Spring 2023 Concert Guide

Spring 2023

CONCERT GUIDE

Chicago is a wonderful place to experience music. Between local artists and venues, and big names that stop only for a show or two, it’s impossible to run out of live music to hear. Regardless of whether you prefer large or small venues, or what your favorite genre is, there’s something in Chicago for you. Even if the show is only here for a night. While it’s impossible to make it to every show in the city, here are some suggestions to make your spring a bit more lively. Don’t forget to support your local Chicago acts!

March 13

NESSA BARRETT

Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom | 7:30 pm | $39+

1106 W. Lawrence Ave.

Nessa Barrett recently released her first album young forever, which will be featured on her tour. The album features edgy, gothic pop grounded in stories about heartache, mental health, and accountability. With young forever, Barrett embraces her internal and external conflicts, and bluntly addresses bleak thoughts. Punctuated by her grit-glam style, Barrett's music has intrinsically always been about empowering people who feel isolated. "Growing up, I was very ashamed of my struggles, so the second I got a platform, I knew what I had to do with it because I didn't want anyone to feel the way I felt - alone," said Barrett.

Nessa Barrett

March 14

COLONY HOUSE

House of Blues | 7 pm | $26+

329 N. Dearborn St.

Colony House first captured attention in 2014 with their lead single "Silhouettes" off their debut album When I Was Younger, which became the #1 played track on SiriusXM's Alt Nation for four months straight. The band’s second album Only The Lonely was included by Entertainment Weekly on its "Must List." Their newest album, The Cannonballers, explores memories of the band growing up in Tennessee and was released February 3. Colony House describes their music style as “landlocked surf rock” which is inspired by their hometown of Franklin, Tennes see. The band has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, TODAY show and more.

Colony House

March 15

BER

Schubas Tavern | 7 pm | $20

3159 N. Southport Ave.

Ber has a knack for writing about universal topics from fresh angles, expressing herself in a way that resonates with listeners — a lot of listeners. Since she posted “Meant to Be” on TikTok in September 2021, the song has amassed nearly a million views, while surging past 50 million Spotify streams. “It’s all real,” she says. “It’s my way of processing my emotions, and being able to bring that into songs — I’ve found that the style of writing I love is really conversational. I could just be standing in front of you saying these things out loud.”

Ber

March 16

THE JUJU EXCHANGE

Constellation | 8:30 pm | $15

3111 N. Western Ave.

The JuJu Exchange is a musical partnership of three childhood friends from Chicago: Nico Segal, Julian Davis Reid, and Nova Zaii. They create exploratory and nuanced music that call us all to wonder and trust. Their music, mostly instrumental, blends acoustic and digital instruments to further meaningful exchange among seemingly disparate cultures. The JuJu Exchange is a band with a foot in jazz and a foot in everything else. They create music that draws listen ers of all backgrounds into the rich world of improvised music. They hope their music inspires the listener to participate in the kinds of exchange the world desperately needs.

The JuJu Exchange

March 17

¿TÉO?

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | $25

2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

Mateo Arias (¿Téo?) is the son of Colombian parents and was brought up bilingual in Spanish and English. ¿Téo?’s admiration for his culture and international background deeply influences his music and explains his transcendent career around the world. ¿Téo? has developed a genre that draws elements of Bossa-Nova, Hip Hop, and Alternative complemented by his very distinct and hypnotizing voice; it's a genre that he and his fans refer to as “Neo-American.” Since the release of his debut single “Uno Dos” (2017), featuring longtime friend and collaborator Jaden Smith, ¿Téo? has garnered millions of listeners and has captured audiences during his concert tours.

¿TÉO?

March 24

Wizkid

United Center | 7:30 pm | $35+

1901 W. Madison St.

Wizkid’s More Love, Less Ego tour is coming to Chicago this March after the More Love, Less last November. Wizkid is one of Nigeria's biggest R&B crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chis Brown, among others. Singer/ songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (aka Wizkid) began his musical career at 11 years old, and reached international success in 2016 after collaborating with Drake. Now Wizkid is well known on his own and had the first Nigerian song, “Essence,” to chart in the Billboard Hot 100. His new album reached number 59 on the Billboard 200.

Wizkid

March 31

JOHN MAYER

United Center| 8 pm | Price varies

1901 W. Madison St. Known for an effortless blend of mind-blowing guitar playing, soulful voice and impeccable songwriting abilities, Mayer has lit up the charts with numerous massive hits such as “New Light,” “Gravity,” “Love on the Weekend,” “Heartbreak Warfare,” “Daughters,” “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Last Train Home,” and “Your Body Is a Wonderland.” The 2023 tour has been 20 years in the making and will feature rare, full acoustic sets from John Mayer performing on acoustic guitar, piano, and electric guitar. The set includes old favorites, newer songs, and songs that have never been heard before.

John Mayer

April 2

EZRA COLLECTIVE

Lincoln Hall | 7 pm | $20

2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

Ezra Collective is an instrumental British jazz quintet made up of drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe ArmonJones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison. Their second album, Where I’m Meant To Be is a thumping celebration of life, an affirming elevation in the Ezra Collective’s winding hybrid sound and refined collective character. The album’s multigenre-spanning songs – which range in tempo and tone from the steady bop of dub reggae, to the two-step of funk, to the rush of body-shifting samba, reflect the band’s multitude of inspirations.

Ezra Collective

April 6

KATE NV

Sleeping Village | 8 pm | $18

3734 W. Belmont Ave.

Kate NV is the pseudonym of Moscow-based artist Kate Shilonosova. When composing, NV takes inspiration from her surroundings while adding an abstract electronics twist. Her songs are recorded around Moscow with friends and collaborators, creating a frothy distortion of nostalgic atmospheres cast in sax, base, marimba and MIDI. Singing is at the foreground-- beaming with assurance, delivered in multiple languages and characters. Her live concerts are full of improvisation, including bells and water glasses amidst compact synthesizers and cables to create otherworldly sounds. Kate NV’s wide range ensures that audiences won’t know exactly what to expect from her shows, but will find a memorable experience.

Kate NV

April 7

MAGIC GIANT

Reggies Rock Club | 7:30 pm | $20+

2105 S. State St.

MAGIC GIANT is a Californian alt-rock band that has gained international attention. The nationwide tour kicks off March 11 accompanied with the release of a new EP. Carrying the hopeful outlook of the alt group’s debut full length record In The Wind and sophomore studio album The Valley forward, their upcoming EP contains equal parts depth and optimism. Not only does the group write and produce their records and direct their music videos, they plant a tree through a non-profit partner with every album sold. The Die With Zero Tour is inspired by the bestselling book and official tour partner, Die With Zero by Bill Perkins and its theme of living life with no regrets.

April 8

JUKEBOX THE GHOST

Thalia Hall | 7:30 pm | $30+

1807 S. Allport St.

Piano-rock trio Jukebox the Ghost formed in 2006 and has been a steadily growing cult favorite and a globally touring band ever since. Composed of Ben Thornewill (piano/ vocals), Tommy Siegel (guitar/bass/vo cals) and Jesse Kristin (drums/vocals), they have played over 1,000 shows around the world over the course of their career. This alternative pop band has a variety of upbeat songs, including their latest EP I Got A Girl, which was released Nov. 17, 2022. While the tempo is upbeat, the lyrics are often heavy, like in the fan-favorite song “Under My Skin.”

Jukebox the Ghost

April 9

LIL WAYNE

Radius Chicago | 7 pm | $200+

640 W. Cermak Rd.

As the newest venture on Lil Wayne's imprint, his album Tha Carter II is bound to thrill those who have watched this veteran rapper from the beginning. "Everyday I experience new things, and it's these experiences I express creatively in my songs," said Wayne. The new album features cameos from other rappers, and Lil Wayne pays homage to an artist who influenced his style, Rakim, in the song "I'm A Dboy" featuring Birdman. Fans of Lil Wayne can expect more of what they’ve come to love through his almost 30-year career, both in his new album and his live performance.

Lil Wayne

April 14

MICHIGANDER

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | $20

2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

Buzzworthy indie rock artist Michigander, the sonic alter ego of Michigan native Jason Singer, has released his new single “Stay Out Of It” and announced the "The It Will Never Be The Same Tour" with opener Abby Holliday. Named one of TuneCore’s Top 10 Rock/Alt Artists for 2021, Michigander delivers elevated and eloquent songcraft, uplifting instrumentation, and plainspoken heartland storytelling punctuated by alternative flare. The now Nashvillebased singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist has gotten the acclaim of NPR, Paste, SPIN, Forbes, BrooklynVegan, Guitar World, KCRW, and many more, plus over 50 million career streams globally.

Michigander

April 15

NOAHFINNCE

Bottom Lounge | 7 pm | $20

1375 W. Lake St.

As part of his U.S. tour, NOAHFINNCE is performing with Bears In Trees, and Chicago’s own Action/Adventure. NOAHFINNCE is a 23-year-old British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, pop-punk artist, and YouTuber. Many of NOAHFINNCE’s songs and online presence address his personal experiences with mental health and being in the LGBT+ community. His lyrics are often introspective and reflect on his experiences growing up, while the songs stay pop-punk with heavy beats.

NOAHFINNCE

April 22

MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | $20

2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

The band just released its fourth selftitled LP on March 3, preceded by five singles. Since their debut album in 2013, they’ve vastly expanded the sonic exploration of their recorded ma terial while developing a dialed-in, yet energetic, live show through persistent touring. Their latest album is their most versatile and ambitious work yet, while still providing the thoughtful, creative songwriting their fans have grown to love.

Mo Lowda & the Humble

April 30

THE INTERRUPTERS

House of Blues | 5 pm | $37+

329 N. Dearborn St.

The Interrupters formed in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles in 2011 and include Aimee Interrupter (vocals), with brothers Kevin Bivona (guitar), Justin Bivona (bass) and Jesse Bivona (drums). Their latest release was in December 2022. When considering The Interrupters, take a moment to kindly forget jargon like “SoCal punk rock” or “next wave ska” or whatever perimeter you want to secure around them. Ignited by frontwoman Aimee Interrupter and the Bivona brothers’ indefatigable enthusiasm, attendees can see joy in action blur the enthusiasm between band and audience in a way that’s equal parts dance party, cardio workout and personal therapy.

May 4

HAYLEY KIYOKO

House of Blues| 5 pm | $55+

329 N. Dearborn St.

Hayley Kiyoko has become one of the most celebrated pop artists since Ex, which according to Rolling Stone, placed her “at the forefront of an unapologetically queer pop movement.” Kiyoko released her second album, PANORAMA, in July 2022. Kiyoko's music is focused on her story and emotions she has experienced while coming to terms with her identity as a lesbian.

May 5 & 6

HALF ALIVE

House of Blues | 6 pm | $32

329 N. Dearborn St.

Half Alive is a band from Long Beach, California. The band was formed in 2016 and the trio are best known for their single "Still Feel." The band's musical style has been described as having elements of indie pop, alternative rock, R&B, funk, and soul.The band began what they described as a new era with the release of a spoken word track, "Night Swims (poem)" in September 2022. "Did I Make You Up?” was released on Oct. 13, 2022, with the announcement of the release of their second album, Conditions of a Punk, on Dec. 2, 2022.

Half Alive

May 5

MAC AYERS

Metro| 8 pm | $27+

3730 N. Clark St.

Mac Ayres is a self-taught singersongwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Long Island, NY. His style is breezy, sometimes lo-fi, and tastefully blends Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. He takes inspiration from great singer-songwriters such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Amy Winehouse. His four previous albums have received attention from Vogue, Billboard, Complex, the BBC, and more. Mac Ayres is an independent artist and will release his next album, Comfortable Enough, in early 2023. The Metro show is 18+.

May 6

LUKE COMBS

Soldier Field | 5:45 pm | $25+

1410 Museum Campus Dr.

Luke Combs has become a household name in country music since his debut in 2016. He became the first artist to simultaneously hold the top position on all five of Billboard's main country charts: Top Country Albums, Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, Country Streaming Songs, and Country Digital Song Sales in 2019. Combs released his third album, Growin' Up, last June, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. He will release another album, Gettin’ Old, on March 24. Known for his electric live shows, Combs will kick off his massive World Tour this spring, which includes 16 North American stadium shows.

Luke Combs

May 6 - 7

BLINK-182

United Center|7:30 pm |$120+

1901 W. Madison St.

Multi-platinum, award winning rock band Blink-182 has announced its biggest tour ever, a global outing with Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker reuniting for the first time in nearly 10 years. The worldwide trek includes their first-ever performances in Latin America, along with stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, starting March 2023. Though DeLonge left the band in 2015, he ultimately returned and the reunited trio released the single "Edging" in 2022. One of the most prominent bands to emerge from the Southern California punk scene, Blink-182 gained mainstream success in the early 2000s.

Blink-182

May 12

WATERPARKS

House of Blues | 5 pm | $35

329 N. Dearborn St.

Waterparks is a rock band trio from Texas that formed in 2011. Members include Awsten Knight (vocals & guitar), Otto Wood (drums), and Geoff Wigington (guitar). Waterparks is known for constantly trying new things with their music, and switching between genres of rock, alternative, electronic, and hip-hop. “You don’t have to stick to one thing,” exclaims Awsten Knight, “Over the years, we’ve gotten better at switching it up.” Awsten has stated that he considers the group to be a rock band that has garnered significant inspiration from pop music. Their newest and fifth Intellectual Property is being released April 14.

Waterparks

May 13

THEO KATZMAN

The Vic Theatre | 7:30 pm | $30+

3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Theo Katzman is an American multiinstrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles. His musical style is a fusion of pop, jazz, funk, folk, and indie rock. Katzman’s newest album, described as his most honest, raw, loving, and painful work yet. Katzman’s songs are introspective and reflective on his life, while sticking with feel-good beats. He is a member of funk band Vulfpeck and has contributed to the works of several artists as songwriter and producer.

Theo Katzman

May 17

LIZZO

United Center | 8 pm | $69+

1901 W. Madison St.

3-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning, RIAA multi-platinum certified artist Lizzo is heading out on the second North American leg of her wildly successful 2022 tour. Lizzo was the third female rapper to top the Hot 100 without a featured artist. She also became the first Black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 since Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds." Her most recent album Special peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Her performance will feature songs from her fourth album Special like “Special,” “Birthday Girl,” and “About Damn Time.”

Lizzo

May 27

JANET JACKSON

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre | 8 pm | $39+

19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has received 6 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award, along with dozens of Ameri can Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Her tour Together Again will begin in April and run through June. This will be her first tour since her Black Diamond World Tour was canceled in 2020. Jackson is known for having elaborate performances and dances in concert.

by Emma Murphy