Willie Nile

Thu Apr 16 at 7:30pm

Evanston, IL

Event Info

The New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years. Uncut Magazine called him A one-man Clash and the unofficial poet laureate of New York City. His album Streets Of New York was hailed as a platter for the ages by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011 and BBC Radio called it THE rock n roll album of the year. His single from that album, One Guitar, was the Top Pick of the Week in USA Today.Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises. His album, American Ride, won Best Rock Album of the Year at the Independent Music Awards. It appeared on dozens of year-end Top Ten lists for 2013 and was voted Album Of The Year by Twangville Magazine. Bono called it, One of the great guides to unraveling the mystery that is the troubled beauty of America. In November 2014 he released an album of piano-based songs, If I Was A River, to great critical acclaim. MOJO wrote about his 2016 album World War Willie, Four Stars! The real thingstomp-til-ready rocknrolltimeless fare. It won Album of the Year Readers Poll from Twangville Magazine and made numerous top ten lists for Album of the Year. His album Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan from 2017 was hailed as one of the best Dylan tribute albums ever made. Powerpop Magazine wrote: Astoundingly greatmust be heard to be believed. If this doesnt get your blood flowing, seek medical help. And the Associated Press said his 2018 album Children Of Paradis, which also won Twangvilles Album of the Year Readers Poll, Might be the best album of his career! Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: His live performances are legendary. His 2020 album New York At Night got rave reviews, with The Associated Press calling it: As sharp and guitar-driven as everthe fire within Nile, once a peer of The Replacements and The Clash, continues to light a similar torchanthemiccustom made for these times. Downbeat Magazine calling it a sonic love letter to Gotham. His recent studio album The Day The Earth Stood Still features a duet with Steve Earle on the song Blood On Your Hands. The London Times called him A man who embodies the true spirit of rock n roll. The New Yorker wrote that Willie Nile is One of the most brilliant singer-songwriters of the past 30 years.

Thu - April 16, 2026 • 7:30 PMTickets

Additional dates

About Willie Nile

Willie Nile (born Robert Anthony Noonan on June 7, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter, and musician. In 1980 Nile released his self-titled debut album which according to one critic remains “one of the most thrilling post-Byrds folk-rock albums of all time”. His career was interrupted by legal problems with his record company, but he eventually returned to recording and performing in the US and Europe, establishing himself as a respected songwriter and live-wire rocker. Read more on Last.fm

Venue

1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

Lineup

Willie Nile

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns SPACE Evanston?: SPACE in Evanston is owned by Jake Samuels and Dave Koslowski, who opened the venue in 2008. Together, they envisioned SPACE as a premier live music destination in the Chicagoland area, focusing on creating an intimate listening environment for artists and fans alike. The ownership team is committed to delivering high-quality live performances, and their passion for music and community engagement has positioned SPACE as one of the top independent music venues in the Midwest. Over the years, SPACE has hosted a diverse range of local and national acts, contributing to Evanston's vibrant cultural scene.
Does SPACE in Evanston serve food?: Yes, SPACE in Evanston serves food. The venue partners with Union Pizzeria, located adjacent to the performance space, to provide a delicious menu for concertgoers. Guests can enjoy a variety of artisan pizzas, small plates, salads, and other Italian-inspired dishes before or during shows. Food and beverage service is available in both the lounge and the main concert area, offering a full bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and a curated wine list. Dining at SPACE enhances the overall experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a great night out with fantastic music and flavorful cuisine.
Where to park for SPACE in Evanston?: Parking for SPACE in Evanston is convenient and accessible. Guests can utilize the City of Evanston's public parking garage located at 525 Church Street, which is just a short walk from the venue. Street parking is also available on surrounding roads, though it may be limited during peak hours. Additionally, there are several paid parking lots in the vicinity. It's recommended to arrive early, especially for sold-out events, to secure the best parking spots. Some areas may require payment via meters or mobile apps, so be sure to check signage for restrictions and rates. SPACE's central location ensures easy access via public transit as well.
What is Evanston, IL famous for?: Evanston, IL is famous for being the home of Northwestern University, a prestigious Big Ten institution known for its academic excellence and beautiful lakeside campus. The city is also recognized for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary options, and historic architecture. Evanston played a key role in the temperance movement, earning the nickname “Heavenston” for its early prohibition of alcohol. Today, it boasts a lively downtown, picturesque beaches along Lake Michigan, and a strong sense of community. Its proximity to Chicago makes Evanston a desirable place to live, work, and visit, drawing both students and tourists to its cultural attractions.
Is SPACE in Evanston standing room only?: SPACE in Evanston offers both seated and standing room options, depending on the concert or event. Many shows are set up with reserved table seating and general admission standing room, allowing guests to choose their preferred concert experience. Some performances are fully seated, while others are standing room only, particularly for high-energy or sold-out acts. It's important to check the event details when purchasing tickets to confirm the setup for your chosen show. Regardless of the arrangement, SPACE is designed to provide excellent sightlines and superior acoustics throughout the venue, ensuring an intimate and memorable live music experience for all attendees.