Stage Buzz: John Mellencamp, R&B Music Experience, Black Flag, The Great Pretenders, Windy City Jazz Electric

Brassneck | April 12, 2023

Brian McKnight appears at Wintrust Arena on April 14

When you’re a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer like John Mellencamp, it’s easy to rest on your laurels and coast off your biggest hits. Yet, Mellencamp has no interest in becoming a legacy act and is still pumping out new music. His latest album, 2022’s Strictly a One-Eyed Jack marked his 24th (!!) release. He’ll play a collection of new tracks, plus classic tunes during his three-night stint at the Chicago Theatre starting Thursday, April 13th. You can still get tickets here.

R&B Music Experience Chicago returns for its second edition featuring more iconic acts from the genre. This year’s stacked lineup includes Xscape, Brian McKnight, SILK, El DeBarge, 112, and H-Town. It all goes down Friday, April 14th at the Wintrust Arena. You still have time to get tickets.

Acclaimed Chicago-based Pretenders tribute, The Great Pretenders, come to the Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines on Friday, April 14. Suzanne Cross does Chrissie Hynde proud as lead vocalist, and she’s backed by an all-star band that includes members of local stalwarts Deacon Blues. Tickets are available here.

LA Punk pioneers Black Flag are touring in support on the 40th Anniversary of their acclaimed My War album. After several years of legal wrangling with their record label, My War produced one of the great album sides from the LA (’70s/’80s) punk era, meshing Sabbath-y riffs with Rollins’ primal screams. North siders get a chance to see them at Avondale Music Hall in Chicago on Friday (April 14) and Saturday April 15 in Hobart, IN at Art Theatre.

Before the emo explosion of the mid-2000s, there was Sunny Day Real Estate. Their 1994 debut Diary is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and one that helped shape the Midwest Emo genre. Having reunited for a fourth time, the band will bring their “Midwest and More” tour to the Metro for a sold-out show on Saturday, April 15th with The Appleseed Cast. Doors open at 6 PM.

Windy City Jazz Electric an all-star collective of musicians with amzing resumes (featuring former members of Miles Davis Band, Pat Metheny Band, Lady Smith Black Mambazo, Tito Puente Band), appear at Focus on The Arts in Highland Park on Monday April 17. Tickets are free – but reservation is required.

Ashley Perez – Hollingsworth