Fleetwood Mac, Robert Plant, Slowdive among October’s concert highlights

SHARE Fleetwood Mac, Robert Plant, Slowdive among October’s concert highlights

COMPILED BY SELENA FRAGASSI | FOR SUN-TIMES MEDIA

It’s a big month for music. Here’s your calendar view for who to see, where to be each night.

Oct. 1: Paloma Faith

So far this mega British pop star has been lost in translation with American crowds, but the former burlesque dancer’s retro shtick, gospel/soul vibe and over-the-top costuming will make her hard to ignore in the long run.

Park West, 7:30 p.m. $17.50. Buy tickets.

Oct. 2: Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters

There’s still a whole lotta love for the Led Zeppelin frontman. After being engrossed in Americana with those Alison Krauss duets and with Patty Griffin in The Band of Joy, Plant returns to blues rock glory with the SSS. Go early for The Last Internationale, Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk’s new garage rock band.

Riviera, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 3: Fleetwood Mac

The “Rumours” were true — Christine McVie finally rejoins Stevie, Lindsey, John and Mick after 16 years for a proper reunion tour. Look for a classics collection and new songs from their upcoming 2015 release. (Also 10/2).

United Center, 8 p.m. $49.50-189.50. Buy tickets.

Oct: 4: Mirah

Kill Rock Stars has a habit of hunting down super talent from Bikini Kill to Elliot Smith and The Decemberists — and current label signee Mirah is their latest bait. Her adventurous pop sounds like a stripped-down tUnE-yArDs or My Brightest Diamond, which homes in on her enigmatic songwriting.

Empty Bottle, 9 p.m. $12. Buy tickets.

Oct. 5: Coheed and Cambria

Highly conceptual and high-pitched emocore rockers are Rush for a new generation. The band celebrates the reissue of their fantasy prog rock keynote “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” by playing the album in full.

House of Blues, 5 p.m. $50. Buy tickets.

Oct. 6: Buke and Gase

This duo’s handywork is not only represented in the experimental indie totems they whittle together, but also in the original instruments the sound scientists have blueprinted. Arone Dyer plays the “buke,” a six-string, former-baritone ukulele while counterpart Aron Sanchez plays the “gase,” a guitar-bass hybrid. A must see.

Empty Bottle, 9 p.m. $12. Buy tickets.

Oct. 7: Banks

Dark R&B star draws comparisons to Feist, Erykah Badu and Fiona Apple and has already been heralded as a newcomer of the year. Impressive since she’s one of the only modern artists who refuses to use social media, which makes us like her even more.

Metro, 9 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 8: Lucius

Musical mod squad features “twins” Holly and Jess who obsess over ’60s girl groups with stylized, matching outfits and gilded harmonies. Songs like the indie pop gem “Turn It Around” made them a standout at this summer’s Lollapalooza; get a little closer here.

Metro, 6:30 p.m. $21. Buy tickets.

Oct. 9: Rachael Yamagata

From heartbreak came “Happenstance,” the debut album by this former Chicagoan who got her start performing in Bumpus. To celebrate the 10th anniversary, Yamagata plays the album full and proves she was the one to transform the typical love song. (Also 10/10 at Lincoln Hall)

Schubas, 9 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 10: Big Freedia

Big Freedia wants you to get off your rump—and shake it. The self-proclaimed New Orleans “queen diva of bounce music” lives by the creed “Baby Got Back” and works it right every time with a dirty down hip-hop spectacular.

Concord Music Hall, 6:30 p.m. $18. Buy tickets.

Oct. 11: Fall Ball

It’s Logan Square’s annual homecoming dance. This fancy formal nails the awkward invitations by pairing local music alums with surprising special guests. Psych troupe Outer Minds will perform Doo-Wop and R&B with guest vocalists while the Impala Sound DJs tap Fred Schneider from the B-52s.

Logan Square Auditorium, 8 p.m. $15-20. Buy tickets.

Oct. 12: OpenICE

The International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) is on a mission to give classical music new edge. They partner with the Illinois Humanities Council to offer a free performance of new works and a piece by local composer Augusta Reed Thomas. A discussion follows.

The Hideout, 6 p.m. Free. More info.

Oct. 13: K.Flay

Kristine Flaherty was just another kid growing up in Wilmette, but once she got to Stanford University, she was challenged to try making a rap anthem as a joke. Turns out she actually liked it.

Schubas, 7 p.m. $12. Buy tickets.

Oct. 14: Jackson Browne

Before Ryan Adams comes to town this week, see forefather Jackson Browne in a career-spanning set that will pair hits like “Running on Empty” and “Take It Easy” with pensive new material from “Standing in the Breach,” Browne’s first album in six years.

Chicago Theatre, 7:30 p.m. $44.50-99.50. Buy tickets.

Oct. 15: Deicide

Even the Westboro Baptists stay away from this group. Known for its anti-Christian, anti-establishment, pro-animal sacrificing messages, the volatile Florida quartet has been both blacklisted and worshipped as one of the reigning powers of death metal. After nearly 25 years, their intensity has not waned.

Reggies, 6 p.m. $25-30. Buy tickets.

Oct. 16: Marketa Irglova

When she and Glen Hansard accepted an Academy Award for a song they composed for “Once,” Irglova declared, “Fair play for those who dare to dream.” The singer has followed that message in a meaningful solo career that still makes her the star.

Old Town School of Folk Music, 8 p.m. $25. Buy tickets.

Oct. 17: Chromeo

This Montreal electro duo sounds like they are constantly curating a “Miami Vice” soundtrack with selections from Hall & Oates, Robert Palmer and Daft Punk. They have the noise, the funk and the humor; their latest video for “Old 45s” has a cameo by Napoleon Dynamite.

Riviera, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 18: Yelle

Julie Budet is leading a French revolution of provocateur pop. You’ll probably have no idea what she’s saying but sweating it out at this surefire dance party is universal enough.

Bottom Lounge, 8 p.m. $20. Buy tickets.

Oct. 19: Alkaline Trio

Chicago’s brooding emo punk rockers are wrapping up a four-night residency where they play their eight albums in full; let’s hope they’ve saved the best (1998’s debut Goddamit) for last. (Also 10/16-19).

Metro, 6 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 20: Gossling

Not to be confused with Ryan; the Australian singer-songwriter Helen Croome’s own notebook is full of sprite love songs and lots of charm-schooling reminiscent of Lenka and Ingrid Michaelson. Like them, look for Gossling’s voice to be all over movies and TV soon.

Schubas, 8 p.m. $10. Buy tickets.

Oct. 21: King Diamond

The hell-raiser returns after a 10-year dry spell. With the gory makeup of Alice Cooper, the near range of Dio and a whole canon of songs beginning with his time as the singer of ’80s group Mercyful Fate, the Danish heavy metal icon is ready to reclaim the stage.

Vic, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 22: Sinead O’Connor

A good three decades into her career, not much compares to Sinead. The always ribbing Irish singer has loads to say about the church, government and womanhood but does so with such wistful words and careful melodies that you can’t help but listen. (Also 10/19-20).

City Winery, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 23: Method Man & Redman

It’s not the first time these two hip-hop giants have come together. The Wu-Tang member and Def Jam artist have collaborated on albums before, but this new Smokers Club World Wide Rollers tour will be a mouthful. Chicagoan Mick Jenkins is up first.

Concord Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. $25-75. Buy tickets.

Oct. 24: The Pretty Reckless

Taylor Momsen has come a long way from playing little Jenny Humphrey on “Gossip Girl.” As the frontwoman of this devilish hard-rock band, she balances Courtney Love’s raging babydoll phase with The Runaways’ tell-it-like-it-is songwriting and has the leaded pipes to knock you out.

House of Blues, 5:30 p.m. $17. Buy tickets.

Oct. 25: Rhye

A year ago, the singer threw everyone for a loop thinking those sultry backing vocals were from a female who really liked Sade and the xx. Turns out it’s just Mike Milosh’s high contralto range. Now with less mystery behind him, it’s time to uncover his real story.

Vic, 8 p.m. $32.50. Buy tickets.

Oct. 26: Hozier

He said “Take Me to Church” and people practically made him the pope. The Irish native came out of nowhere with his explosive hit and a provocative video (5 million views and counting) that spoke out for gay rights. With a style rooted in Americana and gospel and that booming voice, there’s plenty more to come from this pulpit.

Metro, 9 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 27: Courtney Barnett

This is probably the fourth time Barnett has been in Chicago since the spring, so there’s no excuses not to see her. Her deadpan songs about wheezing and diary guilt fall somewhere in the middle of Bob Dylan, Liz Phair and Funny or Die.

Metro, 8 p.m. $16. Buy tickets.

Oct. 28: Ghoul Group Chicago

The ladies-only cover band has both tricks and treats in store for a very special Halloween edition of their popular revue. Made up of 20 musicians who love ’60s kitsch and big hair and fashion, they’ve already nailed the costume.

The Hideout, 9 p.m. $5. Buy tickets.

Oct. 29

Skip the music tonight and take in one of the haunted houses before it’s too late.

Oct. 30: Slowdive

It’s only been a few months since Pitchfork, but who isn’t ready for more Slowdive? Ever since the Reading group reunited, no sweeter words have been spoken. The shoegaze masters pair languid atmospherics with distorted production for a loungey, space-age vibe.

Vic, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.

Oct. 31: Halloween Bash

Happy Halloween! Double Door brings together their 18th annual costume/covers party with Rebel Rebel playing David Bowie, AM Taxi as The Kinks, The Noise FM as The Police, Blackbox taking over Oasis and Hessler going as Guns N’ Roses.

Double Door, 8 p.m. $10-20. Buy tickets.

Selena Fragassi is a local freelance writer.

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