Celebrate John Prine’s 80th birthday at Souvenirs, an all-star tribute concert at the Chicago Theatre on Oct 8, featuring Steve Earle, Margo Price, and more.
- May 12, 2026
AceShowbiz - A significant tribute concert honoring the legacy of John Prine is set to take place in Chicago, celebrating what would have been the iconic singer-songwriter’s 80th birthday.
The event, titled Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine, will be held on October 8 at the Chicago Theatre and features an impressive lineup of performers. Confirmed artists include Steve Earle, Kathleen Edwards, Joy Oladokun, Margo Price, Ratboys, Noeline Hofmann, Shemekia Copeland, Amos Lee, Josh Ritter, Andrew Sa, and Jon Langford.
Actor and musician John C. Reilly will serve as the host for the evening and will also contribute a musical performance. Organizers anticipate additional artists will be announced leading up to the event.
"John's connection to Chicago was so important to him," shared Fiona Prine, the late artist’s widow. "Having grown up here, and with family still in the area, any excuse was a great excuse to visit - and enjoy an Italian beef sandwich! Chicago made John... He attended classes at Old Town School [of Folk Music] and met his dear friend and mentor, Steve Goodman."
This tribute marks the first official celebration of Prine’s music in the city where he was raised. Though his family has hosted annual birthday tributes through the Hello in There Foundation in Nashville since his passing in 2020, the Chicago event will be a unique homage near his childhood home in Maywood, Illinois.
In addition to the Chicago concert, a major celebration of Prine’s work will take place this summer at Wolf Trap in Virginia. The Chicago tribute promises to be a meaningful event reflecting the deep ties between the artist and the city where his career first took flight.
