While we’re still deep into the middle of the summer here in Chicago, it’s never too early to start putting fall shows on your radar. I think it’s been decided (at least on my end) that fall in Chicago always has a ridiculous amount of live music and this year is no different!
With the large amount of music venues in the city, it’s easy to lose track of what shows are coming up and where they’re at – so I’ve made it easier for my readers to keep track of the best shows coming up in one place!
Below is a list of 20 shows (yes, it’s a lot) that I think are worth checking out this September and October. There are definitely some gems coming up even later in the year, but I don’t want to overwhelm you all (or myself, honestly). Each show listed below has only ONE sentence as to why I think you should go – and writing just one proved to be harder than I anticipated!
In chronological order:
September 11
Mannequin Pussy / 7pm
Schuba’s Tavern – 3159 N. Southport Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? Mannequin Pussy’s 2019 release is already being named one of the best albums of the year.
September 12
Hatchie / 9:30pm
Empty Bottle – 1035 N. Western Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? She’s on the up and up – small venue – I guarantee you’ll never have a chance to see her perform in such a small space again.
September 13
The Head and The Heart / 8pm
Chicago Theater – 175 N. State St
Tickets
Why should you go? I’ve never seen THATH put on a bad show.
September 16
Girl In Red / 7:30pm
Lincoln Hall – 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? Was just on tour with Conan Grey and was featured in the New York Times Music Section – all without any sort of debut album released.
September 20
Generationals / 9pm
Lincoln Hall – 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? They’ve been releasing music for 10 years now and their next album is out this July.
September 21
Two Door Cinema Club / 7pm
The Riviera Theater – 4746. N Racine Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? After a 3 year break, TDCC’s fourth album has been released.
September 29 & 30
Lizzo / 8pm
Aragon Ballroom – 1106 W. Lawrence Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? I’m calling it now that Lizzo will be in arenas in a year’s time…she’s also playing an intimate show at Gallagher Way in August this year – so you have three more chances to see her in Chicago in 2019: don’t miss out!
September 29
Bleached / 8pm
Lincoln Hall – 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? I rarely cover shows that are true punk rock esque in genre – Bleached is the outlier & I’ve loved their stuff this year!
September 30
Weyes Blood / 8:30pm
Thalia Hall – 1807 S. Allport St
Tickets
Why should you go? Another artist who’s going to have one of the best albums of 2019 – she was at Lincoln Hall earlier this year and is already returning at a much bigger venue.
October 1
Bombay Bicycle Club / 7:30pm
House of Blues – 329 N. Dearborn St
Tickets
Why should you go? BBC fell off the face of the earth after their 2014 debut – five years ago…but now they’re back!
Flor, Joan, Lostboycrow/ 6:30pm
Bottom Lounge – 1375 W. Lake St
Tickets
Why should you go? This lineup is fantastic top to bottom.
October 2
070 Shake / 8pm
Bottom Lounge – 1375 W. Lake St
Tickets
Why should you go? A Kanye West protégé who will be larger than life a year from now.
October 4
Gus Dapperton / 7:30pm
Metro – 3730 N. Clark St
Tickets
Why should you go? One of the most unique voices to come out of 2019.
October 10
Lucy Dacus / 7:30pm
Park West – 322 W. Armitage Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? To have a good cry, obviously.
October 11
The Regrettes / 7pm
Metro – 3730 N. Clark St
Tickets
Why should you go? Teenagers singing about love, feminism and being gen-zers in 2019.
October 16
Shura / 9:30pm
Empty Bottle – 1035 N. Western Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? Shura shook up the internet with her debut in 2016 – expected her to be on the Lolla lineup, but this’ll do.
October 17
Muna / 7:30pm
Logan Square Auditorium – 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd
Tickets
Why should you go? Because MUNA’s going to have one of the best albums of the year – once it’s released…TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.
October 18
Jay Som / 8pm
Lincoln Hall – 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? She’s playing Pitchfork and is going to draw a large crowd…but you can see her at her own show for far less money, too.
Why should you go? They haven’t released an album since 2015 and their newest is set to release this year (exact date TBD) and it’s produced by Annie Clark (the woman behind St. Vincent).
Sleater-Kinney / 8pm
The Riviera Theater – 4746 N. Racine Ave
Tickets
October 26
mxmtoon / 8pm
Lincoln Hall – 2424 N. Lincoln Ave
Tickets
Why should you go? The mysterious 18-year-old named Maia started making waves in 2018 with her YouTube channel and has been selling out shows ever since – this show will not be on sale much longer.
Thanks for reading!
– Kristin
0 comments on “20 Shows To Put On Your Radar in Chicago This Fall”