Even If It's Boring, At Least It's Free

By Sarah Dahnke in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 14, 2007 4:17PM

Of all of the summer neighborhood festivals, Wicker Park Fest is the one most anticipated for its musical lineup. While decent bands may make a few appearances at other neighborhood fests around the city, it's hard to deny that Top 40 cover bands are the typical soundtrack that accompanies shirtless fest-goers scarfing down corn on the cob and Bud Light.

Silver Wrapper, the production company that presents the bands on the south stage, has already announced a partial lineup for the festival, which includes Benevento/Russo Duo, Elliot Lipp and a live band set by Prefuse 73. Maybe we're spoiled by last year's lineup, which included DeVotchka and the Starlight Mints, but we don't think this year's bands are very fest-y. Last time we saw the Benevento/Russo Duo, they spent 20 minutes in the middle of their set just "jamming," luring everyone into a hazy trance. We don't see that going over very well in the WP. Even at a fest known for its music, people want to hear something upbeat, something that might make them dance, something punchy ...

There's still hope. According to the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce website, booking is not over, and bands are encouraged to send in their demos.

If we were booking the festival, we'd be sure to bring back the Starlight Mints, but we'd be biased, since they are one of our favorite bands. Who would you pick to liven up this lineup?

Wicker Park Fest 2006 photo via wickerparkbucktown.