21 Great Concerts Coming to Chicago Between Now and the End of 2017

Nothing says fall like the end of summer festival season.

But cooler temps don’t have to mean the end of good music and spirited group outings.

So we’re rounding up the 21 best concerts coming to Chicago between now and the end of 2017.

Bill Murray gone classical? Nico’s Chelsea Girls, played in its entirety, in a cemetery? Randy Newman and bountiful wine?

All in there, along with three music fests that should be on your radar, including the debut of Red Bull Sound Select’s 30 Days in Chicago.

Get ready to sync your calendar.

Roky Erickson

For psych rock alumni with a soft spot for the number 13
Roky Erickson at the Empty Bottle, September 15

For post-emo rockers with day jobs
Cap’n Jazz at the Bottom Lounge, September 15

For hip-hop survivalists who still call him Mos Def
Yasiin Bey at Concord Music Hall, September 21

For dusting off the earplugs
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard at Lincoln Hall, September 24

For anthemic folk rock from the comfort of a theater seat
Fleet Foxes at the Chicago Theatre, October 3-4

For hearing Nico’s “Chelsea Girls,” in its entirety, among the dead
Circuit des Yeux at the Bohemian National Cemetery, October 7

For overtures with a side of Bill Murray
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends at the Chicago Symphony Center, October 10

Psychedelic Furs

For those who agree that “Love My Way” is a sleeper karaoke hit
Psychedelic Furs at Thalia Hall, October 17-18

For anyone who’s got a friend in Randy Newman
Randy Newman at City Winery, October 18-19

For those who miss ‘70s FM Rock (in a good way)
War on Drugs at the Aragon Ballroom, October 19

For two legendary singer-songwriters for the price of one
Daniel Johnston and Jeff Tweedy at the Vic Theatre, October 20

For those crossing their fingers for a Smashing Pumpkins reunion
William Patrick Corgan at Athenaeum Theatre, October 21

For a match made in slacker rock heaven
Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile at Rockefeller Chapel at U of C, October 26

For a show that’ll bring out music fans of all ages
Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples at the Wintrust Arena, October 27

LCD Soundsystem

For witnessing the comeback all the kids are talking about
LCD Soundsystem at the Aragon Ballroom, November 6-8

For experiencing the shape of jazz to come
Kamasi Washington at the Riviera Theatre, November 10

For cosmic beats in 3D
Flying Lotus (in 3D) at the Riviera Theatre, November 14

For those who know what “woo wap da bam” means
Saba at the House of Blues, November 25

For anyone who swears by Tidal
Jay-Z at the United Center, December 5

For the perfect date night
Angel Olsen at the Riviera Theatre, December 9

For unapologetic neo-soul
Sza at Concord Music Hall, December 20

And don’t miss the season’s best music festivals …

312 Block Party
You enjoy live music. You also enjoy beer. Which makes Goose Island’s annual 312 Block Party a safe bet. Taking over the street outside Goose Island’s Fulton street production facilities, this year’s music lineup includes Charles “the Flying Eagle of Soul” Bradley and indie rock stalwarts Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. September 22-23 at Goose Island Fulton Street Brewery

Hideout Block Party
Making its return after a three-year hiatus (not counting last year’s 20th anniversary shindig), the Hideout’s end-of-summer block party will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of local recording studio Electrical Audio, featuring a lineup of artists that have cut records with Chicago engineer Steve Albini. September 22-23 at the Hideout

Noname
Red Bull Sound Select: 30 Days in Chicago
What could be a new banner fall music fest for Chicago, Red Bull presents 30 straight days of concerts and events across some of the city’s best venues. In addition to upcoming local talent  like Noname and Eryn Allen Kane, the month-long fest includes events like local hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive’s 10th anniversary party. Through November at Various Locations

Main Photo: Angel Olson/Mike Falco