1. Beastie Boys: The pranksters made their millions as irreverent rappers, but they’ve sustained their career by occasionally dropping back to their punk roots and playing a steady stream of soul and funk instrumentals. That side of the B-Boys will be on display during this tour. Wednesday at the Riviera, 4746 N. Racine Ave. $50; 773-275-6800. Also Thursday at Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island. $45; 312-559-1212.
2. The National: On its fourth and latest album, “The Boxer,” this Brooklyn quintet keeps its music at a simmer, centering on the give-and-take between vocalist Matt Berninger and drummer Bryan Devendorf, but never quite boils over. It’s not a conventional tack, but repeat listens reveal a band with sturdy songs and slow-burn passion. Saturday at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. $19 (sold out); 773-472-0449.
3. Nick Lowe: The silver-haired British new-waver and pub-rocker has found a new comfort zone in country-tinged ballads and soul-inflected meditations well-suited to his conversational voice and sly wordplay. Thursday with Ron Sexsmith at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. $25; 312-559-1212.
Estrojam: For those who found Lilith Fair a little too mild, here’s the antidote. The fifth annual celebration of womankind includes the final performance by ESG, the groundbreaking New York City group whose ’80s singles remain cornerstones of dance-punk (Friday at the Abbey Pub). The festival, which will include movies, workshops and panels, in addition to music, runs through Sunday at various clubs citywide. Individual events $5-$21; details at estrojam.org or call 800-594-8499.
Sinead O’Connor: The Irish singer’s voice melts indifference, and her latest albums of spiritually-themed songs and hymns, “Theology,” is as beautiful as anything she’s done. No matter what she’s up to, O’Connor is a riveting live performer. Sunday at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $30, $40, $50; 312-294-3000.
Adventures in Modern Music Festival: The fifth annual, five-night exploration of fringe musical genius includes stellar headliners such as still-vital avant-garage veterans Pere Ubu (Thursday), led by ever-irascible singer David Thomas. Wednesday-Sept. 30 at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $15-$20; 773-276-3600.
