This week in live music includes inventive pop, ambient, electronic and modern classical and a talented rapper-activist.
Thursday, March 22
Stella Donnelly
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
Across the pond the young Stella Donnelly has inched into the spotlight with her harsh yet hushed melodies. Now, with the reissue of her 2017 EP “Thrush Metal,” everyone in the U.S. can please their ears with the part-Amy Winehouse, part-Courtney Barnett sound the Australian Donnelly has established in just a few short years. $10-$12. 8:30 p.m., 21+. Tickets: emptybottle.com
Friday, March 23
Curtis Harding
Lincoln Hall
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501
Having moved around the U.S. throughout his upbringing, Curtis Harding’s influences are representative of his travels. His mother’s life as a gospel singer shines bright in his music, but Harding further infuses his work with blues, country, soul, rock and psychedelia. His latest, 2017’s “Face Your Fear,” showcases this, as well as the artist’s ambition. $18-$20. 9 p.m., 18+. lh-st.com
Saturday, March 24
Princess Nokia
Metro
3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140
Afro-Latinx rapper and activist Princess Nokia is a name that has quickly spread throughout the music scene. People are recognizing both her unmitigated talent and the power of her voice as an advocate for the queer community, women and people of color. Her stellar singles and mixtapes attracted buzz, but her prowess was solidified with her full length debut, last year’s “1992 Deluxe.” $25. 6 p.m. Tickets: metrochicago.com
UPDATE: The show has been rescheduled for April 29.
Sunday, March 25
Nils Frahm
Thalia Hall
1807 S. Allport St. 312-526-3851
German composer Nils Frahm’s repertoire is a rich assemblage of innovative ideas, which makes sense because he’s had his fingers in every corner of ambient, electronic and modern classical. He brings his latest, “All Melody,” to Thalia Hall where he’ll play the record in full and attempt to entrance the audience with atmospheric resonance. $35. 8 p.m., 17+. Tickets: thaliahallchicago.com
Tuesday, March 27
Lorde
Allstate Arena
6920 Mannheim Road 847-635-6601
Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O’Connor, has quickly become one of the world’s most creative voices. She seemingly materialized out of thin air in 2013 with the runaway hit “Royals,” which is still one of mainstream pop music’s most inventive and authentic expressions. Following a bout of silence after her debut album, Lorde returned with a new sense of maturity and a greater sense of creativity. Her sophomore effort “Melodrama” improved on its predecessor in nearly every way. $40+. 7 p.m. Tickets: rosemont.com/allstate
Efrain Dorado is a RedEye freelancer.
