Where Live Music Comes Into Focus

Margo Price turned her stop at Metro in Chicago into a defiant, 90-minute celebration of outlaw country grit and sharp-edged storytelling. Blending songs from her latest album, Hard Headed Woman, with well-chosen covers and career highlights, Price struck a balance between reverence for tradition and a rebellious, modern bite. Opening with a nod to classic country swagger, she immediately locked into the room’s energy, commanding the stage with confidence and an unapologetic

DIIV’s Tomorrow Never Knows set at Lincoln Hall felt like a rare chance to experience the band at their most immersive in an intimate room. With the venue packed and buzzing, the shoegaze outfit leaned fully into atmosphere, letting their swirling guitars and dense low end wash over the crowd. It was the kind of setting where DIIV’s music thrives—close, loud, and enveloping. Opening with “In Amber,” the band immediately locked into a steady, hypnotic groove, balancing hazy te

The weekend kicked off with an energy that felt like a reunion of old friends. Early sets set the pace, while “Weird Al” Yankovic stole the day with a performance equal parts absurd and brilliant — his showmanship had the crowd laughing, singing, and fully embracing Riot Fest’s playful side. Alkaline Trio gave their hometown fans a dose of dark, melodic punk; Julia Wolf impressed with her genre-bending edge; Sparks charmed with quirky brilliance; and Rico Nasty delivered a fi