If you live in or around the Chicago area, prepare for your wallet to surrender itself to a plethora of minding blowing live acts. With so much talent on this list that it’d be a unfair to rate them from best to uh…least best so they’re ordered by date.
The xx
Touring behind their new album, I See You, British group The xx continue to build upon their unique brand of dreamy indie pop. Their latest effort sees Jamie xx coming into his own as the backbone behind the intimate lyricism of Romy and Oliver. Singer-songwriter Sampha, who has produced for FKA Twigs and Solange, opens.
Date: Monday May 1st, 2017
Venue: Aragon
Pond
Australian psych-rockers Pond are one of Australia’s best kept secrets. Their seventh studio album, The Weather, comes out on May 5th and if the first two singles are any indication, it should be brilliant. With a lineup featuring many members of Tame Impala this show is a no brainer.
Date: Wednesday May 3rd, 2017
Venue: The Empty Bottle
Deadmau5
Despite the lackluster, W:/2016ALBUM/, EDM heavyweight Joel Zimmerman always puts on a good show. The mouse-masked Toronto native has upgraded his signature DJ booth and it promises to be visually arresting.
Dates: Thursday May 4th, 2017 and Friday May 5th, 2017
Venue: Aragon
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Touring behind their new album, Damage and Joy, nearly twenty years in the making, The Jesus and Mary Chain make their triumphant return to the alt-rock throne. Their aggressive style of gritty, bluesy, fuzzy rock’n’roll is some of the finest around. The Cobbs will open.
Date: Wednesday May 10th, 2017
Venue: Riviera Theatre
Mastadon
The masters of prog metal continue to be one of the best acts in the genre, and their latest release, Emperor of Sand, is another solid addition to their discography. This show is sure to be filled with head banging riffs and mind-blowing technical ability. Energetic rockers the Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles will open the show.
Date: Saturday May 13th, 2017
Venue: Aragon
Ty Segall
Southern California garage rocker Ty Segall is one of the hardest working musicians around. You’ll be sure to see every side of Segall as his latest, self-titled album is comprised of shredding garage punk bangers and restrained, acoustic songs.
Date: Saturday May 13th, 2017 and Sunday May, 14th 2017
Venues: Saturday, Metro Chicago and Sunday, Thalia Hall
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Father John Misty
Rocks resident philosopher makes his brilliant return with Pure Comedy. You never know what you’re in store for when the ex-Fleet Foxes drummer takes the stage, but one thing is certain, you don’t want to miss out. This show is sold out, but you can always try snagging a ticket on Craigslist.
Date: Monday May 15th, 2017
Venue: Chicago Theater
Mac Demarco
Canada’s weirdest, and one of it’s most talented, singer-songwriters is touring in support of his upcoming album, Old Dog. Having personally seen him a couple times, he is an artist I always look forward too. He knows how to please a crowd and you can expect a classic rock throwback. He’s been playing a mind-blowing cover of Reelin’ in the Years by Steely Dan recently.
Date: Tuesday May 16th, 2017
Venue: Vic Theatre
Bonobo
Simon Greene’s latest effort, Migration, is one of his strongest and most mature efforts to date. His signature blend of electronica and live instruments really comes across well in a live setting.
Date: Thursday May 18th, 2017
Venue: Concord Music Hall
The Weeknd
Although Starboy wasn’t his strongest effort, there’s no denying the talent of Abel Tesfaye. His amazing voice and infectiously catchy pop tunes will having you singing along the entire show.
Date: Tuesday May 23rd, 2017
Venue: Allstate Arena