The crowd at Pitchfork during Ms. Lauryn Hill on Sunday night / photo by KPL

Editor's Note
 

Welcome to issue #20 of Chicago Crowd Surfer! We were all about Pitchfork last weekend and our full review is here. We caught thirty acts over three days of back and forth weather that left us exhausted. Thanks to Pitchfork for throwing a killer fest, yet again. You’ll also find all the new releases including new singles from Chicago’s new mogul Chance the Rapper, Ty Segall and White Fence’s collab record, and The Internet’s mind melding new LP.

We did it Chicago! We made it past our teens. Our voice has lost its cracks and we’ve got hair all over, now it’s time to get down with our adulthood! This weekend is Wicker Park Fest. Come with us for all the music you can sink your teeth into for the low donation of $10 a day!

Seeing live music gives us joy, and it is our mission, in these trying times, to spread some of that joy to you. We don’t just want to spread it, we want to share it; which is why we are a crowd-sourced publication. We want you to join us: to write about, and share pictures of, the shows you attend, the new albums you love, the bands you adore, and any other thing that has to do with seeing, performing, or experiencing music in Chicago. Please send any submissions to chicago.crowd.surfer@gmail.com. We are now up to eleven contributors and are always looking for more! We may not publish everything we get, and we reserve the right to edit, but will always try and seek the submitters’ approval. Our mission is to be a positive publication, so if you have negative things to say - please look for another forum in which to express that opinion. We aim to wade through the bullshit of this modern life to find what good is left. See you at the show Chicago.

Keep Seeing Live Music!

KPL & JCB

Pitchfork_Music_Festival_2016.png

pitchfork music festival

 

Union Park

July 20th - 22nd

 Festival logo credit: Pitchfork Music Festival
All photos by KPL (unless noted)

 

Chicago welcomed Pitchfork last weekend with abnormally cool and rainy weather for July. Curated by the 22 year old, independent music website of the same name, Pitchfork Fest has been a gauge for what is new and trending for the past eleven years. Union Park was graced with three days of local, experimental, and world wide powerhouses; many of whom got a big boost in their fan bases by playing to the largest crowds most of them have seen. It becomes a mantra by the end of the fest: “this is the biggest crowd we have ever played for”. As always with large fests there were some misses, but in general it was solid fest this year--if not a bit on the mellow side leading to some unresponsive crowds. Here is what we saw as we braved the rain, wind, some bright sunshine and plunging temps after dark.

Friday

The Curls

The Curls opened Friday with a bang. Their version of “hipster soul” (complete with back up singers and a horn section) provided plenty of great tunes to get that early buzz going. Anna Holmquist (also of Ester) never stopped dancing providing the energy that got the rest of the band going. Jenny Marshall led the horns, laying down some funky lines to back the cool soul-influenced tunes. The Curls are a one of a kind experience. Check them out next at Sleeping Village on August 7th!

 

Melkbelly

Up next, local noise rockers, Melkbelly. Miranda Winters howled, moaned and scouled as she spat her lyrics over the top of their crunching noise rock. It was fun to pick out those who hadn’t experienced them before, by the deer in the headlights look on their faces. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a pit start during the set, but hopefully they get one when they open for The Foo Fighters this Sunday at Wrigley Field! The will also be headlining the FCK CNCR FST at Thalia Hall on August 18th.

 

Lucy Dacus

The combination of rain and electricity  is a very real threat to musicians performing at outdoor festivals. So, in hopes to avoid any more rainy interruptions of her set, Lucy Dacus started early. She began a bit shaky, but soon settled in for a set full of tunes of this year’s great Historian; ending the set with a jam-out on hit “Nightshift.”

 

Joshua Abrams

Famed Chicago bassist, Joshua Abrams, has brought together a talented crew to form the Natural Information Society. They take his circular licks on the guembri (a three-stringed skinned bass used by the Gnawa musicians of Northern Africa), and construct an improvised wall of noise that eventually builds into psychedelic cacophony.

 

Open Mike Eagle

In terms of form, Open Mike Eagle presented one of the most structured sets of the weekend. He brought the crowd into an unnamed support meeting (like AA or NA); complete with a repeated mantra and a couple new tunes. He even brought out fellow local rapper Serengeti to an “Onions” chant and a version of the artists, “Dennehy.”

 

Julien Baker

Memphis native, Julien Baker, brought plenty of emotion to her solo set. Sometimes there is nothing better than a musician with just her guitar. Each of her tunes seemed to come to a dramatic, hollering climax before ushering us into a new emotive journey of love, faith and self exploration.

 

Big Thief

Adrianne Lenker was last to the stage with a wave to the crowd, she picked up her guitar and launched into hit tune, “Masterpiece.” Lenker and her band treated us to highlights of their great catalog including “Sharksmile”, “Mary”, and “Real Love”. At the end of their set she admitted to the crowd--in reference to having climbed on the subs for a solo--that she had never stood on them before: “That was a first for me.”

 

Courtney Barnett

Courtney Barnett was Friday's highlight act for many festival goers. And, she rose to the occasion with a gorgeous set full of her signature story songs, and some of the best shredding you’ll get on the indie scene. She jumped back and forth between her latest two albums with great versions of “Nameless, Faceless” and “Elevator Operator”. Finishing out her set with a  killer “Pedestrian At Best”.

Tame Impala

Headliner, Tame Impala, rocked to what seemed a capacity crowd. Lasers and all.

Girlpool

Girlpool put on a fantastic aftershow at the Sub T. Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad have recently added a second guitarist and drums, and it has really filled out their sound. We predict long careers ahead for these two.

 

saturday

Paul Cherry

berhana

Saturday started sunny with the soundtrack of Paul Cherry’s odd, lounge-stylings. The local artist brought a seven piece band to back him as he rolled through every tune off new album Flavour. If The Curls celebrate hipster-soul, then Cherry vibes hipster-lounge. You can see him open for Post Animal at The Empty Bottle on August 4th!

 

berhana put on one hell of a set, pacing up and down the Red Stage. The singer/rapper out of LA’s diverse club scene has a distinct smooth flow. He gifted us with the first performance of his brand new track, “Wildin”, which had dropped the day before. He is not the first R&B singer/rapper out of LA, but he’s definitely at the top of his craft.

 

Zola Jesus

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

Zola Jesus appeared at first clad in a red dress & veil that rippled in the wind. She ended up ditching the veil as her full band joined her, but she rocked that bright red dress throughout the rest of her set, providing a little pop of color to the otherwise tame display of fashion at this years fest.

Out of the North East (via LA) comes the cool grooves provided by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and her synths. Performing solo (with just a Buchla Music Easel (a cabinet synth,) her voice, and a few other boards) her spiraling, gorgeous arrangements grabbed your attention. It lead one to ask, “How is she creating all that sound right now!?” Her hands flew all over her synths as she sang through her lav mic, even garbeling the vocals with deep effects.

 

Nilüfer Yanya

Moses Sumney

British born singer/songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya, has been championed by Pitchfork for over a year now, and with good reason. With her mellow guitar-rock vibe, and introspective lyrics she captured the audience of thousands, and never let us go. We are certain that this 23 year old has a bright future to look forward to.

 

As Moses Sumney steps to the mic one slowly begins to realize that his art deco mic stand is actually an instrument with a possessor, which he uses to harmonize with himself. Four different mics allowed him to change the tone of his vocals in order to blend into one distinct sound. Fresh off a controversy--in which he canceled his Montreal Jazz Fest performance over their support of the racially charged musical SLĀV--the LA native funked up the fest with his offbeat tribal rhythms and swirling vocals.

 

This Is Not This Heat

The English have always been progressives when it comes to rock so it comes as no surprise to learn that this forerunner of post-rock was born in the clubs of London. In their short, seven-year stint as a band, This Heat only recorded two albums and one EP, but they proved incredibly influential; birthing  many  acts that span multiple genres of hard rock. A few years back, Charles Bullard and Charles Hayward reunited for what became This Is Not This Heat. Performing with a variety of musicians, they have become critical darlings; and their set was the highlight of the stacked Saturday at Pitchfork. It’s safe to say that the acclaim is well deserved.

 

The War On Drugs

From JCB:

To be honest, The War on Drugs was the only reason I wanted to go to Pitchfork. It’s not that I didn’t like anyone else. I was excited to see Courtney Barnett and Tame Impala on Friday, and it was a treat to watch Raphael Saadiq after years of him popping up on my streams and thinking “man, I bet he’s awesome live.” But TWoD was the main attraction for me. And, after watching a bit of Fleet Foxes main set, it seemed like TWoD should have been the main attraction for Saturday overall. There has always been something about this band’s unassumed swagger that captures my attention. They walk on stage to little fanfare, and they don’t banter with the crowd. They just play. And keep playing--going right from one sweeping epic to the next extended solo. Drawing heavily from their two modern classics, Lost in the Dream and A Deeper Understanding, Adam Granduciel and company treat the stage just like The Boss they look up to does: Rock was here. Rock is here. And rock is going to be here long after we’re gone.

Sunday

Nnamdi Ogbonnaya

Irreversible Entanglements

Applause to Pitchfork for yet another killer local act to open the day in Nnamdi Ogbonnaya. His blending of indie guitar rock and hip hop works so well that he shook the ‘gates opened late’ disappointment out of the crowd, and when the sun started to shine his band got us all moving.  Next time he plays in town you should plan on checking it out. He is a rare talent.

 

Philly was well represented at this year’s fest with at least three artists hailing from the city of brotherly love. Considering their content, it’s probably unlikely Irreversible Entanglements would agree with that nickname. An experimental jazz combo with a deep political bent, poet Camae Ayewa (a.k.a. Moor Mother) speaks over the repetitive licks the band kicks out, and educates while evocating. It was too early to call it the best set on Sunday but it was very close.

 

Kweku Collins

Kweku Collins didn’t just make an  entrance, he bounded and never stopped jumping, skipping, and crouching at the front of the stage. The Evanston native had the crowd in the palm of his hand the whole damn set.  

 

Kelly Lee Owens

The Welsh born Kelly Lee Owens stood alone onstage surrounded by her instruments. She raised a drumstick and struck her pads with a ferocity that was missing from many of the other talents that graced the stage this weekend. Her electro pop is entertaining enough to hold you until her messages start to sink in. She ended one of her tunes with the refrain “Be the fucking revolution.” Thanks for the reminder Ms. Owens. We will be.

Ravyn Lenae

Japanese Breakfast

The 19 year old prodigy that is Ravyn Lenae strutted out in a full length silver fringe smock. She approached her red boa wrapped mic stand with an ease that far belied her years. As soon as she sang the crowd never left her hand and she even “got real” and started asking if her fans in the front row needed any relationship advice. It was a perfect device. How the youth of today will teach us.

 

Japanese Breakfast killed it for a short thirty minute scorcher of a set that included a wonderful sing along to her tune “Everybody Wants to Love You” and a cover of the Cranberries hit “Dreams.”

 

Smino

After the indie rock explosion on the Blue Stage, we wandered over to Smino’s set and discovered the local by way of St. Louis had the crowd going strong. Hands raised, back and forth they swayed as the rapper and singer covered every inch of the stage; his bright orange vest visible from the gates. You could tell playing to a huge receptive crowd was his version of heaven. As he came back out for an encore, he exclaimed ,“I live down the street, I can do one more!”

 

Noname

The opposite could be said for Chicago rapper Noname. She had to fight an unresponsive audience the whole set. It is true that her poetry based rhymes and distinct flat flow is not the banging tracks that Smino delivered, but they are as relevant and lyrically gorgeous. It was tough to watch her struggle through the early section of her set, but she soon won a majority of us over with her nervous charm and smart lyrics. When Saba and Smino guested toward the end of the set, the tone flipped into the racaus party it should have always been.

 

(Sandy) Alex G with Japanese Breakfast

Chaka Khan

(Sandy) Alex G began as a solo artist, but has become so much more. With a full band behind him the  lo-fi recordings become something incredibly different and interesting. He welcomed fellow Philly act Japanese Breakfast onstage for a version of his “Brite Boy”, and then continued to roll through a set full of his signature mellow mood.

 

As was announced in her introduction, this ten time grammy award winning and rock n roll hall of fame nominee has been performing for over forty years. And she brought it on Sunday, just like she always does. Whether it was covering Prince with “I Feel For You”, or rocking us all with “I’m Every Woman” she delivered a wonderful performance that is indicative of her legendary status. It was good to welcome her home.  

 

Japandroids

the crowd during Ms. Lauryn Hill

It was a whole different scene at the Blue Stage where Canadian rock duo Japandroids had the machismo flowing. Evidence of this vibe was right in front of us incarnated as a middle age man rocking along with his early teens son. Both raising their fists, and singing along to the incredibly catchy choruses and sing along howls that Brian King and David Prowse produce. This was their third Pitchfork and the welcoming crowd drank in every minute of their pounding rock.

 

Ms. Lauryn Hill was greeted by screams of appreciation as she sauntered onstage wearing a massive hat and floor length dress. She was only 23 minutes late starting, which was a relief to the many who suspected she may not make it. As expected, she ran through an out of order performance of her classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. She saved some of her best tunes for last, including a cover of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” and ended with the classic “Doo Wop (That Thing).”

 

As we said in our preview we were very impressed with the diversity in this years fest. Keep it up Pitchfork and maybe you’ll see us again next year. What are we saying . . . see you next year P4K!  


ALBUM REVIEWS

Chance the rapper
"walla calm / I might need security /  Work Out /  65th & Ingleside"
Chance the rapper

Let’s not lie to ourselves Chicago, we have a new hip-hop mogul in town and this is his coming out party. You can’t deny his popularity has lasted for years, and his philanthropy made him into a hometown hero. Now he has bought news website Chicagoist , as he announced in “I Might Need Security:” an honest portrayal of some of his personal problems and the cities political issues: “and Rahm you done, I’m expect a resignation, an open investigation, on all these paid vacations, for murderers.” Political rap is nothing new but who can name an artist/mogul that announced his expansions as they happen in musical context. Sure bragging rights has always been a part of hip-hop, but in today’s instant world you can break news yourself. The genius this artist from West Chatham represents is astonishing at times.

None of these tunes are the summer banger fans might hunger for, but each shows off lyrical flavors that are undoubtedly Chance. They are a move from the gospel flavors that were all over Coloring Book, with much more classic production and his distinct flow. Supa Bwe takes a turn on “Wala Cam,” with local experimental hip hop duo Forever Band providing some indie cred. Chance’s honest turns of phrase on “Work Out” hopes to put to rest some rumors about his romantic/personal life, and “65th & Ingleside” provides a look into his late youth and where he came from. It’s no accident these tracks dropped days before his performance at the 50th anniversary of The Special Olympics at Northerly Island. The man knows how to promote himself. Chicago, the mogul we deserve has finally arrived.    

-KPL

Chance doesn’t have another show in Chicago on the books at this time.

 

ty segall , white fence
joy
drag city

Two prolific west coast scholars of rock meet for a second time in the studio and produce a psychedelic odyssey that is purely of this time, yet entirely dictated by the past. The influences these two possess from a lifetime of music absorption is palpable in every track: there is a late Beatles drum beat, here is the chord changes of early Pink Floyd, there is a Sonic Youth style odd tuning (it goes on and on, with much more archaic and or indie influences)  What about a three chord punk tune? That’s here too. None of these tunes last long, (15 tracks in 30min.) but they don’t have to. These two get in and get out at just the right time.

“Rock Flute” may sum up this crazy orchestra of a record with it’s chorus of “Rock Is Dead!” over and over. The rock n roll we know is dead, that is for sure. And these two are on their way to discovering what it can be now and in the future.

-KPL

Ty Segall is coming back to Thalia Hall for an intimate acoustic “in the round” performance on November 3rd. William Tyler is opening and tix are going for only $28.

 

the internet
hive mind
columbia , sony

Born out of the Odd Future contingent but maturing much faster than their counterparts in the LA based hip shop contingent. Hive Mind is their first LP since leaving Odd Future’s umbrella and the soul, jazz, and R&B based act emerged with their best album yet. A gorgeous thirteen tunes that explores the limits of their genre forebears. Syd’s vocals glide along the production from Steve Lacey and the instrumentation of bassist Patrick Paige II and drummer Christopher Smith. Along with Matt Martins songwriting which has come a long way since the early days of Purple Naked Ladies. Nothing better than high quality musicians at their peak.

-KPL

They just hit the East Room for an album release party this weekend along with Syd’s solo set at Pitchfork. But they are on their way back when they open for Gorillaz at the United Center on Oct. 16th.

 

adolescents
cropduster
concrete jungle

Who says old men can’t rock! Recorded before the untimely death of bassist and founder Steve Soto (also a founder of punk legends Agent Orange), the Adolescents newest effort is more than just punk rock, it’s a full scale look at who and what we are as a society, along with a few pop love tunes thrown in.

Formed in SoCal in 1980, Adolescents was off and on through the eighties and nineties but have been prolific in the last decade with five albums of mayhem. I can see some 12 year old discovering this album, as I discovered Bad Religion and becoming a punk lifer. If you want some stress relief this is your jam!

-KPL

The Adolescents are on the bill for this year’s Riot Fest!


WHAT WE'RE JAMMING TO THIS WEEK

Cautious Clay
blood type remix - EP

A remix issue of five tracks off his fabulous Blood Type. As much class goes into his choice of producers as does his own music, with HXNS, Mozado and Wacomo contributing mixes to this mid summer jam. 

Just announced! He is coming to Schubas on Sept 28th! Tix just went on sale and are running $18 ($20 door). 

The lemon twigs
small victories

The second single off the brother duo’s upcoming musical album Go To School. They claim its the story of a chimp being raised as a little boy. With a cameo by Todd Rundgren as the chimps father and the guys real parents making appearances as well. Go To School drops August 24th.

They hit here last fall and are currently slated to open for The Arctic Monkeys on a world tour. Maybe they’ll stop by this winter. 

the inversions (feat. charles bradley)
whatcha doin (to me)/strike three

A few reggae reworkings of classic Charles Bradley tracks. If you dig the thump thump of a reggae bass line with a some Screaming Eagle vocals, this one is for you. 

The Inversions are currently not on tour, but if someone wants to invent a time machine and bring back

Mr. Bradley, we’ll donate to that! 

St. Lucia
walking away

Absolutely dripping eighties synth gold, this is the third single off forthcoming album Hyperion which is set to release September 21st. 

They are playing Concord on October 3rd! Tix are $35! How is this not sold out Chicago! 

willie nelson
summer wind

The legends first single off his new Frank Sinatra tribute album titled My Way (what else?)! It’ll mark his second record this year and is set to drop Sept. 12th. Quite an output from an 85 year old. 

Willie is currently on tour but he stopped close by early in the summer. Maybe we’ll get a run at the Chicago Theatre this winter. One can hope . . .

 

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

  • Sharkmuffin - Liz Taylor

  • Greta Van Fleet - When The Curtain Falls

  • Aaron Lee Tasjan - Heart Slows Down

  • berhana - Wildin’

  • DRAM - That’s A Girls Name - EP

  • Billie Eilish - you should see me in a crown

  • 070 Shake - Accusations

  • Guided By Voices - You Own the Night

  • Cat Power - Wanderer

  • Joyce Manor - Million Dollars To Kill Me

  • Death Cab for Cutie - I Dreamt We Spoke Again.  


THIS WEEK'S RECOMMENDED NEW RELEASES

the chamanas  /  nea II  /  los maxicos , cosmica

Born on the border between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso The Chamanas produce Mexican folk and Bossa Nova influenced indie rock that is all their own. From ballads like “Wedding Cake” to the rolling synths of “Feel It Still - Spanish Version” this record contains some rethought and retooled versions of tracks off last years excellent NEA, along with some new songs thrown in the mix. 

The Chemanas are coming to the Sub T on Saturday, August 18th; tix are only $15 for Early Bird and $20 for GA!

 

meg myers  /  take me to the disco  /  300

Dramatic, over the top, and full of dark melodies, Meg Myers third album covers all the alternative bases; she walks that line between it working and taking it too far. There is a sense of restraint that many artists in indie synth rock just don’t possess. This is a possible hit record. Let’s see if the public can pay attention long enough to rightfully embrace it. 

She just headlined the Sub T in early June and is coming back to headline the House of Blues on October 6th!

 

nathan salsburg  /  third  /  no quarter

The instrumental guitarist returns with his fourth and possibly best effort. The Louisville native needs nothing but his instrument to bring out the beauty that is hidden in the right note, the perfect cord. From the first note, if you aren’t there with him, we don’t know what you would like. 

Mr. Salsburg is currently not touring.

 

Balún  /  prisma tropical  /  Good child

Coming out of San Juan and moving to Brooklyn took this band on a decade long transformation that has brought out this great work, eight years in the making. Layers of synths drape over the beats of the Caribbean while Angélica Negrón’s vocals float ethereal above it all. 

Balún is opening for The Chamanas at the Sub T on August 18th. 

 

chelsea Jade  /  personal best  /  chelsea jade , create music

A sonically upbeat yet spare debut from the New Zealand native. She self describes as an art-school drop out, and her pop is as infectious as it is austere. There are reminders of CHVRCHES without the embellishments. 

She is currently not on tour, but hopefully she comes stateside soon! 

 

MORE NOTABLE RELEASES

Punch Brothers / All Ashore / Nonesuch

Soft and dewy, All Ashore comes to port with the string band taking things slow and steady through most of the album, leaving room for all the talented contributors in this all star lineup to shine. 

They are coming to the Symphony Center September 7th and last time we checked there were still plenty of tickets available at various price ranges.

Ovlov / TRU / Exploding In Sound

Fuzz rock can either be interesting or a squalling, squeaky mess. Ovlov falls into the former category. There is just enough melody here to keep it catchy while the guitars wash over your mind like a wave. 

Unfortunately, Ovlov is currently not on tour.

Buddy / Harlan & Alondra / RCA , Sony

With tons of credits to his name the 24 year old finally drops his debut studio recording and it’s one of the better hip hop releases this year. At least he raps about “Real Life S**t.” 

Buddy is playing Lolla next weekend. He is slated for Friday Aug. 3rd on the BMI stage at 5:30PM.  And he is playing the Vic that night opening for Dua Lipa, but that show is Sold Out!

Lori McKenna / The Tree / CN , Thirty Tigers

She has been on the country folk scene for nearly twenty years but this collection of tunes is one of her best. Peopled by families, the down on their luck, and Patsy Cline; her story songs can bring a smile or a tear, but are at their core stories of inspiration.  

Ms. McKenna is playing City Winery on August 4th with Whitney Fenimore.

Westover / Westover / Baby Syndrome , The Fuel

The art pop of Westover is like millennialism in carnet. From his simple song titles to content that's drawn from the everyday life of a 20 plus year old, he just seems to be reflecting the world he sees. We don’t know if that is refreshing or eye rolling. The jury is still out but we’re leaning toward the former.  

He currently has no tour dates.

Struckout / Struckout / Postmark

Post-hardcore SoCal rockers Struckout have released a self titled album six years into their career and seemed to have turned a corner. Daniel Speer’s screams and shouts rise above the cacophony of guitar and drums to form the perfect combo that makes this genre one of the best live. 

If only they were coming here soon. Hopefully they’ll get their asses in gear for a winter tour and will swing through.

Forma / Semblance /  kranky

This experimental synth trio are meant for a night at home and some good psychedelic images, if you catch our drift. 

We would expect them to come in the winter. Probably to the Bottle. That’ll be a good time.

Pram / Across The Meridian / Domino 

The English 90’s experimenters have released their first new music in a decade and it is like a nightmare trip though a Scooby Doo cartoon. Play this one after the Forma album. Double craziness! 

They are currently not on tour. They haven’t been in the states in nearly twenty years. Boston in 2000 was the last time.

Wild Pink / Yolk In The Fur / Tiny Engines

One of those rare indie pop bands that can switch between washes of synths to a slowly plucked guitar and it doesn’t detract, it only strengthens the strong musical base. They are eclectic and it works, only if more bands took this strategy to heart. 

Wild Pink is playing the Empty Bottle opening for Restorations on October 13th! 


NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

  • Wicker Park Fest starts on Friday. You can take in so many quality acts for just a $10 donation per day. Headliners Against Me!, The Get Up Kids and Porches would all charge more than that each. It’s a great way to start the end of Summer countdown! 

  • This weekend is also Fuck Fest 4 at Sleeping Village. 7PM to 12AM Friday thru Sunday. 2 stages, 10 bands a night, continuous local music all night long for FREE!

 

Thursday July 26th
Kina Grannis / Imaginary Future
Lincoln Hall    7PM   $22.50 ($25 doors) 

The Trolls / Problem People / Romancoke
1st Ward Chop Shop   8:30PM   $6 ($8 doors) 


Friday July 27th
Wicker Park Fest
(see our Summer Fest Guide for more info) 

Porches / Sidney Gish
The Subterranean   10PM   $15 

GGOOLLDD / Kedr Livanskiy / MUVVES
The Empty Bottle   9PM doors   $12

Fuck Fest 4:
Bev Rage & The Drinks / Avantist / +8 bands
(10 bands in one night!) 
Sleeping Village    7PM    FREE

Negative Scanner (record release) / Warm Bodies / Deodorant and The Pornography Glows
Thalia Hall “In The Round” 5:30PM doors  $12

Saturday July 28th
Wicker Park Fest

Rayland Baxter / Okey Dokey
Lincoln Hall    8PM    $15 ($18 doors) 

Ezra Furman / Secret Bad Boy
Beat Kitchen  10PM   $15

Fuck Fest 4:
The No Ways / More Gorgeous / +8 bands

(10 bands in one night!) 
Sleeping Village    7PM     FREE


Sunday July 29th
Wicker Park Fest

Railway Gamblers (album release) / The Tomblands / Pat Eagan & The Heavy Hearts
Schubas    8PM    $10 ($12 doors) 

Fuck Fest 4:  
Vagabond Maurice / Ano Ba / +8 bands

(10 bands in one night!) 
Sleeping Village    7PM     FREE
 

Monday July 30th
Aimee Mann / This Is The Kit
Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park   6:30PM    FREE

Deafheaven / Drab Majesty / Uniform
Metro    7PM      $21 ($23 day of) 

Al Scorch / William Matheny / Maks The Fox
Schubas    8PM    $8 ($10 doors)     

Tuesday July 31st
Beach Bunny / Lunar Vacation / Karma Wears White Ties / Winter Beach
The Sub T (downstairs)     6:30PM      $10 


 

 

See you at the show Chicago! 


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    • Promo materials (buttons, stickers, gear, flyers…)

With any contribution, we request email submissions by the following Wednesday morning  (ex. If you see a Friday show, submit 4 days later; ex. Listen to a new album on Tuesday, submit the next day). Please let us know that you want to contribute so we can get you into that week’s issue. You can totally submit a review later than Wednesday, and we may include it. Not to put the pressure on, but we are a weekly mag so we like to keep content current.

-LPL

P.S. If you want a little extra confidence, we really do want to hear from you and expand our community. I am not a trained writer, and personally think my reviews need a good deal of improvement. I keep writing to get better, and people are still reading it!