classic rock behemoths. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, $10; schubas.com
AUGUST
1-3
* Critics’ pick: LOLLAPALOOZA
The 800-pound gorilla of the summer festival season boasts an impressive array of headliners, including Radiohead (left), Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, Wilco and Kanye West (right). But the secondary acts will go a long way toward determining the success of the weekend, with performances by Santogold, Battles, The National, Lupe Fiasco and the Cool Kids, among others. Grant Park, three-day pass $190 ($205 after $190 passes sell out); lollapalooza.com
4
* Critics’ pick: COLDPLAY
“Violet Hill,” the first single from the U.K. quartet’s forthcoming Brian Eno-produced album, “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” hints at a more aggressive, guitar-driven sound. While Chris Martin’s ballads are the key to the band’s success, a bolder approach won’t hurt when the band embarks on its worldwide tour of megadomes. The United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., ticket prices to be announced; 312-559-1212
9
RASCAL FLATTS AND TAYLOR SWIFT
This is country music without all the yucky way-back roots. Just good ol’ pop with some banjo, steel and fiddle to back it up. Flatts will hook you with uptempo beats, and Swift will keep you with teenage ruminations on love and regret. First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, $35-$79.75; ticketmaster.com
16
CHRIS ISAAK
Yeah, he makes women swoon, but there is more to Isaak than that. His voice is like blue velvet and he knows his way around a guitar and a sexy or bittersweet lyric. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, $35-50; www. mortonarb.org
( jazz, world )
JUNE
4
* Critics’ pick: EDWIN DAUGHERTY QUARTET
*** CHEAP: Chicagoans have heard the formidable tenor saxophonist in bands large and small, but rarely fronting a group of his own. Here’s a chance to catch Daugherty in one of the city’s best, and most adventurous, listening rooms. The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Rd, $10; 312-791-9050 Wednesdays, The Velvet Lounge
* Critics’ pick, *** CHEAP, ** Continuing series: World Music Series, Wednesdays, Old Town School of Folk Music
4
* Critics’ pick: TCHEKA
The Cape Verde Islands have given the world such alluring vocalists as Cesaria Evora and Lura — Tcheka may be next to achieve wide recognition. World-music artists will converge on the Old Town School in what looks to be a shrewdly booked series. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. $5 suggested donation; 773-728-6000. For complete list, visit oldtownschoolorg
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11
* Critics’ pick: GORAN IVANOVIC AND FAREED HAQUE
The guitarists, who have played together for years, merge Eastern European and South Asian musical languages with American jazz techniques.
18
* Critics’ pick: HI-JAZZ
Arabic, Brazilian, Latin and other musical cultures intertwine under the direction of Syrian percussionist Omar Al Musfi.
25
* Critics’ pick: ACCORDION SUMMIT
Squeezebox virtuosos representing Mexico, Yugoslavia, Poland, Colombia — and beyond — will converge.
6
* Critics’ pick: WAYNE SHORTER QUARTET
One of the most infl uential jazz composers of the past 40 years or more, tenor saxophonist Shorter closes the Jazz at Symphony Center series with a celebration of his 75th birthday; Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., $33-$55; 312-294-3000
8
* Critics’ pick: KEVIN COLE
In the Words of Ira: The Songs of Ira Gershwin. Pianist Kevin Cole is the country’s leading interpreter of piano music by George Gershwin. Here he?ll focus on work that Ira Gershwin wrote without brother George. Ravinia Festival, theater tickets sold only as part of the entire Martinis at the Martin series, for $225; lawn seating $10; 847-266-5100 or www.ravinia.org
14
* Critics’ pick: LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE
The revered norteno band, chronicling U.S.- Mexican border culture and other themes, makes its Ravinia debut at a time when immigration remains an explosive political issue. Ravinia Festival, $15-$60; 847-266-5100
19
** Continuing series: Music Without Borders
* Critics’ pick: MARIA DEL MAR BONET AND MIQUEL GIL
*** FREE: Del Mar Bonet and Gil and the Arab Orchestra of Barcelona presenting Spanish regional music. This boldly programmed world-music series brings wondrously unfamiliar sounds to Chicago’s front yard. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742-1168
21
* Critics’ pick: DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET
With the Ramsey Lewis Trio. The eminent, octogenarian pianist shares the bill with the festival’s artistic director of jazz. Ravinia Festival, $10-$50; 847-266- 5100
22
* Critics’ pick: DIANNE REEVES
With the Manhattan Transfer. Does any female jazz singer today command a voice as voluptuous as Reeves’? Ravinia Festival, $10-$40; 847-266-5100
26
** Continuing series: Music Without Borders
* Critics’ pick: THE BACHATA ROJA CONCERT
Unsung Heroes, Rediscovered Icons, with veteran musicians of the Dominican Republic and Cape Verdean vocalist Mayra Andrade. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742- 1168
27-28
* Critics’ pick: PATRICIA BARBER QUARTET
Yes, the distinctive Chicago singer-pianist long has held the Monday-night slot at the Mill. This time, though, she and her much admired quartet play a rare weekend engagement, which is sure to attract standing-room-only crowds. The Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway. $10-$12; 773-878-5552
28
** Continuing series: Music Without Borders
* Critics’ pick: ORCHESTRA BAOBAB
*** FREE: A widely admired Senegalese band. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742-1168
JULY
10
** Continuing series: Music Without Borders
* Critics’ pick: SUDANESE MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL
*** FREE: Featuring more than 50 artists. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742-1168
17
* Critics’ pick: PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL PREVIEW
A curtain-raiser for this year?s Pitchfork Music Festival
21
* Critics’ pick: ORBERT DAVIS
*** FREE: Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Celebrates Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday. Chicago trumpet virtuoso Orbert Davis leads his orchestra in the world premiere of a multimovement work honoring Mandela. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-573-8930
24
** Continuing series: Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz
* Critics’ pick: 50 YEARS OF BOSSA NOVA
*** FREE: Featuring Paulinho Garcia’s Orquestra Brazzilli and pianist Joao Donato. The annual series always has lived up to its name, partnering Chicago artists with international collaborators. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742-1168
31
** Continuing series: Made In Chicago
* Critics’ pick: CHICAGO AFROLATIN ENSEMBLE
*** FREE: Co-led by Victor Garcia and Darwin Alejandro Noguera, Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free
AUGUST
* Critics’ pick, *** FREE, ** Continuing series: Made In Chicago
7
* Critics’ pick: AMIR ELSAFFAR’S TWO RIVERS LARGE ENSEMBLE
The Chicago trumpeter reconceives Middle Eastern music. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free
14
* Critics’ pick: KELAN PHIL COHRAN AND THE LEGACY OF SUN RA
The elder statesman of Chicago jazz leads instrumentalists, singers, dancers.
21
* Critics’ pick: CELEBRATING NAT “KING” COLE
With Freddy Cole, Audrey Morris and Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra.
25
* Critics’ pick: MIKE REED’S PEOPLE PLACES AND THINGS OCTET
The versatile Chicago drummer will partner with jazz masters.
27
** Continuing series: Music Without Borders
* Critics’ pick: BAJOFONDO TANGO CLUB AND FERNANDO OTERO
*** FREE: Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-742-1168
28
* Critics’ pick: SONNY ROLLINS
*** FREE: Though Chicago Jazz Festival Week begins on Aug. 25, the “official” portion of the 30th annual festival opens with tenor saxophone icon Rollins, in what promises to be one of the major events of the summer. Chicago Jazz Festival, Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; 312-744-3315
31
* Critics’ pick: ORNETTE COLEMAN
*** FREE: In another landmark booking for the jazz festival, the groundbreaking composer closes the weekend’s festivities in Grant Park. Chicago Jazz Festival, Petrillo Music Shell, free; 312- 744-3315
( classical )
JUNE
13-14
* Critics’ pick: THE 74TH ANNUAL GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL KICKOFF WEEKEND
*** FREE: This is the place to be if you thrill to the big choral masterpieces performed under the stars in a spectacular lakefront setting. Principal conductor Carlos Kalmar (right) gets things under way when he directs the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus and vocal soloists in Beethoven?s rousing “Missa Solemnis.” Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free; www.grantparkmusicfestival. com
16-17
* Critics’ pick: CELEBRATING ELLIOTT CARTER
Carter’s gnarled music isn’t exactly your typical summer easy-listening fare. But attention must be paid in this, the centennial of America’s most eminent living composer. Ravinia is doing its bit by inviting the Juilliard String Quartet to perform Carter’s Second String Quartet and scheduling back-to-back performances of his “Night Fantasies,” played by Ursula Oppens and Charles Rosen, two of the pianists to whom the work is dedicated. Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, $10-$40; 847-266-5100 or www.ravinia.org
25
* Critics’ pick: BRAHMS WORK
*** FREE: Grant Park’s parade of choral masterworks continues with a single performance of Brahms? “A German Requiem” featuring soloists and the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus under Kalmar’s baton. Because of the Taste of Chicago, this one will move indoors to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.
JULY
16
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* Critics’ pick: HUGH WOLFF
*** FREE: The former Grant Park principal conductor returns to the series for a really interesting one-off that includes Steven Mackey’s “Lost and Found” and John Adams’ wild and crazy “The Dharma at Big Sur,” with violinist Leila Josefowicz as soloist. Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free
19
* Critics’ pick: KIRI TE KANAWA
The beloved soprano is retiring after this season but not before favoring Ravinia with a farewell performance with the Chicago Symphony under music director James Conlon. Women’s board’s annual gala benefit evening. Ravinia Festival, $10-$100
23, 25
* Critics’ pick: RACHMANINOV CANTATA
*** FREE: Composer Sergei Rachmaninov counted among his favorite works his colorful cantata “The Bells.” Grant Park Chorus master Christopher Bell leads his choral and orchestral forces in two performances of this rarely heard gem. Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, free
26
* Critics’ pick: MAHLER SYMPHONY
Mahler might have composed his mammoth and glorious Symphony No. 8 (sometimes dubbed “Symphony of a Thousand”) for summer nights under the Ravinia stars. It receives a rare performance by the CSO and platoons of other performers, with Conlon putting it all together. How will they fi t hundreds of singers and instrumentalists in the pavilion and still have room for the audience? Come and find out. Ravinia Festival, $10-$75
AUGUST
11-12
* Critics’ pick: OLIVIER MESSIAEN WORKS
The great French composer is the other centenarian whom Ravinia is celebrating this summer. The chamber ensemble Tashi will reunite here on Aug. 11 to perform its signature work, Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time.” The following night, pianist Mario Formenti (right) will perform Messiaen?s magnum opus, the formidable “Vingt Regards Sur l’Enfant-Jesus” (“Twenty Contemplations of the Child Jesus”). Ravinia Festival, $10-$40
14, 16
** Continuing series: Mozart series
* Critics’ pick: “THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO”
Opera returns to Ravinia this summer when Conlon conducts a chamber-size Chicago Symphony in semi-staged performances of two Mozart operas. Ravinia Festival, $10-$75
15, 17
** Continuing series: Mozart series
* Critics’ pick: “DON GIOVANNI”
Ravinia’s Mozart mini-festival concludes with performances of the operatic masterpiece “Don Giovanni.” Ildebrando D’Arcangelo will portray the rakish don, with Samuel Ramey as his sidekick Leporello. $10-$75
18-19
* Critics’ pick: THE BEAUX ARTS TRIO
After 53 years as one of the world’s busiest and most-recorded chamber ensembles, the Beaux Arts Trio is packing it. The group’s Chicago farewell concerts in Ravinia’s Martin Theatre will include piano trios by Schubert and Beethoven. Ravinia Festival, $10-$50