Yes, April often means “showers.” But it’s also the month when the live-music clouds open up and rain down a seemingly endless array of worthwhile concerts happening in Chicago. (To bands reluctant to come here when it’s freezing: Cowards!) How to sort through them? Read on for the top 20 upcoming performances from local and national acts, some of which you know and several of which you probably don’t. Check metromix.com for full concert details.
Garotas Suecas
April 1 at Empty Bottle
Ridiculously fun Brazilian garage rock that makes you want to go surfing on the sun. Or just trek to South America.
The Black Fortys
April 2 at Empty Bottle
Southern Illinois indie rockers recently won the American Eagle College Band contest. Based on the well-crafted tunes we’ve heard, they deserve it.
Telekinesis
April 3 at Beat Kitchen
Timeless indie pop, with added polish from producer Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie. How could anyone not like this?
Friendly Fires
April 3 at Double Door
This English group’s self-titled debut was one of last year’s most entertaining and danceable records. Self-conscious booties need not apply.
The Gaslight Anthem
April 3 at Bottom Lounge
New Jersey rockers take inspiration from the Boss while crafting their own sound. Enjoy blasting them out of your speakers this summer, if you haven’t already.
The Ting Tings
April 5 at Metro
It could be easy to be bothered by these up-and-coming, ultra-cool British hipsters. Too bad they’re so darn irresistible.
Yea Big + Kid Static
April 11 at Beat Kitchen
Local rapid-fire, workout attire-wearing hip-hop duo plays songs from new “The Future’s Looking Grim.” Bring your party hat.
Andrew Bird
April 9-10 at Civic Opera House
Chicago singer/ violinist/eccentric (left) continues to impress with recent “Noble Beast.” Count on the setting to add weight to an already dramatic artist.
Lil Wayne
April 10 at Sears Centre
Of the ultra-confident mega-star rappers spreading himself thin right now (talking to you, Kanye), Lil Wayne seems more capable of pulling it off. Not the guitar-playing though.
3Oh!3
April 11 at House of Blues
Pulsing, party-starting rap that does not sound like it hails from Colorado.
Lily Allen
April 12 at Riviera Theatre
British pop singer’s debut was all pep and attitude. Her follow-up, “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” lets the verbal barbs sting herself as well. And it’s still crazy catchy.
Late of the Pier
April 11 at Congress Theater
Buzz-making English dance-rock that’s like putting synths and guitars in a steel cage and daring them to fight their way out. “Fantasy Black Channel” is one of the year’s best records so far.
Bilal
April 11 at Double Door
Still waiting on this neo-soul artist to release a follow-up to 2001’s “First Born Second.” Until then, his smooth-yet-funky voice demands to be heard.
Extra Golden
April 20 at Empty Bottle
You must be tired of all these half-Kenyan, half-American tropical rock bands, right? Well, if you can handle one more, see EG play from the new “Thank You Very Quickly.”
Royal Bangs
April 21 at Ronny’s
Tennessee “turbo popsters” jagged enough to thrill and structured enough to charm. Get a jump on hearing stuff from their debut, “We Breed Champions,” out May 13.
The Anvil Experience
April 22 at Metro
Don’t miss a screening of the great documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” and a live performance from the veteran metalheads, who still rawk like it’s the mid-’80s.
Noah and the Whale
April 25 at Empty Bottle
Breezy Brit pop that makes us so excited for picnics and summer festivals we can barely stand it.
Jennifer Hudson
April 25-26 at Arie Crown Theatre
Hometown gal with the golden voice finally gives locals a chance to hear it live. Even if you can’t get tickets, odds are you can hear her belting from outside the venue.
Soulive
April 26 at Double Door
Fierce jazz-funk group supports new “Up Here” (out April 14), the first studio album to really capture their spectacular live energy.
Tinted Windows
April 30 at Double Door
Not sure anyone predicted Taylor Hanson (yes, that Taylor Hanson) would form a band with ex-Smashing Pumpkin James Iha, Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger and Cheap Trick’s Bun E. Carlos. The good news: The band’s clean pop sound is more than a gimmick.
