You discovered new talent at Pitchfork, sweated your way through Lollapalooza, rocked out at Wicker Park Fest and now you're wondering whether there's any live music that's left worth checking out this summer.
The answer is an emphatic yes. There's still a few music festivals on tap before fall's brisk breeze blows summer's sunny days aside.
WTMX Party in the Park
August 27, Park Grill Restaurant(11 North Michigan Ave.). FREE
Thursday marks WTMX Party in the Park's final show of the summer. Every Thursday evening since June, the event has been held outside Millennium Park Plaza's Park Grill Restaurant. This week's opener, Hooked on Sonics, take the stage at 4 p.m., while headliner, Cat Fight, plays at 5:30 p.m. Sounds like a good excuse to cut out of work early, take in the beautiful but fleeting weather, and snag a spot on the plaza for some live music and good company. FREE
Taste of Greece
Aug. 29-30, Noon - 11 p.m. 100-400 S. Halsted St. FREE
This year's festival will have all the delicious Greek food you know and love, including gyros, saganaki, lamb chops, and baklava. Also, enjoy belly dancing, kids' activities and live music from Greek bands, Hellenic Five and Hellas 2000. Live music + belly dancing + Greek wine = a hella good time.
Jammin' at the Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo, South Lawn (Cannon & Fullerton), Aug. 28th at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets.
This last show of the summer season features singer/songwriter Angel Taylor, and pop-rock group Five For Fighting (which is an alias for singer and multi-instrumentalist, John Ondrasik). The concert series offers lawn seating on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to get there early, bring a blanket, and snag a comfy spot. Arrive early enough, and you can enjoy a dinner at Park Place Café. Or head over to The Kovler Lion House and Sea Lion Pool which will be open during the event.
Bloodshot Records Beer-B-Q
September 12, Noon, The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). $10 donation
Chicago's Bloodshot Records is celebrating 15 years in the biz with a Beer-B-Q street fair on Wabansia Ave. and a Bloodshot-worthy bill to boot. The all-day event features performances by artists such as The Blacks, Bobby Bare Jr., Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, The Waco Brothers and Alejandro Escovedo. Mark your calendar for a day full of honky tonk and BBQ, and show your support for one of Chicago's most beloved record labels. For more information, visit www.hideoutchicago.com or www.bloodshotrecords.com.
Neph Basedow is a music writer for CheekyChicago.com.
