Stage Buzz: Traveler, Midnight Dice, Peter Hook & The Light, Franz Ferdinand, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, Demetria Taylor
Traveler appears at Reggies Saturday, August 20, with Midnight Dice
Red Hot Chili Peppers bring their funk-rap-rock stylings to Solider Field this Friday, August 19, with support from The Strokes and Thundercat. Starting back in 1983, they are the most successful alternative rock band with 14 number-one hits, 25 top-ten songs, and over 100 million records sold worldwide. And they keep the hits coming with the release of their latest album, Unlimited Love. If you want to jam out with the funky crew, grab tickets here.
Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, known for their cheeky vintage Russian avant-garde imagery and amalgamation of indie rock, dance, punk, and art rock, will play The Riviera Theatre in support of their latest compilation, Hits to the Head this Friday, August 19 at 8 PM. Tickets are available here.
Hip hop visionary Kendrick Lamar is bringing “The Big Steppers” tour to the United Center this Friday, August 19, at 7:30 PM. Throughout his successful career, Lamar has pushed the boundaries of the rap genre, spoken out on social injustices, and has never compromised his artistic vision. His latest album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, cemented his status as a defining poet of his generation. Tickets are on sale here.
Longtime and legendary New Order bassist Peter Hook and his band The Light appear at Metro Chicago Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, performing Closer and Unknown Pleasures – two classic Joy Division albums (yea he was co-founder). He’ll also include a batch of New Order favorites for you die-hards. Hook sadly had a falling out with his New Order bandmates over a decade ago, and boy do they miss his presence. Fortunately, he is carrying on a post-punk and electronic dance tradition this weekend in Wrigleyville. Both shows are sold out, but a local ticket service will hook you up.
Reggies Chicago is bringing Canadian melodic speed-metal stalwarts Traveler to the Music Joint Saturday (August 20) and Chicago’s Midnight Dice for a night of classic metal. Traveler vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud and guitarists Matt Ries’s and Toryin Schadlich’s twin guitar attack blueprints elements of Judas Priest in the best ways. Chicago-based Midnight Dice was launched in 2017 by former members of Satan’s Hallow, but the band has been on sabbatical during the pandemic. Fans of Dio, Priest, and Dokken will want to put Midnight Dice on their must-see list.
Grammy award-winning bands Korn and Evanescence will bring their summer tour to Tinley Park’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 20. Ever since their respective debuts, both Korn and Evanescence have carved out their own place in rock history. Combined, they have sold over 63 million records worldwide, and their driving force proves that rock’s not dead. If you want to check out these rock icons, you can still get tickets here. Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Blues singer Demetria Taylor, the daughter of legendary Chicago blues guitarist Eddie Taylor, will perform her first Evanston S.P.A.C.E. concert on Monday, August 22. The show doubles as an album release party for the younger Taylor’s new album, I’m Gonna Tell It. The Jus’ Blues Foundation recently awarded Taylor their “Koko Taylor Award” for outstanding female vocalists. Rising Chicago guitarist Mike Wheeler performs on the album and will join Taylor onstage. Visit evanstonspace.com for info and tickets. – Jeff Elbel
-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth (Except where noted)
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
