Summer may be coming to an end, but the concert calendar shows no signs of slowing down. From a Grammy-winning band who are sharing their first new album in over a decade to a bona fide movie star returning to the stage after a six-year absence, here’s a look at some of the amazing events happening in and around Chicago this August.
Alabama Shakes – Ravinia – Aug. 21
The Alabama Shakes recently announced their first new album in over a decade, I Must Be Dreaming, which will drop via Island Records on Aug. 28. Ahead of the release, Brittany Howard, Zac Crokrell, and Heath Fogg are set to perform at Ravinia in Highland Park on Aug. 21 for a special show presented by Ravinia, Q101, and XRT. What a great way to experience new music from one of the best Blues Rock bands in the business.
Tori Amos – Auditorium Theatre – Aug. 14
Rebellious Magazine favorite Tori Amos will be returning to the Auditorium Theatre on Friday, Aug. 14 in support of her new album In Times of Dragons, which was released earlier this year. We were lucky enough to be in attendance at Amos’s last stop at the Auditorium Theatre, so believe us when we say that this is the perfect venue to fully immerse yourself in the talents of Tori.
Ariana Grande – United Center – Aug. 3, 5, & 6
Wicked movie star Ariana Grande is returning to the stage with The Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first tour in six years. There’s only one venue that could host such an epic occasion and that is the United Center. Don’t miss Grande when she performs at “The House that Jordan Built” Aug. 3, Aug. 5, and Aug. 6.
Amber Mark – Thalia Hall – Aug. 1
Before taking the Allianz Stage at Lollapalooza on Aug. 2, Amber Mark will play an aftershow at Thalia Hall on Aug. 1. Chicago’s-own Ric Wilson will be serving as support so the entire evening will be full of top-tier performances.
Laura Benanti – Steppenwolf Theatre – Aug. 6-9
Following critically-acclaimed performances at Edinburgh Fringe and a pair of Off-Broadway engagements, Laura Benanti is bringing her hilarious and heartfelt one-woman comedy show Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares to Steppenwolf on Aug. 6-9. Along with engaging storytelling, the 65-minute show is filled with original songs co-written by Todd Almond.
Elsewhere in August, Kacey Musgraves is bringing the Middle of Nowhere Tour to the United Center on Aug. 20-21 and Kesha will be performing at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 29. Ravinia will host Brandi Carlile on Aug. 26 and Bonnie Raitt on Aug. 22. Jill Scott will be taking the stage at the Chicago Theatre for a three-night run on Aug. 20, 22, and 23 and Big Thief is set to perform outdoors at The Salt Shed on Aug. 13. Last, but not least, the Windy City Comedy Festival will host over 50 comedians across nine venues – including The Den, The Lincoln Lodge, and Reggies – on Aug. 6-9.
Make the most out of the final days of summer by checking out a few shows!