With temps in the 50’s right now, it’s hard to imagine that summer is right around the corner. However, if proof is what you need, just check out this extensive list of neighborhood festivals and street/block parties taking place in the next couple months in Chicago. Nearly all of these include music acts and are either free or ask a donation of no more than $5. Here is a small sample of musicians and groups I wouldn’t mind checking out under the warm sun:
Chicago Blues Festival: Pinetop Perkins, Bettye LaVette, Honeyboy Edwards, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Ribfest Chicago: Office, Jukebox the Ghost, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Annuals
Taste of Randolph Street: Dr. Dog, Urge Overkill, The Hold Steady
Wicker Park Festival: Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Junior Boys
Millennium Park Music Series: Dirty Projectors, Sea and Cake, The Feelies, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Pit Er Pat
And let’s not forgot the Pitchfork Music Festival (Built to Spill, Yo La Tengo, Tortoise, Flaming Lips, Grizzly Bear, The Walkmen, M83, Beirut, etc.) and Lollapalooza (which hopefully I get to work for a third year in a row)!
John Vanderslice at last week’s Metronome Music Festival in Logan Square.
And, Future Rock at the same festival.
