Chicago.com
North Coast Music Festival
Hello Chicago.commers, I wanted to take some time to let you know about another music festival that’s right here in Chicago – in case there are some people out there that still don’t know.
North Coast Music Festival (NCMF) will have its second run this Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2nd – 4th in case you are like me and frequently mix that up with Memorial Day) at Union Park. The festival gained a ton of good publicity last year and this year they claim to be the fastest selling Groupon ever… In just 9 hours eager fans scooped up all of the 3,750 three-day passes for $45 each! To say this festival is gaining steam would be an understatement.
In its inaugural year NCMF boasted nearly the same attendance as Pitchfork, another festival held earlier in the year at the same location, at 48,000 (Pitchfork had 49,000).
So what’s up this year? Good question. There are over 60 bands from around the globe playing at 4 different stages. Seeing as you can just go to look at the schedule to find out which days are for you, I will spare you of the rundown. I have my plans pretty well laid out, let me know what you think or if I am DEFINITELY missing something, according to you.
Friday the 2nd kicks off at 3:30 pm with a couple hour long shows by 40oz. Kings and Orchard Lounge and will continue with an array of other bands which I will spare you from describing.
I have to mention Lotus, who I have been seeing since probably around ’04. They will have a 90 minute spot on Friday as well, just before the headliner. Make sure to go check em out at The Red Bull Grove Stage at 7 pm sharp.
Day 1 closes up with David Guetta, a three-time chart-topping, most-hyphenated-description, house-DJ from France. He collaborated a US favorite “Sexy Bitch” with Akon and “Memories” with Kid Cudi, so expect some hip house (get it?) tied in there.
Saturday is jam packed with 26 shows, starting at 1:15. Definitely going to go check out The Werks, I spent a little time there at Electric Forest and had been wishing that I didn’t miss most of the beginning… Redemption time.
Later will be a tough decision between Big Gigantic and Lettuce. I have seen “Big G” before with Sound Tribe and they bring a pretty unique aspect to the electronic music scene. Producer Dominic Lalli busts out a saxophone regularly to bring together his electronic beats and live drummer. They truly stand out in this scene and it will be hard to miss them. On the other hand, I have hear a lot of great things about Lettuce and need to see them as well – thankfully this isn’t Lollapalooza and its actually possible to run to the other side to see 2 acts sharing the same timeslot.
A few deep breaths will be in order for STS9. As one of the headliners they will bring a pretty big, diversified, crowd. They have been around long enough to have some devote older fans but have been keeping their style up to date, attracting droves of younger kids as well. Their regular electro style is unmatched by other full bands in the scene, and they prove they can play what they want and how they want as shown by their “Axe the Cables” sets (acoustic, if you couldn’t figure that one out on your own). I have never been fortunate enough to actually see the ladder, but I have come across a soundboard recording and it is to date one of my favorite live shows to listen to. But I digress, STS9 will be playing a regular set both at NCMF and their after party show with Big Gigantic.
STS9 fans and friends were saddened early this year to hear the news of Bass player / Keyboard, etc. player David Murphy’s diagnosis with a type of skin cancer in his sinuses. I can think of no better way to support them through these hard times by offering support at their shows and in my prayers – get well soon Murph!
Come Sunday, aside from pounding 5 Hour Energies, I will wondering around until Loyal Divide. Having gone to school with them and still seeing them all the time I might be a bit biased, but these guys rock. These guys have a truly profound sound, having remastered their tracks countless times into the perfection you will hear on stage. Plus, Drummer Andrew McCarthy “Thundarr” might take his shirt off, a sight I can only compare to seeing Falcore flying about, pooing magical jellybeans across a sea of unsuspecting ewoks. Seriously.
Of Montréal is next on my docket. Have you ever seen Dinner for Schmucks? “I am having a hard time describing what I’m seeing” utters Steve Carrell while watching this crazy artist try to, uh… oh wait I can’t describe it either. Super pop, costumed-out, theatrical dance-party is what we all will be in store for – pretty standard Sunday afternoon in Chicago, if you ask me.
If I am still capable, I will head over to Thievery Corporation. I have never seen them, or even really listened to them – just hear about them all the damn time so I figure I’ll go see what all the ruckus is about.
If you are going to check out any after parties I seriously suggest The New Deal at House of Blues later Sunday night. They have been around for years keeping me entertained at a few different festivals, and I am sad to say this will be their LAST SHOW EVER (single tear).
Hope to see some of you guys there!