Thalia Hall

1807 S. Allport St., Pilsen
Despite the increasing number of people in plaid here, this towering South Side hot spot boasts artists ranging from Grammy winners to blogger-approved pop singers.

Capacity: 1,100
Average ticket price: $25
The crowd: Discerning—everyone from college profs to Pitchfork devotees
Best of the bill: Cecile McLorin Salvant

The Promontory

5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W., Hyde Park
The neighborhood’s first new music venue in half a century celebrates the city’s long-standing history of jazz, blues, and soul. A lineup featuring Roy Ayers and Stanley Clarke is a good start.

Capacity: 400
Average ticket price: $35
The crowd: A mix of ’70s-soul lifers and University of Chicago hipsters
Best of the bill: Otis Clay on October 4

Concord Music Hall

2047 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square
This electronic-heavy North Side behemoth is Chicago’s rowdiest new venue, as evidenced by its bass-induced ceiling collapse back in February. Rage at your own risk.

Capacity: 300 to 1,500
Average ticket price: $20
The crowd: Neon-clad 20-somethings
Best of the bill: La Roux on October 1