It may be a balmy 82 degrees outside, but that doesn’t change the facts: summer is out and fall is in. And that means that someday soon, you’ll be in dire need of as many excuses to leave the house as possible to wring out those final days of non-life-threatening weather for all they’re worth.
Below, we’ve got 24 superlative reasons to get up off the couch, socialize with fellow music lovers, and do that rhythmic head-bobbing thing that annoys your significant other to no end.
Because they’re the real godfathers of grunge …
Melvins at Metro, September 26
Because this lineup is basically your favorite Pandora station come to life …
The Black Keys and Modest Mouse, at United Center, September 27
Because the Boys Are Back (and they’re looking for trouble) …
Dropkick Murphys at Aragon Ballroom, September 30
Because Japanese girl groups do it better …
Shonen Knife at Subterranean, October 1
Because the man is a living legend …
Nick Cave at The Copernicus Center, October 2
Because superband = super fun …
The New Pornographers at The Vic Theater, October 2
Because his new album makes us feel things …
Bon Iver at Allstate Arena, October 4
Because nobody picks a banjo like Béla …
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones at Chicago Symphony Orchestra, October 6
Because dreamy synth pop will cure what ails you …
Poliça at The Empty Bottle, October 11
Because every damn song is a banger, Weiland or not (RIP) …
Stone Temple Pilots at Aragon Ballroom, October 18
Because these ladies never stop shredding …
Sleater-Kinney at The Riviera Theatre, October 19
Because punk is far from dead …
Screaming Females at Schubas, October 23
Because the times they are (still) a-changin’ …
Bob Dylan at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC, October 30
Because a 10-minute and 21-second hit single is nothing to sneeze at …
Tool at United Center, November 3
Because we could all use some culture …
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Symphony Center, November 15
Because this year’s Red Bull Music Festival promises to be nothing short of spectacular …
Black Monastic at Garfield Park Conservatory, November 19
Because you’re Cool Like Dat …
Digable Planets at City Winery, November 27
Because these hometown heroes are completely crushing it …
Whitney at Thalia Hall, December 5 – 8
Because Alphabet Aerobics still blows our collective minds …
Blackalicious at Subterranean, December 7
Because nobody rocks a violin (or whistles) like this guy …
Andrew Bird at Fourth Presbyterian Church, December 9 – 12
Because Thurston Moore is #guitardadgoals …
Thurston Moore Group at The Empty Bottle, December 12 – 13
Because you definitely don’t want to miss this homecoming residency …
Wilco at The Chicago Theater, December 15 – 19
Because “I Will Wait” was most likely your wedding song …
Mumford & Sons at Aragon Ballroom, December 24
Because nothing rings in the new year like infectious throwback pop punk …
Motion City Soundtrack at House of Blues, December 31
This article was featured in the InsideHook Chicago newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Windy City.
