Indie/Alternative Shows in Chicago

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.

CHRIS FOREMAN Chris Foreman is a masterful musician and heir to the throne occupied by the soulful, bluesy jazz organ legends who were once his influence. Blind at birth, Foreman started playing piano at age five and began formal training at seven. As a teenager he was attracted to the organ sounds of Jack McDuff, Groove Holmes, JimmySmith and Jimmy McGriff. This attraction led Chris to pursue playing jazz on the organ, which he undertook through intensive study of recordings. Unlike many African- American musicians whose musical knowledge begins and is established through the church, Chris didn't start his apprenticeship as a church organist until he was almost twenty years old - well after his jazz roots were established. He has arrived at a most exciting blend of blues-gospel and jazz and has developed a stunning command and range on the instrument. The blend of his sound is evident in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Mighty Blue Kings and Deep Blue Organ Trio. GREG ROCKINGHAM Drummer Greg Rockingham began playing when he was just three years old and debuted as a professional musician at age five in his father's jazz ensemble. An alumnus of the famed Interlochen Arts Academy and Northeastern University, he has won numerous musical awards from the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. Greg has performed or recorded with a wide range of famous names, including the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Guy Lombardo, vocalists Freddie Cole, Patty Page and Jerry Vale and instrumentalists Nat Adderley, Kenny Burrell, Charles Earland, Irene Reid, Ellis Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, and Deep Blue Organ Trio. GREG JUNG Greg Jung is a Chicago based alto saxophonist, originally from Albany, NY. He earned a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Purchase where he studied with Jon Gordon, Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan, Mark Vinci, Steve Wilson, Todd Coolman, Jon Faddis, Hal Galper, Charles Blenzig and others. In 2014 Greg won the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, and traveled to perform that year in Paris, France. He spent three years in NYC before deciding to travel the country, performing in clubs and on the street in many of America's great cities and small towns. It was in this way that he ended up in Chicago, where he has performed at venues like the Green Mill, Andy's, Winters, Hungry Brain and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Since emerging onto the scene, he has shared the stage with many of the world class musicians that reside in the city. Greg received the Chicago Luminarts Cultural Foundation Fellowship in 2023.

Doors @ 6PM, Performance @ 7PM This is an AGES 17 AND OVER event. 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. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

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.

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.

Doors @ 6PM, Performance @ 7PM This is an AGES 17 AND OVER event. 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. Aragon Ballroom is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. Individuals under 17 are allowed to attend if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian https://www.aragonballroomchicago.com/

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.

This is an AGES 17 AND OVER event. 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. Outset is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. There is an overall 6 ticket limit for this event.

Thursday, December 10, 2026 THE HOT B!T@# PARTY Featuring Pageant Queens * Kitt Vesper * Frechette Hosted by Alex Jenny * Claire * Sativa Diamond $15-$20 Adv / $20 Door / $15 Student Door (before 12am with valid ID) / 21+ / Doors: 9PM

***Original tickets for Concord Music Hall will be honored*** 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.

This is an AGES 17 AND OVER event. 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. Outset is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. There is NO re-entry. There is an overall 6 ticket limit for this event.

Friday, December 11 Montell Fish – The Nest Tour $37 Adv. / $42 Day of / $97 VIP / All Ages / Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm VIP Ticket Includes: One (1) GA ticket to the showOne (1) Hour Early Entry to the venueIncludes early access to merchandise tableOne (1) VIP Exclusive Merch Item **Please arrive at least 90 minutes prior to doors to the venue for check-in. Expect an email 24 hours prior to the show with more details. Montell Fish is a musician and multidisciplinary creative force whose genre-agnostic sound and the world he’s built around it has garnered over 4.2 billion streams to-date and a devoted global audience. Across critically-acclaimed solo albums JAMIE and CHARLOTTE , as well as a collection of world-expanding side projects under mysterious monikers like dj gummy bear, Montell has proven himself to be one of alternative pop music’s most tantalizing and innovative voices, fusing R&B, indie and electronic influences to form a wholly unique sonic identity.

Friday, December 11 Karl Kirkpatrick * Surf Cowboy * Good Eve $12 Adv. / $15 Day of / 21 & over / Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 8pm

Tickets starting at $20 + fees

With special guest opener Sunfade. Event features a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage! 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.

With special opener Anna Vogelzang. Event features a General Admission Dance Pit in front of the stage! 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.

Sunday, December 13 Trace Mountains $18 Adv. / $22 Day of / 21 & over / Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 8pm Trace Mountains is the music project of American indie rock musician Dave Benton. Benton was formerly a member of the lo-fi band LVL UP .

Songwriters Katie Dahl (Door County), Anne Heaton (Milwaukee), and Jenny Bienemann (Chicago) join together to present , "rdquo" -> Songs to Light a Winter's Night," an intimate evening of original songs and songs to celebrate the winter solstice. Katie Dahl, Anne Heaton, and Jenny Bienemann are each songwriters with loyal fan bases and multiple accolades to their credit. Though they normally perform individually, in , "rdquo" -> Songs to Light a Winter's Night" they will share their songs in an intimate , "rdquo" -> in-the-round" format, commenting on and adding texture to one another's work as they illuminate and celebrate the darkest days of the year. Dahl, Heaton, and Bienemann are rooted in the folk tradition, with songs that roam freely to explore country, jazz, and rock traditions. Nationally touring songwriter Katie Dahl , "rdquo" -> combines old-fashioned populism, an abiding love of the land, and wickedly smart love songs, all delivered in a rich and expressive alto" (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). Known for the intelligence and vulnerability of her songs and the easy humor of her live performances, Dahl also has five studio albums and two original musical plays, Victory Farm and The Fisherman's Daughters, to her credit. Wisconsin Public Radio calls Dahl , "rdquo" -> the real deal." Anne Heaton, based in Milwaukee, is a singer-songwriter and pianist who has captured audience imaginations for over fifteen years with her songs that are, by turns, , "rdquo" -> tender, barbed and spiritual" (Washington Post). She's been featured by the New York Times Music Podcast, played on NPR, at the Sundance Film Festival, and for Lilith Fair (2010). Known for the infectious energy of her live performances -- , "rdquo" -> a natural performer [with] a rich, soaring voice" (Seattle Times) -- Anne has played over 1000 headlining shows nationwide, and has shared the stage with artists such as Jewel and Sarah McLachlan. Jenny Bienemann is an award-winning poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist with a mission to find the extraordinary in the everyday. With three critically acclaimed studio albums and two live albums, her music has underscored TV, film and theater projects. She began a daily practice of taking photos and writing haiku. What started as a lark quickly evolved into Haiku Milieu, a movement of creativity and community. Today, there are four Haiku Milieu books, and more than 350 new songs inspired by Haiku Milieu, written by artists from across the United States. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune Arts Section, WGN Radio 720 in Chicago, Chicago Public Radio, Northern Illinois Public Radio, Naperville Magazine, and more.

Petra's Recession Seven: Petra van Nuis - vocals, Art Davis - trumpet, Eric Schneider - reeds, Russ Phillips - trombone, Andy Brown - guitar, Dan DeLorenzo - bass, Bob Rummage - drums. At the start of the Great Recession in September 2008, Petra's Recession Seven, an authentic Chicago-style jazz band was born at Chicago's legendary Green Mill. The seven piece ensemble is led by Petra van Nuis, a vocalist praised by the Chicago Tribune for her 'interpretive savvy...light-and-silvery vocals and, better still, saucy manner of delivery that emphasizes the art of the double entendre.'

Thursday, December 17 Nick Harris * Off Belay * Jessica Mindrum * $12 Adv. / $15 Day of / 21 & over / Doors: 7:30pm / Show: 8pm

Downside Salesman is a Midwestern punk band based in Chicago, IL. Formed in 2020, the band released their debut EP, Wastehaven, and played throughout the city before taking a hiatus. Founding members Robert Lane and Alissa Wolff revived the project in 2025 with Zachariah Gall and Ryan Ceroky, bringing a new lineup and a fuller, more dynamic sound. Downside Salesman released their sophomore EP, Dibs., on October 26, 2026. The EP explores personal growth, letting go of what (or who) no longer serves you, and the importance of finding connection and community along the way. Harkening back to the old world and the vague Scandinavian ancestry of half its members, Fjord Taurus is firing on all cylinders. Their music is reminiscent of late nights spent racing slot cars, listening to the rarest Mario Andretti demo tapes, and eating hot pockets. Their tunes consist of guitar centered rock that hints at early 90s indie with a smattering of emo and punk sensibilities. Peter Hunt & the Great Outdoors is a new-wave emo band from Chicago, IL. Often lauded as "more important to music history than the Beatles," Peter Hunt & the Great Outdoors released their debut album, 'Defeater', in November.

Doors open at 530PM. Performance begins at 630PM. 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

Hurts Like Hell, Toronto songwriter Charlotte Cornfield s March 27, 2026 Merge Records debut, is the most open-hearted, full-voiced album of her career and the first shes recorded since the birth of her daughter in 2023. Decamping to Philip Weinrobe s Sugar Mountain studio in Brooklyn, New York in January 2025, Cornfield was joined by Palehounds El Kempner (guitar/vocals), Lake Street Drives Bridget Kearney (bass/vocals), Adam Brisbin (guitar/pedal steel), and Sean Mullins (drums). She and Weinrobe then recruited Feist , Buck Meek , Christian Lee Hutson and Maia Friedman to sing on the album. Every musician involved was a dream collaborator, Cornfield says. These ten songs are at once a reaffirmation of Cornfield standing among the great singer-songwriters of her generation and the first articulation of her future, whatever uncertainty and love it may bring______ Music for sleeping and waking, walking and driving, hunting and fishing, for loitering outside a roadhouse on the haunted tundra. Okay in elevators, not great for dinner. On Caveman Wakes Up Friendships new album and second for Merge Records, the bands historically capacious definition of country music grows wider still. Shambolic guitars are offset by flute pads, bleary poetry is set against a Motown rhythm section, a song about Jerry Garcia and First Lady Betty Ford fades out with a drum solo, like if Talk Talk came from a dingy Philadelphia basement, and was fronted by James Tate. Songwriter Dan Wriggins ragged baritone cuts through eleven murky, swirling country-rock songs with profound lyrical substance and sincerity. Like an alarm clock incorporated into the edge of a dream, Caveman Wakes Up belongs equally to the conscious and subconscious mind, fraught with background, steeped in reference and experimentation, delivered casually and as a dire warning, dedicated, above all, to musics creative soul.