## Ten Chicago Concerts to Kick Off 2025
The new year brings a vibrant lineup of musical talent to Chicago. Here are ten shows showcasing diverse genres, from soul and funk to Afro-pop and bluegrass, promising to expand your musical horizons in 2025.
January 3 & 4: Fatin Dantzler & Aja Graydon at City Winery (1200 W. Randolph St.)
This inspirational soul duo, whose career launched in Philadelphia’s neo-soul scene, will perform at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Their seven albums explore the complexities of family life, drawing comparisons to iconic duos like Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo. Tickets start at $68.
January 4: Nicholas Tremulis and The Prodigals at Metro (3730 N. Clark St.)
Chicago rock veteran Nicholas Tremulis celebrates his 65th birthday with a massive cabaret-style show at 8 p.m. Featuring a 15-piece band, multimedia visuals from Collaboraction, and a DJ set by Metro owner Joe Shanahan, this benefit concert for Collaboraction’s youth music program promises to be a spectacle. Tickets start at $45.
January 9: Daniel Knox at Constellation (3111 N. Western Ave.)
Springfield native and Chicago-based songwriter Daniel Knox, known for his dark, keyboard-driven folk, will perform at 8:30 p.m. His new album, *Won’t You Take Me With You*, follows collaborations with Jarvis Cocker and a Fred Rogers tribute. Opening is Chicago singer-songwriter Lee Ketch. Tickets start at $15.
January 10: Denude at Sleeping Village (3734 W. Belmont Ave.)
Chicago-Milwaukee post-punk trio Denude will celebrate their debut album, *A Murmuration of Capitalist Bees*, with a record release show at 8 p.m. The show, sponsored by Tone Deaf Records, also features Cougars, Surgery Cult, and Ghost Forest. Tickets start at $12.
January 10 & 11: Henry Johnson at Metro (11 E. Hubbard St.)
Chicago jazz guitarist Henry Johnson, a Grammy-nominated artist who’s shared the stage with legends like Jack McDuff and Ramsey Lewis, performs at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. His work draws comparisons to Wes Montgomery and George Benson. Tickets start at $20.
January 10: Rich King at Rosa’s (3420 W. Armitage Ave.)
South Side funk and soul drummer Rich King, known for his work with Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor, will record a live album at 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. His seven-member band, Royal Hustle, blends Chicago blues, Memphis soul, New Orleans funk, and Kingston reggae. Tickets start at $20.
January 18: Jonas Friddle at Space (1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston)
Bluegrass musician Jonas Friddle, a prominent figure in Chicago’s string band scene, will debut songs from his new album, *When the Water Was the Sky*, at 8 p.m. His clawhammer banjo and plaintive vocals are sure to captivate. Tickets start at $15.
January 22: Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters at Space (1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston)
The legendary jazz-funk ensemble, best known for their groundbreaking album *Head Hunters*, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Featuring percussionist Bill Summers (the only remaining original member) alongside Donald Harrison and Mike Clark, this show promises a night of iconic jazz-funk. Tickets start at $35.
January 25 & 26: Frank Black at Metro (3730 N. Clark St.)
Pixies frontman Frank Black celebrates the 30th anniversary of his solo debut album, *Teenager of the Year*, with two shows at 7:30 p.m. He’ll perform the album in its entirety. Evanston’s Verböten will open. Tickets start at $35.
January 31: Mannywellz at The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave.)
Maryland-based Afro-pop artist Mannywellz, whose father is a Nigerian gospel singer, blends elements of Afro-pop, jazz, rock, and R&B. His socially conscious music and advocacy for DACA recipients make for a powerful performance at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30.