Chicago Is Bigger Than Texas
By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 17, 2011 3:40PM
A slew of Chicago musicians and music fans swarmed to Austin for SXSW last week, leaving the local music scene feeling a little deserted. There’s a whole lot of hype surrounding the massive music festival, now in its 25th year and hosting thousands of bands. But the people over at DIY venue The Orphanage ask, “What’s so special about Texas?” And for those of us who want to support local music locally, they offer an alternative (though much smaller) festival, the Chicago is Bigger Than Texas Fest.
The 2-day festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday at The Orphanage headquarters in Bridgeport. The 12-band lineup features an assortment of psych, punk, metal, and hardcore acts - all Chicago-based except for Ex-Bombers, who hail from Columbia, MO. Notable acts include noise rockers We Repel Each Other and Patrick Thunder, metal trio Thunderunderus, and thrash four-piece Disrobe, whose live performance never fails to blow our minds and leave us with plenty of mosh-induced bruises.
The show kicks off at 7 p.m. both days, but there’s free pizza at 6:30, so show up early and hungry. For more information about the fest, such as the underground venue’s location, check out The Orphanage’s Facebook page or email robmajchrowski@werepeleachother.com. The full lineup is after the jump.
Saturday, March 19:
Patrick Thunder
We Repel Each Other
The Krunchies
Ex-Bombers
Giant Squid Autopsy
Bomb Banks
Sunday, March 20:
Thunderunderus
Disrobe
Grandfather Clock
Bag of Balls
Lexie Trip
Gas Mask Horse
The Chicago is Bigger Than Texas Fest is Saturday and Sunday, March 19 & 20 at The Orphanage (643 W. 31st. St.), 7 p.m. both days, $5 Suggested Donation, All Ages