Tomorrow Never Knows Festival continues to be one of the only reasons I don’t hibernate for the entirety of January. Along with the extreme cold that often hits Chicago during the first month of the year, TNK Fest brings some of the best artists and best shows of the year to various venues around the city. For the first edition of TNK during the new decade, there’s no shortage of great gigs to attend at the likes of Lincoln Hall, Schubas, The Hideout and Metro, but here are the top five must-see shows on ANCHR’s list for 2020.

Who: Caroline Polachek, Born Days, Desert Liminal

What: TNK kicks off at Lincoln Hall with a show that will be sure to have the crowd dancing. Headlining the evening of electro-pop is Caroline Polachek (formerly of Chairlift), known for her knack of crafting unforgettable hooks. On her 2019 album Pang, Polachek weaves her catchy melodies around diverse electronic soundscapes that stand out as individual chapters, but still manager to flow together. If Polachek’s live shows are even half as energetic as her performances with Chairlift, be prepared to be captivated by her stage presence. Also, true to the TNK fashion of showcasing local talent in Chicago, local artists Born Days and Desert Liminal will be opening up the evening.

When: Wednesday, January 15th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Tickets to this show are sold out, but you can get TNK Five Day passes here.

Who: Goth Babe, Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma

What: All three bands on this line up create whimsical tunes that’ll fuel day dreams or make the perfect sunny day soundtrack. The evening’s headliner Griff Washburn, AKA Goth Babe, lives a nomadic lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest, so it’s only fitting his songs feel like snap shots of different adventures. Chicago’s own Slow Pulp and Jude Shuma perfectly complement Goth Babe’s sound with their dreamy, psychedelic tinged songs that’ll have you grooving along.

When: Thursday, January 16th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.

Who: Stella Donnelly, V.V. Lightbody, and The Ophelias

What: Stella Donnelly put on one of my favorite shows in 2019 at Lincoln Hall’s sister venue, Schubas. As a songwriter, Donnelly fearlessly writes lyrics that’ll hit you right in the gut, but they’re wrapped around melodies that are damn catchy. Her stage presence is just as infectious thanks to Donnelly’s positive energy and witty banter that’ll have you laughing between songs. Alongside Cincinnati rock band The Ophelias, Chicago’s V.V. Lightbody will warm up the show with her silky vocals and captivating performance.

When: Friday, January 17th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.

Who: Hand Habits, Fran, Garcia Peoples, Fauvely

What: Hand Habits, the brainchild of musician and songwriter Meg Duffy, also made for one of my favorite 2019 shows, and I can’t wait to kick off 2020 with them again. On 2019’s placeholder, Duffy spills out vulnerable tales that encompass listeners with doubled vocals and warm guitar tones. Like most of the shows in our top picks, there’s no shortage of Chicago talent that complements the evening’s headliner perfectly, and Fran and Fauvely do just that on this line up. New Jersey’s Garcia Peoples round out the evening with their trippy style that pulls influence from classic psychedelic rock bands.

When: Saturday, January 18th

Where: Schubas Tavern

Get tickets here.

Who: Deeper, Corridor, and The Hecks

What: TNK Fest wraps up at Lincoln Hall with a stacked bill that highlights three bands that put a refreshing twist on post-punk and new wave influences. Deeper’s 2018 self-titled debut was one of my favorite local releases in recent years, and if their latest singles “Bennington” and “Run” act as any indication of what their sound will continue to develop into, it’s safe to say their next record will also come in at the top. Montreal’s Corridor packs punchy guitars and nostalgia-evoking tones that pair perfectly with both Chicago bands on the bill. Lastly, The Hecks will be sure to get the energy ramped up and get the crowd moving with their synth-soaked melodies.

When: Sunday, January 19th

Where: Lincoln Hall

Get tickets here.