Bounce to the beats of Big Freedia or sway to the rhythms of The Weeknd. Whatever you do, put a Chicago show on your to-do list this week!
THURSDAY, May 18
North Mississippi Allstars
Lincoln Hall
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501
The Southern rock/blues band—composed of brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson—will be in Chicago on their “Prayer for Peace” tour, which is in promotion of their latest album. The album is described as weaving “their bred-to-the-bone musical sensibility with unstoppable energy, rhythmic reinvention, and a potent message of positivity, family, and hope.” Special guests Alvin Youngblood Heart and Rev. Sekou will be joining them. 8 p.m. $25. Tickets: lh-st.com
FRIDAY, May 19
Big Freedia, Downtown Boys
Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
New Orleans-based rapper Big Freedia, also known as the Queen of Bounce, will bring her twist on hip-hop to Chicago. Bounce music is characterized by call-and-response lyrics over rapid-fire beats and booty-shaking. Big Freedia has collaborated with artists such as Beyonce and Sia and stars in the reality TV show “Big Freedia Bounces Back” on Fuse. 9 p.m. $25. Tickets: emptybottle.com
SATURDAY, May 20
More Top Picks Best Weekender Bags
Norah Jones
The Chicago Theatre
175 N. State St. 312-462-6300
In support of her new album “Day Breaks,” Norah Jones will kick off her 2017 tour in Chicago this Saturday and Sunday. The album finds her returning to the piano and her jazz roots, which highlights her unmistakably unique sound incorporating styles like country, folk and jazz. Rolling Stone said it “feels like an ozone-charged pause before a virulent cloudburst.” 8 p.m. $51.50-$71.50. Tickets: thechicagotheatre.com
Justin Townes Earle, The Sadies
Thalia Hall
1807 S. Allport St. 312-526-3851
Justin Townes Earle, the son of alternative country artist Steve Earle, has followed in his father’s footsteps, releasing numerous full-length albums and staying true to his Nashville-rooted sound. The country artist will be performing with his longtime guitarist Paul Niehaus and backing band The Sadies. 7:30 p.m. $25-$35. Tickets: thaliahallchicago.com
TUESDAY, MAY 23
The Weeknd
Allstate Arena
6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, Ill. 847-635-6601
Can’t feel your face? That’s probably because superstar singer/songwriter The Weeknd is stopping in Chicago on his “Starboy: Legend of the Fall” world tour. This Canadian pop artist is responsible for popular hits like “Earned It,” “I Feel It Coming” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” which you’ve probably danced to on more than one occasion. 7:30 p.m. Starting at $39. Tickets: theweeknd.com/tour