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Black Lips, Flosstradamus, Tour De West Town Highlight West Fest

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 5, 2012 9:00PM

westfest.bmp The music lineup for this year's 8th annual West Fest was announced Monday. This year's version, from July 7-8 on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood, will feature a bike race. Since that holds our interest more than the music lineup (which is still solid) let's start with that first.

The "Tour de West Town" is still pending permit approvals as of post time. Once permits are granted, it will be the newest addition to a festival that attracted nearly 50,000 people last year. Part of the International Cycling Classic, the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the world with races in multiple cities. Free to the public, Tour de West Town will run concurrently with West Fest on July 8 and a contingent of up-and-coming European cycling stars will participate. Here's a map that lays out the course.

2012_6_5_tourdewesttownmap.JPG

As for the music lineup, The Black Lips and Bad Veins headline the main stage Saturday and Sunday, respectively. But it's the DJ stage at Chicago and Wood that stands out. Derrick Carter closes the fest July 8, while Flosstradamus will spin their turntables of doom July 7.

Main Stage (Chicago and Damen): Presented by Empty Bottle Presents (More acts will be announced)

Saturday:

The Black Lips
He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister
Stagnant Pools

Sunday:

Bad Veins
R Ring
Bestfriends

BP DJ Stage (Chicago at Wood) with the VOID sound system

Saturday:

Flosstradamus 8:30 p.m.
Sinden 7 p.m.
Zebo 6 p.m.
Dark Wave Disco DJs 5 p.m.
The ComeUps 4 p.m.
Justin Reed 3 p.m.

Sunday:

Derrick Carter 8:30 p.m.
Diz 7:30 p.m.
Jesse De La Pena 6:30 p.m.
John BID Simmons 5:30 p.m.
Samone 4:15 p.m.
Steve Melvage & Brian Heath 3 p.m.

Other Activities
Kid Fest (Wolcott at Chicago): The annual Kids Fest, held in conjunction with West Fest, is Sat and Sun from noon to 6 pm. The jammed packed two-day family fun event features dedicated kiddie entertainment, bounce houses, pony rides, face painters, carnival games, crafts and lots more. All proceeds benefit the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please call 312-850-9390.

Pup Fest (near Wolcott and Chicago): Each year West Fest features another large ‘fest within a fest’ dedicated exclusively to pet product vendors, canine bathing pools, and plenty of doggie activities for charity (Animal Care and Control ad Leaving Tracks and more TBA). This year, West Town's own Doggy Style Pet Shop will be hosting a Suds For Strays dog wash. For just $10, your dog can go from hot and dirty to cool and clean - with proceeds going to the involved charities. There will also be other pup activities such as: agility courses (with “mud pit”) sponsored by Green Dog Inc, paw painting, doggie tattoos, canine gift bags and of course, free “paw cooling” stations.

Vendors
West Fest features a plethora of neighborhood boutiques, restaurants and fine artists who set up temporary shop along Chicago Avenue - offering deals on everything from designer clothes to fresh food and ice-cold drinks.

Fine Print
There is a $5 donation requested for admittance to offset the costs of the event and to benefit the West Town Chamber of Commerce. Hours of operation both days are noon to 10pm. This year’s West Fest sponsors include: WXRT, Yelp and Time Out Chicago.

For more info, call 312-850-9390 or visit westfestchicago.com. For the latest band and dj announcements, like West Fest on Facebook at facebook.com/westfestchicago.