Cheap concert tickets

All the good concerts sell out in a flash. Even some of the crappy ones do, too. So how can I get into a sold-out concert without blowing this month’s rent or sleeping with the bassist?

Sure, there’s always someone at the bottom of the El stairs looking to accommodate you. But, trust me, that’s illegal. I have a friend who spent a night in county jail for flipping a couple of tickets on the sidewalk. That being said, some folks have a license to scalp online (and for those who don’t, I’ve never heard of a Craigslist seller getting locked in the slammer). I shopped the Interweb to find the best deal on Wilco’s sold-out December 12 show at the Civic Opera House, which had a face value between $36 and $60, before fees. Stubhub.com and Goldcoasttickets.com, which snatch up batches of tickets, were selling seats for as low as $85. I tried the Craigslist black market, too, and found a ticket for $60. But nothing beats the band’s message boards. Fans typically won’t rip off other fans. I created an account on a Wilco fansite, viachicago.com. There, Tweedyheads were giving up tickets for face value. Wilco’s fans are a bunch of hippies.

Concert tickets worth grabbing—from $8 to free

The Numero Group DJs Fresh off two Grammy nominations, the local soul merchants spin their dusty gems. Sat 14; $5. At the Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave (773-227-4433).

Cheyenne Marie Mize These lush and languid folk tunes will massage the shoulders of Mazzy Star and Cat Power fans. Jan 25; $8. At Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave (773-525-2508).

Radar Eyes Fuzzy, hooky local garage rockers host an album-release shindig. Feb 6; free. At the Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave (773-276-3600).

Veronica Falls Smiths-loving Brits with boy-girl vocals serve up jangle pop that’s as giddy as it is heartbroken. Feb 16; $8. At the Empty Bottle.