Storyteller Patti Smith Takes Another Crack at Horses

By Ciara Balanzá / January 30, 2026

Returning to her hometown during the Horses 50th anniversary tour, Smith slips into the role of a storyteller.

Chicago Rings in the New Year with a Historic Countdown, Fireworks, and a Hometown Legend

By Gabby Mansilla / January 16, 2026

As part of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, bundled up crowds braved subfreezing temperatures along the Chicago River to witness the Central time zone countdown to 2026.

Chicago-Based Band Real Friends Brings High-Energy Set to Milestone Tour

By Gabby Mansilla / January 14, 2026

An emotionally immersive performance at the Salt Shed built on vulnerability, movement, and connection.

The Band Camino Brings Their NeverAlways Era to Chicago

By Gabby Mansilla / January 9, 2026

The night was packed with heartfelt songs, cascading confetti, and a crowd beaming with joy.

Popelka Leads CSO in Brahms, Strauss, and Aucoin

By Alkis Karmpaliotis / January 8, 2026

Guest conductor Petr Popelka leads the CSO in an ambitious program featuring Brahms, Strauss, and an Aucoin world premiere

Inside the World of Bike Routes

By Gabby Mansilla / December 23, 2025

During a stop in Chicago, David Osterhout reflected on songwriting, the evolution of Bike Routes, and what comes next.

What’s in a Festival Performance? Four Headliners at Lollapalooza Make It Look Easy

By Nolan Shaffer / August 21, 2025

Head Arts Editor Nolan Shaffer analyzes what made the biggest names of Lollapalooza so special.

Jade Chinese Music Ensemble Blends East and West

By Jessalin Nguyen / June 20, 2025

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, the ensemble performed a dozen arrangements, taking listeners through centuries of musical history.

Japanese Breakfast Brings a Bittersweet Taste to the Salt Shed

By Nolan Shaffer and Ciara Balanzá / June 16, 2025

At the For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) tour, Michelle Zauner refreshingly evoked the album’s dreaminess and titular emotion.

Black Country, New Road is Back with a New Sound

By Josie Barboriak and Sofia Hrycyszyn / June 8, 2025

Folksy and upbeat, with colorful strings reminiscent of its cover art of a sun in sunglasses, Black Country, New Road’s Forever Howlong is the album of the summer.

Last Dinosaurs Light Up Chicago with KYORYU

By Emily Zhang / May 13, 2025

The band’s new era is a love letter to their past, present, and future.

The Dive Bar of Eternal Youth: Naked Giants at the Empty Bottle

By Shawn Quek / April 13, 2025

Associate Arts Editor Shawn Quek reviews Naked Giants, a trio that delivered a charming, genre-defying combination of angsty energy and mature clarity at the Empty Bottle.