Live music in Evanston, IL

Game Night Live brings a rock-charged twist to bingo with a mashup of music bingo and Rockstar Trivia. Numbers take a back seat as you mark songs from across the musical map, including classic rock, oldies, hip hop, country, and familiar film and TV themes. Each card is built differently, keeping the pace brisk and the results unpredictable. When the music rounds wrap, an eight-question trivia burst turns up the energy and puts knowledge to the test. It is a spirited mix of bingo, beats, and brainpower that builds to a memorable finale.

Knorrwood: Over the Shire and Far Away presents a rock and roll storytelling salute to Led Zeppelin and the world of The Lord of the Rings. Drawing on Zeppelin’s bold energy and Tolkien’s expansive mythology, this live performance intertwines progressive rock, global folk influences, and cinematic narrative to create an immersive concert experience. Brothers Wes and Joey Knorr perform with inventive instrumentation, rich acoustic layers, theremin, and driving percussion.

Son Volt brings its alt country legacy to Evanston SPACE. Led by Jay Farrar, whose early work with Uncle Tupelo helped shape the genre, the band released three albums in the 1990s before pausing while he made three solo LPs. Farrar revived the group in 2004 with a new lineup and has put out nine albums since. The latest, Sound Signal Serenades, arrived as a limited edition Record Store Day LP. His songwriting often explores overlooked chapters of American history and looks ahead to a better future.

Experience live jazz at Sabor a Café Steakhouse Niles with the Shelley Yoelin and Gabriel Datcu Jazz Quintet. The group features Shelley Yoelin on saxophone, Gabriel Datcu on guitar, Sam Robinson on trumpet, Caleb Drake on bass, and Rick Shandling on drums. Musicians are welcome to sit in, adding a spontaneous, collaborative edge to the performance.

Head East marks five decades of classic rock with a powerhouse set featuring favorites like "Never Been Any Reason" plus music from their album Flat As A Pancake. Part of North Shore Center's 30th Anniversary season, this upbeat concert blends big energy with nostalgic moments that resonate with rock fans of every generation.

Nefesh Mountain delivers a roots-forward sound that unites Americana with folk and bluegrass, highlighted by layered harmonies and story-centered songs. The performance balances deep respect for tradition with fresh creative spark, resulting in a lively and uplifting concert.

Son Volt brings Jay Farrar’s enduring alt country vision to Evanston SPACE, tracing a journey from his trailblazing work with Uncle Tupelo to a revitalized band that continues to evolve. After three celebrated albums and a long pause that yielded three solo records, Farrar assembled a new lineup and has since added nine more releases to the catalog. The newest, Sound Signal Serenades, arrived as a special Record Store Day limited edition LP. Known for songs that engage with America’s discordant and forgotten corners while pointing toward a better future, this performance highlights thoughtful storytelling, grit, and melody.

Don McLean brings an intimate concert to Skokie’s George Van Dusen Theatre. A highly regarded American songwriter, he shares music that has stayed with listeners for generations, shaped popular culture, and inspired many fellow artists. Experience these signature songs performed live in a close theater setting.

Born out of the 2021 sea shanty wave that swept the internet, The Wellermen have grown into a standout force in contemporary folk. Their live show blends American folk roots with British musicianship and a theatrical spark, all unified by rich five-part harmonies. Expect stirring vocals, engaging storytelling, and a modern folk sound at North Shore Center.

The Ramblin' Band returns to Whiskey River Bar & Grill in Glenview for a performance at a leading live music spot in the nearby northern suburbs.

This free Blocktoberfest in downtown Glenview brings together live music, food, beverages, and family fun. Headlined by Los Lobos, the lineup also includes Altered Five Blues Band, Beyond the Blonde, Zydeco Voodoo, Northside Nikki O’Neill, Groove X, Echoes of the Alps, Band of Very Ordinary Musicians, and a Kpop Dance Party. A full day of performances and community spirit fills the heart of Glenview.

Alicia Witt presents an album release performance at Evanston SPACE celebrating Between Heaven and Earth, her eighth release on Thirty Tigers. Cut live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a handpicked band, the record captures an in-the-room feel that balances transcendence with intimacy and centers on unconditional love. Shaped by her enduring connection to David Lynch that began with her early role in Dune, the songs explore longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection. The album features the title track alongside Artifacts, Kindred, Build Me A Dream, Freeze Frame, Test Drive, Blue Moon, Thank You, Love Anyway, and The Director, which she frames as a conversation with Lynch after his passing. Known widely for her work in film, television, and stage, Witt is also a classically trained pianist and songwriter, and this show spotlights that creative throughline. A limited pre-show meet and greet is available, including autographs for up to five personal or merchandise items and a photo with Alicia.

Sunny War appears at Evanston SPACE. Her brand new album, Armageddon in a Summer Dress, has drawn major acclaim, with The Bluegrass Situation lauding it as an anarcho punk roots standout that deepens her already expansive catalog, and American Songwriter praising its compelling, singular approach and calling it her strongest work to date.

Choose from 60,000 songs supported by pro sound. Pair the music with $3.50 steak tacos and drink specials.