Indie/Alternative Shows in Chicago

Founded around 1990, Sabertooth is led by two saxophonists: Cameron Pfiffner & Pat Mallinger. The band started out with the unique pairing of its two lead reedmen at an old musicians hang called Jazz Bulls in Lincoln Park West neighborhood of Chicago. From that night's collaboration the idea of Sabertooth began to take shape with a driving force behind the widely varied stylings best summed up as, 'just groove it'. Sabertooth has often ventured beyond soul-jazz and hard bop and moved into post-bop and modal territory with John Coltrane's modal recordings of the early to mid-'60s influencing the groups sound. Sabertooth is both a post-bop group and a soul-jazz/hard bop group with a highly diverse repertoire that includes many original compositions and jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, Lester Young, John Coltrane, as well as covers by the Beatles, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Bob Marley. Special invited guests who have performed with Sabertooth have included Harry Conick Jr., Kurt Elling, Joe Lovano, Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis Band, Jack McDuff, Joey DeFrancesco, Umphrey's Mcgee Band, and many others. Sabertooth has also performed for numerous jazz festivals, concerts and private engagements.

Susan Werner doesnt just perform music she reinvents it every time she steps on stage. A virtuoso guitarist and pianist with a voice-trained musicians precision and a storytellers wit, Werner has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of the most original and entertaining performers on the acoustic music scene. From elegant jazz-pop inspired by George Gershwin and Cole Porter to gospel, Cuban son, and New Orleans piano grooves, Werners catalog refuses to sit still. Whether shes crafting sharp, funny observations or deeply moving songs, her performances blend intelligence, humor, and jaw-dropping musicianship into an unforgettable live experience. A featured guest on Marian McPartlands Piano Jazz and composer/lyricist for Bull Durham, The Musical for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Werner continues to push boundaries with every project. Her latest recordings, The Birds of Florida and Halfway to Houston (2024), showcase an artist still exploring new territory and making it sound entirely her own.

Evrod Cassimy, NBC Chicago Morning Anchor & Singer/Songwriter, presents Standing on Christmas Live 2026 presented by Disparti Law Group. Singing since age three, Cassimy is an accomplished artist with six albums to his name. He has opened for acts like Boyz II Men, En Vogue, Patti LaBelle, Tamar Braxton and more and his music has been heard on radio stations across the country including Chicago. The NBC 5 News anchor is also a philanthropist and donates all proceeds from his music to charity, more than $200,000 to date. The donations include money for student college scholarships and thousands of dollars to support families experiencing hardships during the holidays. This FREE charity concert benefits Springboard to Success, a Chicago Housing Authority non-profit partner. Hosted by Cassimy's co-achor, longtime NBC 5 News anchor Michelle Releford, Standing On Christmas Live 2026 celebrates the holidays and Cassimy's album of the same name. The evening will include special musical guests, Cassimy's live band and more surprises. Entry is subject to capacity. Registration does not guarantee entry. Seats are on a first come first served basis. Early arrival is suggested.

Susan Werner doesnt just perform music she reinvents it every time she steps on stage. A virtuoso guitarist and pianist with a voice-trained musicians precision and a storytellers wit, Werner has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of the most original and entertaining performers on the acoustic music scene. From elegant jazz-pop inspired by George Gershwin and Cole Porter to gospel, Cuban son, and New Orleans piano grooves, Werners catalog refuses to sit still. Whether shes crafting sharp, funny observations or deeply moving songs, her performances blend intelligence, humor, and jaw-dropping musicianship into an unforgettable live experience. A featured guest on Marian McPartlands Piano Jazz and composer/lyricist for Bull Durham, The Musical for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Werner continues to push boundaries with every project. Her latest recordings, The Birds of Florida and Halfway to Houston (2024), showcase an artist still exploring new territory and making it sound entirely her own.

FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS: HA HA TONKA Returns for the Annual "Tonksgiving"! $25 General Admission / Reserved Tables Available Grab dinner before the show at BABYGOLD BARBECUE (link to restaurant website) Or enjoy full service dining inside the club when doors open. ***PARKING*** There is rather limited street parking in the area, we recommend arriving by rideshare, bicycle, or rickshaw. ***AGE RESTRICTIONS*** 21+, minors admitted with guardian

[ All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable -- please order carefully and be sure all details are correct before completing purchase. 1-Drink minimum purchase of $10 per person, per set applies to all guests and all shows. ] * * Prices below INCLUDE ticket fees, no other fees added. * * Please add "info@wintersjazzclub.com" to your approved email senders list; check your spam/junk email folder if ticket confirmation is not found in your inbox a few moments after completing your order.

Doors open at 6PM. Performance begins at 7PM. This show is for All Ages. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

Sunday, November 29 Tiny Habits * Marie Dresselhuis $26 Adv. / $30 Day of / $101 VIP / All Ages / Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7:30pm VIP Ticket Includes: One (1) General Admission TicketAccess to a Pre-Show Acoustic Soundcheck and Q&A with Tiny HabitsGroup Photo with Tiny HabitsOne (1) VIP Exclusive Merch Gift:VIP Only Exclusive Tote BagExclusive Signed Commemorative Laminate and LanyardSigned PosterEarly Entry to the Venue Crowd Free Merchandise Shopping Tiny Habits were still students in Boston when they began gaining recognition for the harmony-focused song covers recorded in their dorm stairwell and posted to millions of listeners on TikTok. They released their first EP of original songs, Tiny Things , in April 2023 and soon earned a spot opening for Gracie Abrams on her ‘Good Riddance Tour’ in North American and Australia. Later that year they hit the road again supporting Noah Kahan in Europe on the 'Stick Season Tour'. Since their debut they have toured with music legends like James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Lake Street Dive, and Vance Joy. They performed with Lizzy McAlpine on her Tiny Desk concert, harmonized with Kacey Musgraves, Marcus Mumford, Matty Healy, and Laufey among many others. The band were recently profiled in The New Yorker which touted them “The Prodigies of Harmonies,” and count fans from the late great David Crosby to Phoebe Bridgers and Elton John, who called them “delicious.” Ann Powers of NPR Music exclaimed “Can’t wait for this vocal trio’s debut album to take the world by storm.”

This holiday season, acclaimed vocalist Kat Edmonson returns with a dazzling new chapter in her celebrated career: the November 6, 2026 release of her latest album, Have Your Merry Christmas With Me, followed by a nationwide tour beginning Thanksgiving and continuing through the end of December.Have Your Merry Christmas With Me by Kat Edmonson plays like the soundtrack to a classic romantic comedylush, witty, soulful, and filled with longing, flirtation, and holiday warmth. Romantic bossa novas mingle with a tropical, 1960s-cocktail-party take on Jingle Bells, the swinging jazz-gospel exuberance of Hark! The Herald Angels Swing, and an achingly soulful transformation of Allen Toussaints Its Raining into Its Snowing. Two beautifully crafted originals, Have Your Merry Christmas With Me and Hush! Theres a Falling Snow, feel instantly at home among the standards, with the timelessness of future holiday classics. Bringing the music to the stage, Kat Edmonsons 2026 Have Your Merry Christmas With Me Holiday Tour promises an unforgettable evening of festive charm, featuring sparkling new selections alongside beloved songs from her acclaimed catalog. After enchanting audiences year after year, she returns with the warmth, wit, and effortless elegance that have made her one of todays most distinctive jazz vocalists. Kat is a Songwriters Hall of Fame award-winning singer and songwriter whom The New York Times has described as having an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitanism pop. She has appeared on Austin City Limits, NPRs Tiny Desk Concerts, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Tonight Show, and has performed at venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Blue Note in Japan. Her original songs have appeared in film, television, and advertising. Edmonson also appeared as a 1930s jazz singer in Woody Allens Caf Society and made her theatrical debut in the Drama Desk Award-nominated off-Broadway production The Hang by Taylor Mac and Matt Ray. As NPR observed, Hearing Edmonson makes it virtually impossible to do anything but stop and listen.Blending nostalgia, celebration, and holiday spirit, this concert feels both classic and new, with all the makings of a cherished seasonal tradition.

With special opener District 97. All sales are final, no refunds/exchanges permitted, but tickets may be transferred through your TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant featuring wheelchair lifts and ramps between the various levels of the venue, assisted listening devices upon request, and allows official service animals. Premium Table seating is located closest to the stage offering the most intimate music experience for guests and includes table service. Reserved Table seating is located on our main floor, behind the Premium section, and also includes table service. Both Premium and Reserved table seating is cabaret style which means you may be sitting with other fans. Private Booths are available and depending on the booth seats 1 to 4, 5, or 6 guests. General Admission/Standing Room is located around the sides of the room on an elevated level for quality viewing and easy bar access.

Tuesday, December 1 Lucy Bedroque * pinponpanpon $30 Adv. / $35 Day of / All Ages / Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7:30pm Los Angeles based nineteen year old Jeremiah Mark (they/he) released their first full-length endeavor under the moniker Lucy Bedroque , their deadAir Records debut. With no prior singles, the breakneck seventeen track shotgun blast of Digicore and Hardcore Hip Hop, titled “Unmusique” has established them as a bastion of these underground sounds. The release date coincided with their first show on the Jane Remover and Dazegxd tour “TURN UP OR DIE”, along with a full west coast run. Leading up to this moment, Lucy Bedroque gained a cult following in the shadowy sectors of the online underground, with a break-out debut LP Sisterhood as Lostrushi. This is the name that raised them to notoriety alongside peers 9lives, prettifun, and egobreak. The new material continues further down the same path, combining cutthroat rage, with the eclecticism and sensitivities of Stereolab, Radiohead, and Deftones.

FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS: OYASSSWCAFSIB $10 general admission SEATED (fully seated event) the one year anniversary spectacular singer song writer circle at fitzgeralds sidebar in berwyn with impresario isaac david lyons wants you to attend its ninth iteration at Fitzgeralds Nightclub. The coo-coo bananas parody show of live skits, songs and film is a once in a lifetime experience! Grab dinner before the show at BABYGOLD BARBECUE Or enjoy full service dining inside the club when doors open. ***PARKING*** There is rather limited street parking in the area, we recommend arriving by rideshare, bicycle, or rickshaw. ***AGE RESTRICTIONS*** 21+, minors admitted with guardian

Wednesday, December 2 Lucy Bedroque * pinponpanpon $30 Adv. / $35 Day of / All Ages / Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7:30pm Los Angeles based nineteen year old Jeremiah Mark (they/he) released their first full-length endeavor under the moniker Lucy Bedroque , their deadAir Records debut. With no prior singles, the breakneck seventeen track shotgun blast of Digicore and Hardcore Hip Hop, titled “Unmusique” has established them as a bastion of these underground sounds. The release date coincided with their first show on the Jane Remover and Dazegxd tour “TURN UP OR DIE”, along with a full west coast run. Leading up to this moment, Lucy Bedroque gained a cult following in the shadowy sectors of the online underground, with a break-out debut LP Sisterhood as Lostrushi. This is the name that raised them to notoriety alongside peers 9lives, prettifun, and egobreak. The new material continues further down the same path, combining cutthroat rage, with the eclecticism and sensitivities of Stereolab, Radiohead, and Deftones.

Shintaro Sakamoto is a Japanese music composer, producer, writer and singer based in Tokyo. He began his career in 1989 as a member of the psych/rock band Yura Yura Teikoku, where he played guitar and sang. Yura Yura Teikoku released 10 albums over the course of 21 years, disbanding in 2010. The following year, Shintaro launched a solo career and started his own record label, zelone records.He released his debut solo album "How To Live With A Phantom", where Other Music Recording & Co. licensed the album for the US/EU/UK release in 2012. In 2014, Sakamoto released a split 7-inch single with Mayer Hawthorne for Record Store Day, and then released his 2nd solo album "Let's Dance Raw". Once again, Other Music Recording & Co. licensed the album for the US/EU/UK release. Shintaro's 3rd solo album "Love If Possible" was released in Japan, and digitally worldwide in 2017, and a split 7-inch single with Devendra Banhart was also released in Germany. Shintaro Sakamoto gave his first solo live performance at the WEEK-END Festival in Cologne Germany. In 2018, Sakamoto went to tour in China, Netherlands (Le Guess Who?), London, and Mexico (Tropico Fes.). In 2019, Shintaro participated in a song on a new album ATRAS/ALEM by O Terno, a band based in São Paulo. In the same year, single , "rdquo" -> Boat" was released with a successful US headliner tour. In 2020, 2 singles were released in succession, and in 2022, Shintaro Sakamoto has completed his 4th solo album, "Like A Fable". And in 2023, appeared in Melbourne RISING Fes and in Taiwan show with Tim Bernardes from Brazil. In 2024, Shintaro embarked on his 2nd U.S. tour, and performing in Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea alongside his domestic tour. In 2025, he contributed vocals and lyrics to , "rdquo" -> Indifference," a track from 24Hr Sports, the new album by Grammy-winning producer Leon Michels and his band El Michels Affair. On October 15, he released his new single , "rdquo" -> Dear Grandpa," followed by his 3rd U.S. tour (L.A, San Diego, Portland, Seattle and NY) and a show in Mexico City. He has just released his 5th solo album, "Yoo-hoo," in January 2026. Shintaro is also active in a wide range of creative fields, contributing songs and artwork to various artists.

Online ticket cut off time is 4:00PM day of show. Tickets are available at the door after 5:00PM ACOUSTIC: Carlos Showers 5:30 – 8:00 PM BROTHER JOHN HOST OPEN MIC JAM 9:00 – CLOSE 21+ After 8:00PM SEATING POLICY: All tickets sold are General Admission, which means table/bar seating are on a first-come, first-served basis. Buying your ticket online in advance guarantees admission (not seating). We recommend arriving early for seating. PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY: No professional photo/video equipment will be allowed without a media pass. BAG/SEARCH POLICY: No luggage, large bags, backpacks, briefcases, or computer bags. Small bags and purses are subject to search.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is all-in and includes fees (before taxes if applicable). By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to abide by the health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event. Government mandates, venue protocols, and event requirements are subject to change. For more information, please search your event on www.chicagotheatre.com. This event may have immersive elements, which may include flashing or strobe lights, intense lighting, visual effects, loud noises, smoke and/or fog. Such elements may aggravate certain medical or physical conditions, and guests should take this into consideration if they have a history of discomfort or physical symptoms when experiencing these elements.

With Special Guest Macy Todd Tickets starting at $35 + fees

FaceEater is an alternative rap project that began in 2025 with the goal of making loud-ass, scary music to play live for all of Chicago (and maybe the whole world one day). Their debut album, "FACEEATER", came out this past May. They plan on releasing an experimental rap mixtape later this year. Suroor is your local Pakistani popstar raised in Karachi and now based in Memphis and Chicago, known for her electrifying and immersive live performances as well as her one-of-a-kind fusion of eclectic genres and influences from all over the world. Suroor makes music for the girlypop baddies to the hardcore punks, you'll find yourself shaking ass one moment and moshing the next. Her genre is often described as industrial hyperpop, but draws influence from a wide range of musical genres like alt-R&B and digital hardcore, "creating a 'seasoned smokers' blend for people who are tired of commercial pop" (Issues Mag, 2025). DURTNAP are a nu-metal core band. They are high energy and like to have fun as well as get the crowd engaged with their shows.

Independent local night out.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is all-in and includes fees (before taxes if applicable). By purchasing tickets to this event, you agree to abide by the health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event. Government mandates, venue protocols, and event requirements are subject to change. For more information, please search your event on www.chicagotheatre.com. This event may have immersive elements, which may include flashing or strobe lights, intense lighting, visual effects, loud noises, smoke and/or fog. Such elements may aggravate certain medical or physical conditions, and guests should take this into consideration if they have a history of discomfort or physical symptoms when experiencing these elements.

In an effort to mitigate scalping, Bottom Lounge does not certify any secondary ticket sales via third parties and is not responsible for fraudulent ticket sales on third party websites. Please be mindful of scammers. Tickets for this event will be sent on a delay (extra time is required to process and confirm all orders), but you'll always receive your tickets in time for your event. If you have not received your tickets one day before your event, be sure to let TicketWeb know.

Doors open at 6:30PM. Performance begins at 7:30PM. This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER. Valid Photo ID is required for age restricted shows. Forms of valid ID are current and non-expired Driver's License, State ID, or Passport. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. *All support acts are subject to change without notice.* Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian Upgrade Your Experience: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/hobchicago/hobwebsite

Jamila Woods is a poet, singer, and multidisciplinary artist from the South Side of Chicago. Her critically acclaimed debut album HEAVN -- an ode to Blackness, girlhood, and home -- was released by JagJaguwar Records in 2017. Her sophomore project, LEGACY! LEGACY!, features twelve tracks named after writers, thinkers, and visual artists who have influenced the creator's life and work -- including James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni and Frida Kahlo. Her third album, Water Made Us (2023) is a genre-blending song cycle on love and the wisdom of surrender. The album's sequence is cleverly designed to echo the different stages of a relationship: the early days of easy compromising, flirtatiousness, and fun; the careful negotiation through moments of conflict or hurt; the grieving of something lost; and the tender realization at the end of it all that the person who is gone never really leaves, but stays with you as you find yourself ready to try again, refreshed and reassured. The albums sprawling 17 tracks span from autotuned R&B on , "rdquo" -> Send A Dove", to gentle acoustic folk rock on the heart wrenching , "rdquo" -> Wolfsheep", to bubbly dream-pop on dance anthem , "rdquo" -> Boomerang." Jamila has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk, CBS This Morning, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She has shared stages with Corinne Bailey Rae, Rafael Saadiq, Bonobo, Common, Chance the Rapper, Brittany Howard, Macklemore, and many others. In 2022 she served as artist-in-residence at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University, teaching workshops on poetry, songwriting and live performance. An award-winning poet, Jamila's work often blurs boundaries between poem and song. As cultural critic Doreen St. Felix writes, , "rdquo" -> It makes you wish all singers were poets."

Please Note: There is a delivery delay on all orders until approximately three days prior to the show. Presented by JAM Productions and 93XRT HOW TO GET TICKETS: 1. Sign up via SMS for the Wilco Thalia Hall Presale before Monday, October 12th @ 4 p.m. CT. Presale codes will only be delivered to those who sign up at this link. 2. When prompted, confirm the phone number you used to sign up. 3. On Monday, October 12, after 5 p.m.CT, you will receive one UNIQUE code and link that will give you access to purchase a max of two tickets to each performance. 4. On Tuesday, October 13, at 12 p.m. CT, use the unique code and link to purchase tickets. More ticket codes will be available than tickets to purchase. May the odds be in your favor. Chicago: We are offering a limited in-person onsale on Friday, October 16 at 10:00 AM CT at the Thalia Hall box office located at 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608. Bio: For 30 years, Wilco has been a pioneering force in independent music. The Chicago rock band has released 13 studio albums and won multiple Grammy Awards. They have founded their own record label, dBpm Records, and renowned Solid Sound festival. The sextet comprised of Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche, Pat Sansone, Nels Cline, and Mikael Jorgensen---continues to be regarded as a live powerhouse, as described by NPR, , "rdquo" -> To see Wilco on stage is to hear the best of the best." The band's newest album, Cousin, was released in 2023, followed by 2024's Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP.