5 music bands that are killing it in Chicago

We know music is a big deal in the city of Chicago. Great solo artists and bands have been born in Chicago.

Let’s check a small list of five of the bands that are killing it in Chicago:

Euphoria

Euphoria is a Chicago band that plays a variety of genres, although they have become popular with their pop, rock, dance, R&B and country styles. They offer shows at galas and they are being a big hit with wedding performances and also with participation in some corporate events.

This is what is actually turning them into a very popular band, because it is currently considered “Chicagoland’s fastest rising Wedding and Special Events band”. I guess it is safe to say that their fan base sure is growing and benefiting them.

The creators and participants of Euphoria are a total of 5 persons, made up by 4 men and a woman that combined offer more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Meat Wave

This band is integrated by 3 guys, and has already released some albums in the past few years. They focus in the alternative and independent genres, and have been working hard and offering presentations, becoming quite popular in Chicago. It is said that after they made a Side One Dummy debut and an appearance in the Riot Fest in 2015, they have just been adding more numbers to their fanbase.

Sleep On It

Also having its origins in the city of Chicago is this pop punk band. Sleep On It was officially created in 2012, by 5 guys, making the band able to offer a line-up of a lead guitarist and backing vocals, a rhythm guitarist and backing vocals, a bass guitarist, a drummer and percussionist, and a lead vocalist.

This current lead vocalist is not the person that started out as lead in the beginning, but they are still making sure they give the audience quality and enjoyable pop punk. To date, Sleep On It has just released one studio album and 3 EPs.

Dumpster Babies

If you are the kind of person that appreciates old, pure and rustic musical styles, then you should give a chance to the Dumpster Babies. This band is actually a duo, integrated by Kevin Graves and Paul Puschautz in early 2008.

They were at a bar having a good time talking, listening to some music and drinking some beers, when the singer and guitarist of a local band they were obsessed with at the moment, asked them to play at the bar.

The rest became history. They are still considered a local band, but it is gaining more and more recognition and followers. Dumpster Babies plays contemporary garbage rock, punk and vintage rock ‘n’ roll from the 50s. They like the raw and rudimentary sounds they are able to create, which is maybe the biggest reason they keep getting more and more popular.

(Find them on Facebook as Dumpster Babies)

Hemmingbirds

Source: The Locals

Hemmingbirds is the last Chicago-based band of our list. It is considered by music critics to be in the top ten local acts of Chicago. Four young men integrate the band today, but the idea actually began as a solo. Yoo Soo Kim was the guy with the talent, idea and the desire to make music.

Initially, he would perform, record, produce and mix his own songs, and he also worked to self-release his first album with the help of drummer Zen Benkowski. Today, the band has four members and it concentrates especially in rock.

Hemmingbirds has truly caught the eye and ear of many local artists, to the point of being compared to Arcade Fire and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The different styles that they work on include anthemic pop rock mixed with acoustic folk melodies and heavy electric guitars, making their offered music pretty unique.

These were only 5 of all the amazing bands that Chicago keeps producing. Take a look at them, you might want to track them down and check their released solos and albums and support their music through Spotify or buying their songs in Itunes.

Every great and famous band start off by playing in bars, garages, restaurants and weddings, and these local bands have been working everywhere they can with the goal of spreading their diverse styles and their passion for certain genres. Maybe a band from this list could be the next international star.

lollapalooza chicago

Upcoming festivals in Chicago

Languages exist to communicate with each other and, there is a great variation of languages even within one country, let alone all around the globe. We use these languages to deliver ideas to others. But, ever since music was created it has been considered a universal language.

It won this title because of the way that instruments make it possible to interpret different emotions and messages, even without the use of words sometimes. And, surely you have your favorite genre, artist and band, or more than one.

Thankfully, we can listen to so many genres, new and old along with their corresponding variations, such as blues, jazz, reggae, rock, metal, pop, country, opera, classical, soul, funk, R&B, salsa, tango, mariachi, and just so, so, so many more in every corner of the planet.

If you have had the opportunity to attend a music concert, you know that amazing experience has no comparison. When it comes to talking about cities that offer concerts like no other, we need to talk about Chicago, one of the leading cities in this subject.

Each year, the city of Chicago, which is the third biggest city of the United States, presents a long list of music concerts for the public to enjoy. This 2018 wouldn’t be the exception.

Let’s take a glance at the upcoming music festivals that the “Windy City” has in store:

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 1st and 2nd are the programmed dates for this festival. Gospel has a deep connection with the city of Chicago, and the reason for that comes to the surface when you acknowledge that the genre actually originated there. You will be able to listen to local and national gospel groups at the Chicago Cultural Center and at the Millennium Park, for free admission.

Chicago Blues Festival

From June 8th to June 10th, the “Windy City” will be offering this unique festival. What makes it so unique? Well, the Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival worldwide. This particular festival has featured the most famous names in the genre. You may attend it by going to the Millennium Park.

Grant Park Music Festival

Are you a fan of an afternoon with classical music? The invitation is set out from June 13th through August 18th at the Millennium Park, with a one of its kind classical series festival holding a total of 32 summer concerts directed by the Grammy-nominated Grant Park Orchestra. This festival is also available for free admission.

Windy City Lakeshake Festival

If you enjoy listening to some good country music, you can’t miss out on this country-only music festival that lasts three days, from June 22nd to June 24th at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Prepare yourself for an evening with a relaxing lake view and the sound of this beloved genre.

Chicago Summerdance

Besides listening to music, we definitely enjoy a good dance, right? This specific festival is the perfect option for dancing and forgetting about your daily routine. Every Thursday and Sunday from June 29th to August 25th, assist to Grant Park, Spirit of the Music Garden and other locations for this unbelievable dance space. The festival is planning to feature 48 bands and some DJs playing live. There is an almost 5,000 square-foot open-air dance floor for you and your loved ones to dance the night off at no charge (yes, it’s free admission).

Windy City Smokeout

If you like the idea of combining country music, beer and a well done barbecue, this is the festival for you. It is also offering three days of amusement and entertainment from July 13th to July 15th on 560 W Grand Avenue. This year’s edition will entertain you with 12 top country artists topped with some of the best nationally recognized BBQ.

Lollapalooza

Once again featuring in Chicago is one of the most acclaimed music festivals in the world. Make sure you plan well from August 2nd to August 5th. Lollapalooza shows off the trendiest names in music across genres like hip hop, indie, electronic, pop and many more. Besides the great music festival, there is also a food fest right within Lollapalooza called the Chow Town where you can certainly find the right food for your festival cravings, in Grant Park.

Chicago Jazz Festival

From August 30th to September 2nd, this classic festival is inviting you to celebrate their anniversary number 40 this year. It will have presentations on two important city venues; The Chicago Cultural Center and the Millennium Park. This music festival encourages the acknowledgment and appreciation of all variations of jazz and it showcases the huge talent of all ages that the city has to offer within the genre.