Dave Chamberlain

This festival--held within the confines of the triangular park--has grown in size and scope every year, but this year outdoes virtually every other city street fest. Spread over two days, Saturday features a little of the brand new (via local boys The M's--see cover story for more), and touch of nineties retro (a reunification of power-poppers The Posies) and some new that sounds old (via the garage-centric Sights). For five bucks, that's a hat trick. Sunday, however, trumps it. Not only do we get a chance to hear The Ponys (see cover story for more) for the first time in too long, but they're just heating up the stage for the increasingly popular French Kicks, who--like the Ponys--ably take pieces and parts of rock `n' roll's past and regurgitate the final product into something unsettling and new. Opening for both is Bob Log III, the strangest one-man blues-punk you'll ever see in a motorcycle helmet with an airhose attached.

The Wicker Park Festival runs July 31 and August 1 between the 1400 and 1600 blocks of North Damen Avenue. The $5 donation benefits the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.

(2004-07-27)

Also by Dave Chamberlain

Tip of the Week
Though this all-girl Swedish band has been around for nearly a decade, the States only caught on two years ago when the Sahara Hotnights released its five-star "Jennie Bomb"
(2004-07-20)

Tip of the Week
One thing has become chillingly clear: Morrissey the solo artist will never match the emotional and musical heights that he did with Marr in tow
(2004-07-13)

Raw Material
Venomous Concept--a loud-rock super group of sorts that boasts Buzz Osbourne of the Melvins, Shane Embury and Danny Herrera from Napalm Death and Kevin Sharp from Brutal Truth and more recently Damaged--takes the idea of hardcore and sets the clock back to the beginning
(2004-07-13)

Tip of the Week
Rarely has a band so young done so much in such a short time
(2004-07-06)

Raw Material
(2004-07-06)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-29)

Raw Material
(2004-06-22)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-16)

Raw Material
(2004-06-16)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-09)

Raw Material
(2004-06-09)

Double team
(2004-06-02)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment