Spring Awakening Announces First Wave Of Performers, With Die Antwoord, Diplo & More

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 15, 2017 5:59PM

Last year's Spring Awakening crowd seemed to enjoy themselves. Photo by Tyler LaRiviere/Chicagoist.

With a winter this mild, we haven't found ourselves anxiously awaiting summer as much as usual. So the announcement of the first wave of artists that will play Spring Awakening Music Festival (SAMF) today has served to remind us that even warmer months are not that far off. The festival will return to its new home in Adams/Medill Park June 9 to 11.

Keep in mind this is only the first wave of artists the festival is announcing, but there are a few names on the bill that popped out a us. Armin van Buuren was one of the biggest names in Trance, so he seems a lock for one of the headlining sets. The most interesting act in this wave is Die Antwoord. We can't wait to see how the good time vibes crowd reacts to the chaotic explosion that includes rapid fire vocals and non-stop movement from Ninja and Yolandi Visser, over God's (in this case, he is a DJ) industrial beats.

In the more expected realm of acts, Diplo will be appearing for a solo set. Perhaps we can look forward to more of him actually DJing, and less of him jumping onto a table and waving his arms at the crowd as he does with Major Lazer? And it's always nice to see Northbook's very own electro-poppers Krewella doing a little local show.

The full first wave of acts are below, though expect more to come since SAMF promises that there will be over 80 acts occupying the fest's five stages over that weekend. Tickets are available now.

Afrojack
Alesso
Armin van Buuren
Axwell /\ Ingrosso
Datisk
Die Antwoord
Diplo
Duke Dumont
Excision
Galantis
GRiZ
Jauz
Krewella
Louis The Child
Marshmello
Martin Garrix
Yellow Claw
ZHU