May is the month where everyone is coming home from college, school is ending, graduations are happening, and summer music festivals are beginning. But first, there are some shows in Chicago that are happening which you should DEFINITELY check out. Here are some of groups that I’ve been really into lately:
May 5 – Chromeo @ Lincoln Hall
I’ve been really into Chromeo recently. Just a big dance party. You gotta check it out.
May 8 – Milk Carton Kids @ Old Town School of Folk
I am just real excited that MCK is going to be at this venue. Old Town is a small, intimate setting that is perfect to sit back and enjoy some drinks. A date night even. I am totally bummed to be missing this show.
May 8 – Ray LaMontagne @ Park West
If you’re really not into MCK or are more into LaMontagne, then head to Park West that night and get more of a singer/songwriter vibe that night. He’s definitely on a more relaxed route as well, but totally something to get to.
May 9 – Nickel Creek @ The Riv
I mean, why WOULDN’T you want to go to this show? They JUST released another album since 2006! It is absolutely amazing. This album strongly highlights each member and their talents. The songwriting is incredible, and I’m going to put on my musician hat for a moment, but the whole composition of each song is just amazing and smart. I would LOVE to see this show. If you can’t catch this show, be sure to see them at The Taste of Chicago!
May 10 – Lily & Madeleine @ The SPACE
Any artist that The SPACE brings in is just wonderful. They’re always so fun and talented. Up North of Chicago, Evanston to be exact, this little place is attached to a hipster, new age space. Before this show, grab a pizza and some craft beer. Last time I was there, I was offered to try their beer of the day which was from a new brewery that opened up in town.
May 14 – Cage the Elephant @ Aragon Ballroom
If you haven’t been to Aragon, you need to check this out. Cage is amazing and I’m surprised I haven’t even seen them yet. This is a perfect show to grab some drinks, a group a friends, and just rock out for a few hours. Dress light…it gets pretty hot in there.
May 16 – Foster the People, feat St. Lucia @ The Riv
FOP has finally released their second album and it’s pretty good. They somehow have the capability of writing extremely morbid & unsettling lyrics and make them the happiest most upbeat songs possible. Another show you can grab some friends and go to. St. Lucia is rumored to support, and I hope it’s true because they are pretty sweet and have been on repeat for the past few months for me. If you miss this show, catch Foster the People at Lollapalooza!
May 16 – Of Montreal @ Lincoln Hall
This group is just groovy. I’m not going to say anything else.
This group of sisters is so groovy. They have catchy guitar/bass licks and their voices have some haunting quality about them. They are fun to watch and just bring a new sound and look to music & girl bands.
May 30 – JD McPherson @Subterranean
Flashback to the 1950s. Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, all radiate out of JD McPherson. It’s so fun, full of life, and just makes you want to dance all night. Bring your parents. They are also playing at Do Division Fest!
May 31 – Kishi Bashi @ Smart Bar
You might know this artist by his one song on the Windows 8 commercials… It’s so catchy and fun. I’m definitely heading to this show to see how it works out. This guy is extremely talented. He has toured with of Montreal and Regina Spektor, the latter who is a wonderful songwriter and musician.
It was extremely hard to narrow all of these down…ask me if you want to know about any more of them!
–Julie Campbell (PlaylistHQ Intern)
PlaylistHQ 