1 Janet Jackson
Chicago Theatre
Pop: She’s back! After a seven-year hiatus, the ageless pop innovator has a new album (Unbreakable) and new tour. November 3, 4, and 6. $50 to $200. thechicagotheatre.com
2 Shemekia Copeland
Old Town School of Folk Music
Blues: With an otherworldly voice that has impressed the likes of the Rolling Stones and nabbed her the Queen of Blues title in 2011, Copeland is a marvel to see live. September 26. $26 to $28. oldtownschool.org
3 Patty Griffin
Vic Theatre
Folk: Few can command a stage like this Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who tours behind her stark new album, Servant of Love. October 13. $39. etix.com
4 The Bad Plus Joshua Redman
Symphony Center
Jazz: The experimental trio teams up with innovative saxophonist Redman for a night of Brubeck-indebted original jams. October 16. $28 to $89. cso.org
5 World Music Festival Chicago
Various locations
World: Travel to India (Nayan Ghosh), Nigeria (highlife band Orlando Julius and the AfroSoundz), and Georgia (folk group Zedashe Ensemble) without venturing farther than downtown. Through September 22. Free. cityofchicago.org
6 Shamir
Lincoln Hall
Pop: With his piercing countertenor and his endearing dance moves, this 20-year-old Las Vegas native brings some much-needed vigor to dance music. October 8. $15. lh-st.com
7 Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Various locations
Jazz: Hear world premieres from the likes of cellist Tomeka Reid and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire at the city’s best free jazz event. September 26 to 27. Free. hydeparkjazzfestival.org
8 The Who
United Center
Rock: If you missed Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey on the first leg of their Who Hits 50 tour, this is your final-final chance to see the legendary duo. October 15. $55 to $155. ticketmaster.com
9 ASAP Rocky
Aragon Ballroom
Rap: The New York MC teams up with rabble-rouser Tyler the Creator and Detroit rapper Danny Brown for what’s sure to be a memorably chaotic show. September 27. $50. livenation.com
10 Angel Olsen
Venue Six10
Folk: Olsen has fast become one of indie rock’s rising stars, thanks to a voice that lands somewhere between Chris Isaak’s haunting warble and Joni Mitchell’s quiet trill. September 26. $60. chicagomag.com/culturefestival
… And 8 More Picked by the Pros
Three Chicago bookers dish on the musicians they’re most excited to see this fall—three of whom are local.
Jake AustenPromontory |
Kool Keith“He is perhaps the greatest eccentric,” says Austen. The MaccabeesRecommended song: “Marks to Prove It” Christopher LeMark XperienceLocal! |
Jake SamuelsSPACE and Thalia Hall |
Dolly VardenLocal! The Milk Carton Kids with Anais MitchellRecommended song: “The City of Our Lady” |
Matt RucinsLincoln Hall and Schubas |
BullyRecommended song: “Trying” WhitneyLocal! Chad ValleyRecommended song: “Shell Suite” |