While cold weather and heavy meals might drive you indoors for a quiet nap, December’s concert calendar could convince you otherwise. Here’s just a sample of some of the top shows this month in Chicago.
Dec. 1
Ne-Hi, Landmarks, Startropics, The Hecks
Empty Bottle
21+ / Free
Twin Peaks might seem the obvious choice for local band of the year, but Ne-Hi, one of Twin Peaks favorite local acts, shuttled from nearly nothing to small-time fame themselves. The college rockers are backed by three strong Chicago acts.
Dec. 4
Shiloh, Velocicoptor, Hollow Mountain, Evasive Backflip
Emporium
21+ / Free
Chicago’s Shiloh merges kooky college rock in the vein of Pavement with Americana riffs, creating a genre they have dubbed “scum pop.” While each band on this bill creates a noticeably different sound, this free night at the Wicker Park beercade serves as a sampling of strong local acts.
Dec. 8
Justin Timberlake
United Center
All ages / $49
If you missed him in February, Justin Timberlake has since brought his 20/20 Experience tour back to Chicago to strut his suave self about the United Center once again.
Dec. 12
Danny Brown, Lucky Eck$, Matchess
Thalia Hall
17+ / $5
The tongue-waggling rapper is paired with Chicagoans Lucky Eck$ and Matchess on a Red Bull Sound Select Bill. Expect a collaboration between Brown and Lucky Eck$, and arrive early, as doors close when the venue hits capacity.
Dec. 14
Tyler, the Creator, Taco
Concord Music Hall
All ages / $30
An all-ages Odd Future show might make for a raucous night of teenage shenanigans, but if you can stomach the occasional immaturity it’s sure to be an energetic time. Tyler, the Creator’s Chicago stop is one of only a handful of shows the rapper is slotted to perform this winter.
Dec. 20
SZA, Jhene Aiko, The Internet
House of Blues
West coast soul meets east coast R&B on the ‘Enter the Void’ tour. Songstress Jhene Aiko has teamed up with supporting acts SZA and The Internet to bring a warm, intimate experience to fans across the country. If you’re looking for a place to cozy up this winter, this show is the place to be.
Dec. 20
Matt Pryor, William Beckett, Mike Kinsella, Tim Kasher, and more.
Metro
18+ / $15
Metro celebrates the holidays with We Carol Lot, a showcase of Downwright Productions artists. The evening features members of The Get-Up Kids, The Academy Is, American Football and Cursive along with caroling and raffles.
Dec. 26-27
Disco Biscuits
Concord Music Hall
18+ / $38
Boogie away that turkey and apple pie with two nights of the electro-infused jam veterans. The Disco Biscuits is the only jam band slotted for a holiday or New Years run in Chicago this year.
Dec. 30-31
American Football
Bottom Lounge
21+ / $25-45
The Illinois emo band made their grand return to touring earlier this year at Pygmalion Festival. Now, American Football is headlining four nights in Chicago, and there’s no saying when or if they will return.
Dec. 31
JEFF the Brotherhood, Juiceboxxx, The Lemons
Empty Bottle
21+ / $25
Pop punk powerhouse JEFF the Brotherhood headlines a high-energy night for the Empty Bottle’s New Year’s Eve celebration. They’re joined by local jangle-pop outfit The Lemons.
Dec. 31
Andrew W.K.
Thalia Hall
21+ / $40
Party hard with the king of positivity and fun this New Years Eve, Andrew W.K. The newly reopened Pilsen venue promises more surprises for the evening.