Intonation Music Festival 2006 Preview
By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 21, 2006 3:42PM
(Editor’s Note: Are you an out-of-towner preparing to make the trek to Chicago this summer and wondering how to spend your time? Then download Act Like You've Been Here Before: The Chicagoist Guide To Chicago, a compendium of the Chicagoist staff’s tips for getting around Chicago and our favorite places in the city to eat, drink, shop and rock) in convenient PDF form.
Perhaps it’s not surprising that the lion’s share of the press about last summer’s rock festivals was afforded to Lollapalooza. With both the future of the brand and the possibility of other large-scale music events in Grant Park at stake, most outlets saw this as the big story. So in many respects, last year’s Intonation Music Festival was allowed to make a low-key debut.
What a difference a year makes. In less than twelve months, Chicago has quickly become a destination for music fans of all stripes thanks, in part, to a split between last year’s Intonation organizers.
In the minds of many, Intonation was synonymous with Pitchfork Media. With the indie music site and organizer Mike Reed staging their own fest this year, Mike Simons, David Singer and Jon Singer were once again faced with the burden of great expectations: how do they re-establish the Intonation identity while keeping the same “we’re-here-for-the-music” vibe? Rather than try to pull from the same indie rock grab bag, Intonation snagged Vice Records as curator. The result is a truly eclectic bill encompassing hip-hop, punk, hipster rock, metal, and pop.
Chicago Innerview and New City Chicago give you their talking points on the lineup. Chicagoist recommends not hitting the Quimby’s Zine Market during Roky Erickson, 90 Day Men, Blue Cheer or Jon Brion as their appearances here are rare. Also, we’re embarrassed to say this makes our fourth attempt to see dance-pop chanteuse Annie so if you get in our way, we will cut you. For a cheap download of Intonation music, check out KEXP’s Music That Matters #17 podcast.
Other welcome changes at Union Park this weekend include more food vendors and three water tents, which will alleviate the interminable lines that were the one downside to last year’s event. Otherwise, the song remains the same with acts turning in half-hour sets on two stages at the northwest and northeast corners of the park and community organizations, media properties and vendors along Washington Blvd. Unfortunately, there is still only one ATM on-site so hit the bank before you get to Union Park. Download a PDF of the venue map here.
If you have yet to pick up tickets for this weekend, Intonation is selling them on its website through Thursday at noon or at several city and suburban vendors (day-of tickets will be available on-site). Those who wish to drive can park at the United Center for $10 per day, but the wisest among you will take the CTA's Green Line to the Ashland stop.
And though we’re planning on making it an early night on Friday, the Intonation pre-party throws down at Smart Bar on the 23rd with MSTRKRFT, Bald Eagle, Jordan Z and a DJ set from Chromeo. Tickets are $10.
Finally, a word of caution: be mindful of your fashion choices this weekend. Ironic tees are all fine and good but you don’t want to end up as part of next month's Vice Magazine’s Dos and Don’ts feature. Why not consider a Chicagoist t-shirt instead? If we see you out at Union Park sporting some Chicagoist swag, we’ll buy you a beer. Promise.