Lincoln Hall is dressed in its holiday regalia, helping the merchants along Lincoln Avenue transform the area from business as usual to a scene straight out of a holiday movie. Light snow is falling as I glance at the marquee: “Tonight: Joe Marcinek and Liquid Soul.” I’m intrigued by tonight’s lineup.

Winter has finally arrived in the Windy City. As the temperature drops, the streets come alive with the colors of the impending holidays, while brightly colored toy soldiers stand guard over shiny ornaments. The first celebrations of the season have reached the city, but the biting wind keeps shoppers and revelers moving quickly, seeking refuge indoors. What better time to take in a concert?

Opening with one of their most fun and enduring ditties, the calendar-appropriate “Pie for Breakfast,” The Brothers Comatose, on Black Friday, Nov. 29, serenaded an at-capacity back-patio crowd with a captivating set of contemporary bluegrass/folk-rock revelry. The show took place at Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill, at Half Moon Bay, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. Santa Cruz, Calif.-based band Wolf Jett opened the festivities.

Music fans who like a taste of alt-pop-psychedelia with an indie twist (Tame Impala, Flaming Lips) might want to jump into Pond. The Australian quintet played at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on Tuesday night with opening act Fazerdaze.

Railroad Earth's Horn O' Plenty at the beloved Sherman Theater has become an annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition cherished by both the band and their fans. This two-night event typically features support from Pennsylvania-based bluegrass, folk, and Americana bands, offering a unique opportunity for the Northeast PA community to show their love for live music.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters were welcomed home with open arms the last two nights from sold out crowds at Washington’s in Fort Collins, Colorado. It's always heart warming when BHTM walk onto any stage in the Rocky Mountain state. There is so much love and adoration for their soul shaking longevity you can’t ignore the infectious energy they bring. The band is celebrating their forty year history as a band and what a mile stone that is.

On December 1, 1979, the Grateful Dead graced the stage of the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, delivering a performance that has since become a cherished gem among fans. This show captures the band at a transitional period, with keyboardist Brent Mydland solidifying his role and bringing new energy to the ensemble. The night was a blend of classic tunes, exploratory jams, and moments of pure musical magic.

Set 1:

    "Jack Straw"

With their self-titled debut album, The Snozzberries, the up-and-coming jam-meets-psychedelic rock band invites listeners to plunge into a mind-bending universe of sound. This album is a musical exploration, weaving lush, swirling textures with a vibrant energy that evokes both the nostalgia of '60s acid rock and the modern twists of today’s psych and jam scene.

It’s about time an adventurous group of talented, open-minded individuals gave the good ol’ Grateful Dead’s music a fresh, vibrant makeover. BERTHA: Grateful Drag has added a joyous splash of color to one of the most cherished musical catalogs in existence. The timeless music of the Grateful Dead is now being presented with all the sparkle and wonder it deserves. As far as we know, BERTHA is the only Grateful Dead drag tribute band in our galaxy—though who’s to say what might be happening elsewhere?

Chicago, the City of Big Shoulders, is home to great food, iconic sports teams, and some of America's greatest music. These cultural touchstones exist thanks to one common factor: the fans. That’s why Chicago remains a prime destination for bands launching their careers or releasing new albums. If you make it in Chicago, you gain fans for life.