For the second year in a row, the Weekly is proud to present its compilation of the best, the breeziest, and the most musical of the South Sideâs festivals, just in time for the warm summer weather and sunshine. For those looking for the vibes and the space a festival offers, but maybe something a little different from the big names at the big festivals (and maybe some better prices), look no further. Whether youâre a jazz-head, an old-school blues fiend or a radical punker at heart, weâve got you covered
The Englewood Jazz Festival
Hamilton Park Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. Saturday, September 17, noonâ6pm. englewoodjazzfest.org
Although the full lineup for the seventeenth edition of the Englewood Jazz Festival has not been announced, nonprofit organization Live the Spiritâs annual extravaganza will include performances from Rajiv Halim, the Young Masters Ensemble, and Live the Spiritâs own Residency Big Band. Ernest Khabeer Dawkins, the artistic director of the festival, says that the lineup is curated with an emphasis on youth, innovation, original compositions, and improvisation. The festivities wonât take place until mid-September, but for those who like to plan ahead, unlike the improvising performers, this day of Jazz in Englewood should take its rightful place on the family calendar. (Lewis Page)
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Multiple locations throughout Hyde Park, including outdoor performances on the Midway Plaisance (59th to 60th, Ellis to Woodlawn). Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25. Free, $5 donation requested. hydeparkjazzfestival.org
The well-beloved Pitchfork equivalent to Chicago Jazz Festival’s Lollapalooza is celebrating its ninth anniversary this year, and pulling out all the stops to do so. The lineup is sure to be as massive and diverse as ever. The two-day schedule will feature performances from the jazz old guard and young jazz upstarts alike, and will be headlined by Puerto Rican innovator Miguel ZenĂłn, recent recipient of a MacArthur Genius grant. Ninety-year-old piano deity Randy Weston will also perform. (Jake Bittle)
Chinatown Summer Fair
Chicago’s Chinatown, Archer and Wentworth. Sunday, July 17, 10amâ8pm. Free.
This age-old (thirty-seven years running) summer tradition stretches along Chinatown’s main drag, taking over the whole neighborhood for a day. The roster of performances includes stage setups with as-yet unannounced acts as well as roving street performers of every kind. Artists and craftspeople will sell their wares, and there will also be foodâlots of food. The list of activities goes on and on, occasionally bordering on the wacky: there’s a “traveling Childrens Museum,” a “Hot Legs” contest (men only), and a “cutest baby” competition. (Jake Bittle)
Riot Fest
Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18. Gates 11am. $180 three-day pass, $300 VIP. riotfest.org
Now in its eleventh year, Riot Fest returns to “scenic” Douglas Park from September 16 to 18. The music festival and carnival continues its diverse selection of acts with headliners such as Ween, Nas, Morrissey, and all the original members of Misfits reuniting for the first time in thirty-three years. Started in 2005, Riot Fest has taken on multiple incarnations, beginning as a multiple-venue affair all across Chicago, before expanding into an outdoor format in 2012 in Humboldt Park, and finally broadening its presence to Denver and Toronto. This fallâs lineup promises to once again revisit the nostalgic glory days of punk, hip-hop, and much more. (Troy Ordoñez)
Chicago Blues Fest
Grant Park, Jackson and Columbus. Friday, June 10âSunday, June 12, 11amâ9:30pm. Free. cityofchicago.org
Join Corky Siegel, Wee Willie Walker, Curtis Salgado, and many more for the largest of all Chicagoâs music festivals. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are packed with performances by premiere blues players, so check the schedule online to plan your visit. The festival closes Sunday with a tribute to Otis Rush, a guitarist and singer with a distinctive, slow-burning sound. Three days, five stages, and more than 500,000 fans are what makes Chicago the âBlues Capital of the Worldââkeep it up by coming out this June. (Corinne Butta) 18 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY ÂŹ JUNE 1, 2016
Harper Court Summer Music Series
Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Ct. Wednesdays, June 29, July 27, and August 31, 6pmâ9pm. Free. (773) 702-0936. harpercourtmusic.com
The UofC has teamed up with Eric Williams, owner of The Silver Room, to bring Hyde Park a second year of their summer open-air music series. Last yearâs enthusiastic response brings this years performers to the stage; join Makaya McCraven and DJ Duane Powell in June, DJ El Caobo and DJ Kamani Rashad in July, and Africa Hi-Fi and DJ Ron Trent in August. Bring a chair, a friend, and an ear ready to listen. ( Corinne Butta)
Ruido Fest
Addams/Medill Park, 1301 W. 14th St. Friday, July 8âSunday, July 10. Friday: doors 3pm; Saturday and Sunday: doors 1pm. Three-day passes: $129.98. Two-day passes: $94.98. Single day passes: $49.98. All ages. Children under 5 free with paying adult. ruidofest.com
For the second year in a row, starting July 8, Chicagoâs newest alternative music festival is coming to Adams/Medill Park for a wild time. Enjoy a large lineup of some of the newest and freshest Latino and alternative music. Bands like Natalia Lafourcade, Silverio, Cuca, and Pateon RococĂł, have proven they can transcend national borders, appealing to a larger Latin American and U.S. Latino crowd. With acts like legendary Argentine ska band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Chilean rock superstars La Ley, the festival will likely attract a multi-generational audience. Vendors and food trucks will also be on hand to fuel the bouts of dancing and play that will take place over the weekend. A local element will be added to this yearâs Ruido Fest, with the involvement of community organizations that focus on âthe societal issues that face Latin people in Chicago and abroad.â (Troy Ordoñez)
Fed Up Fest
Location TBA. July 29-31, Friday at 5pm to Sunday 9pm, All Ages, Prices $10-20 for donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. fedupfestchicago.tumblr.com
Fed Up Fest is a three-day-long, all ages, DIY music and workshop festival celebrating queer and transgender voices in the punk community. It was created by a collective based on opposing racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, capitalism, and all other â-ismsâ and â-phobiasâ at macro and micro levels. The fest itself will include a large selection of DIY bands eager to make their voices heard as loudly as possible, including ONO, Moor Mother goddess, Homosuperior, Human Being, and The Breathing Light. The final setlist isnât quite out yet; itâs also constantly expanding as the show gets nearer, with many DIY bands expressing interest to join. There will also be live readings and workshops as well as tables for local artists and organizations that aim to spread the causes of the festival. (Troy Ordoñez)