Review: A still indie Regina Spektor revisits her album ‘Songs’ at Thalia Hall
Could the concert have benefited from better preparation? Probably, but her genuine spontaneity in playing the decades-old album was worth every rough moment.
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Review: In Jason Isbell’s solo show at the Auditorium, debut songs and simple artistry
Over the course of 85 remarkable minutes, he furthered the case for himself as the finest singer-songwriter of his generation.
As ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ nears theaters, a look back at the pivotal shows the band played in Chicago — or almost did
A new documentary about the legendary British band opens soon. Its first Chicago gig was at Kinetic Playground in 1969, its last at Chicago Stadium in 1977.
Review: Joy Oladokun’s concert at Thalia Hall was unpolished and real, and often all the better for it
Joy Oladokun logged a double-duty shift Friday at a sold-out Thalia Hall. Recalling a bygone era when the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and the Grateful Dead opened their...
Live music for winter 2025: 12 must-see concerts from Regina Spektor to Kraftwerk
This is a great time of year to take in a show or three at smaller venues. You generally get better views and lighter tolls on your credit card.
Top 10 live music shows in Chicago in 2024: The concerts that stood out, and why
On our list this year, big shows like Olivia Rodrigo at United Center and up-close moments like Julien Baker at Thalia Hall.
Review: Andrew Bird’s enchanting Gezelligheid concerts are a pitch-perfect way to celebrate December
Swapping between originals and covers of Vince Guaraldi and The Handsome Family, his performances at Fourth Presbyterian Church cast a holiday spell.
Review: Mavis Staples’ joyous 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration simply dazzles from beginning to end
At age 85, the hometown singer shows no signs of slowing a musical career that dates back to civil rights-era performances with her family. The condition of her voice on...
Review: Billie Eilish has new confidence on her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ tour
On the first of a two-night stand at the United Center, she projected new purpose and energy along with her trademark vulnerability and emotion.
Review: All-star bandmates of Beat were more than up to the demands of a King Crimson concert
In a sold-out concert at Copernicus Center, Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin and Danny Carey took on the challenging catalog of the '80s progressive-rock band.