The Live Music Event List
Welcome to the vibrant musical scene of Chicago and the North Shore! The Live Music Event List is a bi-weekly list that brings you the latest and greatest in live performances across the Chicagoland Area. From the bustling streets of downtown Chicago to the serene shores of the North Shore suburbs, music lovers will find something to delight their ears at every turn.
Compiled by a team of passionate music enthusiasts, The Live Music Event List showcases a diverse array of venues, from intimate jazz clubs to sprawling concert halls. Whether you're in the mood for some indie rock vibes in Wicker Park or craving the smooth sounds of blues in Evanston, or fantastic cover bands in Highwood, our list ensures you stay in the loop with the latest happenings. Keep an eye out for regular updates as we strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information on where to catch the hottest acts in town.
Journal note:
“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone they will be forced to deal with pain.” -James Baldwin
Our Contributors:
Shellie, Tommy, LJ, Noah, Mitch the Lip, John, Doug, Bongo Mike and Ira, Leslie M, Annette, Barbara W, Kirsten, Bongo Mike, Louie, Bobby R. Ken S, Larry M, Paul C, Gerry, Noah, Mike C, Bongo Mike, Louie, and Allison
April Events
Wednesday, April 8th
Deadfest Band
28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, $10 cover includes pizza, 7-10p
Rock Jam
Madcats, Palatine, 7p
Even Wednesday’s Open Jam
hosted by Earl Rosen, PS Pub, Wheeling 8-11p
Hot Pepper Jam
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Jam Night at Live Wire Lounge
(every Wednesday) 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 8-12PM
What would Wednesday’s be without music at Highwood’s Wooden Nickel? Rotating hosts Joy and Frank make every jam special, 8p
On The Air
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
Thursday, April 9th
Open Blues Jam
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
Friday, April 10th
Louie Zagoras and Rollover
American League Post 42, 1030 Central St, Evanston, 7:30p
Pacific Sound Company
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
Jeff Anthony Group
(JAG), Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Rose Stone and the First Family of Funk
Sly & The Family Stone Tribute, Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Antler Chandelier
28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 8-11p
EMO Night with All American Throwbacks
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room, Libertyville, 9p
Semple
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8:30p-12a
Pino Farina Band
Jonny Cabs, Burr Ridge, 8p
The Petty Kings
Tom Petty Tribute, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 7:30p
Saturday, April 11th
Triadd
(7p) opens for
Hi Infidelity
Sundance Saloon, Mundelein, 7p
Big Love
Fleetwood Mac Tribute:
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
Valius
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8:30p-12a
Whiskey Devil’s Band
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
The Saratogas
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Ultimate Salute to Chris Stapleton & Eric Church
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Petty Kings
Tom Petty Tribute, Theatre@Center, Munster, In
Sunday, April 12th
Telstar
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 2pm
Pickin & Grinnin
28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 4-7p
Lounge Puppets
Broken Oar, Port Barrington,2p
Bluegrass Jam
Madcats, Palatine, 6p
Harriet
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 2p
Tuesday, April 14th
Pierce Crask on Tuesday nights
Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central Street, Evanston, 5 -7p
Open Mic
Madcats, Palatine, 7:30-10:30p
Open Mic Night
Grandpa’s, Glenview, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Fritzy’s Tavern, hosted by Edgewater Rhythm & Blues Experience, 6156 N. Clark St, Chicago, 8-11p
Even Tuesdays Jam
hosted by Mike, Marc, and Lynette Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7:30-10:30p
Wednesday, April 15th
Crook County Blues Band
28 Mile Distillery, $10 cover includes all the pizza you can eat, Highwood, 7-10p
Hot Pepper Jam
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Jam Night at Live Wire Lounge
(every Wednesday) 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 8-12PM
What would Wednesday’s be without music at Highwood’s Wooden Nickel? Rotating hosts Joy and Frank make every jam special, 8p
On The Air
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land
with opening act
Desmond Jones
Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington, Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Thursday, April 16th
Black Diamond Sessions
(Third Thursday’s) Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Liam’s Songwriter’s Showcase
28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 6:30p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
512-The Selena Experience
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 7:30p
Tom Hamilton Band
Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Friday, April 17th
Groovex
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
The Complex
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8:30p-12a
Modern Day Romeos
Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville, 9:30p
Dueling Pianos with Rock it Man
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
Sal’s No Name Duo Band
Martini Room, Elgin, 7p
Hot and Dirty Brass Band with Mitch the Lip
Schmidty’s Bar. Brookfield, WI, 8p
Sugar We’re a Fallout boy tribute & Basketcase
Green Day Tribute, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 7p
Jorma Kaukonen
Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Hoopla
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Bottled Blues
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Mixed Energy Band
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
Uli Jon Roth
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Blink 312
(opens 7:30-8:45p)
There Goes the Neighborhood
(9:15-11:30p), Durty Nellies, Palatine, 8p
Saturday, April 18th
The Funk Out
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 8pm
Pino Farina Band
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Jak Tripper
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 8p
Dancing Queen
Abba Tribute, Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
Vista Cruisers
Irish Mill, Mundelein, 8-11p
Rockhouse
(7:30p) opens for
Hairbangers Ball
(9:30p)
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 7:30p
Libido Funk Circus
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8:30p-12a
Victor Brown Band
Briny Swine (Lincoln Park), 7pm, no cover
Los Perros Cubanos
Q Bar, 8109 S. Cass Ave, Darien, 8p
Genr8r
classic rock, Durty Nellies, Palatine, 4-6p
Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press
Durty Nellies, Palatine, 9p-midnight
Howard and the White Boys
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Midlife Crisis
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
A Sure Thing
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
Aly and AJ
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Sunday, April 19th
Johnnie Miller
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 2pm
St Joe Jack
Bluegrass, 28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 4-7p
Icons of Country
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Come Back to Earth
Mac Miller Tribute, hip hop, Durty Nellies, Palatine, fun time 4:20p, music 7p
Classical Blast
Rach & Roll with the Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra, DePaul University, Gannon Concert Hall, 2330 N Halsted, Chicago 4p
https://musicbooking.depaul.edu/EventAvailability?WebEventId=20260419lakeshore
Jazz Jam
Madcats, Palatine, 6p
Steel Panther
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 7:30p
Tuesday, April 21st
Pierce Crask on Tuesday nights
Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central Street, Evanston, 5 -7p
Open Mic
Madcats, Palatine, 7:30-10:30p
Open Mic Night
Grandpa’s, Glenview, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Fritzy’s Tavern, hosted by Edgewater Rhythm & Blues Experience, 6156 N. Clark St, Chicago, 8-11p
Low-Reen Blues Jam
(3rd Tuesday), Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7-10p
Wednesday, April 22nd
Ciao Mang
28 Mile Distillery, $10 cover includes all the pizza you can eat, Highwood, 7-10p
Even Wednesday’s Open Jam
hosted by Earl Rosen, PS Pub, Wheeling 8-11p
Hot Pepper Jam
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Jam Night at Live Wire Lounge
(every Wednesday) 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 8-12PM
What would Wednesday’s be without music at Highwood’s Wooden Nickel? Rotating hosts Joy and Frank make every jam special, 8p
On The Air
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
The Ultimate Doors
Doors Tribute, Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Thursday, April 23rd
Los Lonely Boys with guest Lew Apollo
Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
Friday, April 24th
Diamondback
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 8pm
Liquid Faction
28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 8-11p
Trippin’ Billies
Dave Matthews Band Tribute, Tickets for Trippin Billies: A Tribute to Dave Matthews Band | TicketWeb - Impact Fuel Room in Libertyville , US Austins, Libertyville, $25-50, 8p
Pearlsnap
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8:30p-12a
SRT Super Rock Tribute
Broken Oar
Port Barrington, 8p
Black Diamond Sessions
Station 34, Mt. Prospect, 8:30-11:30p
Lewzinit
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
Electric Dawn
Abby Kay Band, Enchanted, Durty Nellies, Palatine, 7:15p
Stone Cold Killers
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
King Saturday
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Big Brothers Vinyl
At Work Sports, 1190 E. Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village, 7:30-10:30p
Devon Allman Blue Summit with Ghalia Volt
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Saturday, April 25th
Vista Cruisers
Cuda’s, Antioch 8p-midnight
Roger That
California Surf, British Invasion, Americana, Fatmans, Gurnee, 8-11p
Marlon and the Shakes
Dance/funk/pop & rock, Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville, 9:30p
Brass from the Past
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Hairnation + Leadfoot
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 8p
Arra & Stevie McVie
(opens at 7 for ARRA, 9:30p), Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
Bella Cain
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8-11p
Adam Walsh
Machusla Brewery, 1516 E Lake Ave, Glenview, 7p
The Gingers
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Whiskey Kitten
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Ground Level
Peggy Kinnane’s, Arlington Heights, 8-11p
Sunday, April 26th
Jolly Ringwalds
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 2pm
Lucky Pickers Duo
bluegrass, 28 Mile Distillery, Highwood, 4-7p
Bus Stop Radio show
hosted by Kevin Purcell with Mitch the Lip and Tom T, live show and music, 98.3 Lite FM, 7-9p
The Chain
Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Madcat Blues Jam
Madcats, Palatine, 6:30-11p
Tuesday, April 28th
Pierce Crask on Tuesday nights
Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central Street, Evanston, 5 -7p
Open Mic
Madcats, Palatine, 7:30-10:30p
Open Mic Night
Grandpa’s, Glenview, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Fritzy’s Tavern, hosted by Edgewater Rhythm & Blues Experience, 6156 N. Clark St, Chicago, 8-11p
Even Tuesdays Jam
hosted by Mike, Marc, and Lynette Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7:30-10:30p
Wednesday, April 29th
Uncle Fungal
Dead Tribute, 28 Mile Distillery, $10 cover includes all the pizza you can eat, Highwood, 7-10p
Rusian Bely
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Even Wednesday’s Open Jam
hosted by Earl Rosen, PS Pub, Wheeling 8-11p
Hot Pepper Jam
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Jam Night at Live Wire Lounge
(every Wednesday) 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 8-12PM
What would Wednesday’s be without music at Highwood’s Wooden Nickel? Rotating hosts Joy and Frank make every jam special, 8p
On The Air
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
Thursday, April 30th
Dead Floyd
Grateful Dead & Pink Floyd Tribute, Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Julio Iglesias Jr
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
Thursday, April 30th
Dead Floyd
Grateful Dead & Pink Floyd Tribute, Garcia’s Chicago, 1001 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, 6:30p
Julio Iglesias Jr
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
May Events
Friday, May 1st
Electric Phase
UFO Tribute, and Wall of Denial, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 7p
Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room, Libertyville,
Bad Motor Scooter
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8-11p
Karla & The Phat Cats
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
The 77 Experience
Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Saturday, May 2nd
Mitch the Lip
Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, Casino, Hammond, IN
Kase Krainer with Mattson Tyler
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7-10:30p
Cover Dogs
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Tom Sawyer
Rush Tribute + Spin Lizzy, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 7p
The Luxmen
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 8pm
Vista Cruisers
Copper Fiddle, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
Reggae Night
Bob Marley and Sublime Tributes, Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
The Buzz Worthys
Madcats, Palatine, 9p
Get The Led Out
Led Zep Tribute, Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Sunday, May 3rd
The 3 Amigos
(Pina Farina, Dan Peters, Rich Sawyer, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Vista Cruisers
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 2-5p
Corner Boys
Madcats, Palatine, 6-9p
Creedence Revived
Creedence Clearwater Tribute, Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 5p
Tuesday, May 5th
Vat of Chocolate
First Tuesday’s, Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7:15-10:15p
Rico
Santana Tribute, Hey Nonny, Arlington Heights, 7:30p
Pierce Crask on Tuesday nights
Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central Street, Evanston, 5 -7p
Open Mic
Madcats, Palatine, 7:30-10:30p
Open Mic Night
Grandpa’s, Glenview, 7:30p
Open Blues Jam
Fritzy’s Tavern, hosted by Edgewater Rhythm & Blues Experience, 6156 N. Clark St, Chicago, 8-11p
Wednesday, May 6th
Salty Dogs
featuring Dave Salzman and Friends, (first Wednesday’s),Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 7:30p
Hot Pepper Jam
Whiskey River, Glenview, 8-11:30p
Jam Night at Live Wire Lounge
(every Wednesday) 3394 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 8-12PM
What would Wednesday’s be without music at Highwood’s Wooden Nickel? Rotating hosts Joy and Frank make every jam special, 8p
On The Air
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-10p
Thursday, May 7th
Intergalactic Honkey Tonk
with Scott Grant, Richard Pettingill, Dan Gordon, Rob Davis, Patrick Rotunno, and Cat Rolfes, 1st Thursday’s, $5 draft special, 28 Mile, Highwood, 7-10p
Ward Davis
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 8p
1st Thursday’s-L.J. Slavin
Grandpa’s Place, 1868 Prairie Ave, Glenview, 7-9p
Open Blues Jam
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 8-11p
Open Mic Night
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, 7-11p
Shanajam
@ Shanahan’s Food & Spirits, 1999 75th St, Woodridge, IL 7-10PM
Friday, May 8th
Kreative Minds
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 8p
Rally Day
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 8pm
Icons of Country
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 8-11p
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Aretha Franklin Tribute, Beverly Arts Center, SOLD OUT
Pacific Sound Company Corner Boys
Madcats, Palatine, 9p-midnite
Toast
The Bread Tribute, Des Plaines Theatre, Des Plaines, 8p
Saturday, May 9th
FunkTonic
Toadstool Pub, Highwood, 8p
Tom’s Garage
Wooden Nickel, Highwood, 7-10:30p
Creed and Alice in Chains
Austin’s Impact Fuel Room Libertyville, 9p
Freebyrd
Lynryd Tribute, Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
My Metal Heart
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 8p
Jeff
Madcats, Palatine, 9p-midnite
The Wise Guys and 7th Heaven
Sideouts Sports Tavern, Island Lake, 7:30-11p
Styx & Stone
tributes with Anthem & Beggars Banquet, Sundance Saloon, Mundelein 7:30p
Sunday, May 10th
Mr. Blotto
Broken Oar, Port Barrington, 2p
Rob Lane Acoustic Solo
Madcats, Palatine, 6-9p
More Events Coming Soon!
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