## Chicago’s Hottest Musical Acts of Early 2025: A Diverse Lineup
The new year kicks off with a sizzling array of musical talent gracing Chicago stages. From established legends to rising stars, this diverse lineup promises to challenge musical boundaries and delight audiences of all tastes. Here are ten must-see shows spanning genres from funk and soul to Afro-pop and bluegrass:
January 3 & 4: Fatin Dantzler & Aja Graydon at City Winery
Soulful duo Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon bring their inspirational sound to City Winery. Having honed their craft since the late ’90s neo-soul movement, their seven albums showcase a unique blend of inspirational lyrics and harmonies, drawing comparisons to iconic pairings like Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo. (1200 W. Randolph St., 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $68)
January 4: Nicholas Tremulis & The Prodigals at Metro
Chicago rock veteran Nicholas Tremulis celebrates his 65th birthday with a massive cabaret-style show at Metro, a venue he’s graced nearly 100 times. This benefit for Collaboraction’s youth music program features a 15-piece band, multimedia visuals, and a DJ set by Metro owner Joe Shanahan. (3730 N. Clark St., 8 p.m., tickets from $45)
January 9: Daniel Knox at Constellation
Springfield-born, Chicago-bred songwriter Daniel Knox returns with his new album, *Won’t You Take Me With You*. Known for his dark, keyboard-driven folk songs and deep baritone, Knox, who now resides in Portugal, has collaborated with Jarvis Cocker and even provided music for David Lynch. Opening act: Lee Ketch (formerly of Mooner). (3111 N. Western Ave., 8:30 p.m., tickets from $15)
January 10: Denude’s Record Release Show at Sleeping Village
Chicago-Milwaukee post-punk trio Denude unleashes their debut album, *A Murmuration of Capitalist Bees*, at this record release show sponsored by Tone Deaf Records. Expect minimalist soundscapes, heavy sonic undercurrents, and dynamic time shifts, alongside sets from Cougars, Surgery Cult, and Ghost Forest. (3734 W. Belmont Ave., 8 p.m., tickets from $12)
January 10 & 11: Henry Johnson at Andy’s Jazz Club
Chicago jazz guitar legend Henry Johnson, a Grammy-nominated artist with a career spanning decades, performs at Andy’s Jazz Club. Having shared the stage with giants like Jack McDuff and Ramsey Lewis, Johnson’s performances are steeped in the rich tradition of Wes Montgomery and George Benson. (11 E. Hubbard St., 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., tickets from $20)
January 10: Rich King’s Royal Hustle at Rosa’s
Catch the live album recording of South Side funk and soul drummer Rich King and his seven-member Royal Hustle. King, known for his work with Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor, blends Chicago blues, Memphis soul, New Orleans funk, and Kingston reggae into a vibrant musical gumbo. (3420 W. Armitage Ave., 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., tickets from $20)
January 18: Jonas Friddle at Space (Evanston)
North Carolina native and Chicago-based bluegrass musician Jonas Friddle showcases his new album, *When the Water Was the Sky*. A multi-instrumentalist and community organizer, Friddle’s distinctive clawhammer banjo and plaintive vocals have garnered national recognition, including the 2012 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. (1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 8 p.m., tickets from $15)
January 22: Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters at Space (Evanston)
The legendary jazz-funk ensemble Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters—responsible for the groundbreaking album *Head Hunters*—returns with a performance featuring original member Bill Summers, along with Donald Harrison and Mike Clark. (1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $35)
January 25 & 26: Frank Black at Metro
Pixies frontman Frank Black celebrates the 30th anniversary of his solo debut album, *Teenager of the Year*, with two performances of the album in its entirety. Opening act: Verböten, featuring Jason Narducy (Bob Mould, Superchunk). (3730 N. Clark St., 7:30 p.m., tickets from $35)
January 31: Mannywellz at The Promontory
Maryland-based Afro-pop artist Mannywellz brings his unique blend of Nigerian influences, jazz, rock, and R&B to The Promontory. A former DACA recipient, Mannywellz is a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. (5311 S. Lake Park Ave., 7 p.m., tickets from $30)