Photography: (Callahan) Kirstie Shanley; (Monáe) Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP
Bill Callahan (left) and Janelle Monáe (right)
1. Billy Cobham at SPACE
Living jazz royalty and a founding member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the Panamanian American drummer/bandleader is tireless—and a sight to behold. $25; ticketweb.com. Oct. 3
2. Bill Callahan at Alhambra Palace
The singer-songwriter formerly known as Smog enthralls audiences with tastefully clever song craft and candid live performances. $25; ticketfly.com. Oct. 14
3. Jacco Gardner at Empty Bottle
This writer of psychedelic baroque-pop songs is wise beyond his 24 years. $10; ticketweb.com. Oct. 26
4. Sparks at Lincoln Hall
This genre-defying pop act has been consistently ahead of its time since the 1970s. $30; lincolnhallchicago.com. Nov. 6
5. Drake at the United Center
Whether he’s rapping or busting out a smooth jam, he’ll do it with confidence. From $60; ticketmaster.com. Oct. 9
6. Mount Kimbie at Lincoln Hall
The British duo has electronic-music fans in a joyful haze. $20; lincolnhallchicago.com. Oct. 22
7. Built to Spill at Metro
Doug Martsch’s tried-and-true indie act noodles like no other in a live setting. $25; etix.com. Nov. 14
8. Goblin at Metro
Curious about this masterful Italian prog-rock act? Start with the soundtracks for films Profondo Rosso and Suspiria. From $25; etix.com. Oct. 13
9. Mannequin Men at Empty Bottle
The local garage-punk rabble-rousers return with a mission to blow the roof off the Bottle. $10; ticketweb.com. Nov. 2
10. Janelle Monáe at the Vic
The tuxedo-committed R&B queen is touring in support of her new concept album, The Electric Lady. $31; etix.com. Oct. 21
More in Fall Previews:
Comedy: Nick Offerman | Art: Insiders’ Guide | Art: Michelle Grabner
Theatre: Insiders’ Guide | Theatre: David Cromer | Music: Insiders’ Guide
Music: Numero Group | Music: Top 10 Shows | Classics: Blue-Chip Artists