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.
Mike Maimone, Phillip-Michael Scales: April 05 | The Law Office Pub & Music Hall, Yorkville | info
Two Chicago mainstays bring their seriously soulful tunes to Yorkville. –Alyssa Lee
Marina City, Emily Blue, The Weekend Run Club: April 05 | Chop Shop, Chicago | info
This will, no doubt, be a high energy show from three acts that are guaranteed to *bring it*, from start to finish. –Alyssa Lee
Ethers, Dark Tea, Fran: April 06 | The Hideout, Chicago | info
It only took a few seconds of listening for me to love Ethers. Can’t wait to see them in action. –Tina Mead
DJ No DJ: April 06 | Tonic Room, Chicago | info
This band’s name says it all. This band is a group of gifted musicians and vocalists who perform their incredible blend of dance music tracks to keep you dancing all night. If you like Daft Punk, Justice, Deadmau5, Calvin Hairs, then you’re in for quite a ride. –Neal Zeleznak
Advance Base, Ratboys (solo), Elisa Latrice, Jessica Mindrum: April 06 | GMan Tavern, Chicago | info
Advance Base, Julia Steiner of Ratboys, and more play GMan Tavern to raise money for Planned Parenthood. Tickets are a cool ‘n’ easy $10. –Alyssa Lee
Faux Co., Ester, Harvey Fox: April 06 | Cole’s Bar, Chicago | info FREE
Three years in the making, Faux Co. is ready to unleash their debut album, Radio Silence. Local legends Ester and Harvey Fox will also be rockin’ your socks off, so be sure to come wearing multiple pairs. –Alyssa Lee
Blac Rabbit, Dogs At Large, Thee Casual Hex, Horace Greene: April 06 | Schubas, Chicago | info
Psychedelic groove-curators Blac Rabbit are in town all the way from Rockaway Beach, NYC and will be joined by MWA artist Thee Casual Hex, Dogs At Large, and Oshkosh, WI natives Horace Greene. –Dan Jarvis
<!--The Just Luckies, Lollygagger, Lever: April 06 | Lo Rez Brewing, Chicago | info FREE Come celebrate The Just Luckies 5th birthday with a night of beer, cake, pizza, and our favorite thing of all—live bands. MWA artists Lollygagger & Lever kick off this ripper of an evening! –Dan Jarvis-->
Diagonal, Looms, Nadu: April 07 | Charm School, Chicago | info
Looms and Diagonal take Charm School by DIY storm. Diagonal just released a shiny new track, “Detroit,” which we can expect to hear live this evening. –Alyssa Lee
Hitter, Mock Identity, Lilac: April 07 | The Empty Bottle, Chicago | info
Hitter RULES. Grab your finest ear plugs, then head to the Empty Bottle and throw them in the trash so you don’t miss a damn thing. –Alyssa Lee
Tara Terra, Fay Ray, Ryan Hadarah: April 07 | Sleeping Village, Chicago | info
Celebrate Tara Terra’s EP release with them at Sleeping Village. –Alyssa Lee
Soothsayer’s Spring Fling : April 07 | Crown Liquors, Chicago | info FREE
Join Chicago’s premiere hot sauce moguls in celebrating the first day of spring ’80s style! Expect a soundtrack of new wave, hair metal, pop, and more. Put on some ’80s duds and get your awkward poses ready for the photo booth. –Dan Jarvis
TELEKINESIS, SONTALK: April 08 | Schubas, Chicago | info
Telekinesis’s new album feels expansive. Lots of layers of sound. I want to see how it translates into a live performance. –Tina Mead
Minor Moon, The Dead Tongues: April 09 | Schubas, Chicago | info
Schubas is a near-perfect venue for Minor Moon’s music. Cozy up to the front of the stage and enjoy some fine indie rock. –Alyssa Lee
The Coathangers, Big Bite, Skip Church: April 09 | Empty Bottle, Chicago | info
Punks! Should be a fun show 🙂 –Tina Mead
Blue Dream, Uma Bloo: April 10 | The Empty Bottle, Chicago | info
You want to experience this one. –Expression Petal
The Parlor Mob, The Cold Seas, Ryan Powers & the Secret Weapons: April 10 | Cobra Lounge, Chicago | info
Riot Fest put together three bands that deliver glistening rock. –Tina Mead
Durand Jones & the Indications, Divino Niño, Melvin Knight: April 11 | Thalia Hall, Chicago | info
Delightfully smooth and body moving Motown. –Tina Mead
Wild Belle, Starwolf: April 06 | The Ready Room, St. Louis | info
The absolutely infectious music of Starwolf kicks the night off before Wild Belle plays the hits from their brand new album, Everybody One of a Kind. –Alyssa Lee
Nicholas Raymond, Joshua Powell, The Outside Voices: April 05 | Bremen Cafe, Milwaukee | info
A true Midwest mixer. Joshua Powell (IN) and The Outside Voices (OH) join Nicholas Raymond in his hometown. –Alyssa Lee
Mdou Moctar, Ravi/Lola, The Old Prospectors, Names Divine, A. Bill Miller: April 05 | The Cooperage, Milwaukee | info
Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar returns to Milwaukee for a night of desert guitar and nomadic poetry. Joined by a slough of local talent including Ravi/Lola, The Old Prospectors, Names Divine, and A. Bill Miller. This is one hell of a Milwaukee Psych Fest Warm-up Party! –Dan Jarvis
Kainalu, Dead Feathers, Cashfire Sunset: April 11 | Boone & Crockett, Milwaukee | info FREE
Milwaukee’s best psych festival is not only gifting us with three great bands, but also with a free show. ALL HAIL MILWAUKEE PSYCH FEST. –Alyssa Lee
Anything else happening this weekend? Drop some links in the comments below.