March Madness – Every Show in Chicago Worth Checking Out Next Month

Can you believe we’re already onto the second month of 2019? It feels as though I was just creating one of these posts for shows to check out in the Fall of 2018 (here) but there’s already a ridiculous amount of amazing shows hitting Chicago next month alone that I wanted to highlight.

Note that a lot of these shows land on the same day (Can I live March 6 multiple different times so I can go to each show in Chicago that day?) so you have a TON to choose from. I should be attending at least 1/3 of these shows (my confirmed shows are noted with a *, potential shows I am covering with a +), maybe I will see you there!

This list ranges from pop to rock to R&B to COUNTRY (!!) to electronic – I know there is something for every preference and cool to recognize how diverse Chicago’s music scene is.

In chronological order:

Empress Of

Genre: Indie Pop
Where: Sleeping Village / 3734 W. Belmont Ave.
When: March 1
Why: After collabs with Khalid and MØ, Empress Of’s second album Us was released in 2018 to generally positive reviews for its take on the simplicity of love and the beautiful development of a relationship – and is bilingual! Her 2018 cover of Lana Del Rey’s “Love” ended up on Taylor Swift’s Spotify Playlist. Needless to say, she’s on the rise.
For Fans Of: Yumi Zouma, Let’s Eat Grandma
Photos via IG.

These tickets are unfortunately sold out – I didn’t even get one in time. Ask around for a ticket! It’ll be worth it.

Lily & Madeleine*

Genre: Indie Folk/Pop
Where: Schubas Tavern / 3159 N. Southport Ave
When: March 2
Why: This show will be following L&M’s next album release (out on 2/22) and they’re about to embark on a big headlining tour. Not only is their sound refreshing and harmonious – we know how much I am a sucker for sister groups. Schubas is the perfect venue to capture the intimacy and complexity of their sound and lyrics. 
For Fans Of: First Aid Kit, Joseph, HAIM
Photos via press site & IG.

Tickets here.

James Blake+

Genre: Indie R&B
Where: The Riviera Theater / 4746 N. Racine Ave.
When: March 3
Why: James Blake has released my favorite album of the year already and he’s destined to end up on a lot of publication’s best of list – and it’s only February. I’ve only ever been a fan of his in passing, but his new album made me fall in love – and it’s guaranteed to be one extremely sappy and cute live show. If you want to check out his live show at some point during his career, this would be the time. 
For Fans Of: Bon Iver, Hozier
Photos via James’ FB page.

This show is sold out 🙁 click here for resale.

MXMToon

Genre: Indie Pop
Where: Schubas Tavern / 3159 N. Southport Ave
When: March 6
Why: 18-year-old Maia is based in Oakland, California is the internet’s most recent viral sensation. Pronounced “em x em toon,” MXMToon’s YouTube videos helped her music reach over 75 million streams and her debut EP has yet to even be released. Oh – and her first show ever was just in August of last year at LA’s Moroccan Lounge – to 275 people. Not too shabby for a first show. 
For Fans Of: girl in red, Conan Gray, dodie
Photos via IG.

This show is sold out, but check out the event page on Facebook to see if people will be selling tickets!

Robyn*

Genre: Pop
Where: The Aragon Ballroom / 1106 W. Lawrence Ave
When: March 6
Why: More like why not? This is Robyn’s first tour following her 2018 release, Honey – her first release since 2010. This show was initially at The Riviera theater but was moved to a bigger venue after it sold out ridiculously fast. Robyn is arguably one of the best pop stars of our generation and her touring is a rarity. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
For Fans Of: Any pop music ever
Photos via IG.

This show is sold out. You can see resale options here.

 

The Aces+

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
When: March 11 (Rescheduled from March 9)
Why: I’ve been droning on and on about The Aces for literal years now so clearly I think they’re great. They’ve been touring for awhile now and though they’ve done a couple headlining tours thus far, this is definitely their biggest to date. They’re at a great time in their career and I won’t be surprised if they’re back in Chicago this fall at a venue 3x as big. 
For Fans Of: HAIM, Maggie Rogers
Photos via IG.

The show is sold out but I’ve been informed that any additional tickets should be going on sale next week. Click here.

grandson+

Genre: Rock
Where: Reggie’s / 2105 S. State St.
When: March 12
Why: I seriously believe that grandson (Jordan Benjamin) is music’s best kept secret. His political pop/rock sound and music activist mindset has been making waves over the past week or so and this is a show apart of his first headlining tour. The show sold out fast, but you if you can find resale tickets, definitely check it out. Plus, I’ve never been to a show at Reggie’s, so I really hope I make it to this one. 
For Fans Of: Twenty One Pilots, Matt Maeson
Photos via IG.

Sold out. Click here for more info. Good luck getting in! (No sarcasm)

Tender*

Genre: Indie Pop/Electronic
Where: Beat Kitchen / 2100 W. Belmont Ave.
When: March 14
Why: You ever find a band and realize you love every single thing they’ve released? That’s how I feel about Tender. After I first heard their collaboration with Kasbo, I knew I wanted to check out the rest of their discography. Their second full length album was just released on January 18. If you enjoy laid-back vibes in a chill setting, Tender at Beat Kitchen will be a great show to check out and is different than every other option on this list – it’s fun to be unique.
For Fans Of: Mansionair, Kilo, slenderbodies
Photos via IG.

Tickets here.

Better Oblivion Community Center*

Genre: Indie Folk/Rock
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
When: March 23 & 24
Why: Because it’s Phoebe Bridgers’ second side project in the past 6 months and she can do no wrong. Phoebe & Conor Oberst recently dropped a surprise album under the band name above (it’s very long to type out again) and sold out not one, but TWO shows at Lincoln Hall in a couple days. Phoebe’s previous releases as a solo artist and with Boygenius have been critically acclaimed, this show is not to miss – especially at such a small venue. 
For Fans Of: Phoebe Bridgers, Connor Oberst, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker
Photos via IG.

Both shows are sold out. Check out the event pages on FB to see if people are selling tickets.

Kacey Musgraves

Genre: Country Pop
Where: Chicago Theater /
When: March 25 (rescheduled from January 31)
Why: For many reasons. 1) The original date was rescheduled due to Chicago’s polar vortex 2) She’s about to win Grammys for the album she is touring and 3) She’s just amazing. I’m kicking myself for not grabbing a ticket to this show when it initially went on sale – it’s going to be nearly impossible to get in. 
For Fans Of: Dixie Chicks, HAIM, Maggie Rogers

Click here for resale tickets. Let’s hope we all get into this show.

Sasha Sloan*

Genre: Pop
Where: Schubas Tavern / 3159 N. Southport Ave
When: March 26
Why: Sasha’s handles on social media are literally “Sadgirlsloan” – isn’t this enough to listen to her music? But in all serious, her songwriting is above the rest and compare with her bedroom pop, it makes perfect sense that nearly all of her singles have gone extremely viral. With two EPS under her belt, she’s going to take over in 2019. Get ready!
For Fans Of: Chelsea Cutler, Charlotte Lawrence, Nina Nesbitt
Photos via IG.

Sorry I keep adding shows that are sold out, but this is why they’re shows that can’t be missed! This show is sold out.

Lennon Stella+

Genre: Pop
Where: Metro / 3730 N. Clark St.
When: March 28
Why: If this name sounds familiar, it’s because Lennon was a child actress on the hit show Nashville with Connie Britton. She gained fame after her YouTube videos with her sister Maisy went viral – they are both phenomenal singers. Lennon is only 19 years old and is embarking on her first headlining tour after a successful debut EP, released in 2018. Her bubblegum pop sound paired with an extremely strong voice reminds me a lot of Dua Lipa’s abilities and I’m sure she’s going to continue to grow to become as big as she is very soon. 
For Fans Of: Dua Lipa, Carlie Hanson, Sasha Sloan
Photos via IG.

Tickets are sold out but you can sign up for alerts in case the venue releases more before the show here.

Stella Donnelly

Genre: Folk Pop
Where: Schubas Tavern / 3159 N. Southport Ave
When: March 29
Why: This show is just a few weeks after Stella’s debut album is out (3/8), and her two singles “Old Man” and “Lunch” have been getting extreme praise all over the place since they’ve been released this year. Mark her down as your next favorite feminist icon, cause she has a lot to say (and she’ll say it wonderfully). 
For Fans Of: Julia Jacklin, Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail
Photos via IG.

This show IS NOT sold out – yet. Click here for a ticket!

Thanks for reading!

– Kristin