Indiana rock legend John Mellencamp announced a massive, 76-date North American tour for 2023. 

The Live and In Person 2023 tour launches Feb. 5 with two nights in Bloomington and includes two-night stops at Chicago Theatre on April 13-14, Aronoff Center in Cincinnati May 12-13, and Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne May 15-16. 

Palace Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, gets just one night, May 17, followed by two nights at Connor Palace Theatre in Cleveland, May 25-26. The tour wraps up back in the Hoosier State with two nights at Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, June 23-24.

The celebrated musician has a new permanent exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame called “Legends of Rock: John Mellencamp.” Items on display include his 1976 Fender Telecaster custom guitar and the studio tracking chart for this beloved hit “Jack and Diane.” Mellencamp also recently announced a deluxe reissue of his 1985 album Scarecrow, due for release Nov. 4.

Michelle Obama in Chicago

Former first lady Michelle Obama has announced a 2022 U.S. tour in support of her latest book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. Fans will soon be able to see her in person at the Chicago Theatre on Dec. 5-6. 

Obama will discuss her new book that she described in an Instagram post as “a collection of stories and practices that have helped me sort through all the challenges and questions that keep us up at night: How do I know I’m good enough? How do I bring my whole self to the table? How can I overcome my fears?” 

The Light We Carry will be published on Nov. 15. 

Evanescence joining Muse

Multiplatinum and Grammy-winning English rockers Muse released their ninth studio album, Will of the People, in August and will tour North America in early 2023 to support it. 

The brief tour begins at Chicago’s United Center on Feb. 25 and also stops at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7, with Evanescence opening the shows. 

Will of the People debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts.

Isbell coming to Blue Gate

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have been announced for the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana. 

The concert will be Jan. 23 with special guest Peter One, best known as half of the country-folk duo Jess Sah Bi & Peter One

Isbell, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and former member of the Drive By Truckers, won’t be on the road long, but he will also stop in Nashville, Indiana, at the Brown County Music Center on Jan. 31. 

Isbell’s most recent release was assisting Amanda Shires and Maren Morris on the single “Empty Cups.” 

His most recent album with The 400 Unit was last year’s Georgia Blue, on which he covered songs by native Georgians including R.E.M., Cat Power, and Otis Redding to benefit nonprofit organizations.