Well, it’s certainly not the return to “normalcy” we were all hoping for but it sure is nice to see live music again. Our community of entertainment and hospitality professionals have recently been returning to the stage alongside local and national acts who have showed true perseverance during the pandemic. As we celebrate these returns to the stage, the These Days team has decided to re-launch our events calendar through a quarterly seasonal Events Guide. As the seasons come and go, we’ll be refreshing this page with concerts and other events happening here in Chicago that we’d like to spotlight.

Please look after each other, be generous to the hardworking venue staff, be patient with new circumstances and don’t forget to tip your bartender. Stay safe out there and we hope you enjoy these shows!

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OCTOBER

OCT. 1st: Jay Foster with Cameron Bolden, Don’t Be Kendall, g, MiRAJ

Doors: 6:00PM • $10.00 • 17+

Venue: Subterranean @ 2011 W. North Ave

Though it’s always exciting to show support for Chicago’s big names, it’s just as important to show the same love to the ones rising up from the underground. Following the release of their project SQUAD A, budding hip-hop artist Jay Foster headlines Downstairs at SubT alongside other familiar names like Cameron Bolden, Don’t Be Kendall, g, and MiRAJ. Secure a ticket to the show to stay tapped in with these promising artists.

— Ellie Naughton

OCT. 2nd: SoloSam • Principles To Die By Pop-Up [These Days Magazine + Dark Matter Coffee]

Pop-Up: 3-6PM • Free with RSVP

After taking on the role of grill-master over the summer at a couple of our These Days Picnic’s, SoloSam is hosting his own kick-back in the form of a pop-up event, in light of his upcoming project Principles to Die By. Sam has described his upcoming project as an evolution of his craft - a body of work that he’s especially enthusiastic to share with listeners on October 8th.

What we know will surely feel like Sam welcoming the community into his home, the Chicago-based artist will be cooking and serving food and drinks alongside partners Dark Matter Coffee and Goose Island Beer Co. — Carlos Castillo

OCT. 5th: BLXST • No Love Lost Tour

1833 Presents

Doors: 6:00PM • Sold Out • All Ages

Venue: Lincoln Hall @ 2424 N Lincoln Ave

One of those opportunities to catch a rising artist in a room that will be too small for them in a few years. Rising R&B/hip-hop artist Blxst headlines Lincoln Hall for the Chicago stop of his No Love Lost Tour — which sold out in minutes. Blxst recently re-signed with Red Bull Records in anticipation of his 2022 full-length album. Blxst’s 2020 album No Love Lost was a breakout project and massive streaming success. Catch a ticket to this show if you can.

- Patrick Welby

OCT. 8th: TenEight • A Night with Chicago Fire FC

Featuring Saba, Knox Fortune, DJ King Marie and DJ Step

Doors: 7:30PM • RSVP • 18+

Venue: Metro @ 3730 N Clark St

In a night to celebrate all of Chicago, the Chicago Fire FC put together an incredible line up featuring headliner Saba with support from Knox Fortune. The night will also feature DJ King Marie and Chicago Fire FC game day vibe setter DJ Step. Taking place on October 8th, 2021 — the 150th anniversary of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and coinciding with the anniversary of the the Chicago Fire’s founding in 1997.

NOTE: RSVP with $20 Suggested Donation at door. Arrive Early. RSVP does not guarantee entry and is subject to capacity.

- Patrick Welby

OCT. 8th: Reset Presents search party 2: Chicago ft. umru + friends

Featuring umru, Fraxiom, LAN Party, Lucas Lex, Chase Alex and Andrew Goes to Hell

Doors: 7:00PM • $15 - 20 • 18+

Venue: Subterranean @ 2011 W. North Ave.

We know a stacked lineup when we see one, and feel this show will be one of the highlights of October’s offerings. Search Party 2 makes their return to SubT with Brooklyn-based pop-phenom umru, alongside Chicago’s own Fraxiom, LAN Party, Chase Alex, Lucas Lex and Andrew Goes to Hell.

OCT. 14th: Victor Internet with Adan Diaz and LOWERLIPDRIP

These Days & Vocalo Welcome • Audiotree Presents

Doors: 6:00PM • $16-18.00 • All Ages

Venue: Lincoln Hall @ 2424 N Lincoln Ave

Victor Internet will celebrate the release of his highly anticipated second project Blue 2000 - out Oct. 8th with a headlining performance at Lincoln Hall. Singles “LUV”, “ONE DAY” and “FOREVER” have kept fans company this summer but have only fueled the anticipation for the full project. Victor fans are extremely supportive — that energy combined with Victor’s pure showmanship will result in one of the most magical nights of local music in Chicago this Fall.

These Days Artist To Watch alums Adan Diaz (2021) and LOWERLIPDRIP (2019) will kick-off the night. Singer, songwriter and musician Adan Diaz recently signed to LA-based Godmode and prepping a new project on the heels of new single “legroom.” Hip-hop duo LOWERLIPDRIP make their return as well, last releasing their two song drop V in 2020.

— Patrick Welby

OCT. 27th: Daisy with Reno Cruz

Doors: 7:00PM • $15-18.00 • All Ages

Venue: Schubas @ 3159 N Southport Ave

DAISY are just so damn fun! I can already feel the floor boards at Schubas shaking. A little bit of jazz, a little bit of R&B, a little bit of punk, a little bit of soul — DAISY is little bit of everything, which is exactly what makes this band so interesting. LA-based band DAISY is fronted by Daisy Hamel-Buffa with Alex Kasvikis on bass, Ben Roswell Salk on keys and Matthew “Rat” Fildey on guitar. If Daisy sounds familiar, you may have heard her on Tyler, The Creator’s “Rise!” of Call Me If You Get Lost or her collaborations with The Internet. Additionally her interests bleed into fashion — commissioning jackets, customizing jeans and designing her own hats.

Chicago’s own singer-songwriter Reno Cruz will kick off the night!

— Patrick Welby

4 Nights with Kweku Collins

Sept. 30th: Featuring Ajani Jones

Oct. 9th: Featuring CREATUREFIGHT

Oct. 21st: Featuring Orisun

Oct. 30th: Featuring oddCouple

Doors: 8:00PM • $25.00 • 21+

Venue: Golden Dagger @ 2447 N Halsted St.

Perhaps one of Chicago’s most creative and inspired artists this past decade, Kweku Collins built an incredible portfolio with his first three releases Say It Here, White It’s Safe (2015), Nat Love (2016), Grey (2017). What a run with those three projects in a row. Here we find ourselves in 2021 and Kweku will be performing and sharing unreleased music from a new album — his first new music released in years. Personally, I’m fascinated to see what Kweku has put together after filming the upcoming new drama film Dear Zoe and the challenges of the creative process through the pandemic. Optimistically, I find myself as a longtime fan in a place where Kweku will help us try understand it all. What an opportunity to see it all displayed on stage before its eventual release.

Throughout the residency, Kweku will bring in cast of friends and collaborators. Rapper Ajani Jones, CREATUREFIGHT, lo-fi punk rockers ORISUN and producer oddCouple will join throughout the month.

— Patrick Welby

NOVEMBER

NOV. 13th: Tasha with Christelle Bofale

NOV. 20th: Tasha with Fran

Doors: 8:00PM • $15-18.00 • 21+ (Both shows!)

Venue: Sleeping Village @ 3734 W Belmont Ave

Tasha’s new album Tell Me What You Miss The Move is due out Nov. 5th and to celebrate, she will headline back-to-back Saturdays at Sleeping Village! A These Days favorite and one of Chicago’s most bright and dazzling singer-songwriters — the intimacy of Tasha’s voice filling the room already has the hair standing up on my next. On top of that — Tasha’s band is just fantastic, featuring Eileen Peltier (aka. Sports Boyfriend) and Ashley Guerrero (Circuit Des Yeux, Fran).

Austin-based singer-songwriter Christelle will join the show for the 11/13 date and Chicago’s own Fran (songwriting project of Maria Jacobson) will support on the 11/20 date.

— Patrick Welby

NOV. 27th + 28th: KennyHoopla

Doors: 6:30PM • $20.00 • All Ages

Venue: Lincoln Hall @ 2424 N Lincoln Ave

Long time These Days readers will know we’ve always been big fans of KennyHoopla! Earlier this year Hoopla released a collaborative project with drummer Travis Barker called Survivors Guilt: The Mixtape// featuring lead single “estella//" — a killer example of the pop punk sound this Ohio native has crafted. These back-to-back nights at Lincoln Hall are slammed sold-out but this is one of those shows that are worth trying to get tickets for, as the energy in the building will surely be thunderous and electric. Kenny has been playing festivals all Summer and into the Fall — he will be more than ready to replicate that same enthusiasm to one of Chicago’s finest stages. This is a future superstar continues to craft his climb to the top as a pop punk king.

— Patrick Welby

DECEMBER

DEC. 6th: beadadoobee with Christian Leave and BLACKSTARKIDS

Doors: 6:00PM • $25-28.00 • 12+

Venue: Metro @ 3730 N Clark St

Born in the Philippines and raised in London, beadadoobee is no doubt one of the most exciting young global artists out there right now. Real name Bea Kristi, the born songwriter has criss crossed through all corners of the genre universe on her first three EPs, building an infectious portfolio of pop songs. beadadoobee has been on a regular on our Respect The Neighbors playlist, particularly on the heels of her latest release Our Extended Play, a collaboration with The 1975’s Matty Healy and George Daniel — the whole project is drenched in 90s pop nostalgia.

Catching her at the Metro will surely be one of those “I saw her when” type shows. The real question is will you be able to hear her over her adoring fanbase who will be singing along with each and every word.

Southern boy and accidental Vine star Christian Leave (signed to Godmode) and charismatic Kansas City indie-pop trio BLACKSTARKIDS will kick-off the night.

— Patrick Welby

DEC. 18th: Beach Bunny with Jodi

Doors: 6:30PM • $23-27.00 • All Ages

Venue: Riviera Theatre @ 4746 North Racine Ave

Chicago hometown heroes Beach Bunny will headline at the Riviera Theatre for what surely has to be one of their largest local shows to date. The band dropped a welcomed 4-track EP called Blame Game (single “Good Girls (Don’t Get Used)” particularly rocks!) in 2021 but the continued success of their 2020 debut album Honeymoon and single "Cloud 9” continue to charm every new fan who stumbles upon them.

Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and Sooper Records artist Jodi will support! Hell yeah!

— Patrick Welby