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Summer 2023 Concert Guide
from July 19 - 23, 2023
Summer 2023
CONCERT GUIDE
by Kyra Walker
Chicago is one of the many top performance-worthy cities for artists big and small. Many out-of-state fans come here to see these artists, and summer is the perfect time to do so. This concert guide is a curated list of artists you might not want to miss, especially if you live in or near Chicago.
July
July 20
STEPHEN MARLEY
Jay Pritzker Pavilion | 6:30 pm | Free
201 E. Randolph St.
Son of Rita and Bob Marley, Stephen will perform as part of the Millennium Park Music Series. Stephen started his musical journey at age 7, sharing the historic stages with his father and touring with his siblings: Ziggy, Cedella and Sharon, “The Melody Makers.” Stephen’s reggae music has won 8 Grammy Awards. On his birthday, April 20, he released a new single “Old Soul.” Joining him will be special guests Shanking Lizard. Gates open at 5 p.m. at Randolph and Monroe streets. RVSP at stephenmarleymusic. com
July 22
BLUE MEANIES
Concord Music Hall | 6 pm | $32.50+
2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Blue Meanies is an American skacore band formed at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1989. The band consists of John Paul Camp III, Sean Dolan, Jimmy Flame, Chaz Linde, Dave Lund, Billy Spunke, and Bob Trondson. The band made their recording debut in 1991 with the single “Grandma Shampoo.” Shortly after releasing their sixth album The Post Wave in 2001, they put tours on pause, but never released an official statement on breaking up. The band officially got back together in 2014 to perform at the Chicago version of Riot Fest.
July 22 & 23
BEYONCE
Soldier Field | 7 pm | $220+
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Actress, singer, mother, sister, and wife, Beyoncé is an American singersongwriter. She rose to fame during her time in the R&B girl group Destiny’s Child. After the group disbanded in 2006, she released her first solo album B’Day. With 22 Number One hits and her biggest hit, “Single Ladies,” Beyonce has become one of the top female artists in the U.S. Two of her albums, 4 and Beyoncé, explore complex themes like marriage, motherhood, feminism and sexuality in greater depth. Her newest album is a musically daring trip through dance, house, disco, and ballroom past, present, and future. Beyoncé’s music is empowering and boundary-pushing.
July 22
DON’T PANIC
Reggies Rock Music Club | 8 pm | $25+
2109 S. State St.
“Don't Panic walks a thin line between EDM and hard rock without sacrificing one for the other,” says Java Magazine. Don’t Panic consists of Dylan Rowe, Jesse Mitchel, Ryan Obermeit, and Jeffrey Fred Robens, Jr. Some of the metal rock band’s songs are “Numb,” “Woe I,” and “Windy.” The band started as a side project be tween Rowe and Robens. In 2012, it was fully formed, followed by the release of two EPs: Robot Circus and The Sleepy. After a nine-year hiatus, the band got back together in 2021. Shortly after they were reunited, they released a music video for the song "Conquer Divide."
July 24 & 25
JILL SCOTT
The Chicago Theatre | 7 pm | $460+ 175 N. State St.
You may recognize this singer as Sheila from “Why Did I Get Married?” and "Why Did I Get Married, Too?” Jill Scott is a woman of many talents: acting, singing, songwriting, poetry, and modeling. Releasing her first album Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 in 2000, her profile has only gone up since then. Jill’s music is neo-soul, a combination of jazz, opera, R&B, spoken word, and hip-hop. Some of her Top 10 songs are “He Loves Me,” “It’s Love,” “Cross My Mind” and “Crown Royal."
July 28
THOMAS RHETT
United Center | 7:30 pm | $25.50+
1901 W. Madison St.
Son of Rhett Atkins and Paige Braswell, Thomas Rhett is a 33-yearold American country singer-songwriter. Starting in 2013 with his first album It Goes Like This, Rhett has been climbing the charts ever since. In celebration of almost 10 years in the music business, Rhett made a Twitter post with a special something for his fans. With 20 No. 1 songs so far, Rhett has created a limited edition box set + vinyl bundle with all his greatest hits, which will be available for purchase September 29. “This project is for YOU. Thank you to every single one of you who has been along for the journey so far,” he says.
July 29
ED SHEERAN
Soldier Field | 6 pm | $59+
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is going on the +-=x album tour. Ed began his career playing music in older peoples’ homes. He was picked up by a record producer while he was in the USA. After performing thousands of gigs and street performances, he finally got the recognition he deserved. Many people know Sheeran from one of his biggest hits, “Shape of You” from the Divide album. He recently released his new album Subtract. The album is a glimpse into Sheeran’s life as he battles depression. It showcases the loss of his friend, his wife Cherry Seaborn’s cancer diagnosis, and a plagiarism court case, all in the span of two years.
July 30
SEVYN STREETER
City Winery Chicago | 6 pm | $48+
1200 W. Randolph St.
This R&B singer-songwriter may be known best for her song featuring Chris Brown’s “It Won’t Stop,” which is part of her Call Me Crazy, But… album. Other song credits include “Fine China” by Chris Brown, “The Way” by Ariana Grande, and others. Streeter also gains musical influence from Aaliyah. When she’s not doing music, Streeter is writing poetry, some of which can be found on her Instagram.
