Neon Marshmallow Is Back
By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 25, 2014 3:00PM
Hair Police play Neon Marshmallow Saturday, Aug. 2.
Neon Marshmallow joined Chicago’s multitude of summer festivals in 2010, and we weren’t sure how it would fare with a date so close to big-name events, namely Lolla. It skipped 2013 altogether, but the little fest that could is chugging on and this year it makes its way back to the Burlington for another four days of noise and experimental music, July 31 through Aug. 3.
The fest’s success has been wavering since the start. It was condensed to three days in 2012, disappeared in 2013 and hopped between venues over the years, moving from the Viaduct to Empty Bottle in 2011 and then to the Burlington the following year. Some might even consider the Burlington a downgrade from the Bottle (although we think the strangely classy dive bar feel is just right for this type of event).
The lineup, as well, hasn’t seen much growth since the fest’s founding, but its organizers (Acid Marshmallow’s Matt Kimmel and Neon Blossom Records’ Daniel Smith) know to book an eclectic and avant-garde lineup. This time around, noisemakers such as Hair Police, Telecult Powers and Insect Ark as well as a set by Locrian's Andre Foisy are among the impressive program. Check out the full lineup below.
In the past, Neon Marshmallow tickets cost as much as $75, which was certainly a deciding factor in many people’s decision to skip the event in previous years. So the reduced price this year is a smart move that may mean a much greater turnout. An all-access pass for $30 gets you access to all four nights as well as an unreleased Telecult Powers single and a free hour of select Stoli drinks every evening.
Thursday, July 31
Insect Ark (ex-Angels of Light)
Olivia Block
Brett Naucke
Andre Foisy (of Locrian)
Friday, Aug. 1
Mines
Todays Hits
Earring
Winter Bear
Saturday, Aug. 2
Hair Police
Basic Cable
Telecult Powers
Ryley Walker
Sunday, Aug. 3
Dylan Ettinger (final performance)
Closet Heat (Samantha Glass + Golden Donna)
Alex Barnett
Headless Horse Head
Neon Marshmallow is July 31 through Aug. 3 at the Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton, $30 for a multi-day pass