Pop, folk, soul, and R&B are bringing the heat
December is going to get chilly. Really, really chilly. But don’t stay at home avoiding the weather. Get out there and enjoy the great music that Chicago has to offer. Here’s a list of our favorite upcoming shows to keep your December hot!
Fitz and the Tantrums
Photo Credit: FitzandtheTantrums.com
Aragon Ballroom – December 3
Get December started off right with indie pop and neo soul band from Los Angeles. With a unique sound that is a cross between Motown, funk and bubbly pop, a Fitz and the Tantrums concert will have you dancing long after the show is over. In support of their third album released this year, Fitz and the Tantrums, the group is back on tour and love playing in Chicago.
Listen to this now: Handclap
Nathaniel Rateliff
Photo Credit: NathanielRateliff.com
The Chicago Theatre – December 7
After a breakout year in which the song “S.O.B.” was everywhere, Nathaniel Rateliff and his soul revival band, The Nightsweats, have been everywhere. Lucky for us, they will be at The Chicago Theatre on December 7. The “retro” soul music is welcome in an era where most songs are over produced. It’s going to be a long, sweaty night of music that no one will forget.
Listen to this now: S.O.B.
Pete Yorn
Photo Credit: PeteYorn.com
Park West – December 8
The singer/songwriter released his first full-length album since 2010 entitled Arranging Time earlier this year. It’s a collection of melodic folksy pop songs that stick in your head like a pleasant memory. The show on December 8 should be an elegant night full of excellently written tunes from a talented songwriter. Perfect for a first date as you will get credit for knowing a great, but relatively obscure artist.
Listen to this now: Lost Weekend
Aretha Franklin
Photo Credit: ArethaFranklin.net
The Chicago Theatre – December 17
If the Queen of Soul is coming to your town, you better make plans to go. Aretha is hands down one of the most influential and important voices in music history. She was a pioneer that fused gospel music with R&B to create the sound that is just so exhilarating to listen to. Going to this show is like going to a masters-level class in kick-ass musical history.
Listen to this now: Never Loved A Man
Mary J. Blige (with Maxwell)
Photo Credit: BET.com
United Center – December 12 and 14
One of the many artists that Aretha Franklin influenced, Mary J. is a diva in her own right. With over 50 million albums sold and hits for days, it will be hard for you not to recognize a song at this show. Go for Mary’s voice, but stick around for the performance with Maxwell, which might be worth the price of admission alone. This show is guaranteed to be heartfelt, sexy, soothing and soulful. What more do you need?
Listen to this now: No Drama