North Coast Preview 2012

As summer begins to turn into fall, kids go back to school, work starts to pick up again and the careless air of lazy days begins to fade festival season in Chicago seems to draw to a close. However, summer’s last stand, North Coast Music Festival, is back for its third run in Union Park this weekend, August 31 – Sept 2. NCMF provides one more weekend of non-stop music, festival attire and, most importantly, honest summer fun. This year make the most of your NCMF experience using our guide of whom to be sure to see at the festival.

 

FRIDAY…

Depending on the kind of atmosphere you are looking for, NCMF can be very different for all who attend. This is beautiful – Friday provides a lot of Chicago based talent who all seem to have the common goal, getting attendees in the proper “non-stop dance party” state of mind. If you find yourself at NCMF on Friday, my vote is to start the party early by heading over to see some Milk N’ Cookies followed by Zion I. Add to this solid foundation with some jams from local heavyweight, Midnight Conspiracy (be sure to check out SOTW intern, Gina's interview with MC from Spring Awakening, here). More local favorites include: Team Bayside High, DJ Greg Corner, and STS9.

 

SATURDAY…

For my Saturday NCMF adventure I think it prudent to take in the variety that NCMF provides. NCMF, a festival boasting highly acclaimed DJs and electronic duos, also showcases some truly talented indie bits playing the fest. My vote is to head over to Dan Deacon, YACHT and The Rapture. After a pleasant afternoon of immersing yourself in a slightly less technological genre be sure to stop by Girl Talk, who, like many times before, is sure to bring the party to his Chicago fans base. For me, Girl Talk is a must see, a rite of passage of sorts in the electronic, mixology world. Always a great show, Girl Talk will be my Saturday night fever, along with Atmosphere.

 

SUNDAY…

Electronic lovers unite with their beloveds Steve Aoki and Pretty Lights. The Sunday headliners are sure to bring their A-Game to Chicago. As for where my excitement lies, might I recommend seeing Com Truise, whose sound is similar to that of an 80’s horror soundtrack with a modern twist. For an old school raunch, Big Boi, and for some good old dance in your pants fun, be sure to check out Digitialism, Digital Tape Machine and Stratus.

 

Anyone who you choose to see at North Coast Music Festival 2012 is bound to be a great time and with the line-up featuring a winning concoction of genres and local vs. national talent it seems that it will be very hard to not have the ultimate Labor Day weekend.