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Music News

Upcoming Festivals in Chicago

Upcoming festivals in Chicago from June-September.

June


 

  • Maifest, May 29-June 1, Lincoln Square at Lincoln Ave. and Leland Ave.
  • Festival del Taco, (NEW), May 30 – June 1, Little Village, 2600 S. Kostner (at 26th St.)
  • Do Division Street festival, May 30 – June 1, West Town
  • New Orleans festival, (NEW) May 31-June 1, West Lakeview at Lincoln Ave. and Addison
  • Chicago Food Truck Fest, June 7, outside U.S. Cellular Field
  • Bacon Chase (NEW) June 7, Montrose Beach
  • Ravinia Festival, June 5 through September 14, Highland Park
  • Ribfest Chicago, June 6-8, Lincoln/Irving Park/Damen
  • Andersonville Midsommarfest, June 6-8, Andersonville
  • Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, June 7-8, Lakeview, Sheffield/Belmont
  • 57th Street Art Fair: June 7-8, Hyde Park
  • Printers Row Lit Fest, June 7, 8, Printers Row neighborhood, Dearborn and Polk Streets
  • Grant Park Music Festival, June 11 – August 16
  • Spring Awakening, June 13-15, Soldier Field
  • Old Town Art Fair, June 14, 15, Old Town
  • Wells Street Art Festival, June 14, 15, Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street
  • Fiestas Puertorriqueñas and Puerto Rican Parade, June 12-15, Humboldt Park, Division Street
  • Taste of Randolph Street, June 13-15
  • Chicago Blues Fest, June 13-15, Grant Park, Millennium Park
  • 6 Corners BBQ Fest, June 14-15, 4000 N. Milwaukee Ave. (at Irving Park Rd./Cicero Ave. to Belle Plaine)
  • Long Grove Strawberry Festival, June 20-22, downtown Long Grove
  • L.A.T.E. Ride, June 21, overnight ride starts at Buckingham Fountain (500 S Columbus Dr)
  • Gold Coast Art Festival, June 21, 22, Grant Park’s Butler Field at the corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive
  • Pride Fest, June 21, 22, Halsted and Waveland
  • Wicker Park’s Green Music Fest, June 21, 22, Damen between North and Schiller
  • Milwaukee Summerfest, June 25-29 and July 1-6, Summerfest Grounds along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, WI.
  • World’s Largest Block Party, June 27, 28, Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams
  • Gospel Music Festival, June 27-29,  Ellis Park in Bronzeville
  • Chive Fest (NEW) June 28, Soldier Field, Stadium Green South
  • 2014 Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, June 28, Ping Tom Memorial Park,  300 W. 19th Street
  • Chicago Summerfest (formerly Chicago Country Fest), June 28, 29, Clark Street and Armitage
  • Randolph Street Market Festival, June 28, 29, 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
  • Pride Parade, June 29, North Broadway, Boystown

July


  • International Festival of Life: July 3-6, Union Park
  • Chosen Few Picnic, July 3-6,  in Jackson Park, 63rd and Hayes Drive
  • Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4, Navy Pier, 9:30 p.m.
  • Wavefront Music Festival, July 4-6, Montrose Beach
  • Summer on Southport, July 12, 13, Southport and Waveland
  • Windy City RibFest: July 4-6, Uptown, Lawrence and Broadway
  • Taste of Lakeview, July 5, 6, Lincoln at Belmont
  • Rock Around the Block, July 5, 6, Belmont and Lincoln Avenue
  • Taste of Chicago, July 9-13, Grant Park
  • Windy City Smokeout, July 11-13, River North, Hubbard and Rush Streets
  • Michigan Avenue Art Festival, July 11-13, Pioneer Court
  • Square Roots Music Festival, July 11-13, Lincoln Square
  • Irish American Heritage Festival: July 11-13, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox
  • West Fest: July 12,13, West Town, Chicago Ave. from Damen to Wood
  • Roscoe Village Burger Fest, July 12,13, Belmont and Damen
  • Pitchfork Music Festival: July 18-20, Union Park
  • BenFest 2014, (St. Benedict’s ) July 18-20
  • Chinatown Summer Fair, July 20, Wentworth Ave from Cermak Road to 24th Place
  • Taste of River North: July 18-20, River North, Kingsbury and Erie Street
  • Celebrate Clark Street Festival, Saturday, July 19, 20, between Morse and Estes Avenue
  • Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival: July 19,-20, Lincoln Park, Sheffield and Webster
  • North Dearborn Street Garden Walk, July 20, starts Latin School, 45 W. North
  • Wicker Park Fest, July 26 – 27, Milwaukee and North
  • Taste of Lincoln Avenue, July 26 – 27, N. Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton & Wrightwood
  • Randolph Street Market Festival, July 26, 27, 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
  • Wicker Park Fest, July 26-27, Milwaukee Avenue Between North Avenue and Paulina Street
  • Taste of Lincoln Avenue: July 26, 27, Lincoln Park, Fullerton and Wrightwood
  • Fiesta del Sol: July 31-August 3, Pilsen on Cermak between Morgan and Ashland

August


 

  • Fiesta del Sol: July 31-August 3, Pilsen on Cermak between Morgan and Ashland
  • Lollapalooza, August 1-3, Grant Park
  • Edge Fest: August 2, 3, Edgewater, 5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Ave.
  • Wrigleyville Summerfest, August 2, 3, School Street and Seminary Avenue
  • Taste of Latin America, August 2 – 3, 3600 to 3828 W Armitage
  • Ginza Holiday, August 8-10, Midwest Buddhist Temple, Old Town
  • Northalsted Market Days, August 9, 10, Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue
  • Retro on Roscoe, August 9, 10, Damen Avenue and Roscoe Street
  • Festa Italiana, August 14-August 17, Little Italy, Taylor St.
  • Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: August 15-17, Rogers Park
  • Edison Park Fest, August 15-17, Chicago’s northwest side, Oshkosh and Olmsted
  • Chicago Westside Music Festival – August 16,  Garfield Park
  • Chicago Air & Water Show, August 16, 17 (rehearsal August 15) North Avenue Beach
  • Albany Park World Fest (New) August 16 – 17, Lawrence & Kimball
  • Chicago Dancing Festival, August 20 – 23, various locations
  • Clark After Dark, August 21, Clark and Hubbard Streets
  • The Boulevard, August 22-24, Logan Boulevard and Milwaukee Avenue
  • The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, August 21-September 1, North Michigan Avenue
  • Chicago Fashion Fest, Saturday, August 23-24, Division St. from Wolcott to Paulina
  • Taste of Greektown, August 23 – 24, 400 S. Halsted St. at Van Buren
  • Chicago New Orleans Fest (NEW) August 23 – 24, Sheffield and Wellington
  • Bucktown Arts Festival, August 23 – 24, Bucktown
  • Chicago Fringe Festival, August 28 – September 7, Jefferson Park
  • Chicago Jazz Festival, August 28 – 31, Grant Park
  • African Festival of the Arts, August 29 – September 1
  • North Coast Music Festival, August 29 – 31, Union Park
  • Taste of Polonia, August 29 to September 1, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
  • Remix Chicago: Chicago’s Recycled Art Fair, August 30 – 31,  Milwaukee Avenue between Fullerton and California Avenues
  • Randolph Street Market Festival, August 30 – 31, 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden

September


 

  • Taste of Polonia, August 29 to September 1, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
  • German American Fest, September 5-7, Lincoln and Leland Avenues
  • Roscoe Village Oyster Fest, September 6, Damen Avenue & Roscoe St.
  • Fulton Fest, September 12,13, Fulton Avenue between Damen and Hoyne
  • Festival de la Villita, September 12-14, 26th Street and Kostner Avenue
  • Riot Fest, September 12-14, Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento Avenue
  • Crush in Old Town (previously Wells Street Fall Festival), September 13 – 14, Wells and North
  • Andersonville City Made Fest, September 20, 21, Clark and Argyle
  • Oktoberfest Chicago, September 26-28, Southport and Lincoln Avenue (a complete list  of Oktoberfest happenings will appear in a separate post in early September).
  • Chicago Gourmet, September 26 – 28, Harris Theatre and Millennium Park
  • Hyde Park Jazz Festival, September 27 – 28, Hyde Park, various locations
  • Randolph Street Market Festival, September 27, 28, 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
Categories
Media Music Music News

North Coast Music Festival!

 
 

August 29-30 / 2014

nc
 

  http://www.northcoastfestival.com/

 

Categories
Interview Music News

Bringing Out the Funk This 4.20

Freek Live 3 (1)Calling all funkateers! There’s a cool cat coming to Chicago that you don’t want to miss. Freekbass is the name and he’s bringing the REAL funk back to the game.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Freekbass has been playing music since he was about 10 and has always been fascinated by rhythm. Growing up in Cincinnati exposed Freekbass to some genres that he wouldn’t otherwise hear. While most kids were listening to Nirvana and Green Day, he connected with the bottom-heavy sounds coming out of the boom boxes like Zapp and Midnight Star.
Freekbass’ new album, Everybody’s Feelin’ Real, has tons of music legends in it. Accompanying him on the album are Joel “Razor Sharp” Johnson from Bootsy’s Rubberband, Kim Manning, Chip Wilson from George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic, Les Claypool collaborator Skerik, Big Bamn from Bootsy Collins’ Funk Unity Band, Jennifer Hartswick from Trey Anastasio Band and percussionist David Farris.
After listening to Freekbass’ new album, I have to say that I cannot wait to bump and groove at his dance party this 4.20. In my interview with Freekbass, he says his music can be classified under the broad term of “modern funk”. His set-up this weekend will include bass and live drums with electronic and DJ elements. “It is going to be electric dance and dirty.”
No confirmed music festivals yet but keep a look out because his funk train should definitely be hopping on the festival circuit soon.
For a post-holiday treat, join us this Sunday at Lincoln Hall. Grab your tickets here: http://www.lincolnhallchicago.com/Shows/04-20-2014+Particle
CMF interview with Freekbass:
1. What’s been your biggest challenge as a musician?
Playing music is always a challenge which is what makes it always exciting. The second you think you have it figured out, it takes you down a new path. The challenge is one of the big reasons we do it.
2. Who are your favorite musicians and/or main influences in music?
If I had to name three it would be Sly Stone, David Bowie, and Dr. Dre.
3. In what way does Dr. Dre influence your style? What’s your favorite Dr. Dre album?
Doggystyle by Snoop. The production on that album is incredible. I used to practice bass to that album for hours and hours as a kid. So much feel and tone in those bass lines.
4. I noticed that you’ve done a project with Adam Deitch, can you elaborate on that? Y
eah, Deitch produced a track on my last album called “Funkin All Nite” which we are playing live on this run: http://freekbass.bandcamp.com/track/funkin-all-nite
Adam has grown up with a lot of Ohio funk influence even though he is a New York cat. Don’t find a lot of that out there. Great funkateer and happy to have worked with him on that, and always a great time when we get to jam at a festival.
5. How was working with members from Bootsy’s Rubberband/Funk Unity Band, George Clinton’s Parliament and Trey Anastasio on Everybody’s Feelin’ Real? I
ncredibly inspiring. Being able to write and lay down initial bed tracks with those funk stalwarts to get those feels and sounds is a great feeling. And when you are playing and writing with that level of musician. It brings your own writing and playing to another level.
6. What’s your life mantra?
Don’t get too high on the highs, and too low on the lows… keep even… like a robot

Categories
Music Music News

Third round of lineup additions for Electric Forest!

Greetings Forest Family! The third round of lineup additions have been released! Welcome to The Forest Excision, Classixx, Tycho, Gemini Club, Cosby Sweater, Dixon’s Violin, After Funk, Emerson Jay, and The Woven Tangles!
eff

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Music News

Papadosio Takes On Chicago

IMG_20140406_014219253Concord Music Hall has been bringing in a mixture of fantastic musical talent since it’s opening Summer 2013. Last weekend, Papadosio played a late night set which took me on a musical journey.  Born in the city of Athens, OH, the group now calls Asheville, NC its home. The band members consist of singer-songwriter Anthony Thogmartin, drummer Mike Healy, bassist Rob McConnell, two-headed keyboardist brothers Billy and Sam Brouse and  the light visual illustrator Daniel Hiudt.
These musical artists have perfected the tools necessary for creating a true symphony-like experience for their shows. Every show is customized and personal to its audience. When I think back to their main underlying sound, I think of smooth improvisonal jazz. However, words cannot do them a bit of justice. They’ve combined instrumentals from a variety of genres and crafted a juxtaposition type element in their musical harmony. Meaning they have flawlessly melded progressive rock with psychedelia, folk with electronica, and dance music with jam. I also feel there was a hint of a west coast hip-hop beat incorporated on Saturday.
Can I just say that the sunrise light explosion during Find Your Cloud was absolutely amazing? Well done, a perfect way to start spring and forecast a lovely summer of music, art and good vibes. The people, sounds and lights you will experience at a Papadosio show are organic and unique. They have built a fan base of likeminded individuals through their music and it really shows. They have perfected the electronic influenced, improvisional, abstract sound with a live band concept. I highly recommend you seek them out this summer. Until we meet again, keep on spreading the Papadosio way. Vibe On!

Join the CMF crew this summer as we make our way through the festival circuit. Can’t wait to catch these guys next, down in the Ozarks at Wakarusa Music Festival! For more information about the line-up or tickets visit their website: http://www.wakarusa.com/

 
 

Categories
Music News

UZ, BOAT, ZEBO, and WHITE OWL tonight at the Mid!

Say “Chicago Music Festivals” at the Mid for free entry to UZ, BOAT, ZEBO, and WHITE OWL this Friday. Free before 12am, $10 after with password.
UZ

Categories
Music News

Papadosio | Concord Music Hall | April 5, 2014

Revolutionary technology meets an enlightening message in Papadosio. The quintet melodically fuses progressive rock with psychedelia, folk with electronica, and dance music with jam. Singer/ songwriter Anthony Thogmartin’s visionary lyrics, eclectic production, and signature guitar work are anchored by the rock solid drummer Mike Healy and bassist Rob McConnell. The quintet is rounded out by brothers Billy and Sam Brouse, whose two-headed keyboard, synth, and programming make the band’s sound unforgettable through precise layered instrumentals.

Join us for Papadosio’s late-night show this Saturday!
2047 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL | Doors open at midnight | $16 adv/$18 door

Grab your dance party ticket here: http://www.clubtix.com/concordmusichall/papadosio-concord-music-hall-%5B-late-%5D-tickets-270622

Categories
Music News

Godfather of House music Frankie Knuckles dead at 59

Frankie Knuckles died Monday at the age of 59, as confirmed by his longtime business partner, Frederick Dunson. Knuckles was born in the Bronx but earned the title of “The Godfather of House Music” in Chicago when he became a key figure in the underground club The Warehouse in the late 1970s and early 1980s. House combined splashy drum beats, elementary synthesizer flourishes, primitive digital effects and vocals that whisper, drone and roar with the spiritual release usually associated with gospel music but designed for total physical liberation.

 

Categories
Music News

Miami City Officials Call For End To Ultra Music Festival

Categories
Interview Music News

Interview with Shapes and Colors

Shapes and Colors is a Chicago-based, live electro hip-hop collective that has been pushing the boundaries of Live Electronic Music since the summer of 2011. The band members are Ramsey Zabout aka RamZ (production/ableton), Matt Rezetko (drums/percussion/samples), Jeremy Williams (bass/moog/EFX), Dan Cantone (guitar/slide/EFX), and special guest Lucas Ellman (EWI/Sax/EFX). Shapes & Colors is a nontraditional hip-hop band that combines electronic and organic music. At any given performance, be prepared to groove to hip-hop, electro funk, nu-disco, down tempo and glitch hop. They also improvise and trade-off solos similar to a jazz fusion band while incorporating electronic sounds and vocal samples. They don’t have an MC, but everything is influenced by their go-to Hip Hop origins.
Pushing the boundaries of music genres is innovative and different. Like a composer orchestrating different layers within a symphony. We need different; it keeps us truckin’ forward.
CMF interview with RamZ :
1. What inspired you guys to make music together?
We’re inspired to make music together because we’re friends. We like hanging out, clowning around, making fun of each other. Making music together is just one aspect of our friendship.
2. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Since starting in 2011, our music has become much more about the live band and less about the beats. We started off as just a drummer and a producer. Since then, we’ve developed into a full band that incorporates electronic music production into our sound. We have started moving away from using a click track in some of our new stuff which is nice because it feels more natural and allows for more improvisation.
3. What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
Fusing organic music with electronic. It’s a constant learning experience for us.
4. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
Please download and stream our live recordings, demos, remixes, and beats here:
shapesandcolors.net
www.soundcloud.com/shapesandcolors
We also release mix tapes every few months of music that we’re currently listening to and inspired by. Some of the old ones can be found here:
https://archive.org/details/snc-mixtapes
5. Are you planning on playing at music festivals this summer?
Not sure if we have anything we can announce yet, but we love playing festivals and plan to play at least a few this year. Last year we played at Hyperion Music Festival in Spencer, IN for the first time – such a great small fest.
6. What’s your life mantra
“Keep it trill”

Catch Shapes and Colors
Saturday, March 29th at Bottom Lounge
21+ | $10 + fees Doors at 8pm | Show at 9pm
Dance Party Tickets -> available here