Sound check: Common joins CSO benefit; Side Street starts the battle
Common joins CSO benefit
Chicago native Common's award-winning music and heart-winning charm come to play when he joins members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for The League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association's 30th annual Corporate Night benefit concert. The program will include some of the hip-hop artist's best-loved, groundbreaking hits along with songs from his influential 2016 album, "Black America Again." 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Concert-only tickets are $80-$199; premium concert and dinner packages are also available. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org.
Side Street's Battle begins
Side Street Studio Arts raises the curtain in this year's summerlong Battle of the Bands, with the first set of round 1 performances this weekend. Audiences help choose the winner of each night's show - featuring up-and-coming artists Black Square, New Nights, Quiet Cove and Thank You, I'm Sorry on Friday and Billow, FERN, Camera Kids and Harry and The Houdinis on Saturday - so show up, support local music and help select who moves one step closer to the big prize package. 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.) Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. $5 suggested donation each night. (847) 429-2276 or sidestreetstudioarts.org.
The Soul of B.B. King
The B.B. King Blues Band keeps the passion of its legendary namesake rolling as the band brings its "The Soul of the King Tour" to St. Charles this weekend. The band's current lineup - Michael Lee, James "Boogaloo" Bolden, Russell Jackson, Herman Jackson, Eric Demmer, Wilbert Crosby, Lamar Boulet, Darrell Lavigne and Walter King - consists of members who channel King's powerful sound. Celebrate his legacy with a night of great music. 8 p.m. Friday, May 31, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$79. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Each Day debut
Wanting to explore other musical avenues, Nick Stubblefield and Christopher Marszalek from Over the Sun are taking a step into indie-folk territory with the formation of the new project, Each Day. Teaming with the siblings Oechsel - Taylor, Chris and Alex - the band debuts a slate of songs Friday night, including a new single release this week, and has plans for a summer of new singles and shows around the Chicago area. Catch these experienced musicians as they break new musical ground in the Southwest suburbs this weekend. 8 p.m. Friday, May 31, at The Grande Park Clubhouse, 26401 Grande Park Blvd., Plainfield. $7; free for kids 10 and younger. tickettailor.com.
• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music fanboy. Find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @thatshamieguy. Brian also keeps tabs on the Chicago-area music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.