Big Music Weekend In Chicago

It may become a very busy weekend for me here in terms of concerts.  I usually get annoyed with the concert scene in Chicago during the summer because Lollapalooza overshadows everything.  It also has a way of making some of my favorite acts swing through the city and only play the huge festival and none of the smaller venues that I love to frequent.  This is happening this year with Nneka, Phoenix, and Raphael Saddiq. It's a let down, you have this moment of excitement when you see Chicago on an artist tour schedule and then you see it's Lolla, and your heart sinks.   But that's all a matter for another post.  This weekend will be big in music.

First up, tomorrow night at Martyr's (one of the greatest places in the city) is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.  Grace Potter can rock.  She moans, she wails, she whispers, and she's backed by some great musicians.  My parents actually introduced me to the Vermont based band, which makes since she recalls the great rock bands of the 1970s.  Probably why their cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" was such a genius selection for the Alice and Wonderland soundtrack.  The Nocturnals also have a female bassist, and I am always one to support woman in rock. 

Saturday the Southside's Marquette Park will host the "Taking It To the Streets" festival being headlined by Mos Def and Brother Ali.  Mos Def is on my top ten list of artist I have not seen live that I think I need to, so despite my dislike of huge crowds I might have to travel down there.  Going 12 hours from 9am -9pm this festival will have music, MCs, DJs, graffitti artists and break dancing.  The festival is free so expect crowds.

Finally, Saturday Night Delta Spirit will be rocking The Metro.  First I love The Metro.  I have never been there and not been able to see the stage.  It also is just that right size between a large and small venue where you don't feel too crowded, like part of a herd, but you still get really great slightly more established artists.  Plus it's where Kurt and Courtney first really got together, so I feel the history when I walk in.  Now on to Delta Spirit.  They are from San Diego and have this great mix of California rock and maybe a little southern in them too, a bit reminiscent of Kings of Leon's  sound. Their 2008 album Ode to Sunshine produced one of my favorite singles, "People C'Mon".  They are now promoting their new album History From Below, and I think I might have to be there to see it.