Attention Chicago music fans: You need to act quickly if you want a shot at buying tickets to Beyoncé’s upcoming Soldier Field shows as part of the singer’s newly announced “Renaissance” 2023 World Tour.

In a Wednesday morning Instagram post, the 28-time Grammy winner announced she was taking her latest album “Renaissance” on a world tour set to kick off May 10 in Stockholm, Sweden. The tour, originally stopping in Chicago on July 22, has added a second show for July 23, according to Ticketmaster.

And although an official general public ticket sale date has not yet been announced, there is one deadline coming up Chicago fans will need to adhere to if they want to see Queen Bey in concert: The deadline to register as a “Verified Fan.”

“Beyoncé is using Verified Fan to help fans get tickets,” Ticketmaster parent company Live Nation says, on a site dedicated to Beyoncé’s tour. “Verified Fan requires registration to help filter out buyers looking to resell tickets and create a less crowded ticket shopping experience for fans.”

According to Live Nation, all hopeful ticket buyers — presale or not — must register with Ticketmaster to become a “Verified Fan.” However, as Taylor Swift fans hoping to get tickets to “The Eras Tour” may remember, “registration does not guarantee tickets,” Live Nation says, adding that demand is expected to be high.

“We expect there will be more demand than there are tickets available and a lottery-style process will determine which registered Verified Fans receive a unique access code and which are put on the waitlist,” the site reads.

Additionally, “Verified Fan” registration deadlines vary by city.

For those wishing to buy tickets to Beyoncé’s tour stop in Chicago, registration is currently open – but not for long. It closes at 10:59pm CST Thursday.

After registering to become a “Verified Fan,” Ticketmaster must “authorize” your account, the company says. Users can then expect to receive an email from Ticketmaster confirming that their registration has been recorded.

“This email is to confirm we have received your registration information,” one such email obtained by NBC 5 reads. “You’ll receive an email on Friday, February 10 confirming next steps.”

However, registering for the “Verified Fan Onsale” does not guarantee access to the sale, the email says. “Since we expect demand to exceed the number of tickets available, some people who register will be put on the waitlist,” the email reads.

And, while those who are granted access to the sale may have a better shot at securing tickets, nothing is guaranteed, Ticketmaster stresses.

“Being invited to the Verified Fan Onsale doesn’t guarantee tickets,” the email reads. “Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Finally, one day prior to the sale, “Verified Fans” can expect to receive an email that indicates whether they’ve been invited to the sale, or whether they’ve been waitlisted, Ticketmaster says.

Confused? Here’s a recap:

• Beyoncé’s tour has two Chicago dates: July 22 and July 23 at Soldier Field
• Fans wishing to buy tickets to Beyoncé’s Chicago show must first register to become a Ticketmaster “Verified Fan” by 10:59 pm Thursday. Here’s how to do that.
• Fans wishing to buy tickets to a show in a different city must check this site to see when registration opens
• Registered and authenticated “Verified Fans” on Feb. 10 will receive more information about next steps, Ticketmaster says

What To Know About Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” World Tour

Following stops in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Amsterdam, Germany and Poland, Beyoncé will hit North America, beginning with a July tour date in Toronto.

The 41-year-old singer is set to come to Soldier Field in Chicago on July 22, with a second date newly added, on July 23.

The tour also includes stops in Miami, Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Houston and New Orleans. A full list of tour dates and global cities can be found on Beyoncé’s official website.

Here are the current tour dates and cities for the North American leg of the “Renaissance” tour:

July 8 — Toronto, CA @ Rogers Centre

July 12 — Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field

July 15 — Nashville, TN at Nissan Stadium

July 17 — Louisville, KY at Cardinal Stadium

July 20 — Minneapolis, MN at Huntington Bank Stadium

July 22 — Chicago, IL at Soldier Field

July 26 — Detroit, MI at Ford Field

July 29 — East Rutherford, NJ at Metlife Stadium

July 30 — East Rutherford, NJ at Metlife Stadium

Aug. 1 — Foxborough, MA at Gillette Stadium

Aug. 3 — Pittsburgh, PA at Acrisure Stadium

Aug 5 — Washington, DC at FedexField

Aug 6 — Washington, DC at FedexField

Aug 9 — Charlotte, NC at Bank Of America Stadium

Aug. 11 — Atlanta, GA at Mercedes Benz Stadium

Aug. 12 — Atlanta, GA at Mercedes Benz Stadium

Aug. 16 — Tampa, FL at Raymond James Stadium

Aug 18 — Miami, FL at Hard Rock Stadium

Aug. 21 — St. Louis, MI at Dome at America’s Center

Aug 24 — Phoenix, AZ at State Farm Stadium

Aug 26 — Las Vegas, NV at Allegiant Stadium

Aug 30 — San Francisco, CA at Levi’s Stadium

Sept. 2 — Inglewood, CA at Sofi Stadium

Sept. 3 — Inglewood, CA at Sofi Stadium

Sept 11 — Vancouver, BC at BC Place

Sept 13 — Seattle, WA at Lumen Field

Sept 18 — Kansas City, KS at Arrowhead Stadium

Sept 21 — Arlington, TX at AT&T Stadium

Sept 23 — Houston, TX at NRG Stadium

Sept 23 — Houston, TX at NRG Stadium

Sept 27 — New Orleans, LA at Caesars Superdome

Appropriations for a phased project to install three roundabouts along Darrel Road in Wauconda Township over the next two years have been approved by the Lake County Board.

The project will address long-standing safety concerns on the western Lake County roadway, with its accesses to routes 12 and 176, by alleviating angled crossroads and poor sightlines, officials said.

The County Board set aside $8.1 million for the project’s first phase, encompassing the staggered intersections of Case and Neville roads which connect with Darrell Road. The plans call for installing a roundabout, as well as straightening a 1.3-mile stretch of Darrell Road itself. The Lake County Division of Transportation is the lead agency for the construction and oversight.

“The preliminary engineering for this phase started back in 2014, and the estimated cost is closer to $7 million, with a slight cushion for intangibles,” said Julian Rozwadowski, the county’s project manager. “We are targeting the construction for a start in May, pending land acquisition. It’s going to take a full construction season, and be substantially complete by November.”

The staggered intersections of Case and Neville roads are depicted by County signage on Darrell Road. Construction of a roundabout is expected to start in May of this year, and be completed by November. (Gregory Harutunian/Lake County News-Sun)

The county already has an intergovernmental agreement in place with Wauconda Township to handle snowplowing and repairs on the township routes where they intersect with Darrell Road and the roundabout.

“We’ve already signed off to vacate the right-of-ways for easements, and our jurisdiction for plowing and such goes up to, and away from, the roundabouts,” said Scott Weisbruch, the township’s highway commissioner. “These improvements really started coming together about five years ago. It will slow people down, and control the flow of traffic.

“It’s so dangerous,” he said

Vehicle traffic on Darrell Road, from Wauconda to Lakemoor, with routes 176 and 120 as endpoints, is heavy. Rozwadowski said that current traffic numbers are estimated at 10,000 users daily. It is expected to nearly double within the next 20 years.

“The acute intersection angles of Case Road, Neville Road, Dowell Road, and Fisher Road that all connect with Darrell road present a true safety concern that the roundabouts can answer,” he said. “During our study period, we saw 48 crashes, and they included seven injury crashes, over a five-year period.”

The most serious issue is with Dowell Road and an intersection with Darrell Road at a 45-degree angle. Dowell Road, and nearby Fisher Road, are both slated for roundabout upgrades to start tentatively in April 2024, with a completion date by that November.

“Our latest cost estimate for that phase is $9.25 million, and it’s currently included in our Transportation Improvement Program,” Rozwadowski said.

An engineer’s rendering shows the realignment of Darrell and Dowell roads, correcting an angled crossroad intersection which had safety issues. (Gregory Harutunian/Lake County News-Sun)

He also said the roundabout project for Case and Neville roads will go to the bidding process in mid-March, with the job order selection coming soon after.

“We’ve been waiting to see this happen, for a long time,” said Lincoln Knight, the Wauconda Township supervisor. “They’ve had four public hearings on this, and this is a tremendous safety issue to take care of. I believe people will be very happy with the results when it’s finished.”

Marmots at early morning celebrations Thursday across the country will be hoisted up in observance of Groundhog Day — the day that, according to ancient European lore, marks approximately six weeks until spring.

And according to Punxsutawney Phil, it’s looking to be a long, cold six weeks.

But in the Chicago area, we’re still waiting for one local groundhog to awaken from his slumber and predict the weather from precisely the same McHenry county spot that, in 1993, Bill Murray did when he delivered the forecast as Phil Connors in the cult classic film ‘Groundhog Day.’

Move over, Gobbler’s Knob: Since Wednesday, Woodstock, Illinois, located about 60 miles northwest of Chicago, has been hosting the town’s annual multi-day ‘Groundhog Days’ festival, which celebrates the iconic 1993 movie that was filmed all throughout the town.

The festival features numerous events including showings of the film, a talk with screenwriter Danny Rubin, groundhog trivia, a pub crawl, “Groundhog Day” movie walking tours, and of course, Woodstock Willie’s official groundhog prognostication at 7 am

“If he sees his shadow, it means there will be 6 more weeks of winter,” organizers say. “And if he doesn’t see his shadow, it means we will have an early spring.”

To wake Woodstock Willie from his “winter nap,” the event will include a familiar sounding Polka band playing in a familiar looking square.

“This is our re-enactment of the Groundhog Day ceremony that as a weatherman, Bill Murray reported on; over and over again,” according to organizers. “That scene from the movie was filmed right here on the Woodstock Square.”

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team — which does not include a groundhog meteorologist — Thursday is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high temperature of around 31 degrees. But with a morning in the 20s, it will be much chillier, so “don’t forget your booties cause it’s coooooold out there!”

What Happens if the Groundhog Sees its Shadow?

Groundhog Day, on Feb. 2, is both a timing milestone — marking six weeks until spring — and a tale of folklore, which can be dated back to the fifth century, a post from the National Weather Service says.

Around that time, the NWS says, the “European Celts believed that animals had certain supernatural powers on special days that were halfway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.”

“Folklore from Germany and France indicated that when marmots and bears came out of their winter dens too early, they were frightened by their shadow and retreated back inside for four to six weeks,” the post continues. “This was adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day. When Christianity came into being, the formerly pagan observance also came to be called Candlemas.”

The earliest known American reference to Groundhog Day, the NWS says, was in a Morgantown, Pennsylvania shopkeeper’s journal entry dated Feb. 4, 1841.

“Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap,” the entry reads. “But if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”

The rest, as they say is history — both meteorological and on the big screen.

Dear Amy: I’m a 41-year-old man. My wife is 34.

We’ve been married for 15 years. We have two children, ages 14 and eight.

Our marriage has been difficult, mainly due to my PTSD from Iraq and an opioid addiction. Once I got sober, I shut out the world.

I was an avoidant parent.

My wife stuck with me through all of this, but 18 months ago she confessed to a short-lived affair.

We’ve decided to reconcile. I’ve since changed as far as being avoidant, she’s changed and made great efforts, but I’m so profoundly affected by her affair that I tend to get stuck and have a hard time getting through the day without being angry or sad.

I know I was a crappy husband. She wasn’t perfect either, but this whole thing about her stepping out of that marriage is crushing.

I’m trying to forgive, she’s working hard on everything, and yet I often feel very empty and lonely, as well as angry.

We’ve had counseling for about 14 months, but I feel like I need to find healing for me, not just the marriage.

I’m finding it very difficult. Any advice?

– J

Dear J: You are objectively presenting your own challenges and the extreme impact – over many years – on your family. Your wife stuck with you throughout this ordeal. She doesn’t seem to be blaming you for your own extreme challenges, and you seem to be trying very hard not to blame her for hers.

You definitely need healing – for you. You don’t mention what, if any, treatment you’ve had for your PTSD, but I urge you to start, continue, or resume treatment. Ideally this would involve talk therapy with a counselor trained in working with servicemembers. Loneliness, emptiness, sadness, isolation, and especially anger are all residual effects of PTSD, and private as well as group counseling with other veterans would help you to continue to heal.

I hope you can see this healing as a process for all of you. And it will take time.

To me, you seem like a fierce and resilient survivor. I hope you can learn to see yourself that way, too.

You can connect with local services for veterans by going through the VA. You can also get immediate help by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. A counselor would guide you through the process of finding the best support for you.

(Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number: 800-273-8255 and press 1, by text at 838255, and through chat on the website: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).

Dear Amy: I am a man in mid-life. My wife and I get along very well and co-parent our three children.

My wife keeps busy outside of our jobs and family life with friends and occasional pickleball matches. She seems to be thriving.

Me? Not that much.

I’m deep into the blahs, and I’m not sure what to do about it. My friends and I don’t seem to jell with each other the way my wife and her friends do.

I’m looking for ideas on how to enhance my life.

Your thoughts?

– In the Blahs in Mid-life

Dear Blahs: I prescribe regular exercise, whether it is on your own or with a group. If you sing or play an instrument, a “dad band” might be a fun diversion. Check social media for posting.

Pickleball is all the rage for a reason. It’s fun, fairly easy to play, and if you’re with the right group that isn’t too crazily competitive, it will get your heart racing without being too stressful.

You and your wife might not be able to play mixed-doubles because of your parenting duties, but you should look into whether this sport could help to pull you out of your blahs.

Dear Amy: Responding to “Controlled Husband,” many years ago, about a month into my father’s retirement (when we were all sitting down at the dinner table) my mother said, “Honey, I married you for better or worse. But not for lunch.

I want you to go to your studio, (he was an artist), for at least four hours a day. I don’t care what you do there. Read the paper, paint, have an affair. anything. Just please get out of the kitchen.”

– Fond Daughter

Dear Daughter: I felt so sorry for this retired man, whose wife was insisting that he stay out of the house for most of the day. I assume your mother’s message was well-received and helpful.

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, PO Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)

Wednesday marks the start of Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and struggles of African Americans throughout US history.

Chicago carries special ties to the event, as the concept was created by University of Chicago grad Cater G. Woodson, known as “The Father of Black History,” in 1926. What began as a week-long observance grew over time to a month -long and is now celebrated worldwide.

There are various ways to celebrate the month and educate yourself on Black history. For those looking to honor Black History Month in Chicago, here are a few of the many ways to do so.

See the History

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: DuSable is the country’s first independent museum focused on the history of African American culture. Located in the Washington Park area, the facility is home to more than 15,000 unique artifacts.

To learn more, see here.

A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum: This Pullman-area museum is the only one in the nation focused on African American’s contributions to labor history. Though focused primarily on the history of the Pullman Company and The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (Pullman Porters), they offer other attractions such as a Great Migration Trail tour.

To learn more, see here.

Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Bust: Jean Baptise Pointe DuSable, a Haitian of African and French descent, is known as Chicago’s founder and the first non-native person to settle in the city. In his honour, a bronze bust sits on the Magnificent Mile along the Chicago River, where his trade post is thought to have been established.

To learn more, see here.

Support Black-Owned Businesses, Restaurants and Artists

Ain’t She Sweet Cafe: This quaint neighborhood cafe specializes in fresh food, offering a variety of sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, and more. With two locations on Chicago’s South Side, one in Bronzeville and the other in Beverly, it’s safe to say that Ain’t She Sweet is a fan favorite.

To learn more, see here.

Truth Italian Restaurant: Located in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Truth Italian is a rising star. Though known for their soulful brunch dishes, the restaurant offers a myriad of delicious lunch options. Be sure to arrive early on weekends, as they do not take reservations.

To learn more, see here.

14 Parish Restaurant and Rum Bar: This Hyde Park eatery specializes in Caribbean inspired cuisine and cocktails. The lively restaurant offers a wide variety of unique rums, and stays open until 1am Thursday through Saturday, making this the perfect late-night spot.

To learn more, see here.

Black Ensemble Theatre: Founded by actress and playwright Jackie Taylor, the Black Ensemble Theater is an innovator in the African American arts community. The theater, located in the Uptown neighborhood, is known for their lively musical performances.

To learn more, see here.

Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center: Little Black Pearl is an art focused non-profit organization serving Chicago’s Kenwood, Woodlawn, and Bronzeville neighborhoods. Located in Kenwood, the 4000 square foot facility is host to a variety of musical performances, poetry readings, art exhibitions, and more.

To learn more, see here.

Connect Gallery: Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Connect was originally created as a pop-up in conjunction with the renowned Silver Room Block Party. However, it eventually grew into a storefront gallery, and now hosts a plethora of up-and-coming local Black artists.

To learn more, see here.

Celebrations in Chicago have kicked off for the start of Black History Month, which is marked by this year’s theme, “Black Resistance.”

Members of the Black Heroes Matter Coalition on Wednesday crowned a bust of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, who is recognized as the first permanent non-indigenous settler of Chicago.

“Black History Month is important to me as an African American, but it’s also important to the world,” said Michael Bennett, associate professor of sociology at DePaul University. “Unfortunately, we look at our mass media, we don’t see a lot of positive things about African Americans, and we need an opportunity to express, to explain the contributions that African Americans have made.”

The origins of Black History Month begin with scholar and educator Carter G. Woodson, who launched “Negro History Week” in 1926, a concept later expanded to the Black History Month that we know today. Woodson is a graduate of the University of Chicago and is the second Black American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

Woodson in 1915 founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which is now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the organization that sets the annual theme for Black History Month.

“Black history is of great importance to non-Blacks, those who need to understand and know the contributions that African Americans have made here, oftentimes under great duress,” Bennett said.

Bennett said Black history education has always been challenged one way or the other — whether it be aggressively or passively.

A newly proposed Advanced Placement course on African American studies has recently drawn backlash from officials like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who threatened to ban the course in the state.

“It’s a wakeup call to those who are educators, to those who are interested in the expansion of knowledge about racial and ethnic groups in this country, so we have to confront it head on,” Bennett said.

The arrival of 2023 brought the departure of so many noted names to an unwelcome milestone to start the new year.

Actor Adam Rich and guitarist Jeff Beck, along with actress Carole Cook and singer Lisa Marie Presley, are among some who died in January 2023.

The death of Cindy Williams at age 75, and forever associated with her title role of ABC’s “Laverne & Shirley,” was announced on Monday, although her family later reported the actress had died earlier in the month on Jan. 25 “following a brief illness.”

I met and interviewed Williams a few times and she was always kind, forthright and never refused any questions. Our first encounter was in 2000 backstage at Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, when she was appearing in a national touring production of the musical “Grease,” cast as high school principal Miss Lynch, opposite her former love interest TV co-star Eddie Mekka as the radio DJ character. Mecca, who died in 2021 at age 69, played Carmine Ragusa in “Laverne & Shirley.”

Actress Cindy Williams attends a premiere at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on April 6, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images North America/TNS)

In 2007, cable network TV Land toyed with the idea of ​​a reality show with the pilot series called “Penny and Cindy,” which planned to have Williams reunited with her “Laverne & Shirley” co-star Penny Marshall living in a LA mansion. Marshall, like Williams, died at age 75 but five years prior in December 2018. Most intriguing about the planned reality series project was the uneasy idea of ​​having the two actresses paired together once again on the small screen, after what was reportedly a feuding relationship 25 years earlier during the final seasons of “Laverne & Shirley,” which boasted 150 episodes before it was canceled in 1983.

“Laverne & Shirley” was a spin-off series launched in 1976 from the hit show “Happy Days.” Produced by Marshall’s brother Garry Marshall, by the final seasons of the show, Williams and Marshall barely spoke to one another on the set when not filming, as Williams once told me. Mecca also told me in an interview: “I always just tried to stay out of the line of fire.”

Both actresses already had successful careers prior to their shared series legacy playing their title roommate characters, which seemed to be a true on-screen chemistry. Williams had even been considered as one of the actresses George Lucas envisioned for the role of Princess Leia for the “Star Wars” film franchise, before Carrie Fisher was cast as the character.

As for the strife on the set of “Laverne & Shirley,” Williams and Marshall competed about everything from the size of their dressing rooms to counting how many lines each actress had in the script of each weekly episode. Williams blamed Garry Marshall for preferential treatment of his sister, and Penny Marshall blamed Williams’ husband at the time, singer and producer Bill Hudson (the couple divorced in 2000), for interfering with contract negotiations in hopes he would be given position as a co – producer for the series.

FILE – Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida shows the Silver Bear Award she accepted on behalf of her ‘dearest friend’ Anna Magnani during the prize giving ceremony at the end of West Berlin’s 36-nation Film Festival on July 8, 1958. Lollobrigida has died in Rome at age 95. Italian news agency Lapresse reported Lollobrigida’s death on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 quoting Tuscany Gov. Eugenio Giani. (AP Photo/Heinrich Sanden Jr., File) (Henry Sanden Jr./AP)

Reader Evelyn LaHaie, the Gary talent producer who The Jackson Family acknowledges as the clever show biz promoter who named their group the Jackson Five, wrote to me after the death of Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida at age 95 on Jan. 16.

“So many people forget Gina Lollobrigida not only gave us all of her great films, about also a popular hair-do craze in the 1950s called ‘the poodle cut’ which every gal had to have, including myself,” LaHaie said.

LaHaie included newspaper clippings of herself sporting the Gina-inspired hairstyle on the cover of Sept. 7, 1958 “Panorama” Sunday lifestyles features section of The Post-Tribune. LaHaie’s pictorial was published to promote “The Gary Artists League Annual Masquerade Ball” which was set to be held on Sept. 27 that year as the Hotel Gary.

“Late Nite Catechism” played at the Theater at the Center in Munster on Jan. 29. Mary Zentmyer starred as Sister, who takes audience members — her students — back in time to when they were learning about the saints and more. – Original Credit: Handout (Stoneham Theater / HANDOUT)

Actress Mary Zentmyer, in the habit guise of snarky stage nun Sister Mary for a 30th Anniversary performance of the long-running Chicago hit “Late Nite Catechism,” hit the stage for a sold-out audience at Theater at the Center in Munster on Jan 29. She also used her final bow and a curtain speech to raise money for a wonderful cause.

Following the performance, Zentmyer asked the audience for “loose cash” donations for the retired nuns at St. Mary-of-the-Woods in Terre Haute, where Zentmyer’s great aunt lived as one of the Sisters of Providence. I’m pleased to report that more than $1,000 was raised from the audience generosity and the funds have already been mailed of this worthy cause. By the way, Zentmyer has been performing as a “Late Nite Catechism” stage now for 27 of the 30 years the show has been in existence, and was trained by the show’s co-creators Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theater at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.

With over 250 live music venues, Chicago is a coveted destination for touring musicians. On any given night, up-and-coming talent and world-renowned artists of genres spanning blues, rock, hip hop, R&B, metal, indie, pop, and jazz take to stages across the city.

The 2023 Chicago concert lineup has something for all spectrums of musical tastes at a diverse array of venues, from iconic music halls to under-the-radar neighborhood stages. Here’s a list of just a few of the can’t-miss Chicago concerts happening this year.

Concerts at House of Blues

Chicago’s famous House of Blues in the heart of combining downtown soaring architecture and a welcoming down-home atmosphere, with a prolific line-up of musical acts all year long.

• Ari Lennox on March 8: This self-made R&B songstress, signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville imprint, brings her headlining Age/Sex/Location tour to the House of Blues.
• Emotional Oranges on March 17: Chicago will be a stop on Emotional Oranges’ Pulp Fiction tour. The LA-Based R&B duo takes inspiration from The Weeknd and Lauryn Hill with songs ranging from slow jams to smoky disco.
• Bacilos on May 14: This hit band is bringing their brand of Latin pop to the House of Blues during their Back in the USA’23 tour.

Concerts at Auditorium Theatre

This National Historic Landmark, known for its jaw-dropping interior, boasts a diverse line-up of events throughout the year, including ballet, speakers, and live music. Check out some shows coming to the Auditorium Theatre.

• The National on May 19 – 21: The alternative band, fresh off recording a new album, will be spending three nights at the Auditorium with opening act Soccer Mommy.

Concerts at The Salt Shed

Chicago’s newest music venue, The Salt Shed, promises concertgoers a state-of-the-art sound system inside the newly renovated historic structure of the former Morton Salt Factory Warehouse. Don’t miss The Shed’s inaugural indoor season with these exciting shows.

• masego on March 24. The Capitol Records artist is both a powerful vocalist and a saxophonist known as the best of a generation.
• Nils Frahm on April 23: Nils Frahm is bringing his unconventional blend of classical and electronic music to The Salt Shed this spring, featuring his new album Music for Animals.
• hippo campus on May 24: The indie rock band will appear at The Salt Shed with opening act Gus Dapperton. Their spirited music and the feel-good shows bring lots of energy.

The Salt Shed; Photo by Sandra Steinbrecher

Concerts at United Center

The giant arena that’s home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks consistently draws some of the biggest musical acts. Catch some of these iconic names making tour stops at the United Center.

• Muse on Feb 25: Grammy-winning rock and psychedelic group Muse will bring their exhilarating show to Chicago’s United Center, featuring Evanescence and ONE OK ROCK.
• New Edition on March 23: The iconic multi-platinum-selling group New Edition returns to the United Center. Their Legacy tour features guests Keith Sweat, Guy, and Tank for an epic ’80s and ’90s dance party.
• Blink-182 on May 6 and 7: Multi-platinum pop punk band Blink-182 is reuniting for the first time in 10 years and will grace the United Center stage. Dynamic rock band Turnstile will open.
• Lizzo on May 17: The iconic pop star will be bringing the feel-good jams from her second album to the United Center, with special guest Latto.

Concerts at Aragon Ballroom

The historic Aragon Ballroomsituated in Uptown’s entertainment district, first opened in 1926. Today, the space is still truly one-of-a-kind, with colorful vintage architectural details and a thoroughly modern music line-up.

• Steve Aoki on Feb. 24: The famous electronic dance artist will bring his Hiroquest: Genesis tour to the Aragon Ballroom.
• JID on March 21: High energy rap artist JID will perform with opening act Smino on his Luv Is 4ever tour.
• Kali Uchis on May 15: R&B singer/songwriter Kali Uchis is coming to Chicago to promote her upcoming album, Red Moon in Venus.

Kingston Mines

Concerts at Soldier Field

This historic lakefront stadium plays host to an array of iconic events throughout the year. Its epic size makes Soldier Field a must-stop venue for touring musicians from around the world, including many of music’s biggest names.

• Taylor Swift on June 2 –4: The legendary singer will make a stop in Chicago on her Eras tour for three unforgettable nights at Soldier Field. Keep an eye on her talented opening act, Girl in Red.
• Ed Sheeran on July 29: Multi-Grammy award-winning global superstar Ed Sheeran will play Soldier Field this summer. The Mathematics tour will be his first across North America since his record-breaking 2018 Divide Tour. Multi-platinum artist Kahlid and singer Cat Burns will join him.
• Metallica on Aug 9: Legendary metal group Metallica will perform at Soldier Field for three nights during their upcoming world tour. Their shows are known for amazing visuals and sound.

Concerts at Wrigley Field

Summer isn’t complete without a concert at Wrigley Field. While the Chicago Cubs are away, the iconic ballpark is host to an array of top musical acts. Come enjoy an unforgettable show inside the Friendly Confines.

• Dead & Company on June 9 – 10: Dead & Company, the modern-day incarnation of The Grateful Dead, will play two shows at Wrigley Field on June 9 and 10 as part of their final tour.
• P NK on Aug. 12: With a new album coming out soon, P!NK will take to the road this summer with special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, GROUPLOVE, and KidCutUp.
• Morgan Wallen on June 22 and 23: This rising country star, known for his time on The Voice, will play two nights at Wrigley Field with special guests Ernest and Bailey Zimmerman.

Concerts at Huntington Bank Pavilion

Huntington Bank Pavilion is an open-air amphitheater on lakefront Northerly Island that has become a fan favorite for outdoor concerts with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop.

• Louis Tomlinson on June 15: The British singer and former One Direction member will make a stop in Chicago for his Faith in the Future World Tour.
• Goo Goo Dolls on Aug. 22: Take a trip down memory lane with the Goo Goo Dolls. Known as one of the most prominent bands during the ’90s and early 2000s, the band is embarking on a tour featuring their greatest hits.
• Beck and Phoenix on Aug. 31: This summer show features a dynamic duo of talent — superstar Beck and French indie-pop group Phoenix — that will be a must-see for alternative music fans.

Concerts at neighborhood venues

Chicago’s neighborhood music venues are some of the best places to catch local talent and up-and-coming musical acts. Check out some of the shows coming to Chicago’s beloved neighborhood venues this year.

Feb5

PH-1

Korean rap and R&B fans will want to catch PH-1’s Chicago performance at Concord Music Hall.

Mar 23 – Mar 26

Wilco

The Chicago-based band will be playing a three-show residency at The Riviera, with a different set list every night.

March24

Garrett Body

Local musician and bassist Garrett Body will bring R&B, jazz soul, and blues to The Promontory.

apr2

onlyoneof

South Korean boy band Onlyoneof will perform an evening of alternative R&B at the longstanding concert venue in Lincoln Park.

apr8th

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

If you’re an Indie or electric disco lover, check out the Unknown Mortal Orchestra show at this Pilsen music venue.

may2

Alfa crap

The British musician, producer, and songwriter will bring his unique combination of hip hop and jazz to Thalia Hall.

June9

eyelids

An amalgamation of indie rock royalty, Eyelids will take the stage at this much-loved Chicago venue with opening act Air Blue Gowns.

Explore our events calendar for more live music and concerts in Chicago.

O’HARE — Customs officials confiscated hundreds of pieces of counterfeit designer jewelry and clothing worth more than $680,000 over the weekend.

Customs and Border Protection officers at a mail facility near O’Hare found two shipments with 451 of knockoff jewelry and clothing Sunday, according to a news release.

The ripoff items included fake Rolex watches, Burberry hats, Chanel jewelry boxes, Hermes wallets, Christian Dior earrings, Prada necklaces and Louis Vuitton headbands, officials said.

If legitimate, the items would’ve been worth more than $686,000, according to the agency leaders.

The shipments came from Thailand and were en route to Alabama before being intercepted. Inspectors determined they were fake based on their “poor packaging, low value, and poor quality,” according to Customs and Border Protection.

Fake luxury items are often sold at underground outlets or through third-party online sellers to fund organized crime and smuggling, according to the agency.

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Chicago’s mayoral hopefuls exchanged personal attacks during a contentious candidate forum Tuesday evening that was repeatedly interrupted by loud protesters.

A group of demonstrators chanted against Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, who joked during the live broadcast that he must be doing something right if he isn’t mayor yet but already drawing protests. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, meanwhile, stood up for Johnson, saying he “has a right to talk without interruption.”

The rest of the forum, moderated by WGN-TV’s Lourdes Duarte and Tahman Bradley, featured far less collegiality between the candidates. At one point, Duarte and Bradley called for a show of hands from candidates who would keep Lightfoot’s handpicked Police Superintendent David Brown as the city’s top cop. Lightfoot raised her hand and businessman Willie Wilson sheepishly followed suit.

“I think you have to fire the mayor,” Wilson said.

[ How the candidates answered the Tribune election questionnaire ]

Lightfoot mostly ignored the comment but pivoted to an attack on Johnson and US Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, who she accused of being “defunders” of the Chicago Police Department.

“Fact check that,” García responded. “She’s always creating smoke screens to cover up her own failures.”

Johnson, for his part, said he isn’t a “defunder” but should be called the “investor in chief” because he will spend money on programs to benefit residents.

The exchange was just one of several testy moments between Lightfoot and her challengers, who repeatedly criticized each other in sometimes personal terms.

Activist Ja’Mal Green, for instance, said Lightfoot was lying about crime statistics and criticized Wilson for saying Chicago cops should be allowed to hunt suspects down “like rabbits.” He said Wilson’s comments were “disgusting.”

For his part, Wilson declined to engage Green, the youngest candidate in the race, saying, “I don’t respond to kids.”

Wilson’s “rabbits” comment at a debate earlier in January was a repeat focus of the forum. Duarte, the moderator, asked him, “What does constitutional policing mean to you?” Wilson’s answer didn’t address constitutional policing.

“We have to make our citizens safe at all costs,” he said.

From left, Ald. Sophia King, 4th, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th, attends a mayoral forum hosted by WGN News at Steinmetz College Prep on Jan. 31, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

The mayor also confronted Wilson about the “rabbits” remark, noting he’s “talking about Black and brown boys in our city” and calling the comment “offensive.”

“I can’t believe you continue to say it,” Lightfoot said.

An emotional Wilson then invoked his son, Omar, who was murdered in 1995, as he doubled down on the controversial remarks.

“If somebody comes and kills somebody in her family, then she’ll know how it feels,” Wilson said. “We’re trying to protect our citizens who (follow the law).”

While Lightfoot argued that violent crime has gone down from 2021 to 2022 and is on good pace, State Rep. Cambium “Kam” Buckner said Lightfoot would “double down on the failed policies that gave us a doubled murder rate.”

Lightfoot later rebutted Buckner.

“It’s easy to come up here and say soundbites but what I didn’t hear is any actionable concrete solutions and many things I did hear, we’re already doing,” Lightfoot said.

Homicides, mostly from gun violence, spiked dramatically in 2020 and 2021 from 500 murders in 2019 to 776 and 804. So did shootings and carjackings.

Ald. Roderick Sawyer said the city could try new initiatives as violence prevention tools by listening to youth groups, including South Side-based youth activist group that Boyd belongs to an activist group called Good Kids Mad City.

“We never talk to youth about how to solve their own troubles,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer said the city should consider the Peace Book pushed by the group, which cropped up about four years ago and in a recent iteration calls for 2% of the Chicago police budget to be reallocated to peace initiatives that do not involve law enforcement or incarceration.

As the candidates differed on crime and other problems facing Chicago, Ald. Sophia King argued that her rivals represent an overly polarized view of the issues. García and Johnson, she suggested, are too far to the left while Wilson and Vallas are too far to the right.

“The reality is that most people sit in the middle,” King said, arguing that she is a skilled legislator who pushed for a $15 minimum wage and can work people from all walks of life.

Earlier in the debate, moderators asked the candidates to say whether they would commit not to raise taxes.

Buckner, García and Green raised their hands. Buckner said the city’s budget is “opaque” and if you go through it with a “fine-tooth comb” and audit you can find “efficiencies.”

“I don’t believe in nickel and diming and raising taxes on people is the right thing to do,” Buckner said.

From left, businessman Willie Wilson talks with Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson prior to a mayoral forum hosted by WGN News at Steinmetz College Prep on Jan. 31, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Green promised to do a fiscal audit on the city’s books and “grow our economy” with bonds to help.

“No new taxes,” García said, before pivoting to talk about crime and the need for investment to grow the city.

The candidates’ promises, however, ignored a key reality: While the city has made some strides in recent years, its finances remain precarious and it is unlikely that the next mayor can govern without once raising taxes or fees.

Lightfoot also took heat for her economic development policies. She launched her signature neighborhood investment plan Invest South/West in 2019 with the goal of increasing development in parts of the city that have long suffered from disinvestment.

Candidate Ja’Mal Green talks with former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas prior to a mayoral forum hosted by WGN News at Steinmetz College Prep Tuesday night. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

The mayor frequently lauds the program as a transformational effort to boost neighborhoods on the South and West Sides. But a Tribune review of the program paints a much more complex and nuanced picture. To be sure, Lightfoot’s administration has spent millions of dollars in public funds and worked to trace both public and private development in neighborhoods that have experienced generations of disinvestment. But the mayor also has lumped millions of dollars that were already in the works before she took office or constitute routine government spending, padding the total investment for Invest South/West.

Former Chicago Public School CEO Paul Vallas criticized her for doing “one-offs” and taking credit for economic development. Lightfoot countered that it’s unfair to call her projects “warmed over hash” and said, “Tell that to the people of Austin, tell that to the people of Roseland where we have seen real economic development.”

Although the forum was heated, some candidates made quips to set themselves apart. Johnson said he learned negotiation skills by sharing a bathroom with four sisters, for instance.

And after Wilson, a multimillionaire, said he would not take a paycheck from the city if elected and that it was “lunatic” for aldermen to accept a recent inflation-tied raise, Sawyer responded with a laugh that he needed the money and that his wife would probably agree.

At a post-forum news conference, Lightfoot responded to Wilson’s comments about the loss of family and said she is “sorry and sympathetic to every single parent who’s lost a loved one, a child to gun violence in the city. But you can’t then turn that pain into the kind of thing that he wants.”

“There are plenty of examples in our city, where moms and dads and grandmas and others have turned their pain into purpose, who have come together in productive ways to help our young people heal and recognize that picking up a gun is the start of a tragedy, and it’s not going to keep them safe. There’s lots of constructive things that one can do in the light of that. And I can think of countless examples in my own experience,” Lightfoot said.

“But,” she continued, “to say I’m justified because my son was killed by gun violence? How about work to bring peace to our neighborhoods, not to exacerbate the problem by letting the police loose to kill more young Black and brown kids. That’s not the answer.”

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote on Feb. 28, a runoff among the top two will happen April 4. Early voting began last week and, as of Tuesday, 1,122 people had cast ballots in person and 3,255 ballots had been returned by mail.