Sound check: Billy Strings takes the stage at Wintrust Field
Billy Strings in Schaumburg
Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Billy Strings makes a stop in Schaumburg for two on-field arena shows at Wintrust Field this weekend as part of his nation-crossing “Summer Solstice Tour.” The socially distanced concert features reserved seating “pods” for two to four guests on the field, as well as reserved seating for four in the stands. Masks will be required to attend the open-air concert; hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the complex.
7:30 p.m. (gates at 6 p.m.) Friday and Saturday, June 11-12, at Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Tickets start at $49.50. For more information or tickets, visit wintrustfield.com or ticketmaster.com.
Norah Jones live
New York City jazz-pop singer Norah Jones was restricted from touring to celebrate last year's new album, “Pick Me Up Off the Floor,” but she's making up for it with an anniversary livestream this weekend. Running hot since hitting the national scene with her smoky debut “Come Away With Me” in the early 2000s, the songstress will be joined by her band for a playthrough of her seventh studio album Saturday afternoon.
3 p.m. Saturday, June 12; $15 for the livestream, which will be available until 2 a.m. Monday, June 14, at norahjones.veeps.com. A portion of the admission will benefit Crew Nation, a global relief fund for live music crews who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
WKQX and Fletcher Rockwell
The Chicago rockers of Fletcher Rockwell hit Lombard's BrauerHouse for a rollicking show this weekend. WKQX and Lauren O'Neil kick things off with the radio station's Chill Day from 3 to 6 p.m. with trivia, prizes and ticket giveaways. Fletcher Rockwell takes the stage at 7 for an evening of great hometown party rock and fun Americana favorites.
7 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Free; find more info at bandsintown.com.
Ruido Fest's return
Last week, Ruido Fest released its second lineup announcement for this year's three-day Latin alternative music festival, including headliners Los Fabulosos Cadillacs from Argentina on Friday, Aug. 20, Mexico's Panteon Rococo on Saturday, Aug. 21, and Cafe Tacvba of Mexico closing things off Sunday, Aug. 22. The roster for the fest, set in Chicago's Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., also features Los Amigos Invisibles, Moenia, Little Jesus, Inner Wave, Silverio and many more, including Chicago's own Kaina, Nahuales Underground, Tone Zone Skam and The Mini Projects. Three-day passes are on sale now; visit ruidofest.com for tickets and an upcoming single-day lineup announcement.
Punk rock doc
When punk rock began to take on a higher-profile role in the U.S., it was more than just about the music: It was a subculture that created a revolution both in the genre and in the way people examined the politics of the country. The “Punk the Capital” documentary explores the punk scene that took root in Washington D.C. in the '70s and '80s and how it helped transform the culture globally. The doc, which enjoyed a limited theatrical release last month and hits Blu-ray and DVD this weekend on Record Store Day, features archival concert footage along with interviews with prominent figures in the movement - including Henry Rollins, HR Ian MacKaye, Cynthia Connolly, Jello Biafra and more - as they discuss how that era's ideas continue to influence DIY, punk and rock scenes today. View it on demand at watch.eventive.org or order a physical copy through Dischord Records at dischord.com or on Amazon. View the trailer at passionriver.com.
Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@thatshamieguy) or Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck). Brian also keeps tabs on the local music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.