1 VAN MORRISON (Chicago Theatre) The grand old man of folk rock returns, pipes and passion intact, to celebrate the deluxe reissue of his seminal 1997 album, “The Healing Game.” April 25
2 SON VOLT (Thalia Hall) Jay Farrar’s alt-country veterans ride into town to tour their highly anticipated, unapologetically political new album, “Union.” April 27
3 CHERYL WHEELER (Old Town School) After forty years, this singer-songwriter deserves cultural benediction, not only for her shimmering folk music, but for her seriously lethal wit. April 14
4 AMANDA PALMER (Chicago Theatre) The barriers-busting singer-songwriter-entrepreneur tours her confrontational new album, “There Will Be No Intermission,” which she financed through crowdfunding. April 12
5 SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS (SPACE) The recently reunited 1930s-style jazz band brings back its ecstatic, pomo pastiche of klezmer, swing, gypsy jazz and honky-tonk just when we need it most. April 13
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena.” His jazz quintet recently completed a two-year residency at Uncommon Ground, and he regularly hosts a jazz singers’ jam at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge. His literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
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