Are you ready for Spring? Are you ready for great music? Well, March in Chicago is blooming with awesome live shows that you shouldn’t miss.
Sting @ the Aragon Ballroom – March 3
Photo Credit: Rebecca Blissett
Can you handle seeing a music icon at one of the best venues in the city? That’s what’ll happen when Sting plays the Aragon Ballroom on March 3. To see a superstar (Sting has won 16 Grammys in his career) at such a cool venue is going to blow some minds. Sting will be joined by a three-piece crew including his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, Josh Freese on drums and Rufus Miller on guitar to promote Sting’s twelfth solo album, “57th and 9th.” The album is more rock than Sting’s more recent offerings, which will make for an energetic and lively night.
Listen to this now: I Can’t Stop Thinking About You
Kings of Leon @ United Center – March 8
The American rock band, known for the Southern drawl of its lead singer and hits like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” returns to Chicago as promised after their January appearance at the United Center was postponed. This venue is the perfect place to hear arena rock tunes from a band with 12 Grammy nominations and four wins. If you were a fan of their latest album, WALLS, you’ll love hearing it live.
Listen to this now: Waste a Moment
Mac Sabbath @ Reggies Rock Club – March 11
Do you like heavy metal? Do you like McDonalds? Well, Mac Sabbath brings both of these things together in the most senseless way. The band covers Black Sabbath’s songs with lyrics re-written to include numerous fast food references. Here’s an example to the tune of Iron Man: “Cows we’re going to grind / Hope your stomach is well lined / Do I have the gall? Chopping onions makes me bawl.” And yes, there’ll be costumes. The lead singer looks like a demented Ronald McDonald, there’s a Grimace looking bassist, the guitarist (Slayer MacCheeze) has a hamburger for a head and the drummer (Peter Criss Cut Fries) is dressed like the Hamburglar. You’ll be confused, you’ll be thrilled, you’ll be rocked. This will be the most insane show you’ll ever see.
Listen to this now: Frying Pan
Phantogram @ Riviera Theatre – March 11
This duo from New York known for their pop and trip-hop sound has been making waves since 2007 and has collaborated with the likes of A$AP Rocky, Miley Cyrus, and Skrillex to name a few. Their frequent headliner status at major festivals, including last year’s Lollapalooza as Big Grams (with Outkast’s Big Boi), goes to show that seeing them live is totally worth it. If you enjoyed their latest album, Three, you’ll be able to see them perform hits from it at the Riviera.
Listen to this now: Fall in Love
Ariana Grande @ United Center – March 14
This is one concert that parents might enjoy just as much as their kids will. The pint-sized pop star, with her signature half-ponytail, possesses a vocal range big enough to fill the United Center. She’s not just the pop-princess of the moment, Grande is the first artist to have the lead single from each of her first three albums debut in the top ten of the Hot 100. There isn’t a better singer out there. As the heir-apparent to Mariah Carey, let’s hope that Grande doesn’t end up badly lip syncing on New Year’s Eve 2035.
Listen to this now: Bang Bang
Blake Shelton @ Allstate Arena – March 17
Photo Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for via Live Nation
Everyone’s favorite country music star and judge from NBC’s The Voice is heading to the Allstate Arena for an exciting show alongside fellow The Voice alum and Team Blake member, RaeLynn. Shelton’s 2016 album, If I’m Honest, included hits like “Came Here to Forget” and “A Guy with a Girl,” and even included collaborations with love interest Gwen Stefani. Who knows, maybe she’ll make an appearance too!
Listen to this now: A Guy with a Girl
Experience Hendrix @ The Chicago Theatre – March 25
This concert is billed as the “Guitar Event of the Year.” The tour celebrates the legacy of guitar god Jimi Hendrix by packing the lineup with a plethora of big name guitarists. Among the names that will be performing at The Chicago Theatre: Chicago’s own Buddy Guy, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, along with others. Also on stage will be Billy Cox, who was the bassist for The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Who doesn’t want to see a bunch of guitar greats shredding up The Chicago Theatre?
Listen to this now: Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix
Bon Jovi @ United Center – March 26
Deep down, you know you love Bon Jovi. You might not admit it to your family or friends, but you do. “Livin’ on a Prayer” is your go-to karaoke song and you pretend to sing it ironically, but you really just love the song. And when you belt it out you picture yourself in front of thousands of people singing along with you. Well, here is your chance to be one of those thousands singing along. So, drop the ironic tones, put on a leather vest and embrace your love of Bon Jovi.
Listen to this now: Livin’ on a Prayer
