Music is one of the highest forms of human expression. It touches the soul. It is universal. And with this in mind, you’ll be very happy to hear that this March, Chicago brings you musical thrills that will absolutely delight you.
The city offers something to suit everyone’s tastes – from R&B to rock to classical and everything in between. With venues scattered across the city, we’ve prepared this definitive guide to help you make the most out of the spectacular music scene that the city has to offer.
Let’s dive right in!
Let’s start with the classical…
The Auditorium Theater brings you the beautiful and talented Isabel Pantoja for a night of Spanish vocal delights. The singer of La Rosa Blanca will be thrilling audiences on March 15. But just 10 days later on March 25, you can enjoy the lovely Lettuce with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of awe-inspiring symphonies.
And speaking of orchestras, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will bring you Herbert Blomstedt – Dvorak Symphony No. 8 (March 9, 11, and 12), Maria Schneider Orchestra: Data Lords (March 10), Osmo Vanska – Carmina Burana (March 16, 17, and 18), Hilary Hahn (March 19), Thomas Wilkins – Coleridge-Taylor Copland & Dvorak (March 23 and 26), and Bernard Labadie – Boccherini Vivaldi & Mozart 40 (March 30). You can enjoy these sensational performances at the Symphony Center.
Meanwhile, the Wicker Park Lutheran Church brings you a candlelight evening that will feature Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more on March 11 while at the Music Box Theater, you can immerse yourself in the sounds as part of the candlelight evening with The Best of Hans Zimmer at Music Box Theatre on March 23.
Something unusual but contemporary
The Gary & Laura Maurer Concert Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music – Complex will bring you The Jayhawks on March 12, Watchhouse (Mandolin Orange) on March 16, and the soulful Ladysmith Black Mambazo all the way from South Africa on March 25.
Soul, jazz, and blues
The South Shore Cultural Center will pay a tribute to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and the divas of soul on March 17. So, if you like your jazzy vibes, this one is not to be missed and it takes place on March 17.
For the blues fans, you’ve got an entire ensemble coming to Chicago at the House of Blues. Yes, Kenia Os (March 15), Emotional Oranges – The Pulp Fiction Tour (March 17), Joshua Bassett (March 18), Our Last Night, Fame on Fire, and Rain City Drive (March 20), Gimme Gimme Disco (march 24), Steel Panther (March 25), Death to All (March 29), and Nick Cannon (March 30) will grace the stage for your sheer entertainment pleasure.
Some rock for the fans
We mentioned that there’s something for the rock fans and what better way to celebrate the band of Freddie Mercury than a candlelight tribute to Queen and more? This musical delight will take place on March 5 at the Oak Park Arts Center. It’s not to be missed!
And of course, there’s pop music, too!
Stan Mansion brings you a whole host of candlelight tributes throughout March. There will be a focus on ABBA (March 8), Beyoncé (March 9), Adele (March 10), The Bee Gees (March 11), and of course, the impressionable Taylor Swift on March 15.
Do you want to go to the seaside?
This classic number by Paulo Nutini is coming to Chicagoan audiences on March 13. It’s a laid-back atmosphere that only the Rivier Theatre provides. But that’s not all! At the same venue, you can enjoy performances by Wyes Blood (March 11), Bryce Vine (March 12), STS9 – Sound Tribe Sector 9 (March 17 and 18), Betty Who (March 21), Wilco (March 23, 25, and 26), Inhaler (March 24), Molchat Doma & Nuovo Testamento (March 30), and Snarky Puppy on March 31).
Is Musical Theater your jam?
If your jam is Musical theater, Chicago is the place to be. Here are some great shows to wow you this March!
Tina- The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring story of an amazing woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock and Roll. Set to a pulse pounding soundtrack that will have you dancing in the aisles! An electrifying production! March 7-19
Annie-The Sun Will Come Out! Don’t miss this Tony Award Winning theatrical musical for the entire family. “Annie is a great entertaining production that reminds us of the things we should not take for granted and the little things in life to be thankful for. Packed with great musical faves, you are practically guaranteed to leave the theater singing!
Luminaire; Awesome Cirque Comedy Concert.
If you want something different and cool, Luminaire is a must see!
This is a groundbreaking, immersive cabaret experience where raucous comedy, world-class singers, international cirque stars, and a 4 course feast collide. Luminaire is a fast paced whirlwind of incredible acrobatics, music and a multi-course feast to wow the senses of every guest. Luminaire is based on World War II, and the ideas of misfits and a way to escape the outside.
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Theater District, on the 14th floor of the Cambria hotel, which is morphed into an extraordinary Belgian Spiegeltent, guests will be wowed by an ever changing performance, a “cirque du smirque” if you will, that is an amazing combination of song, comedy and acrobatics. The crowd is part of the show and part of the fun.
But that’s far from all!
Other venues bringing you amazing sounds this March include the Avondale Music Hall, Beat Kitchen with its several Bluegrass Brunches throughout the month, Bottom Lounge, Cafe Brauer, and Carol’s Pub.
In addition to this, why not head over to Chop Shop or City Winery Chicago which will not only host St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the Steam Irish Quartet on March 7 but also a lineup of over 20 performances including Vanessa Carlton?
Cobra Lounge, Concord Music Hall, Constellation, and Copernicus Center also have some sensations coming over, as do Cubby Bear, Empty Bottle, Golden Dagger, Harris Theater, iO Theater, Joe’s on Weed Street, Lincoln Hall, Martyrs, Metro, Radius, Schubas, Sleeping Village, Sound-Bar, Subterranean, Thalia Hall, Theater on the Lake, The Salt Shed (featuring Iggy Pop on March 10), and Vic Theater, where Stavros Halkias will perform on March 31.
Never missing the beat
If you are already starting to feel the beat in your bones and you’re itching to enjoy some spectacular musical performances in Chicago this March, there may be just one minor detail that you’ve missed. And that’s the question of actually getting there.
With major crowds, limited or expensive parking, and a whole lot more, this is something you no longer have to worry about. This is because with Bus Connection, whether it’s you and a partner or you and an entire group – we’ve got you covered. With our range of buses and SUVs, we can pick you up and drop you off at your desired destination with no hassle whatsoever.
Simply reach out to us to see how we can simplify your life and help you have an amazing night out with one less thing to worry about!