By Jaime Pitillas
In addition to spring weather (eventually), March will bring to Chicago some great upcoming and iconic artists from a multitude of rock and experimental genres. Here is my selection for music shows to catch in March.
Gaslight Anthem — March 1st at the Riviera Theatre
This New Jersey band performed at Lollapalooza and Riot Fest last year, and now they are playing a sold-out show on the first day of the month.The punk-rock band The Bouncing Souls will open the night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMmJ7p_tCw8
The Chieftains — March 2nd at the Symphony Center
St.Paddy’s day is just around the corner and we are fortunate to receive “Ireland’s Musical Ambassadors” The Chieftains, who throughout their career have collaborated with legends such as The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Stanley Kubrick and Luciano Pavarotti.
Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite — March 3rd at the Riviera
Ben Harper tends to surround himself with roots musicians that bring a story and an additional feeling to his songs, such as in his collaboration with The Blind Boys of Alabama. For his new album Get Up he has teamed up with the iconic blues-man Charlie Musselwhite and his howling harmonica.
Tame Impala — March 6th at the Vic
Lonerism, the band’s second album, is one of the most meticulous and emotional works I have encountered in recent years. This show has been sold out since December, but for the ones without tickets there is still hope of them playing at upcoming Lolla or Pitchfork Festivals.
Foxygen — March 7th at Lincoln Hall
We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic is a fresh revival of the late 60s psychedelia mixed with catchy hooks and surreal transitions. They will open for Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Leonard Cohen — March 13th at the Chicago Theatre
The Canadian artist one of the most influential and inspiring songwriters in contemporary music, and with Old Ideas, his twelfth studio-album, he has achieved more commercial success than with any other artist, having topped at #1 in 11 countries.
Jeff Tweedy — March 13th and 14th at the Vic
As years pass, the Jeff Tweedy’s Annual Youth Scholarship Benefit is becoming a tradition hosted by the Wilco frontman. These two performances are a great opportunity to see one of the most gifted songwriters of our time with just an acoustic guitar and his unique voice.
Django Django — March 15th at the Metro
This London-based band comes for a second time to Chicago to promote their outstanding first album, which is another point of view on the recent burst of psychedelic-rock. Indie-rockers Night Moves are supporting them throughout their US tour.
Animal Collective — March 16th at the Riviera
Animal Collective is a constant experiment. Each of their works instills a different emotion and has different concepts thanks to the enormous and continuous creativity of its members. During this tour, they will be supported by the also enthralling Dan Deacon.
Alt-J — March 28th at the Metro
The first album by these four young-British musicians earned them the prestigious Mercury Prize. They will spend this year across the world playing An Awesome Wave and they have already confirmed their presence at Coachella, Bonnaroo, Primavera Sound…