Empty Out Your Wallet: Street Fest Edition
By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on May 9, 2008 8:27PM
In spite of the chilly weather, the first round of street fests are approaching. While Pitchfork and Lollapalooza dominate the headlines, our fair city's many street fests often boast some pretty decent bands. Many fests are just beginning to announce their lineups and there are some great bands already listed with more to be added, so this promises to be a pretty awesome summer of sun and music. You can scope out our comprehensive list of festival dates and keep tabs on developments at the city's Neighborhood Fest website. Here's a small sampling of some current lineups. As usual, most, if not all, fests require a small donation ($5ish).
The Do-Division Street Fest may have our favorite lineup thus far. Roots rockers Lucero, indie hero Ted Leo + Pharmacists, and local punk marching band Mucca Pazza top the bill.
Do-Division Street Fest, May 31 - June 1, 12 p.m.-10 p.m., Division St. between Damen and Leavitt
Fresh off of their performance last weekend at Park West, The Drive By Truckers return to Chicago for the Taste of Randolph Street. Former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty performs, as does Bobby Bare, Jr. and Josh Ritter.
Taste of Randolph Street, June 20 - 22, Times vary by day, West Randolph St. between Peoria and Racine
Last year, we were beside ourselves with indie fan geek joy to catch Bob Mould, Jason Isbell, and The Wrens at the Belmont Arts and Music Fest. This year doesn't feature anyone quite as huge (yet), but it's still a solid line-up led by Saddle Creek rockers Cursive and the still-going-after-all-these-years American Music Club.
Belmont Arts and Music Fest, June 28 - 29, 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Belmont Ave. between Damen and Leavitt
Wicker Park Fest, which had indie-favorites The Thermals and Prefuse 73 last year, return with another indie-heavy lineup including Polvo, Ra Ra Riot, Red Sparrowes, Isis, and Film School.
Wicker Park Fest, July 26 - 27, 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Damen Ave. between North and Schiller