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Live music is making a comeback! With COVID-19 mandates being lifted, this summer in Chicago has the potential to be one of the most hectic in a long time. I’m personally an avid concert goer.  Live music is, and will be back like never before. 

But things have been different. During Chicago’s festival season last year, one would either have to be vaccinated or show a recent negative Covid test for all major festivals. It’s safe to say music festivals that followed strict Covid guidelines last year won’t be under the same scrutiny this year — But maybe I’m speaking too soon. Although I’m excited, festival season is still a few months away. Fortunately, many artists have already kicked off spring tours and are planning on stopping by the Chi at one of our many venues. Here’s what’s going on this week, with an emphasis on live music.

1. PnB Rock at The Promontory

This concert might be the perfect appetizer to what is going to be a great weekend for city performances. PnB Rock comes to Chicago to mix it up this Thursday, April 7, at the Promontory, 5311 S Lake Park Ave W. Tickets are still available, starting at $29.50. Doors open at 9:00 p.m.

2. AUDIOTREE Presents: Sampa The Great

An extremely unique artist with a distinct voice and great sound, Sampa the Great has proven to be one of the industry’s rising stars. She will also be accompanied by Chicago native Keiyaa, who I got a chance to see perform at last year’s Pitchfork Music Festival, where she put on a show! Show time is Friday, April 8, at 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. at the Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave. General Admission tickets are still available, at $20.

3. An Evening of Soul with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Friends.

Call your Grandma, Auntie and tell your Mama and them that their night is quickly approaching — a night of Black royalty featuring two queens. Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight engaged in a Verzuz battle in September 2020.  Since then, they have been waiting for the opportunity to tour together. This is a match made in heaven, which we all realized during the classic Verzuz. The two will be joined on tour by Stephanie Mills and Howard Hewett at the Wintrust Arena, 200 E Cermak Rd, Friday, April 8 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are still available starting at $59.75.

4. Maxwell: The Night Tour

Ladies, here you go! Speaking from personal experience, I’ve never met a woman who doesn’t appreciate a good Maxwell joint. He’s releasing a new album, “blacksummers’NIGHT,” filled with new joints from the R&B legend. “The Night Tour” I anticipate will be a mox of classic Maxwell hits and new music. What’s not to like? Sounds like a perfect date night. Concert time is 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9,  at the Wintrust Arena, 200 E Cermak Rd. Did I mention he will be joined by Anthony Hamilton and Joe!? It’s sure to be one of those nights. Tickets are still available, but they range from $348 to $1,500.. Check the concert website for updates.

We try our best to stay up to date, but we don’t catch every event curated for Black Chicago. Upload your events to The Scene on The TRiiBE by creating a profile today. It’s free!

is a music correspondent with The TRiiBE.