July 2018 events calendar for Chicago

After Radiohead headlined Lollapalooza in 2016, we didn't expect to see the band in Chicago again anytime soon—at least not until it got around to recording another album. Thankfully, Thom Yorke and company are full of surprises, the latest of which is another North American tour in support of A Moon Shaped Pool that kicks off at the United Center. Radiohead's larger-than-life experimental rock is fit for an arena, but we're just as excited about the mind-blowing light show.

In 1990, a group of Chicago house DJs and a small group of friends gathered in Jackson Park for an impromptu concert. Today, the Chosen Few DJs spin tracks for thousands of fans each summer, joined by a selection of guests, including production collective Basement Boys, remix artist Ralphi Rosario and local singer Sheree Hicks. Attendees can bring a picnic basket, set up a tent or hit the dance floor to groove along to a day of slick house beats.

Oklahoma weirdos the Flaming Lips have been mining various strains of psychedelia for the past 35 years, but the group's confetti-covered live performances backed by costumed dancers are where it has always shined brightest. Touring behind a new collection of the band's greatest hits, Wayne Coyne and his band will bring their falsetto philosophizing and outrageous (not always family-friendly) stage show to the Taste of Chicago. Mexican garage rockers Le Butcherettes and local singer-songwriter Half Gringa support.

George Clinton (a.k.a. the Godfather of Funk) recently announced that he'll hang up his hat and retire from touring with Parliament Funkadelic in 2019. Before that happens, you'll get at least one more chance to see him fronting the modern incarnation of P-Funk, which incorporates hip-hop arrangements and dancing contortionists amid renditions of classic tracks like "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Give Up the Funk." Local singer-songwriters BJ the Chicago Kid and the Boy Illinois open the show.

If you're searching for a fest that showcases rising bands, underground legends and mainstream performers with strong independent roots, look no further than the Pitchfork Music Festival. This Union Park fest is best described as a laid-back weekend of musical discovery. Headlining acts include Aussie psych outfit Tame Impala, folk-rockers Fleet Foxes and R&B singer Ms. Lauryn Hill (performing her 1998 debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill). You'll want to show up early to catch sets from funk legend Chaka Khan, electronic duo Mount Kimbie, experimental collective This is Not This Heat and host of other compelling performers.

Dave Grohl saw his very first punk rock show at the Cubby Bear in 1983, so the Foo Fighters’ return to Wrigleyville is a homecoming of sorts. During the band’s last visit to Wrigley Field (in 2015) Grohl had a giant cast on his leg and had to play the show from atop an ornate throne, adorned with guitar necks. This time around, he’ll have the run of the Friendly Confines—we’re imaging a rendition of “Best of You” performed while rounding the bases or a version of “Learn to Fly” sung from atop the Wrigley scoreboard.

Relentless troubadour Neil Young has dabbled in everything from soul to psych, tried to launch an iPod for audiophiles, made an entire album protesting biotech corporation Monsanto and is now hard at work on a digital archive of his recorded output. For his latest set of gigs in Chicago, Young will perform solo at the Auditorium Theatre, where Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young once performed on their way to Woodstock. Expect a career-spanning show from one of the most eclectic and unpredictable artists of his generation.

Vocalist Josiah Wise presents a sultry, futuristic take on gospel music and R&B balladry inspired by his love of artists like Björk and Brandy, using his flexible voice to sing about his experiences as a black, queer man. Serpentwithfeet comes to Bottle in support of his debut album, soil, which features production by frequent Adele collaborator Paul Epworth. Philadelphia soul singer Lee Mo opens the show.

After appearing in films like Moonlight and Hidden Figures, sci-fi soul diva Janelle Monáe returns to outer space on her new album, Dirty Computer. The sprawling record features backing vocals from Brian Wilson, grooves that the late, great Prince gave his blessing and songs that reckon with Monáe's pansexual awakening. If the "emotion picture" video that Monáe released alongside the album is any indication, she'll wrap the funky, soul-searching songs into a visually-arresting, futuristic live performance. R&B duo St. Beauty open the show.

After Radiohead headlined Lollapalooza in 2016, we didn't expect to see the band in Chicago again anytime soon—at least not until it got around to recording another album. Thankfully, Thom Yorke and company are full of surprises, the latest of which is another North American tour in support of A Moon Shaped Pool that kicks off at the United Center. Radiohead's larger-than-life experimental rock is fit for an arena, but we're just as excited about the mind-blowing light show.

In 1990, a group of Chicago house DJs and a small group of friends gathered in Jackson Park for an impromptu concert. Today, the Chosen Few DJs spin tracks for thousands of fans each summer, joined by a selection of guests, including production collective Basement Boys, remix artist Ralphi Rosario and local singer Sheree Hicks. Attendees can bring a picnic basket, set up a tent or hit the dance floor to groove along to a day of slick house beats.

Endearingly cheesy power-pop act Weezer and ‘90s alt-rock titans Pixies co-headline an evening of nostalgic melodies, taking audiences back to a time when MTV still played music videos and tracks like “Buddy Holly” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” could become minor radio hits. Of course, both groups have soldiered on since their respective heydays, with reshuffled lineups, new music and a fair amount of legacy-building (not to mention Weezer's recent fan-requested cover of Toto's infamous song, “Africa”). English rockers the Wombats open the show.

Lincoln Park hosts a music festival devoted to jam bands, reggae and roots rock at this new event, which should provide a fitting comedown from Fourth of July celebrations. Reggae act Michael Franti and Spearhead headline the fest on Saturday night and Phish bassist Mike Gordon closes out the weekend on Sunday evening. Live in Lincoln Park also features sets from the Original Wailers, Collie Buddz, Cory Wong, Pimps of Joytime and more great acts.

Americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile belts out impactful anthems about empathy and motherhood on her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You. A skilled lyricist (who has been covered by the likes of Adele, Dolly Parton and Pearl Jam), Carlile's folk, country and rock ballads betray a contemplative outlook on the world that still seems wise beyond her years. Blues and soul singer Martha Redbone and her Roots Project band open the show.    

Two decades ago, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli—two of hip-hop's most conscientious emcees—joined forces as Black Star. Now the pair has a new record produced by Madlib on the way and is taking the stage in anticipation of its release. Nevermind that Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from the music industry back in 2016—we're just happy that Black Star is rising, once more. L.A. musician and activist Madame Gandhi opens this Taste of Chicago concert. 

Each Tuesday, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a free concert in its Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden—admission to the museum is also free for Illinois residents. The lineup is stacked with notable performers from the Chicago jazz community, including Katie Ernst, Greg Ward and Tomeka Reid. Attendees can order food à la carte from the outdoor grill, which features tacos, beef tenderloin, lobster rolls and BBQ chicken. In July, you can see Dee Alexander, Thaddeus Tukes's Viibez, Fred Anderson, Katie Ernst and more great acts.

Americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile belts out impactful anthems about empathy and motherhood on her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You. A skilled lyricist (who has been covered by the likes of Adele, Dolly Parton and Pearl Jam), Carlile's folk, country and rock ballads betray a contemplative outlook on the world that still seems wise beyond her years. Blues and soul singer Martha Redbone and her Roots Project band open the show.    

Latin pop star Juanes headlines an evening of rock and pop en español at the Taste of Chicago. Formerly a member of Columbian rock group Ekhymosis, Juanes combines traditional musical styles with pop songcraft and has collaborated with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Kali Uchis. He's joined by La Santa Cecilia, a Mexican-American band that provides a contemporary, rock-influenced take on cumbia and bossa nova.

Two decades ago, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli—two of hip-hop's most conscientious emcees—joined forces as Black Star. Now the pair has a new record produced by Madlib on the way and is taking the stage in anticipation of its release. Nevermind that Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from the music industry back in 2016—we're just happy that Black Star is rising, once more. L.A. musician and activist Madame Gandhi opens this Taste of Chicago concert. 

Oklahoma weirdos the Flaming Lips have been mining various strains of psychedelia for the past 35 years, but the group's confetti-covered live performances backed by costumed dancers are where it has always shined brightest. Touring behind a new collection of the band's greatest hits, Wayne Coyne and his band will bring their falsetto philosophizing and outrageous (not always family-friendly) stage show to the Taste of Chicago. Mexican garage rockers Le Butcherettes and local singer-songwriter Half Gringa support.