Stage Buzz: Tomorrow Never Knows (TNK) Festival
Alice Longyu Gao (photo by Shu Yang)
Chicago’s premiere festival showcasing the best indie acts, both locally and internationally, Tomorrow Never Knows (TNK) returns this week. Over the course of five days, Lincoln Hall, Schubas, GMan Tavern, and Sleeping Village will feature performances from must-hear indie artists spanning various genres. This year’s lineup includes Aisha Burns, Alice Longyu Gao, Maneaters, Daybreaker, Sluice, Torres, Denali, Greg Freeman, and more. TNK starts Wednesday, January 17thand runs through Sunday, January 21st. Not sure which artists to check out? Here are some of our favorites.
Chicago hardcore outfit Buggin broke out of the local scene last year with the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Concrete Cowboys. With their playful punk energy and groovy yet aggressive sound, they quickly became one of 2023’s Bands to Watch. Now, they’ll return to their hometown for a performance to prove the hype is real. Catch them at Schubas this Thursday, January 18, at 8 PM. You can still get tickets here.
Once you hear one of Alice Longyu Gao’s songs, it’s hard to forget. In a league of her own, Gao’s music is highly experimental, incorporating elements of rock, metal, hyper-pop, electronic, and hip-hop. At times, it’s weird; at others, it’s scary, but it’s always entertaining. Alice Longyu Gao will perform at Sleeping Village on Friday, January 19 at 8:30 PM. Tickets are available here.
Chicago rockers GIRL K is trying to keep optimism alive even when it feels like the world is doomed. Kathy Patino, the frontwoman and mind behind the band, is ready to move on from tunes about heartbreak and sadness. Instead, she wants to spread messages of positivity, love, and passion with her music, which we could use more of. GIRL K will perform at Lincoln Hall with Rahill and Nabihah Iqbal on Saturday, January 20, at 9 PM. Find tickets here.
-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
