Live music in Park Ridge, IL

Experience an 80s rock tribute from The Hair Band Night filled with towering hair, roaring guitars, and classic glam metal favorites. Hear hits made famous by Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Poison, Ozzy, Skid Row, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and more. The show is set at the Schiller Park Metra Station.

Enjoy an upbeat set of classic jazz and lively swing from the Jake Sanders Quintet at Evanston’s Fountain Square as part of Downtown Summer Sounds. The event is free and welcoming to all ages, with complimentary swing dance lessons from Traffic Jam Swing offered beforehand. Kids can get creative with no-cost art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District, and the Evanston Community Foundation (Leadership Evanston) tent will share information about local initiatives. It is a community gathering for dancing, listening, and relaxing in Evanston.

The Blooze Brothers perform as part of the 25th anniversary season of the Sounds of Summer series in Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights. Presented by The Schwabe Group at Compass Real Estate, the concert offers live music in an outdoor setting.

Sabor a Café Steakhouse Niles hosts the Shelley Yoelin and Gabriel Datcu Jazz Quintet, featuring Shelley Yoelin on saxophone, Gabriel Datcu on guitar, Sam Robinson on trumpet, Caleb Drake on bass, and Rick Shandling on drums. This performance pairs great music with great food, and guest musicians are welcome to sit in.

Taylor Swift fans can look forward to Totally Taylor at Proesel Park, delivering a lively show with songs from every era of her catalog. The concert is free and open to all. Bring friendship bracelets and be ready to sing and dance to favorites like Shake It Off.

Pandora’s Box delivers a high energy tribute to Aerosmith, performed by veteran musicians who honor the sound and spirit of one of rock’s most influential bands. The show spans more than four decades of hits, blending catchy hooks and big singalong moments so favorites arrive one after another. Hear classics like Dream On, Sweet Emotion, and Walk This Way alongside later standouts including Dude Looks Like A Lady, Rag Doll, Love In An Elevator, and the number one hit I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.

Chicken Wire Empire brings a Wisconsin-honed bluegrass sound that blends lively ensemble interplay, meticulous arrangements, and songwriting rooted in real experiences. The band has earned international recognition for standout performances and for collaborating with artists across the bluegrass spectrum. Expect a set that highlights refined musicianship and meaningful depth, with precision playing and thoughtfully crafted songs. Their sixth and latest album, Growing Pains, reflects a decade of evolution and channels their technical command into a voice that feels distinctly their own.

Blue Rose duo brings an evening of live music to the patio at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. Based in Chicago, the duo delivers its signature “new country with an old soul” sound, blending modern country favorites with timeless classics and high energy sing-along songs. Known for engaging live shows and rich vocal harmonies, Blue Rose offers a fresh twist on country music while keeping the spirit of the classics alive.

At Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, Lumos presents an intimate candlelight concert where a string trio reimagines the music of Queen and Elton John in a classical style. The program is split into two halves, first highlighting Queen staples such as Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Another One Bites the Dust, Don’t Stop Me Now, You’re My Best Friend, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Killer Queen, and We Are the Champions. The second half turns to Elton John favorites including I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Night’s Alright, Candle in the Wind, Rocket Man, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Seating is first come first served within your selected zone, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze options. The event is for ages eight and older. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though front row placement cannot be guaranteed. Two sittings are planned. Lumos partners with notable locations and churches across the UK and US to bring tributes to celebrated artists, and a donation is made to a different charity each month.

A candlelit tribute to the music of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay fills the Arts Center of Oak Park with an intimate, multi-sensory atmosphere. Over the course of a 60 minute program, musicians perform favorites that may include Clocks, Something Just Like This, Adventure of a Lifetime, Fix You, The Scientist, Feelslikeimfallinginlove, Viva la Vida, and A Sky Full of Stars, alongside Ed Sheeran hits like Bad Habits, Photograph, Shivers, and Perfect. Doors open 45 minutes before the performance and there is no late entry once it begins. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone. The experience is open to ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult. Please note that the venue is not ADA compliant. This is a tribute concert and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

A music-filled gathering centered on community and good cheer.

The Throwbacks bring a live set of 1950s and 1960s hits to Mount Prospect, with plenty of dance-friendly classics. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome.

Keep the summer vibe going with Chill Bill. As the first full week of school wraps up, kids and adults can settle in on the lawn with food and drinks.

Retrospect brings a night of food, drinks, and back-to-back favorites to Moretti's Morton Grove. The music spans decades, from classic Motown to contemporary hits, flowing smoothly from one era to the next. Arrive early to secure a table and settle in for an evening of music from start to finish.

Enjoy a solo set featuring both vocals and instrumentals at Cefalu Seaside Sicilian, an Italian restaurant.

An Irish trio performance at Seman Violins featuring fiddler Andrew Finn Magill, a North Carolina Arts Council Fellow whose work has been highlighted on MTV, TEDx, PBS, and NPR. He is joined by Alan Murray, a sought-after accompanist who has toured internationally with Lúnasa, The Four Winds, and The Battlefield Band, and by piper and flute player Ivan Goff, known for performances with Riverdance, collaborations with Sting, and membership in Danú.

Experience an upbeat evening of live music as the Summer of Sound concert series features Smash Mouth. Enjoy drinks available for purchase from Roka Akor and Bar Siena while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Spend $200 or more during the week of the concert and bring your receipts for a chance to win a meet and greet with the band. The performance takes place outdoors by Bloomie’s Court, close to Alo. Seating is limited, and no check-in is needed.

Jim Messina appears at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie with his band, The Road Runners, for a concert that traces his decades in music, from Buffalo Springfield and Poco to Loggins & Messina. With Buffalo Springfield he performed and also worked as producer and audio engineer, and he later helped found Poco. His collaboration with Kenny Loggins led to more than 20 million albums sold and yielded hits including "Danny's Song," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "House on Pooh Corner," and "Angry Eyes."

A live Elvis tribute devoted to the biggest songs from 1970 to 1977, keeping the emphasis on the sound rather than the look. There are no jumpsuits or sideburns, only the music performed at 4 Points Whiskey Saloon & Grill.

Each Friday evening, with holiday exceptions, American Legion Post 208 offers a relaxed karaoke hangout. Laugh together, sing the songs you love, and enjoy a pressure free setting that keeps the focus on fun. Bring friends for an easygoing night out.

Celebrate the back to school season with IN THE FLESH at Des Plaines Theatre. Onesti Entertainment presents the band’s return, featuring a laser show by Laser Graffiti and a guest appearance from original ITF vocalist Pete Papageorge.

Rod Tuffcurls performs a single continuous set at Skokie’s Backlot Bash. This appearance is presented as one uninterrupted show rather than multiple sets.

Launched in 2022 during Wilmette’s 150th anniversary, the Wilmette Block Party has grown into a late summer tradition. This community celebration is a collaboration between the Wilmette Park District, the Village of Wilmette, and the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, bringing thousands to the downtown area for local food, live music, and activities for families. After a record-setting 2025 that featured 22 sponsors, a Kids Zone with 40 booths, and nearly $47,000 raised, the fifth year is planned to be the most exciting edition yet. Additional event and sponsorship details will be shared.

Carla Cooke presents a warm homage to her father, Sam Cooke, through “The Sam Cooke Experience”, a concert that blends faithful renditions with her own expressive touch. As a vocalist and storyteller, she shares the songs and the stories behind them, offering a close look at his life, creative spirit, and influence on soul, gospel, and popular music. The performance features beloved hits such as “A Change Is Gonna Come”, “You Send Me”, “Cupid”, and more. Guided by the inspiration of her father, her godfather Sir Mac Rice, writer of “Cheaper to Keep Her” and “Mustang Sally”, and her uncle LC Cooke, her sound moves through gospel, Christian, R&B, soul, pop, and contemporary styles. The result is an intimate tribute that continues Sam Cooke’s legacy while connecting it to today’s musical landscape.

Country rock and Americana make a return to Landmark Pub in Harwood Heights, near Cumberland and Foster just off the Kennedy. The setting includes an outdoor area suited to live music, attentive staff, and a fun, easygoing vibe that suits this classic Northwest side spot.

Inertia performs at Des Plaines Elks Lodge #1526 for a lively evening of entertainment.

Southern singer, songwriter, and psychedelic serviceman Robert Lester Folsom is spotlighted as Anthology Recordings continues to unearth and share treasures from his rich archive with Sunshine Only Sometimes: Archives Vol. 2. Captured around Georgia in intimate settings like bedrooms, a barn, and a motel room using a reel-to-reel and a rotating cast of sharp studio musicians, these early-1970s sessions reaffirm his standing among once-overlooked yet rediscovered voices of independently spirited, high-flying American folk rock.

At Goat Village, a tribute showcase features Incubus and Alice in Chains themes alongside metal covers. Three bands perform, with sets from Atomic goove, Alice in payne, and Metalation throughout the night. Admission is $10.

Close out summer with a joy-filled outdoor performance from Guitarra Azul. Expect excellent music beneath open skies and a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Evanston. These accomplished musicians deliver a sound that lifts the spirit and calms the soul, sparking passion and getting feet moving. A warm, uplifting concert that brings friends together.

Jersey Girls perform an afternoon set of live music at Schiller Park Fest, bringing favorite songs and plenty of community spirit. Enjoy the performance alongside festival fun like food, rides, and drinks, or simply relax and take in a beautiful summer day. Families and friends can expect an upbeat set that keeps the celebration going.

This event features six rounds of STINGO, a mashup of classic bingo and name-the-tune challenges, with six prizes awarded over the course of the night. The playlist ranges from 1960s favorites to today’s hits. Participate on your own or as part of a team. Beer and a food menu are available, and the Elmhurst location is supported by a friendly staff.

Blue Monday at Evanston SPACE spotlights Lil’ Red & The Rooster, the duo of Jennifer “Lil’ Red” Milligan and guitarist Pascal Fouquet, united by a shared devotion to the blues since 2010. Their music balances classic roots with a fresh spark, folding in warmth, humor, and deep regard for the tradition. They were finalists at the International Blues Challenge in 2019 and have appeared on the PBS program Songs at the Center. Their recordings include Soul Burnin from 2017, produced by and featuring Dave Specter, Keep On! from 2022 with Billy Branch and Kenny Smith, and 7 from 2025 featuring Bobby Floyd. Listeners may know them from appearances at Buddy Guy’s Legends, festival stages, and regular livestreams, with the groove and shuffle always at the heart of what they do. Lil’ Red grew up in Columbus, Ohio and fell in love with classic Hollywood musicals and the rhythm of artists like Bill Robinson, Gene Kelly, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Nicholas Brothers. She trained at Fort Hayes Performing Arts High School, earned a BFA from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and an MFA from Naropa University. Touring Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, she worked with Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Dennis DeYoung, and LaChance, while longtime mentor Luigi shaped her movement and stage presence for more than 27 years. Her songs and performance reflect a life of adventure and a commitment to using art to shape culture, turning raw feeling into bounce, swing, and blue notes for a feel-good release. Pascal, born in Normandy, France, began on classical guitar at eleven before embracing the blue note. A multi award winning guitarist and a professional since 1980, he honors influences such as B.B. King, Albert King, T-Bone Walker, and Kenny Burrell. He has shared stages with artists including Diunna Greenleaf, Dave Specter, Candye Kane, Alex Shultz, Kid Ramos, Sax Gordon, Russell Jackson, Mike Sanchez, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and Sean Castello, letting his history speak through his playing. Expect a set rooted in tradition yet willing to reach beyond it, where blues, gospel, and soul flow together with the pulse of lived experience.

Explore West African drumming in an energetic class in Oak Park led by M. Taylor, a senior instructor with the Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy. Learn proper hand technique and timing while working through traditional djembe rhythms. Each lesson includes the cultural context of the music, covering history, purpose, the associated ethnic groups, and where the rhythms come from, with maps used to support the discussion. Taylor has focused on the djembe since 1994 and teaches with a mission from his master drummers to pass on the tradition. Instruction also covers dunun, the cylindrical bass drums, and those instruments are provided. Djembes are available to rent for $5 per day, paid directly to Taylor, and rental requests should be made at least one day in advance. No prior experience is required. Tuition is $20 per class, cash preferred, with flexibility for those experiencing financial hardship or for families with youth older than 7. No preregistration is needed. For the most current details, check the organizer’s events page.

Experience an evening devoted to the music of George Gershwin as interpreted by the Kevin Fort Trio. This Chicago-based group, led by pianist Kevin Fort with Joe Policastro on bass and Jon Deitemyer on drums, draws from bebop foundations while bringing a modern spark to both standards and their own material. Reviewers at All About Jazz have recognized the trio as a leading piano ensemble, while Chicago Jazz Magazine has highlighted their virtuosity and nimble improvisation. The result is tightly knit interplay, thoughtful arrangements, and swing that feels both classic and current. Their recordings Red Gold, Perspectives, and Twilight showcase this approach, and a fourth release, Everything I Love, continues that trajectory. The trio’s music has reached a broad audience, surpassing 3 million streams worldwide and appearing on 22 Spotify editorial playlists. Centered on Gershwin’s enduring melodies, this program offers inventive interpretations that honor the tradition while keeping the music vibrant and alive.

This karaoke night at Barrel House Kitchen & Tap features 60,000 songs with professional sound, plus $3.50 steak tacos and drink specials.

Chicago Donauschwaben presents a cultural program featuring the Esslingen Tanzgruppe of Germany and the Nemetker Tanzgruppe of Hungary. Traditional dances will highlight Donauschwaben heritage, music, and colorful folk costumes, performed by visiting ensembles. Reservations can be made online with credit card payment, and further information appears on the event flyer.

A free community concert presented by the Village and Park District features The Jolly Ringwalds performing 80s music at Usher Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in on the grass for live tunes, friendly company, and a relaxed evening outside.

Paulie & The Shakers perform as part of the City of Northlake Summer Concert Series at the Grant Park Gazebo. Admission is free and the event is family-friendly, offering a relaxed outdoor setting for an evening of live music. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

Antibalas presents music shaped by a recent journey. A month into a planned year-long world tour supporting the Grammy-nominated Fu-Chronicles, the tour paused in 2020. After a period of solitude and change, the band regrouped in Brooklyn in fall 2021 to develop new compositions, then introduced them at festivals in North America, Europe and North Africa. The following year they recorded the material live over two days at Studio G in Greenpoint with eight-time Grammy winner Joel Hamilton, a short distance from the band’s birthplace, assembling an eleven-piece touring ensemble with founding member Martín Perna alongside Marcos García, Reinaldo DeJesus, Timothy James, Justin Kimmel, Marcus Farrar, Drew Vandewinckel, Andrew McGovern and Michael Pallas, with performances from Stuart Bogie, Jordan McLean, Domenica Fossati, Jackie Coleman and Lynn Ligammari.