Chicago.com
Friday and Saturday lineups at the North Coast Music Festival were great and a huge number of people came out to see the likes of Chemical Brothers, De La Soul, Paul Van Dyk and Moby among others. Those that came out to see those acts didn’t regret it all and spoke highly of all the music performances.
I was lucky enough to be at the festival on Sunday night and catch the performances by Chicago’s own Lupe Fiasco, followed by the duo of Nas and Damian Marley.
Going into this festival I knew it would be large in size (location: Union Park, West Side) , as well as the following due to the names appearing at the festival. The fact that it was the last big festival of the summer made the event even bigger, since people wanted to use that last weekend for something useful.
Arriving at the festival, the first thing that struck me was the impossible task of finding a parking spot somewhere close to the actual fest. I expected parking to be difficult because of the musical acts appearing that night but I didn’t anticipate parking a “mile” away from Union Park.
Regardless, once inside the festival the whole atmosphere reminded me a bit of Lollapalooza in the way everything was set up. Stages were not all that far from one another but just the right distance apart, as to not interfere with each others performances. The food vendors were at a safe distance from the actual stages, so if one wanted a hot dog or a beer you were most likely going to lose your spot in front of the stage.
I arrived just in time to catch the whole performance by Lupe Fiasco and that was certainly a major pick-me-up for the entire crowd. Fiasco definitely puts on a show and the entire crowd appreciated his energetic display, along with his hit songs “Kick, Push” and “Superstar.” I was there with my girlfriend and while I enjoy listening to Lupe Fiasco, she likes him more and she truly enjoyed the performance from start to finish.
After Lupe concluded his impressive performance, it was time for Nas & Damian Marley to entertain the crowds. I was looking for this performance more so than Lupe Fiasco, mainly because I am slightly older than majority of the crowd and I listened to Nas way back in the day. At this point and time it was around 8:30 and the dark of the night had completely set over Union Park.
Nas & Damian Marley did not disappoint. They started the show with Nas’ classic single “If I ruled the world” featuring Lauryn Hill, with Damian being kind enough and subbing in for the multiple Grammy Award winning singer. Starting off with that song was an absolute hit as the entire crowd got into it and sang along. From that point on the two alternated songs and helped out one another as they performed for a good hour and a half.
Their performance was truly amazing and the entire crowd sang along and held up lighters to all the classic Damian Marley songs. The duo was most definitely the right choice for the final performance of the festival, a festival that certainly looked like a complete success after it is all said and done.
The only downside to the event was the lines for the beer tickets as they easily exceeded 30-40 yards. The food lines were way shorter and I was impressed with the variety that they had to offer for an outdoor music festival. Sure one could get the usual burgers, hot dogs and pizza but the event also offered salads, kebobs and Thai food…something not always seen at a music fest.
Overall, the festival pleasantly surprised me in the way it was organized, as well the numerous culinary options available to the crowd. The music was well worth going to the fest and whether you liked techno, rap, reggae or even alternative, there was something there for everyone. This was a great festival for anyone in the mood for good music and a great way to say goodbye (unfortunately) to the summer, as we “welcome” fall/winter to Chicago yet again.
Labor Day weekend is usually a time for relaxing. The three-day weekend is a much-loved occurrence for many people. Some grill in their back yards, putting the last bit of warm weather to good use. Some visit family or go camping – to end the summer on a good note. This year, however many celebrated differently. This year, they spent three of their days having their minds blown by some of the best bands in the country.
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The North Coast Music Festival made Labor Day weekend into an unforgettable event. Big name bands from all over the country, as well as local artists performed on four stages over three days in Union Park. Thousands of music fans flocked to the premiere festival to see popular acts such as The Chemical Brothers, Nas & Damian Marley, Umphrey’s McGee, the Disco Biscuits, Moby (performing a DJ set), Pretty Lights, and De La Soul.
It was a very windy and often chilly weekend. As the sun went down each day and temperatures fell, the best way to keep warm was dancing in the crowds. The atmosphere throughout the park was filled with excitement and joy. The positive energy from both performers and festival goers was almost overwhelming, especially for a first run.
On Friday, DJs Paul Kalkbrenner and Paul Van Dyk got everyone moving and dancing. They warmed up audiences for the night’s headliners: The Chemical Brothers and Pretty Lights. Both headliners put on amazing shows, entrancing audiences as they performed. The Chemical Brothers had every persons hands in the air. Pretty Lights featured a spectacular stage design with a colorful lights show that seemed to turn the park into a raving night club. Glowsticks and balloons were tossed throughout the crowd as everyone grooved to the music.
Saturday’s line-up was packed with highly anticipated acts. Van Ghost, The New Deal, Jay Electronica, De La Soul, Umphrey’s McGee, and Moby (DJing) were a few of the days’ favorites. Jay Electronica’s mix of serious political messages and dirty humor made his set unforgettable. Various guests joined him on stage throughout his performance, adding to the unique experience. De La Soul packed the area in front of the Groupon Stage next. Old fans and new enjoyed the hip-hop group’s energizing set. Later, Umphrey’s McGee and Moby (performing a DJ set) battled for the attention of festival goers. Both had engaging sets and lights to compliment their personal musical moods.
When not enjoying the day’s musical acts, people enjoyed food from vendors such as Veeras Way, O’Briens, The Abbey Pub & Restaurant, Soul Vegetarian, Pizanos, and Tiparos Thai. I had fried coconut shrimp from The Abbey – it was filling and warm, which perfectly balanced the cold weather. The lines at beverage ticket booths all over the festival seemed to never end. Note to future festival goers: get as many beverage tickets at once as you think you’ll need for the day, the lines are always ridiculous.
Merchandise vendors and festival sponsors also had booths along the food and beverage areas. People shopped at booths selling clothes and accessories as well as band merch and custom t-shirts. Detroit-based media company Detek was there promoting their exclusive parties and selling t-shirts decorated with the phrase “I Love You But I’ve Chosen Techno” in various styles. Honest Teas and Juices promoted their drink items with samples at their booth. The low-sugar, high antioxidant beverages were refreshing and perfect for dehydrated festival goers. Other booths had jewelry, scarves, shirts, dresses, hats, and other accessories for sale – many items were handmade or environmentally conscious.
Overall, the North Coast Music Festival was a success. Great national and local bands played for large, excited crowds in a perfect setting. The festival was a prime example of Chicago’s enormous love for music and ability to embrace new events as equally as older annual festivals.
The newest music festival in Chicago, the North Coast Music Festival, is on Labor Day weekend!
All weekend long (Friday Sept. 3rd – Sunday Sept. 5th) see hot acts such as: The Chemical Brothers, Nas & Damian Marley, Umphrey’s McGee, Disco Biscuits, Moby (DJ set), Pretty Lights, Van Ghost, De La Soul, and Lupe Fiasco.
It all kicks off on Friday from 4pm-10pm and continues on Saturday & Sunday from noon-10pm in Union Park. The festival features a full lineup of popular rock, hip-hop, and electronic bands. Famous national acts as well as local favorites will perform on four stages. Single day tickets are still available for $40 each.
Bags will be searched upon entry, there is no re-entry to the festival. ATMs will be available throughout the park. Alcoholic beverages will be purchasable inside the event for those over 21 (bring a valid photo I.D. to obtain a wristband). There will be limited parking, so we suggest taking public transportation (the green line Ashland stop and #9 Ashland bus at Ashland and Lake St. let you off steps from the event).
The full lineup:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
North Stage
8:30pm-10:00pm >> The Chemical Brothers
6:30pm-7:30pm >> Paul Van Dyk
4:30pm-5:30pm >> Orchard Lounge
Groupon: What’s a Music? Stage
7:30pm-8:30pm >> Pretty Lights
5:30pm-6:30pm >> Paul Kalkbrenner
Red Bull Local Stage
9:00pm-10:00pm >> m.sylvia & DJ Kibo
8:00pm-9:00pm >> Mettle
7:00pm-8:00pm >> Wyllys
6:00pm-7:00pm >> Paul Universe
5:00pm-6:00pm >> XPOSUR vs Clark Kent
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010
North Stage
8:30pm-10:00pm >> Umphrey’s McGee
6:30pm-7:30pm >> Jay Electronica
4:30pm-5:30pm >> Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
2:30pm-3:30pm >> New Mastersounds
12:30pm-1:30pm >> “Toast of the Coast” Band Winner
Groupon: What’s a Music? Stage
7:30pm-8:30pm >> De La Soul
5:30pm-6:30pm >> The New Deal
3:30pm-4:30pm >> Van Ghost
1:30pm-2:30pm >> Alabaster Brown
Coast Stage
9:00pm-10:00pm >> Moby (DJ)
8:00pm-9:00pm >> Boys Noize
6:30pm-7:30pm >> Future Rock
5:00pm-6:00pm >> Benga
3:45pm-4:45pm >> Laidback Luke
2:30pm-3:30pm >> Two Fresh
1:00pm-2:00pm >> “Toast of the Coast” MC Winner
Red Bull Local Stage
9:00pm-10:00pm >> Hey Champ
7:30pm-8:30pm >> Family Groove Company
6:30pm-7:30pm >> Midnight Conspiracy
6:00pm-6:30pm >> Rukus
5:00pm-6:00pm >> The Comeups
4:00pm-5:00pm >> Tima Fei & Phat!van
3:00pm-4:00pm >> Strange Arrangement
2:00pm-3:00pm >> Great Divide
1:00pm-2:00pm >> Land of Atlantis
12:00pm-1:00pm >> Save the Clocktower
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
North Stage
8:30pm-10:00pm >> Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
6:30pm-7:30pm >> Flying Lotus
4:30pm-5:30pm >> Holy Ghost!
2:30pm-3:30pm >> Phantogram
1:00pm-1:45pm >> The Coop
Groupon: What’s a Music? Stage
7:30pm-8:30pm >> Lupe Fiasco
5:30pm-6:30pm >> Mayer Hawthorne & The County
3:30pm-4:30pm >> Dirty Dozen Brass Band
1:45pm-2:30pm >> Loyal Divide
Coast Stage
8:30pm-10:00pm >> The Disco Biscuits
7:00pm-8:00pm >> Green Velvet (Live)
5:30pm-6:30pm >> Claude VonStroke
4:15pm-5:15pm >> Benny Benassi
3:00pm-4:00pm >> Maps and Atlases
2:00pm-3:00pm >> Skeet Skeet
1:00pm-2:00pm >> “Toast of the Coast” DJ Winner
Red Bull Local Stage
9:00pm-10:00pm >> Gemini Club
8:00pm-9:00pm >> Gabe Real
7:00pm-8:00pm >> Papa G
6:00pm-7:00pm >> Stephen Paul Smoker
5:00pm-6:00pm >> Trew
4:00pm-5:00pm >> The Right Now
3:00pm-4:00pm >> Mario Florek
2:15pm-3:00pm >> Bobby De Maria & Tsunami
1:30pm-2:15pm >> DJ Lips
1:00pm-1:30pm >> D.E.E.
“A taste of Ukraine in the heart of Chicago” is the slogan of this year’s Ukrainian Days festival. In its 27th year of celebrating Ukraine culture, the festival features traditional music, dance, cuisine, and arts & crafts.
Ukrainian Days is hosted by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, whose mission is to “support cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities that emphasize the Ukrainian American heritage.” There is a $5 suggested donation at the entrance, which benefits the UCCA in it’s mission for community outreach and their “support for Ukraine’s newly developing democracy.” Children under 13 years of age can enter the festival for free.
Starting on Saturday at noon, come to Smith Park (2500 West Grand Avenue at Campbell) for food and fun until 10pm. On Sunday it also opens at noon, but don’t miss a presentation by the mayor’s office and select speeches starting at 1:30. According to one of the festival organizers, Nadia Ilkiv, live entertainment will start at 2:30 with traditional Ukrainian music and dance performances.
Ethnic food and drink vendors will offer their specialities at the festival. “There are a total of six local restaurants participating this year. There will be one Italian restaurant and five Ukrainian restaurants to choose from” Nadia said.
If you’re not familiar with Ukrainian cuisine, be sure to look for traditional foods such as borsch (a vegetable soup with beets, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and dill, served with sour cream) and perohy (dumplings stuffed with cheese and potato filling). If you have a sweet tooth, look for pampushky (fried sweet dough tossed in cinnamon sugar, sometimes with a sweet filling) and syrniki (fried cheese curd pancakes topped with sour cream, jam, or apple sauce).
The 27th annual Ukrainian Days festival starts on Saturday, August 21st from noon-10pm, and continues on Sunday, August 22nd from noon to 10pm as well.
Since the line-up was announced several months ago, every one has been talking about Lollapalooza 2010. Just like every year, the chatter has mostly been about the festival’s three headliners. This year the main headliners are: Lolla veterans Soundgarden, popular punk trio Green Day, and over-the-top pop goddess Lady Gaga. Other big acts include: Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Phoenix, MGMT, Spoon, HEALTH, MuteMath,The Black Keys, Hot Chip, and many others.
Most of the gossip recently is centered around Lady Gaga’s elaborate and expensive stage design. Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell said they spent $100,000 on her “giant” stage and $150,000 on her production — That’s $250,000 on just her performance alone. If you’re going on Friday, expect to be impressed. Hopefully the Strokes won’t feel out-shined and their fans will be equally as pleased. On Saturday it’d be worth while to catch the first bit of Green Day’s over two-hour set before french electronic band Phoenix starts what is going to be a fantastic performance. Re-united Lolla veterans Soundgarden have also received a lot of hype from the press and fans. The band has played the festival several times in the past, so if you’ve seen them already I suggest heading over to see Arcade Fire on Sunday night instead.
The festival will take over Grant Park for three days this weekend. It all starts on Friday at 11am, with the first bands going on at 11:15am. The schedule is staggered over eleven hours and eight stages throughout the park. Performances overlap so I suggest planning out your own personal schedule (they have a little tutorial on the official website) so you can stay organized during each day of musical chaos.
There are two entrances to the park: the main entrance at Michigan & Congress and the north entrance at Columbus & Monroe. The box office is just north of the main entrance this year — You can redeem your 3-day pass wrist bands today (Thursday) if you want to beat the crowds. Otherwise, on the day-of, you can redeem them at either entrance.
If you didn’t get your tickets yet, 3-day passes as well as single day passes are still available.
