Stage Buzz: Tomorrow Never Knows Festival, Joy Oladokun, Myles Kennedy

Brassneck | January 14, 2025

Myles Kennedy performs Friday, January 17th at The Forge

Brace yourself against the January freeze to check out rising local indie artists with this year’s Tomorrow Never Knows festival. Taking place across various venues throughout the city, this year’s lineup features Half Waif, Airiel, Your Smith, Linda Sol, Maps & Atlases, Been Stellar, Manwolves, and more. Kick off your year by checking out the hottest local talent. It all starts Wednesday, January 15th, and runs through Sunday, January 19th. Get all the details here.

Ever since Joy Oladokun burst onto the scene, she’s been celebrated for her unique voice, personal lyrics, and eclectic style that blends elements of pop-folk with electronic, country, and R&B. After releasing two critically acclaimed albums, Oladokun returned last year with Observations From A Crowded Room. She’ll perform some of her latest and greatest at her sold-out show at Thalia Hall this Friday, January 17th, at 7 PM.

Guitar wizard Myles Kennedy likes to stay busy. When he’s not fronting his band Alter Bridge or laying down sick riffs with guitar legend Slash, he’s working on music for his solo career. He released his latest album, The Art Of Letting Go, last year, and now he’s ready to tear it up on stage. Catch Kennedy’s performance at The Forge in Joliet this Friday, January 17th at 7 PM. You can still grab tickets here. Read our recent cover story with Myles.

The acclaimed Chicago-based Steely Dan tribute Deacon Blues celebrates the new year annually with a show at Arcada Theatre. The band is arrives Saturday, January 18 to treat fans to its celebration of all things Steely Dan. With a great setlist of Becker & Fagan classics (“FM,” “Deacon Blues,” “Hey Nineteen, “I Got The News,” Reelin’ In The Years”) and classic Dan deep-cuts (“Pretzel Logic,” “Show Biz Kids,” “Home at Last”), founder Steven Kikoen and his all-star band (Thomas Linsk–piano & voice, Steven Kikoen–guitar & voice, Richard Patterson–bass, Paul Wertico–drums, Ben Lewis–keyboards, Jon Hey–keyboards, Cash Michael–saxophone, Tim Bales–trumpet, flugelhorn, Rich Lapka–trombone, Megan Thomas–percussion, Suzanne Cross–voice, Ebonie Taylor–voice, Jessica Hornsten–voice, Cecy Santana–voice). Use check-out code DEACON25 to save 25% at check-out.

Local Metallica tribute Damaged Justice is unique because they’re Chicago’s longest-running local tribute (led by founder Robert Masliansky) to the “founders” of the big four. Still, they have a secret weapon: a badass female Vocalist, Kristy Tallica, who makes their gigs a joyous night in recognition of Metallica’s music. They arrive at Reggies Chicago this Saturday, January 18.

-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth

Tags: Ashley Perez Hollingsworth, Damaged Justice Reggies January 18, Deacon Blues Arcada Theatre January 18 2025, Joy Oladokun, Myles Kennedy, Stage Buzz: Tomorrow Never Knows