Live music in Gary, IN

More than a typical market, this lively gathering brings a feel-good vibe with a mix of handmade goods, unique finds, arts and crafts, sweet treats, and specialty drinks. A food truck and live music add to the atmosphere, and vendors rotate throughout the season so each market can offer fresh discoveries. There are loyalty punch cards, a weekly drawing, and a monthly gift basket giveaway.

A new fully staged co-production by Haymarket Opera Company and The Newberry Consort brings Claudio Monteverdi’s 1607 masterpiece L’Orfeo to Jarvis Opera Hall at DePaul University School of Music. With music by Monteverdi and a libretto by Alessandro Striggio the Younger, this favola in musica is sung in Italian with English titles projected throughout. The performance lasts about two and a half hours and includes one 20-minute intermission. Tenor Zachary Wilder appears as Orfeo, joined by Geoffrey Agpalo, Ryan Belongie, Hannah De Priest, Kaitlin Foley, Emily Fons, David Govertsen, Patrick Kilbride, Lindsay Metzger, Leo Radosavljevic, Erica Schuller, and Michael St. Peter. Music Directors Liza Malamut and Craig Trompeter lead an ensemble of early-music specialists performing on period instruments including cornetti, sackbuts, recorders, violins, viola da gamba, lirone, harp, lutes, organ, and harpsichord. Stage direction is by Chase Hopkins, with sets by Wendy Waszut-Barrett, costumes by Stephanie Cluggish, wigs and makeup by Megan E. Pirtle, lighting by Lee Fiskness, and dramaturgy by Louise K. Stein. The timeless story follows Orpheus, whose music moves mortals and gods as he ventures to the Underworld to reclaim Eurydice, only to lose her when he looks back too soon, before Apollo carries him to the heavens. A post-opera talkback follows, offering a chance to hear from members of the team about the music, dramatic choices, and the making of the production.

Sunday Funday Show Tunes is a long-standing Sidetrack tradition that turns the bar into a lively sing-along. Enjoy Broadway and movie musical favorites, napkins in hand, across the Main, Cherry, and North Bars. If show tunes are not your style, party music fills the Glass, Side, Back, and Deck Bars. The celebration continues with the Sunday Funday After Dark dance party. Doors open early for post-brunch cocktailing.

Paige and the Kizers brings its pop rock, songwriter-driven sound to Epiphany for an album release show that debuts the new record live for the first time. Led by vocalist and songwriter Paige Kizer, the band presents songs centered on love and light with subtle spiritual themes. General admission is $20 for ages 17 and up and $10 for ages 3 to 16, with additional fees that include tax. Service charges apply to all ticket purchases, and credit card is the only payment option at the door.

Printers Row Brewing hosts a solo rock and roll set on the patio, with plans to move indoors if the weather turns. Despite the name, the brewery is in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. The brewery serves its own freshly made beers alongside thin crust pizzas from Pequod's, cheese trays, and baked pretzels with mustard.

Deliverance brings The Corner of Musical Freedom to Renaissance Bronzeville, featuring Mike Dunn. There is a $5 cover at the door. The event is engineered by Thewaywewere Productions.

ECI Tuesdays brings mambo, salsa, bachata and more to Pier 31 in a lively open-air setting presented by El Caobo Internacional. This edition features a mambo lesson with Denita Inez, followed by social dancing that keeps the floor moving with Latin rhythms. There is no cover, the event is weather permitting, and food and drinks are available for purchase. A 50/50 raffle will be held with $5 tickets, and the winner must be present to claim the prize. Dancers of all experience levels and music lovers are welcome at this lakefront gathering.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals bring a powerful night of music to Garcia's Chicago, led by a three-time Grammy winner whose career spans 18 studio albums and more than 16 million records sold worldwide. Harper’s songwriting stretches across pop, reggae, soul, blues, rock, funk, and folk, and his work pairs lyrical candor with a socially conscious spirit shaped by his era and sharpened for today. That commitment was recognized with a 2023 nomination for the newly introduced Grammy Special Merit Award for Best Song For Social Change. Recent releases include Wide Open Light, featuring Yard Sale with Jack Johnson, following the Grammy-nominated Bloodline Maintenance. All sales are final and exchanges or refunds are not available, but tickets can be transferred through a TM Account. Garcia's is fully ADA compliant with wheelchair lifts and ramps between levels, assisted listening devices on request, and access for official service animals. Premium Table seating sits closest to the stage and includes table service. Reserved Table seating is on the main floor behind the Premium section and also includes table service. Both table options are cabaret style, so guests may share a table with other fans. Private booths are offered for parties of up to 4, 5, or 6 depending on the booth. General admission standing is arranged along the sides of the room on an elevated platform for clear views and convenient bar access.

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire bring Sing a Song All Night Long to United Center. The event has been rescheduled, and existing tickets will be honored on the new date. Those unable to attend can request a refund, and ticket holders will receive an email with details. By purchasing tickets, attendees agree to follow the health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event. Guidelines may change, so check the venue website for the latest updates.

Ten Cat Swing sets the tone with upbeat swing and jazz, plus imaginative acoustic versions of songs spanning the decades, at a distinctive brewpub inside the historic Vogt House. This carefully restored 19th century site, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, blends classic character with craft beer made on site and a menu of shareable, chef-led dishes. Settle into a warm, welcoming space, enjoy thoughtfully crafted brews, and sample something from the kitchen while the band keeps the energy high. Whether sipping a pint, trying the menu, or simply taking in the ambiance, it offers an easygoing night out.

Every Thursday, Duffy’s Place turns into an open jam for musicians and full bands. Bring your instruments and jump in. A backline for guitar, bass, and drums is available, making it easy to plug in and play alongside others.

Sing-along show tunes at Sidetrack set the tone for the weekend, followed by the Friday Night Dance Party. The rooftop opens for party music upstairs, and there is no cover charge.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead brings a live show to The Salt Shed. The band takes the stage for an evening of music at this venue.

Presented by Jam Presents, DJ Shadow appears at The Vic Theatre to mark three decades of Endtroducing with, for the first time, a set dedicated entirely to his debut album. Over more than 30 years, Josh Davis, known as DJ Shadow, has pushed instrumental hip hop and composition through projects such as UNKLE’s Psyence Fiction, The Private Press and its single Six Days, The Outsider, The Less You Know, the Better, The Mountain Will Fall, Our Pathetic Age, and Action Adventure, collaborating along the way with Run the Jewels, Nas, and De La Soul. This tour honors the record that launched his journey and reflects the deep listening that drives his work. Entry is limited to ages 18 and over. Backpacks, bags, laptops, and tablets are not permitted inside the venue.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse presents an evening of piano jazz with Argentinian piano virtuoso Mauro Frosio. The experience pairs the restaurant's dining with piano-centered jazz for a dynamic mix of food and music.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals bring a genre-spanning performance to Garcia's Chicago, drawing from a body of work that flows through pop, reggae, soul, blues, rock, funk, and folk. Harper has released 18 studio albums, earned three Grammy Awards, and reached listeners worldwide with more than 16 million records sold. His songwriting blends heartfelt honesty with a strong social conscience, highlighted by a recent nomination for the Grammy Special Merit Award for Best Song For Social Change. His latest album, Wide Open Light, features the song Yard Sale with Jack Johnson and follows the Grammy-nominated Bloodline Maintenance. All tickets are final sale with no refunds or exchanges, and transfers can be managed through a TM account. The venue meets ADA standards with wheelchair lifts and ramps between levels, assisted listening devices available upon request, and access for official service animals. Seating options include premium tables closest to the stage with table service, reserved tables on the main floor just behind the premium section that also include service, and cabaret-style arrangements where tables may be shared. Private booths are available with capacities that vary by booth, seating groups of one to four, five, or six. General admission standing room is positioned along the sides of the room on an elevated tier for clear views and convenient bar access.

Vision in the Rhythm brings a mix of folk and rock to the Tinley Park Farmers Market with a live set in Harmony Square. The performance is free and open to all ages.

American Legion Post 94 presents a lively Oktoberfest celebration featuring a polka band to start the festivities and Small Town, a John Mellencamp tribute act, to close the night. German fare and shotskis add to the fun, with food and drinks sold separately. Tickets are $15 per person. The event highlights support for a nonprofit veterans organization.

Verona’s Pizza hosts a live performance by The Lazy Lightning Band, bringing food and live music together. The show is planned outdoors, weather permitting. Open to all ages.