Stage Buzz: Less Than Jake, Mark Farner, Prairie Fest, Tyler The Creator

Florida’s Less Than Jake proves that ska punk isn’t dead. Though the band has dabbled in other genres, like pop punk and skate punk, they can’t shake their ska roots. This summer, they’ll be celebrating the beloved genre with veteran ska bands Fishbones and The Suicide Machines on their “Summer Circus” tour. The trek pulls into Chicago this weekend for two nights at Metro on June 25th and 26th. Find tickets for both nights here.

Before making his Riot Fest debut in September, the master of parody “Weird Al” Yankovic will bring his “Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour” to the Ravinia with special guest Puddles Pity Party. Join Yankovic as he performs iconic hits like “Amish Paradise,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “White & Nerdy,” “Eat It,” and “Like a Surgeon.” He’ll also bust out never-performed-live fan favorites. Expect a night of big laughs, catchy tunes, and lots of accordion. Catch the performance this Sunday, June 29th at Ravinia at 7 PM. Grab tickets while you still can.

From Odd Future hooligan to innovative artist, Tyler, the Creator’s career has been unpredictable, much like his music. Moving away from the horrorcore-based aesthetics and lyrics that defined his early work, he’s expanded his sound to incorporate elements of jazz, neo soul, and R&B. Riding high off the success of critically acclaimed Chromakopia, Tyler, the Creator will perform songs from the album along with fan favorites during his two-night stint at United Center starting Monday, June 30th to Tuesday, July 1st. Tickets are available here.

Wood Dale’s Prairie Fest is one of the better suburban festivals to arrive every summer. Part of their magic is the organizer’s often served up one of the better festival entertainment calendars in the mix. This year ‘90s rockers, Portland’s Everclear, do the honors on Friday, June 27. Other headliners include classic rockers Arra and the hip-hop party crew Too Hype Crew. The upper-tier Festival consists of a carnival, food, family-friendly events, and more. It commences on July 26 and runs through July 29.

Guitarist/vocalist Mark Farner who made his hay with legendary rockers Grand Funk Railroad in the 70s with several hit albums and FM radio staples including “I’m Your Captain (Closer To Home)” and “Bad Time,” plus “We’re an American Band” arrives at Arcada on Saturday, June 28. A huge bonus this go around in St. Charles will be his addition of Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan guitarist Skunk Baxter, who changed the face of both bands during his tenures. Tickets are available here. 

-Ashley Perez Hollingsworth and David Gedge

Tags: Mark Farner, Prairie Fest, Stage Buzz: Less Than Jake, Tyler The Creator

Category: Featured, Stage Buzz