Chicago’s culture scene is unthawing from the pandemic, and this spring, artists and promoters are going all out to bring back audiences to area concert venues.
When it comes to music, Chicago’s stages know no bounds. Here are highlights for the spring music scene:
Rise Against, Alive & Well: The Metro Residency
When: March 31-April 1
Where: Metro
The legendary Chicago punk rock band made headlines when they announced their multi-day gig at Metro this spring in celebration of the historic venue’s 40th birthday. With fast-paced guitar licks and heavy-hitting drums, the band should give headbangers a reason to wake up the next day with a sore neck.
Info: Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets: $49 advance, $55 day of show.
Zakir Hussain Masters of Percussion
When: April 7
Where: Chicago Symphony Center
India-born tabla player Zakir Hussain is a familiar talent on the world music stage, and he has collaborated with many of the greats, from the Beatles’ George Harrison to Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. But one of Hussain’s many gifts is his ability to tap virtuoso percussionists of all ages, cultures and instruments to play as an ensemble in his traveling Masters of Percussion series. This is a night like no other to see Hussain and a field of emerging percussion talent on the world music stage.
Info: At Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets, $29+.
Constellation Turns 10!
When: April 7-8
Where: Constellation
Chicago’s home for avant-garde jazz and experimental ensembles turns 10 years old this April, and the venue is having a two-day music fest to celebrate. Constellation’s birthday is headlined by accomplished jazz trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and experimental composer Arto Lindsay. It will also include local talent from Sam Prekop and Natural Information Society, the latter of which is playing on the heels of a new album release.
Info: At Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave. Tickets, $50.
Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour
When: April 14
Where: Chicago Symphony Center
The past, present and future of jazz music will all be on display when the Monterey Jazz Festival makes a stop in Chicago in April. Chicago audiences are likely familiar with local Grammy-winning veteran vocalist Kurt Elling, who fronts the ensemble. But the event spotlights a number of rising stars, including vocalist Veronica Swift and saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, who recently released an acclaimed fourth album Phoenix. The band also features pianist Christian Sands, who directs the performance, and Sands’ longtime musical partners Yasushi Nakamura on bass and Clarence Penn on the drums.
Info: At the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets start at $45.
Marcus Roberts Trio
When: April 15
Where: Nichols Concert Hall
Presented by the Music Institute of Chicago, the Marcus Roberts Trio brings jazz back to the Nichols Concert Hall. Led by its namesake pianist, the band will be joined by drummer Jason Marsalis and Martin Jaffe playing on the bass. The band’s on-point chemistry and brilliant technical ability will be on full display with pieces unilaterally highlighting each musician’s skill sets. Performing original songs and covers of the classics, the trio showcases one of the most influential music genres.
Info: At Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets, $25+.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with Fabien Gabel and Daniil Trifonov
When: April 20-23
Where: Chicago Symphony Center
French conductor Fabien Gabel is known around the world but it has taken until 2023 to make his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut. He brings with him Russian pianist and composer Daniil Trifonov, who will make a separate appearance in Chicago on March 29, with the CSO. For this series of performances, expect renditions of Liadov’s Kikimora, Stravinsky’s Petrushka, and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Info: At the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets, $55+.
Banda MS
When: April 28
Where: Allstate Arena
The legendary Mexican Banda from Sinaloa has one of the most devoted followings in Latin America, and they’ll be performing for two days at Rosemont’s Allstate Arena. A fan favorite especially among Chicago’s Mexican community, Banda MS’s concerts are always massive fiestas with their easy-to-dance-to tunes and dynamic ensembles.
Info: At Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Tickets, $69+.
Third Coast Percussion
When: May 2
Where: Harris Theater
This May, Third Coast Percussion will premiere a brand new production entitled “Metamorphosis” which focuses on the duality of human nature. Accompanied by choreography from Movement Art Is, the performance uses music and street dance to express the multitudes of human emotions.
Info: At The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets, $18-$50.
Alfa Mist
When: May 2
Where: Thalia Hall
The UK-based jazz pianist and producer treated fans to a surprise earlier this year by dropping two singles in advance of a new album, “Variables,” due April 21. Alfa Mist effortlessly weaves a variety of different genre influences into his frenetic jazz pieces. His previous 2021 effort, “Brick Backs,” earned him critical acclaim and an overseas tour, including his first Chicago performance at Sleeping Village last year. With new music and a larger venue, now is a good time to catch him.
Info: At Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tickets, $25-$270.
Babyface Ray
When: May 10
Where: Patio Theater
The Detroit star continues his ascent to the top of hip-hop mountaintop after the success of his 2022 album “MOB,” and his show at the Patio Theater is sure to be one to remember. Thanks to Chicago’s close proximity to Detroit, Babyface Ray had assembled a stronghold of fans here. Could hometown hero and collaborator Lil Durk make a surprise appearance? Anything is possible.
Info: May 10 at The Patio Theater, 6008 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets, $30.
Rico Nasty
When: May 24
Where: Avondale Music Hall
Maryland’s punk-rap princess is back in Chicago for the first time since her memorable Soundclash performance in 2021 — and anyone familiar with her shows knows it’ll be another rager. Her 2022 album “Las Ruinas” is another solid addition to the rapper’s stellar catalog, and one that experiments with more electronic music than her previous work. The Avondale Music Hall is becoming a hot spot for young hip-hop fans seeking to mosh to their favorite rappers, and Rico Nasty is another on-brand performer to be added to their marquee with her trap-and-rock infused musicality.
Info: At Avondale Music Hall, 3336 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets, $30.
Contributing: Cassie Walker Burke, WBEZ
