WLUW Updates:

“Now Would Be A Good Time” for Folk Bitch Trio at Schubas

November 30, 2025

Article by Sinéad Bane The line outside Schubas Tavern on November 16th spilled out onto the sidewalk, with patrons eager to get out of the cold, and even more eager to catch the Sunday night show.  Inside, the sold-out crowd huddled close, illuminated by the twinkling lights festively woven into green garlands lining the walls of the performance space.  The opening act, folk singer Alex ... more

“Still Above” expectations for indie music: mark william lewis at Empty Bottle

November 24, 2025

Article and photos by Bri Guntz With one single guitar strum, the chattering crowd at Empty Bottle was immediately silenced when opener Samba Jean-Baptiste took the stage Nov. 16. His soft and mellow vocals seemed to mesmerize the audience. The room fell to a palpable silence, quiet enough that the soft popping of cans opening and bottle caps jingling could be heard at the bar. Indie, bedroom-pop ... more

Mosh Pits on a Monday; Wednesday Takes on the Riviera

November 21, 2025

Article by Melody Kpahn On Monday night, the Rivieria Theatre’s ornate showroom was submerged in fog. Bright purple lights bounced off the golden fixtures adorning the walls. The stage was a sight to behold; accompanying the six electric guitars propped in the center was a variety of dolls. Some were ominous and vintage-looking, while others were imitations of popular children’s characters, like P ... more

Subterranean wins the LOTTO with They Are Gutting A Body Of Water

November 5, 2025

Article by Ciara Rose Belfiore, cover photo by your.new.twin.sized.bed on Instagram Indie rockers Guitar opened the show with their delightful brand of slacker rock. Hailing from Portland, the band recently released their latest album We’re Headed to the Lake in October. A little The Presidents Of The United States-ish, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear a band like Guitar channel a kind of 90’s a ... more

Prime Punk from Down Under: Radio Free Alice’s Chicago Debut

October 27, 2025

Article by Andromeda Nerge Tuesday, September 23 spelled big news for Chicago’s post-punk fans, as Melbourne-based band Radio Free Alice made their Chicago debut at Schubas.  Preceding the show, the band Zastava played a set, clearly setting the mood with their intense alternative sound. Hailing from Detroit, the rock quartet brought a frenzied noise-rock performance to the stage, playing songs fr ... more