Can I Get 5 (Bucks) On It?

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 27, 2007 6:19PM

We’re gonna cut right to the chase, since it’s Friday and we’re all clock watching like woah: The Saturday lineup on the north stage of the Wicker Park Summerfest might be the best $5 you spend on live music all summer:

Fancy Trash kicks off with a tough-kid brand of punky acoustic in the hangover breakfast slot, which sounds to us like a decent way to ease into that first beer of the afternoon.

We’ve talked about how Skybox’s jaunty cabaret pop tickles our fancy for quirky, accessible pop. They’re a perfect fit in a day’s worth of unique music.

Catfish Haven is one of Chicago’s most beloved “indie” bands, thanks to their rough ‘n’ tumble folk punk and unpretentious, anything-goes live show.

Members of Milwaukee’s Maritime include veterans of first-wave emo heroes The Promise Ring and The Dismemberment Plan, meaning that they’d probably sell tickets on pedigree alone. Happy to say they’re also making relevant post-emo pop to support the provenance.

Texans Centro-Matic are veterans of the festival circuit, but they keep getting the gigs for a good reason: it’s comfortable, well-executed twangy rock that’s replete with near-brilliant melodies and reflective lyrics.

Man Man may be the icing on this afternoon cake, as their live show is worthy of no other description besides “spectacle.” Behind the circus on stage, though are more-than-adequate and more-interesting-than-most pop songs.

Finish out your day of drinking in the sun with The Thermals’ blistering, no frills take on post-pop-punk. You’ll dance, you’ll swerve, you may puke...but that puny $5 cover means you’ll have plenty of cash left for a Bloody Mary on Sunday morning.