Chicago music, unfiltered.

Free Blues Sidewalk Show from 5pm-7:30pm SMILEY TILLMON BAND The Smiley Tillmon Band was formed in early 2008 when Smiley Tillmon and Tom Rezetko began playing blues together at local open jam nites throughout the Chicagoland area. After a few weeks, the jams got funkier and the crowds got bigger, which led Smiley and Tom to seek out a band. Smiley likes to mix up the group to achieve a modern and unique style of blues, funk, soul and jazz. Entertainer, Showman, and profound Guitarist, Smiley Tillmon was born in Jefferson County, Georgia in 1941. After a short while, he relocated and was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he started playing R&B and Calypso in 1957. His biggest influences were George Benson and Matt Murphy. After moving to Chicago, IL in 1959, Smiley decided to make the blues his priority, playing full-time until 1976. During this time, Smiley performed with established artists such as Junior Wells, James Cotton, Zora Young, Lefty Dizz, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Dollar, Bob Stroger, and helped start the career of Denise LaSalle. In 1977, the music became Smiley’s 2nd priority, as he raised his family and maintained a full-time job at a Chicago school district until 2007. During this time, he was still playing part-time and working on his chops more than ever. In 2007, Smiley emerged back on the scene, with the help of Tom Rezetko, to fulfill his calling as a music man and start a blues revival on Chicago’s Southside. Since his comeback, Smiley has performed with the likes of Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Clearwater, Twist Turner, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and countless others. He has graced the stage at venues of all sizes, including Kingston Mines, The Checkerboard Lounge, Chess Records, The Beverly Arts Center, and even Toyota Park. Now, at the age of 70, Smiley’s passion for music is higher than ever before, constantly learning new playing tactics and teaching future generations of musicians to come. Keeping true to the true spirit of rhythm and blues, The Smiley Tillmon Band blends Chicago Blues, Stax and funk favorites to keep the party groovin’! Band Website Facebook Instagram

Free Blues Sidewalk Show from 5pm-7:30pm SMILEY TILLMON DUO The Smiley Tillmon Band was formed in early 2008 when Smiley Tillmon and Tom Rezetko began playing blues together at local open jam nites throughout the Chicagoland area. After a few weeks, the jams got funkier and the crowds got bigger, which led Smiley and Tom to seek out a band. Smiley likes to mix up the group to achieve a modern and unique style of blues, funk, soul and jazz. Entertainer, Showman, and profound Guitarist, Smiley Tillmon was born in Jefferson County, Georgia in 1941. After a short while, he relocated and was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where he started playing R&B and Calypso in 1957. His biggest influences were George Benson and Matt Murphy. After moving to Chicago, IL in 1959, Smiley decided to make the blues his priority, playing full-time until 1976. During this time, Smiley performed with established artists such as Junior Wells, James Cotton, Zora Young, Lefty Dizz, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Dollar, Bob Stroger, and helped start the career of Denise LaSalle. In 1977, the music became Smiley’s 2nd priority, as he raised his family and maintained a full-time job at a Chicago school district until 2007. During this time, he was still playing part-time and working on his chops more than ever. In 2007, Smiley emerged back on the scene, with the help of Tom Rezetko, to fulfill his calling as a music man and start a blues revival on Chicago’s Southside. Since his comeback, Smiley has performed with the likes of Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Clearwater, Twist Turner, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and countless others. He has graced the stage at venues of all sizes, including Kingston Mines, The Checkerboard Lounge, Chess Records, The Beverly Arts Center, and even Toyota Park. Now, at the age of 70, Smiley’s passion for music is higher than ever before, constantly learning new playing tactics and teaching future generations of musicians to come. Keeping true to the true spirit of rhythm and blues, The Smiley Tillmon Band blends Chicago Blues, Stax and funk favorites to keep the party groovin’! Band Website Facebook Instagram

FREE // 21+

Fulton Street Collective, in collaboration w/West Town Chamber of Commerce, presents FIRST FRIDAYS ART EXHIBIT Fri. June 5th from 6pm-10pm. Curated by Ryan Miller. What is it that makes Chicago unique? To some, it's tall buildings and old memories of mobsters. To others, it's sports teams and Italian beef sandwiches. Come to West Town's First Friday and see our artistic vision of all things Chicago in our current installation. To ensure the organic growth of West Town as Chicago's emergent gallery district and further unite the neighborhood as a cultural destination, please join us in our gallery on the first Friday of every month for a collaborative art opening.

Described by The New York Times as 'anthemic, life-affirming pop rock', Bleachers are fronted by eleven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Jack Antonoff. Over the past decade, Bleachers have built a massive, devoted following, renowned for their impressive live show and infectious camaraderie.

Natalie Scharf Quartet Jazz, 20s & 30s, Swing, Bop$5

Cobra Lounge presents... Old Coke Day Aches Daundry Hell of a Life $17 ADV // $20 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later.

Riot Fest presents... The Alice Bag Band w/ special guest Clickbait and Sweetie $26 ADV // $33 DOS - All Ticket prices inclusive of taxes and fees. What you see is what you pay, no surprises later.

[ All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable -- please order carefully and be sure all details are correct before completing purchase. 1-Drink minimum purchase of $10 per person, per set applies to all guests and all shows. ] * * Prices below INCLUDE ticket fee, no other fees added. * *

21+ // 8pm doors

Independent local night out.

Cabeza de Chivo is a psychotropical band emerging from Chicago. With infectious rhythms and a driving percussion section; guitar, bass, and organs blend seamlessly to deliver addictive dance instrumentals with an emphasis on melodic riffs.

THE RETURN OF THE FLOCKIllinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee!Columbia Records and Mercury Records recording artists, The Flock, were considered to be well ahead of their time incorporating electric violin into their unique jazz-rock style. Anchored by original members Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra and Dixie Dregs) and Jerry Smith, The Return of the Flock! also now features 2-time Grammy Award winner Howard Levy. English blues legend, John Mayall, once called The Flock, the best band I heard in America, after they shared the stage for a performance. The Flock has been considered an extremely innovative band combining Jazz, Rock, Fusion, and Classical themes into their repertoire. They have shared the stage with such greats as: Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, Grateful Dead, and many other notable artists both in the USA and abroad. From the Fillmore East to Fillmore West and most venues in between including Chicagos own Kinetic Playground, Aragon Ballroom, Auditorium Theater and Grant Park Bandshell, The Flock has enjoyed great success around the world including Londons ROYAL ALBERT HALL! They are now back, better than ever, performing songs from their albums as well as new, inspiring material!THE FLOCK BAND MEMBERS:Jerry Goodman Electric ViolinMike Flynn Guitar and Lead VocalsJerry Smith Bass and VocalsHoward Levy Harmonica and KeyboardsJamo Van de Bogert DrumsDon Laferty Guitar and VocalsQuent Lang Sax and FluteMitch The Lip - Trumpet

Independent local night out.

Independent local night out.

TICKET EVENT INFORMATION: This event is 17+ All sales final, NO refunds or exchanges, events are rain or shine. Door times are subject to change without notice. Tickets purchased at box office will be inclusive of fees. Once you’ve purchased, you will receive an order confirmation email from See Tickets on behalf of ‘Beat Kitchen’ or 'Subterranean' with your eTicket(s) attached. We accept physical IDs or official digital IDs. Photos or screenshots of an ID are not accepted. *IMPORTANT: If you do not see your order confirmation in your inbox, make sure to check your junk/spam folder. If you still do not see your order confirmation or have any other technical ticketing-related issues with your order, click here to access the See Tickets help center. We take pride in creating a space where everyone feels welcome and safe, and we strive to provide accommodations for all guests to the best of our ability. While we commit to doing everything in our power to accommodate when given advanced notice, guests who require accessibility accommodations should contact us at info@subt.net or info@beatkitchen.com . Staff can provide assistance when possible. If you have tickets to an upcoming event and require special accommodations, or have questions, please contact info@subt.net or info@beatkitchen.com at least one week prior to the event.