Chicago remains a key stop for artists touring and promoting their latest efforts. Live shows have turned into an essential key for the industry as the upcoming spring and early summer schedule discloses this to us. Divas, '80s acts, DJs, singer-songwriters, alternative bands and favorite rock groups highlight this season's concert calendar.
See www.windycitymediagroup.com for a more complete music calendar.
Are divas and big voices a part of your diet? Cher's Farewell Tour will be making a sidetrack at the United Center April 16 before the never-ending tour's final destination in LA. Aretha Franklin will be gracing the stage at the Star Plaza in Merrillville, Ind., May 7 and the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, will be packing them in April 14 at the Rosemont Theater.
Fire-haired Tori Amos' show at the Auditorium Theater April 15 will be in conjunction with promoting her latest set, The Beekeeper, and her first book, Piece by Piece. With a little more feel for the folk and country sounds, Mary Chapin Carpenter is slated to be at the Chicago Theater May 14.
Irish ubergroup U2 will have six dates in Chicago starting May 5 and then again in September. One of the main draws for concert promoters will be Bruce Springsteen's upcoming tour, which has yet to be formally announced.
British synth duo Erasure already sold out one the two nights at the Chicago Theater for 'The Erasure Show' April 29-30. With the new album Waiting for the Sirens' Call, the groundbreaking New Order will be at the Aragon on May 3.
Good luck finding a Garbage ticket, the May 4 show at the Metro sold out in a mere 10 minutes, even before the band's new album Bleed Like Me has been previewed. Alternative and electronic masterminds Client have been opening for Garbage abroad, but will be flying solo at the Empty Bottle on May 7.
If it is beats you are after, Paul Van Dyk will be spinning at the Riviera on April 16 and Moby will be there on April 23 while DJ Spooky will turn it out at the Empty Bottle on May 5.
Soul sensation Shemekia Copeland will be bringing down the house, the House of Blues that is, when she takes to the stage on June 11. Corky Siegel's Chamber of Blues will be showcasing their talents at the Old Town School of Folk Music April 30 with special guest, Marcy Levy, who collaborated with greats like Eric Clapton and Bob Seger and was in the glam-rock band Shakespeare's Sister under the stage name Marcella Detroit.
In need of a flashback? Pat Benatar continues her summer touring with a stop at the House of Blues July 6. Billy Idol will deliver his rebel yell on his Devil's Playground Tour at the Congress Theater on May 12, while Richard Butler brings the Psychedelic Furs and their heartbreak beat to the House of Blues on April 15.
Not all of the best tours are coming through Chicago, Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor will be partnering and touring abroad with Paul Rodgers formerly of Bad Company singing in the irreplaceable Freddie Mercury's place. Roxy Music recently announced that the key members of the band, save Brian Eno, are regrouping for some music festivals in the U.K. with sights on recording new material after testing the waters.
The Taste of Chicago, the festivities during Pride weekend and Halsted Street Days have not been announced yet, surely they will be headlined by outstanding acts for all.
