1 Thome Yorke (United Center) The Radiohead frontman flies solo, following the release last year of his third album, “Anima”—a collective of complex, often cinematic, frequently bleak and dystopian material, ranging across the compositional landscape from songs to suites. April 4—postponed
2 Liz Vice (SPACE) Vice has the voice, and the bio of a blues singer, but sings gospel-inflected R&B, creating a gorgeous, hair-raising fusion. She’s also a committed activist; her most recent single, “Refugee King,” explicitly tied the story of the holy family to the immigrant experience. April 17
3 Sun Ra Arkestra (Constellation) The band’s iconic founder may be gone, but his musical legacy goes on; the idea of programming the Arkestra’s wild, anarchic, experimental jazz on Easter Sunday is an idea of such visionary genius it can only be called religious. April 12
4 Vagabon (Old Town School of Folk Music) Cameroon-born Lætitia Tamko hits town to tour her sophomore album, which bears her alias “Vagabon.” Expect a seductive range of textures, colors and sonic intimacy; and a compelling voice that is both weighty and evanescent. April 15
5 Porches (Thalia Hall) Singer-songwriter Aaron Maine arrives on the crest of his new album, “Ricky Music” which continues his evolution from DIY guitar rocker to synth-pop balladeer. The album’s first single is “Do U Wanna,” and is likely to prompt a collective “Yes, we do.” April 16
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,” and 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
