
While we’re not sure what Chicago’s weather is doing this week, we are certain about these 15 concerts. Everything from Chance the Rapper to the Yawpers, from the Empty Bottle to the Bottom Lounge, check out what’s going on in this city’s thriving music community this week.
Tuesday, April 5
Pusha T, Lil Bibby, G Herbo
The Vic Theatre
3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-472-0449
Two of Chicago’s finest rappers are opening up for Pusha T. Be there. 8 p.m. $35-$100. 18+.
Tickets: jamusa.com
The Yawpers
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
Hard-hitting, beer-swilling and party-hardy twang-rock from a raucous Denver trio that’s signed to local roots label Bloodshot Records. Come prepared to cut some rug for the rowdiest Tuesday night you’ve had in a long while. 9 p.m. $10-$12. 21+.
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Tickets: emptybottle.com
Wednesday, April 6
Quilt
Schubas
3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508
With Quilt’s third album “Plaza,” this Boston folk-rock quartet more than found its sweet spot between psychedelically textured arrangements and earworm-accessible songwriting. 8 p.m. $12. 18+.
Tickets: lh-st.com
Thursday, April 7
Deer Tick, Ryley Walker
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000
Booked as part of CIMMFest, Providence, R.I., roots-rock veterans Deer Tick will be performing a stripped-down set of highlights from its underrated catalog with Chicago folk troubadour Ryley Walker in support. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $23-$99. All ages.
Tickets: Oldtownschool.org
Haelos
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
This U.K. synth-pop outfit has an unmistakably haunting aura to its lush and brooding songs that are much more pronounced live than on record. 9 p.m. $12. 21+.
Tickets: emptybottle.com
Savages
Metro
3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140.
These explosive London post-punk auteurs are turning heads, including baiduhai critic Greg Kot’s, with their sophomore album “Adore Life.” 9 p.m. $32. 18+.
Sold out.
The Walters
Double Door
1551 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-3160
You’ll be as impressed by this Chicago rock group’s timeless pop songs as you will be by their absolutely magnetic live show. 8 p.m. $8. 17+.
Tickets: etix.com
Friday, April 8
Chance the Rapper, Lil Bibby, BJ the Chicago Kid, Dreezy and more
Chicago Theatre
175 N. State St. 312-462-6300
Chance the Rapper’s homecoming show headlining Power 92’s 15th anniversary bash has “must-see concert of the year” written all over it. Those lucky enough to have gotten tickets will be on that “Ultralight Beam.” 8 p.m. $50-$100. All ages.
Tickets: thechicagotheatre.com
The Falcon, Worriers, The Lippies
Double Door
1551 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-3160
“Gather Up The Chaps” is the first album from the Falcon (The Lawrence Arms’ Brendan Kelly and Neil Hennessy, Alkaline Trio’s Dan Andriano and new member the Loved Ones’ Dave Hause) in 10 years, so this’ll be one for the books for Chicago punk lifers. 8 p.m. 17+.
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Sold out.
Tacocat
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
This palindromically-named Seattle quartet has songs that are so incredibly charming and tongue-in-cheek that they caught the ear of Sen. Bernie Sanders at a campaign stop. 9 p.m. $10. 21+.
Tickets: emptybottle.com
Saturday, April 9
All Dogs
Subterranean
2011 W. North Ave. 773-278-6600
This great Colombus, Ohio, band plays loud power-pop that’ll make you want to buy its fantastic 2015 album, “Kicking Every Day.” 6:30 p.m. $10. All ages.
Tickets: subt.net
Porches, Alex G, Your Friend
Bottom Lounge
1375 W. Lake St. 312-666-6775
I could write blurbs extolling the virtues of all three acts on the bill, but instead I’ll write that you should definitely get there in time to see Your Friend: The all-ages concert starts at an unreasonably early time, 5:30 p.m. $15.
Tickets: bottomlounge.com
Ra Ra Riot, And the Kids, PWR BTTM
Lincoln Hall
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501
While each band on the bill is worth checking out, I’m most excited about PWR BTTM, which will likely be responsible for the most fun set from a third-billed band this spring. “Ugly Cherries” is probably my favorite 2015 album that I feel embarrassed for having discovered in 2016. 9 p.m. (and a sold-out show 7 p.m. Friday, April 8). $25. 21+.
Tickets: lh-st.com
Scarlet Architect
Cobra Lounge
235 N. Ashland Ave. 312-226-6300
Get a dose of Chicago DIY music history with this underappreciated but still incredible synth-rock outfit, which made its biggest splash with its 1982 single “Rose Grey.” The local trio reunited in 2015 and is now reissuing its fantastic 1981 self-titled EP, which will be available at the show—their first U.S. gig since 1983. 9 p.m. $20-$25. 21+
Tickets: cobralounge.com
The Smith Street Band, Signals Midwest, Hard Girls, the Gunshy
Beat Kitchen
2100 W. Belmont Ave. 773-281-4444
Australia’s Smith Street Band always puts on a fantastic punk show, and so do Hard Girls. Can’t go wrong getting there at the start to see all four bands. 6 p.m. $12. All ages.
Tickets: beatkitchen.com
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