Sound check: John Mayer tickets, Summer Camp On the Road, Depeche Mode
John Mayer solo
Soulful pop and blues artist John Mayer visits Chicago's United Center on his solo acoustic tour, built around favorite songs along with some piano and electric jams. Singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun joins him on this leg of the tour. 8 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets start at $175; unitedcenter.com.
• This week, Mayer also announced a fall tour stop at the United Center Wednesday, Oct. 18, with special guest JP Saxe. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday, March 31, at johnmayer.com.
Symphonic 'Star Wars'
Experience the power of The Force as guest conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra through "The Music of Star Wars," featuring songs from the long-running and iconic sci-fi saga. 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $20-$55, $10 for students; ages 17 and younger admitted free with a paid adult admission (1 child per adult) at elginsymphony.org.
Summer Camp at Martyrs'
Get a taste of summer this weekend as Summer Camp On the Road hits Martyrs' for two nights of local favorites as they vie for a spot on the lineup at May's Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Illinois. Friday, March 31, Broken Robots, Casa, Caustic Grime, Covington Groove, HASHBBC and The Giving Moon are on the bill. Saturday's lineup features Downers Groove, Earth Radio, HR Shovenstuff, K-Nein, Mooski and NIMIT. Check out some great tunes and vote for each evening's winner. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $10 each night; martyrslive.com.
Depeche Mode tour
With a brand new album that feels in part like a tribute to late founding member Andy Fletcher, Depeche Mode's "Memento Mori World Tour" hits Chicago with all the artistry, gravitas and new wave-rock fun the band has perfected in its groundbreaking four decades. Electronic artist Kelly Lee Owens opens the evening. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets start at $140; unitedcenter.com.
• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com or follow him on Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck). He also keeps tabs on the Chicago music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.