As we trudge through the numerous press releases for what seems like an endless amount of festivals here in Chicago sometimes we grow more than a little jaded in the face of the sometimes cheesy traditional fest-fare they have to offer. When our eyes glanced upon the information for West Fest we were stopped in our tracks and immediately did our happy dance. Not only will Chicagoians be treated to the usual local vendors, food and family and pet options that fests tend to bring, but the music this year at West Fest surprised us quite a bit with not only the veteran west fest-ers like Scott Lucas of Local H, but critically acclaimed acts like King Khan featuring Gris Gris Sound and a DJ Set by former Six Finger Satellite guitarist and dance music convert Juan Maclean. Of course we are also excited to see local acts like the lady garage vixens, Hollowsand Descendents disciples, Team Band. more ›

Jim DeRogatis provides an obligatory "Chicago's next big bands" list today, and we actually find ourselves agreeing with most of his picks, even if a few are overly obvious. For instance it's not exactly like he's mining the underground when he predicts Kid Sister and the Cool Kids are going to break in 2008. We were pleasantly surprised to see Airiel and Tom Schraeder on his list, though, since those are two acts that we believe have been passing under the radar, and both are primed to grab a larger audience this year. Schraeder in particular has been riding a swelling wave of good press and larger live audiences. more ›