The summer music festivals of Chicago
by Sarah Capungan

The All-American Rejects (left), Carrie Underwood (middle), and Trey Songz (right) are all expected to perform at various music festivals across the city. Images courtesy of Amazon.com

Most musical events that take place during the school year are often one night shows that feature a few bands of the same genre. During this time, most students have to balance extracurricular activities and academics and cannot attend many of these shows. However, students are free from many school-related obligations once the summer arrives and are free to attend as many music related events as they can afford. These music festivals and concerts are ubiquitous throughout the Chicagoland area in the summertime. These events contain more bands, are hosted at larger locations, and last longer than any concert held during the school year.  The following events are some that many music-loving students can attend during the summer time.

Ravinia Festival featuring Carrie Underwood, Cheap Trick, Backstreet Boys, and more

June 3 – September 7, Highland Park

Tickets $27 lawn or $65 reserved, http://www.ravinia.org/ViewDate.aspx?show=229

Since 1904, Ravinia has been a summer-long outdoor music festival that features a different artist every day of its duration. The music featured during this festival is considered by the event planners to be the greatest music in the world. However, it is left to the audience to decide that. Those who attend the festival usually have a picnic with their friends as they listen to the music throughout the day and night.

B96 Pepsi Summer Bash featuring Kid Cudi, Trey Songz, and more

June 14, Toyota Park

Tickets $25 – 125, http://www.ticketmaster.com/B96-Pepsi-Summerbash-tickets/artist/1021371

Many Northsiders often listen to the radio station, B96, hoping to hear a bit of hip-hop in the morning. The radio station collaborates each year with Pepsi to create a concert that features many popular artists, such as Drake and B.o.B. The artists usually perform their radio hits, but also introduce other songs from their albums.

Pitchfork Music Festival featuring Modest Mouse, Girls, Pavement, and more

July 16 – 18, West Loop

Tickets $40, http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com/

The Pitchfork Music Festival is a three day outdoor event in the West Loop neighborhood. The festival features many new and lesser known bands such as Major Lazer and Cass McCombs. The genre of music played in this festival contains more variation than other musical events, from unique versions of synth pop to mixes of alternative and indie rock. The diversity of artists and music genres may encourage those attending the festival to expand their music horizons and explore different bands. There is less wild dancing, mosh pits, and singing during this event and more outdoor dining than at the Vans Warped Tour and the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash. Unlike the Summer Bash, those at the Pitchfork Music Festival experience less of a concert and more of an outdoor event with both food and music.

Van’s Warped Tour featuring The All-American Rejects, The Pretty Reckless, Nevershoutnever, and more

July 31, Tinley Park

Tickets $34.25, http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/04004476EFD155B8?artistid=807329

The Van’s Warped Tour is a national tour of bands that includes rock and alternative bands, such as Attack! Attack! and The Cab.  The tour has been coming to Chicago since 1995 and has been advertised in stores such as Hot Topic and Zumiez. The event is held indoors at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, much like traditional rock concerts. Some believe that the loud music and mosh pits are the factors that make the tour an enjoyable experience. In the past, the audience has been able to meet band members after their performances. The tour is sure to have loud alternative music, “scene kids,” and overcrowded mosh pits.

Chicago Jazz Festival

September 4 -5, Grant Park

Free Admission http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_jazz_festival.html

The Chicago Jazz Festival has been held every Labor Day weekend for 31 years. The first shows are held in the Chicago Cultural Center during the first day, but the rest are held on the Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage outdoors. The festival showcases Chicago Jazz musicians, such as Dave Holland and Dee Alexander.  They perform original pieces along with covers of old jazz pieces. The festival also features national and international musicians, as well as Chicago high school and college jazz bands. Before students have to return to school, they can celebrate the end of summer by having a picnic outdoors as they relax to various forms of jazz music.