Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend has become a special time to celebrate the life and legacy of the reverend and civil rights activist. Besides being a national day of rest and service, the weekend has also become a great time to support a variety of Black artists and musicians. And this year is no exception, with something to appease the tastes of listeners across genres as different as country, classical, R&B, and house music, among many others. We’ve selected some of the most eclectic and special events taking place across the city.
For country: Denitia
For years, Denitia has grinded both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians across many genres. But it is her solo work, deeply rooted in traditional country aesthetics yet mixed with the contemporary flourishes of the modern roots scene, that makes her a musician to watch. On 2024’s “Sunset Drive,” her latest album, Denitia explores the dichotomy of leaving the past behind, the emotional rollercoaster of starting over, and what possibilities may flourish by pursuing something important and new. A singular artist and a deeply felt live performer, this special set at the underrated Judson & Moore Distillery is sure to please both old fans and curious new listeners. With guest artists Olivia and the Lovers.
9 p.m. Jan. 16 at Judson & Moore Distillery, 3057 N. Rockwell St.; tickets $18 (ages 21+) at judsonandmoore.com
For juke, jungle, hip hop and R&B: Club Brew’s Cafe Day Party
The coffee-and-DJ trend shows no signs of fading away in 2026. One of the most enjoyable events on the scene is Club Brew, a coffee shop day party taking place at the beautiful and Black-owned Monday Coffee. Dubbed as a “cozy, high-energy space where coffee shop culture meets underground sound,” guests at this weekend’s event with DJ Mighty Mo and Zuni can expect a mix of propulsive beats and unique drinks to set the mood. Drop the pretension of a late-night club and lean into a space-filled with incredible music and community (and the pleasant glow of daylight).
12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at Monday Coffee, 3243 W. 16th St.; tickets $9-$12 (ages 21+) at eventbrite.com
For jazz and funk: Rebirth Brass Band
After decades in the business, the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band continues to delight fans and keep dance floors jumping with their unique blend of jazz, funk, soul and R&B. Inspired by and in homage to the New Orleans brass bands they grew up with, the Rebirth Brass Band has brought the sounds of the Big Easy to concert halls and festivals around the globe. This MLK weekend, they’re sure to bring the house down at a joyous show at Thalia Hall. Arrive early to get a spot on the main floor.
8 p.m. Jan. 17 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets $39.96-$66.63 (ages 17+) at www.thaliahallchicago.com
For house: “For Frankie”
Once a year, Smartbar’s legendary Sunday night party, Queen, dedicates the evening to the late, beloved house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles. The event, dubbed “For Frankie,” has served as a celebration of his life and legacy for more than a decade. Proceeds from the event benefit the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for AIDS research and LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, two causes deeply important to the late DJ and producer. Consider “For Frankie” a house music lover’s dream, where fans are free to revel in the glory of a perfect four-on-the-floor beat. This year’s edition features a mix of Queen staples like Michael Serafini and Shaun J. Wright as well as guest acts like vocalist Adeva, DJ Andre Hatchett, Celeste Alexander and Chez Damier.
9 p.m. Jan. 18 at Metro/Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St.; tickets $25-$30 (ages 21+) at metrochicago.com
For classical: “Open Heart: An MLK Tribute Concert”
Each year, the Chicago Sinfonietta organizes a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. concert with a different focus and lineup of sounds. This year’s concert is no exception, honoring the legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a Black Chicago surgeon who performed the first successful open-heart surgery. The surgery also took place months before the premiere of Dvořák’s “From the New World” symphony, which will be featured during the event. Guests will also hear the world premiere of Kathryn Bostic’s “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” an auspicious new piece adapted from the Hulu film and novel of the same name. Plus an elegy for Breonna Taylor, featuring cellist Jeffrey Zeigler.
4 p.m. Jan. 19 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $30-$70 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
