There’s no better way to gear up for the festival season in Chicago than to start with concerts. This spring, get your feet tapping, head nodding, and body moving with musical acts all over the city. Whether you’re into Top 40, American folk-rock, EDM, rap, or everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Check out the dopest concerts in Chicago this April and get your calendar full — it’s officially music season, babes!
PS: remember to check out our staff’s pick from the Chicago Theater as well!
Girl Talk
WHEN: Tue, April 5
WHERE: Metro Chicago, 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Gregg Gillis is the mastermind behind the one-man DJ act Girl Talk. His influences include pop, hip hop, and rock and he keeps his mixes playful and energetic. Known for his mashups and digital samplings, Girl Talk will get you jumping on the dance floor all night long.
Gayle
WHEN: Tue, April 5-Wed, April 6
WHERE: Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Of viral “ABCDEFU” fame, Gayle has given new life to the American English alphabet, skipping 14 letters to bring “F” and “U” so beautifully and fittingly together. We haven’t sang the alphabet song in decades, but Gayle’s rendition has got us belting along because, girl, we feel you and it’s powerful. The single was released in 2021 and charted worldwide. Catch her at Subterranean for her Feeling It Together tour!
Celtic Woman
WHEN: Thu, April 7
WHERE: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Celtic Woman is a blend of traditional Irish music, contemporary pop, and classical crossover. This new-age music is performed by an impressive all-female Irish musical ensemble. Celtic Woman is on their “Postcards from Ireland” tour with a stop at the Rosemont Theatre to bring us powerful, enchanting performances.
Tate McRae
WHEN: Sat, April 9
WHERE: House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
No stranger to the spotlight, Tate McRae gained prominence as the first Canadian finalist on “So You Think You Can Dance” at the young age of 13. Tate McRae is an artist of many talents as a singer, songwriter, and dancer. If you are looking for the best concerts to attend in Chicago, Tate McRae will be performing at the House of Blues on Saturday, April 9. She was also the youngest musician to be featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2020. Her second EP, “Too Young to Be Sad” was released in 2021 and was the most streamed female EP of the year on Spotify.
Latto
WHEN: Sat, April 9
WHERE: Patio Theater, 6008 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634
The rising rap star Latto or Big Latto first appeared on the reality show “The Rap Game” in 2016 as Miss Mulatto, where she was crowned the winner. Her breakthrough was her 2019 single “Bitch from da Souf,” which entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020. Her single “Muwop” featuring Gucci Mane was also a big hit, certifying platinum as well.
Latto’s single “Big Energy” from her second studio album “777” is her highest charting single to date. Don’t miss her on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Latto 777 Tour!
Alison Wonderland
WHEN: Sat, April 9
WHERE: Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Alison Wonderland is an Australian EDM producer, DJ, and singer. She is one of the highest billed female DJs in Coachella’s 19 year history, alongside Rezz. Her music frequently tops the charts, including her sophomore album “Awake” debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums in 2018. Her third and most recent album “Loner” is coming soon!
Twen · The Dead Bolts · Rat Tally
WHEN: Mon, April 11
WHERE: Hideout Chicago, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Twen is an absolutely scorched rock-band rising from the ashes of 2 years of canceled tours and broken ties to all music-industry execs. Now off-the-grid, the duo lives in a pandemic-built, self-converted van circling around their 3 Nashville bandmates; self-producing and releasing their next body of music with a D.I.Y. ethos and a fuck-you attitude.
Meanwhile, The Dead Bolts came from our very own south side. They’ve just released their first LP “Pretty and Burnt Out” and are on the rise to more tours, music, and shenanigans.
Black Tiger Sex Machine
WHEN: Fri, April 15
WHERE: Radius Chicago, 640 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
BTSM are world-traveling artists having played hundreds of international shows across the US, Canada, Asia, Europe and Africa, as well as major festivals including Lollapalooza Chicago and Paris, EDC Las Vegas, Shambhala, Electric Forest, Osheaga, TomorrowWorld and more.
Along with their music BTSM push the boundaries of what a live show can be, implementing an extremely immersive experience where visuals, lights, music and their signature Tiger Helmets are all controlled live by them.
Olivia Rodrigo
WHEN: Fri, April 15-Sat, April 16
WHERE: Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
With TikTok-viral tunes and vibes reminiscent of Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo is a can’t-miss act. She gained recognition as the lead on Disney’s “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” before becoming a mega singing superstar. Her debut single “Drivers License” broke various records and became one of the best-selling songs of 2021. She followed up with singles “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U” that were also major bops.
Apocalyptica
WHEN: Wed, April 27
WHERE: House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Prepare to be floored by the powerful performances of Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica. The band was originally a classical-style Metallica tribute band before adopting a neoclassical metal style without using conventional guitars and bass. Apocalyptica is made of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso, and jazz drummer Mikko Sirén.
John Mayer
WHEN: Thur, April 28-Fri, April 29
WHERE: United Center, 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
John Mayer’s Sob Rock Tour is here in Chicago for two days to end the month on a high note. Of “Your Body Is a Wonderland,” “Gravity,” and “Waiting on the World to Change” fame, among others, John Mayer has a large following. His musical styles have shifted from acoustic to blues and rock and inspiration from 1970s pop. R&B vocalist and acclaimed songwriter Yebba will be joining him on tour.
Charli XCX
WHEN: Fri, April 29
WHERE: Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Believe it or not, Charli XCX had her start on Myspace, where she was discovered by a promoter who invited her to perform at raves. After gaining traction, she signed with Asylum Records and released a series of singles and mixtapes throughout 2011 and 2012.
The singer-songwriter rose to stardom after collaborating with Icona Pop for “I Love It” in 2012, which became an international hit. She also contributed the hook and bridge to Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” another big hit and one of the best-selling singles worldwide in 2014. That same year, Charli XCX’s solo “Boom Clap” charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and she followed with successful singles “Break the Rules” and “Doing It”.
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