1 SHEMEKIA COPELAND (City Winery) The fierce, incomparable blues singer arrives on the heels of her latest standard-bearing, autobiographical album, “Done Come Too Far.” December 16
2 ORIGIN OF ANIMAL AND HEISENBERG UNCERTAINTY PLAYERS (Unity Lutheran Church) The two bravura pomo big bands join forces to play, in its entirety, jazz legend Charles Mingus’ iconic 1972 orchestral album, “Let My Children Hear Music.” December 3
3 ELIZABETH MOEN (Empty Bottle) The Chicago singer-songwriter hosts the record release show for her ferociously fine debut album, “Wherever You Aren’t.” She also plays Schubas on December 16. December 9
4 GUSTAVO CORTIÑAS (Constellation) The innovative jazz drummer tours his new album, “Kind Regards (Saludos Afectuosos),” which features strong support from trumpeter Emily Kuhn. December 15
5 WHITNEY (Thalia Hall) The Chicago indie pop duo, comprising vocalist-drummer Julien Ehrlich and guitarist Max Kakacek, tour their gorgeous new R&B-influenced album, “Spark.” December 21, 22, 23
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
