A Little Island Music
By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on May 10, 2005 7:08PM
When it was announced that the city would begin putting on concerts at Mei...er, Northerly Island, Chicagoist wondered what kind of acts Clear Channel would book. Would they be acts to consume wine and cheese by like Ravinia? Noveau hipsters for the kids? Or would they take the easy way out and book some low-hanging fruit? To our surprise, the answer to all those questions is “yes.”
Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago will begin a summer’s worth of concerts at the Lakefront Pavillion on Northerly Island on June 24th. Other acts include Black Eyed Peas and Talib Kweli (June 26), Modest Mouse (June 28), secretary rock (Gavin DeGraw on July 14 and Jack Johnson on August 28), and a Steve Perry-less Journey (July 16). And this summer your mama will dance and your daddy will rock and roll as the second coming of Loggins and Messina arrives on August 4.
Only eight shows have been announced but more are expected. Tickets will go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM through Ticketmaster (and through the venue’s website). You might feel better about the prices if you remind yourself that the concerts are intended—in part—to raise money for a nature park on the island. Then again, when you remember that Clear Channel will be taking a chunk, you’ll get pissed all over again. While Ralph’s World’s top price comes in at a family-friendly $15, Earth Wind and Fire are hawking their best seats for $75. Wha? And apparently someone told Loggins and Messina that theirs was an Eagles-level event as they’re charging $70 and $50 for seats. Oof. Modest Mouse will set you back $27.50 which would be reasonable if not for the Ticketmaster fees.
One final note: unlike Ravinia, you won’t be allowed to bring outside beverages or cans into the venue. So leave the Shiraz at home, Chad. Check the scheduled events here and FAQs here.
Update: Ground broke Monday on the Northerly Island venue...two days before the contract with Clear Channel is set to come before a vote by the Park District board.