April 19, 2025
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The Scene

Concerts to see in suburbs, Illinois Valley, Sauk Valley

By Aimee Barrows

The classic band known for barnburners such as "Tuff Enuff" and "Wrap It Up," The Fabulous Thunderbirds, will perform at The Venue in downtown Aurora Sunday, March 23, 2025. (Photo provided)

With the weather finally starting to thaw (or hopefully will be soon), it’s time to venture back outside to see some live music. Venues across northern Illinois have some exciting shows coming up in March. From high-energy rock shows to classical music performances, there is something for all tastes.

Here are some highlights of concerts happening in DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, DuPage, Will, Lee and La Salle counties. We couldn’t include everything, so visit the venues' websites for a full listing of upcoming performances.

DeKalb County

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 at Boutell Memorial Hall on the Northern Illinois University campus, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb. Spring Pops: A Tribute to Latin Music. $8-$20. kishorchestra.org

That Arena Rock Show: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. Enjoy music from the arena rock era of the ’80s and early ’90s, playing songs from Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Def Leppard and more. $29.50-$49.50. egyptiantheatre.org

Liverpool Legends: 8 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. This is a Beatles tribute band that George Harrison’s sister, Louise Harrison, assembled to honor the legendary music of the iconic band. $39-$69. egyptiantheatre.org.

Kane County

The Fabulous Thunderbirds: 8 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway Ave., Aurora. The Fabulous Thunderbirds are best known for their hits “Wrap it Up” and “Tuff Enuff.” Their unique sound has captivated audiences throughout the band’s decades-long career. Original singer Kim Wilson remains the band’s leader. $40-$50. themusicvenue.org

La Salle County

Jessica Willis Fisher: 6 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company, 812 La Salle St., Ottawa. An intimate evening of captivating stories and soulful music with Jessica Willis Fisher as part of the Storytellers Studio Sessions series. $50. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Lee County

Dixon Municipal Band Spring Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at The Dixon: Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon. A beat-box flute player will perform with the band in their spring concert. Free. dixontheatre.com

McHenry County

JOURNEYMAN: A Tribute to Eric Clapton: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Guitarist Shaun Hague masterfully brings to life guitar legend Eric Clapton’s biggest hits that span his career, with “Layla,” “Lay Down Sally” and “White Room.” $49-$59. rauecenter.org

Will County

Burton Cummings of The Guess Who: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Cummings, the original frontman of The Guess Who, will perform the Canadian band’s biggest hits, including “No Sugar Tonight,” “Share the Land” and “American Woman.” $49.50-$125. rialtosquare.com

Jackyl: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at The Forge, 22 W. Cass St., Joliet. Jackyl, a southern hard rock band, is best known for radio hits like “Down On Me,” “When Will It Rain,” “I Stand Alone” and, most notably, “The Lumberjack,” during which vocalist Jesse James Dupree performed a chain saw solo. $15-$40. theforgelive.com

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Journey through the Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour eras of the Beatles' career in this colorful tribute. The setlist will also have songs from the early and later years sprinkled in. $45-$65. rialtosquare.com

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Aimee Barrows

Aimee Barrows

Aimee Barrows is the editor of The Scene, Shaw Local News Network's entertainment section. The Scene is your go-to destination for all things fun in Northern Illinois. Prior to The Scene, Aimee was the editor of the Kane County Chronicle for five years, and a freelance reporter for Shaw Media for four years.