Live music in Wheeling, IL

Get ready to take center stage with Game Night Live’s R0CK’N Bingo paired with Rockstar Trivia. This is not a typical bingo session. The setlist drives the action as you cross off song titles instead of numbers, with tracks pulled from across the spectrum, including classic rock greats, old-school favorites, hip hop, country, and memorable movie and TV themes. Each bingo card is uniquely built so the pace stays quick, fresh, and unpredictable. When the tunes stop, the quiz kicks in with eight high-energy questions that challenge your knowledge, rally the room, and put the spotlight back on you. Music, bingo, and trivia come together for a loud, high-spirited experience.

Weather permitting, the Morkes Wine Garden at Morkes Chocolates hosts live music with wine. Donna Brooks and Nick Horcher share a blend of contemporary and classic folk rock and Americana, delivering soulful songs that cross genres and generations. Donna Brooks and Ironwood have a five song EP titled Tracks that is available on popular streaming platforms.

Brandi Carlile and I'm With Her perform at the Hunter Pavilion at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois.

Brandi Carlile appears alongside I'm With Her for a live performance at Hunter Pavilion at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois. This concert brings both acts together on one stage.

At Jen's Jensen Park, Food Truck Thursdays brings live music at no cost, a variety of food, and refreshing drinks. Pucker Up Confectionery will be on site serving hand-shaken lemonades and limeades, dirty sodas, and mini pancakes.

Experience genuine 1960s garage rock presented as a unique live jukebox. Everything is performed without computers or synthesizers, just drums and guitars bringing timeless favorites to life.

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.

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.

Heartache Tonight brings an Eagles tribute to Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, channeling the Hotel California vibe alongside other beloved favorites. The performance centers on classic hits and the hallmark harmonies and guitars that define the band’s sound.

Thursdays at Madcats are dedicated to karaoke. Warm up your vocals, step up to the mic, and get set for a lively night of singing and fun.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Atomic returns to Madcats with two 75-minute sets featuring Blondie favorites and covers spanning 80s punk, new wave, and rock. The show includes new material added since the band’s last appearance at this venue. $5 cover.

Blues takes the spotlight at this festival, bringing a soulful vibe and lively rhythms to the celebration.

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.

Ravinia Festival’s summer concerts present a full season of live music featuring Brandi Carlile, I am Her, Snoop Dogg, Paul Simon, Chance The Rapper, Kool & The Gang, Martina McBride, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Shakes, and Gladys Knight with Brian McKnight, along with many others. Tickets are available for purchase.

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

Strawdawg performs as an acoustic duo at Rep's Place in Rolling Meadows.

Grungeworthy performs at Madcats, serving up rock with a touch of Foo Fighters and Everclear in the mix. The cover charge is $7.

Miranda Lambert is set to headline Ravinia Festival. A presale is planned.

This open mic offers a professional setup with a dedicated sound engineer and a full backline that includes a drum kit plus bass and guitar amps. On-site sign-up precedes rotating performances. Solo acts and full bands can share original music or play covers in a supportive setting that welcomes everyone. The event is hosted by Ambassador of Good Will Rob Rosenberg. Sets are also streamed live and made available as videos.