Stage Buzz: QueensrĂżche, Blockchain Coalition, Snarky Puppy, Rise Against
Queensryche appears at Concord Music Hall Friday, March 31
Chicago alt-punk rockers Rise Against have come a long way from their humble beginnings as a local underground band. Because of their furious sound and their unwavering political commentary, it didn’t take long for the rest of the world to take notice. Now, they’re a staple of the punk rock world. To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Metro, the band will perform a three-night residency dubbed “Rise Against: Alive & Well.” The sold-out shows kick off Thursday, March 30th and wraps up Saturday, April 1st.
Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter John Mayer has spent the past nine years fronting Dead & Company. Now, he’s getting back to his root and heading out on his own Solo Tour. The night promises to be a celebration of Mayer’s prolific career performing hit singles and fan favorites. Mayer brings the tour to the United Center on Friday, March 31st at 8 PM with special guest Joy Oladokun. Tickets are available here.
Sprawling instrumental band Snarky Puppy added another Victrola statuette to their hoard of Best Contemporary Instrumental Album trophies at this year’s Grammy award ceremony. The recognition was well deserved for 2022’s soulful and joyful Empire Central, the 15th entry in the band’s catalog of multi-hyphenated output. The band fuses jazz, rock, world music, Gospel, R&B, and funk into a spirited sound that’s always fun. Sparkling brass, shimmering organ, Latin percussion, and body-moving drumbeats are anchored by founder Michael League’s gritty bass grooves in arrangements that remain tight while allowing room for free-spirited improvisation. The general admission floor of the Uptown neighborhood’s Riviera Theatre should become a bona fide dance party when the band takes the stage on Friday, March 31. – Jeff Elbel
Metal stalwarts QueensrĂżche are back in town (they played an incredible outdoor show last summer in Addison – of all places) on their Digital Noise Alliance Tour once again, making a case for their more recent catalog from the Todd La Torre era. Expect to hear cuts from their greatest classic material (Empire and Operation Mindcrime), as well their acclaimed newer music. They are live Friday, March 31, at Chicago’s Concord Music Hall.
From “Semi-Charmed Life” to their latest single, “Silverlake Neophyte,” it’s been an exciting 25 years for Third Eye Blind. While they could’ve easily fizzled out after reaching mainstream success thanks to a string of singles, they persevered, facing their share of ups and downs along the way. The band will celebrate their career during their sold-out show at The Salt Shed on Saturday, April 1st at 8 PM.
One of Chicago’s more accomplished hard rock bands of the 2000’s Veilside, have emerged with a spin-off act: Blockchain Coalition.  Featuring Veilside’s Ron Thomas and Tony Engel, the band takes the best elements of their former band adding a sensible, heavy, modern edge. Backed up by a formidable group of  local musicians (Louis Paskalides and Bob Berg of ONYX, plus lead guitarist Matt Rhodes),  the band’s Record Release show takes place at Tailgaters in Bolingbrook Saturday April 1.
After releasing their critically acclaimed debut album, When I Have Fears in 2019, The Murder Capital returned this year with their highly praised second album Gigi’s Recovery. Whereas their first album was steeped in darkness, this one finds them moving beyond the dark period and figuring out who they are as they’re thrust into adulthood. The band will perform cuts from both of their albums at their Lincoln Hall show with Pet Fox on Monday, April 6th. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Find tickets here.
-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth
Category: Featured
