Best in the Midwest is a weekly breakdown of shows and events happening throughout the region. Our merry band of music-obsessed staff scours the very reaches of the internet to tell you the best way to spend your weekend. It’s tireless work, but it must be done. Peruse our recommendations of the best in the Midwest below, and spend your weekend as best as possible.
Superknova, Ovef Ow, BlackGlass: March 29 | Cafe Mustache, Chicago | info
We’d be remiss if we didn’t invite you to our own show! Three bands from the Midwest Action label tear it up at Cafe Mustache–a must-see line-up. –Alyssa Lee
Toward Space, Strawberry Jacuzzi, Daisy/Violet: March 29 | Charm School, Chicago | info
Chicago locals Strawberry Jacuzzi & Daisy/Violet are joined by Richmond, VA’s Toward Space for an unforgettable DIY night at Charm School! $5-7 donation at the door for the bands, BYOB. –Dan Jarvis
Airpak, Bike Cops, Human Errors: March 29 | GMan Tavern, Chicago | info
Nashville’s Airpark join Chicago garage rock favorites Bike Cops and the hard-to-label trio Human Errors. –Dan Jarvis
Bill MacKay, Forest Management, Miranda Winters, DJ Mariapaz Camargo: March 29 | The Hideout, Chicago | info
Celebrate the release of Bill MacKay’s latest Drag City Records release “Fountain Fire”! –Dan Jarvis
Slow Caves, Lettering, Gal Gun: March 29 | Cobra Lounge, Chicago | info
Slow Caves are visiting us from Colorado with their brand of hard rocking. With two amazing local bands on the bill, having a good time is a sure thing. –Tina Mead
Bad Sports, The Whiffs, The Rubs: March 30 | Cole’s Bar, Chicago | info FREE
It’s Cole’s, it’s Saturday, It’s FREE. Another rad night of garage rock featuring some killer local acts from the extensive Hozac Records roster. –Dan Jarvis
I like my rock dirty. –Tina Mead
Big Syn, A Light Sleeper, Maren Celest: March 30 | Cafe Mustache, Chicago | info
A night of art-pop and jazz with Chicago’s Big Syn headlining, avant-garde jazz quintet A Light Sleeper, and Jack-of-all-Trades Maren Celest opening the evening. $5-10 donation at the door. –Dan Jarvis
DJ August Forte Spins Vinyl: March 30 | Montrose Saloon, Chicago | info FREE
A night of rockers from DJ August Forte: surf, garage, and plenty more. FREE! –Dan Jarvis
Vanishing Kids, Anatomy of Habit, Dead Feathers: March 31 | The Empty Bottle, Chicago | info
Wisconsin’s Vanishing Kids make the trip down to Chicago to showcase their brand of heavy psychedelic rock. Local favorites Anatomy of Habit and Dead Feathers kick the night off! –Dan Jarvis
Salt Sweat Sugar, Dashboard Professional: March 31 | The Owl, Chicago | info FREE
A night of classic Emo! Jimmy Eat World tribute Salt Sweat Sugar headline and Chicago’s most EMOtional tribute band Dashboard Professional kick the night off. –Dan Jarvis
Kodakrome, Holly & The Nice Lions, Burst & Bloom, Harry Vetch: March 31 | Burlington Bar, Chicago | info
A night of punk at the Burlington with Chicago rippers Kodakrome headlining a stacked bill of locals and one of Wisconsin’s finest Holly & The Nice Lions! –Dan Jarvis
I’d travel cross-country to hear Kodakrome play “Gasoline.” Luckily, this time they’re playing down the block. –Alyssa Lee
Joshua Powell, The Outside Voices, Kacie Swierk, Drama Moth: April 3 | GMan Tavern, Chicago | info
I’ve been waiting for Joshua Powell to visit Chicago–and lookee here, my prayers have been answered. Powell released PSYCHO/TROPIC at the beginning of the year, which was recently followed the The Outside Voices’ release of Stoned and Lonely. –Alyssa Lee
Sonny Falls: April 3 | Subterranean, Chicago | info
Sonny Falls opens for Dead Soft on Goon in SubT’s downstairs venue. Enjoy a show at the SubT without climbing all those pesky stairs! –Alyssa Lee
Mdou Moctar, TALsounds, DJ Matt Jencik : April 4 | Empty Bottle, Chicago | info
Mdou Moctar will be playing music grounded in traditional/folk Hausa music and the Tamasheq language, but makes use of modern instrumentation and processing. –Tina Mead
Klassik, OQ, Moon Ruin: March 29 | Company Brewing, Milwaukee | info
Central Illinois’ Moon Ruin is making a rare trip up to Milwaukee, and we’d recommend seeing him while he’s in town! Also–rumor has it that Klassik has some new material. The only way to know is to go see. –Alyssa Lee
Bill MacKay, Rob Noyes, Jon Collin: March 30 | Acme Records & Music Emporium, Milwaukee | info FREE
An evening solo guitar showcase at one of Milwaukee’s best record stores. Don’t miss Chicago’s Bill MacKay! –Dan Jarvis
Black Thumb, Apollo Vermouth, body work, Max Holiday: March 30 | Cactus Club, Milwaukee | info
Appleton, WI’s premiere outsider psych pop soloist Black Thumb headlines a night of Milwaukee music at the infamous Cactus Club. Don’t miss it! –Dan Jarvis
Platinum Boys, Fox Face: March 31 | HIGH DIVE MKE, Milwaukee | info FREE
A night of raucous rock ‘n’ roll. Slam a Monster energy drink, and then go f*ckin’ party. –Alyssa Lee
Anything else happening this weekend? Drop some links in the comments below.