Summer Set Music & Camping Fest

The Midwest appears to have expanded its music scene this summer with an increase of number and quality of festivals in this humble region. Chicagoans know that sun times mean fun times and a popular outlet for enjoyment has been live entertainment. The first installment of Wavefront and Spring Awakening’s location change to Soldier Field were both major successes.

Now, Somerset, WI wants to offer its grounds for an attempt to join this realm of music through a three-day camping festival. Summer Set festival is scheduled to take place August 24-26. Matt & Kim, Araab Muzik, Van Ghost and Umphrey’s Mcgee make up just a fraction of the lineup that will vary daily. Performances will span across three stages where you will be able to simultaneously catch a view of the stunning Wisconsin countryside and lazy rivers. The end of summer is drawing near and festival season can only last so long. Take advantage of one of the last opportunities that your energy can be well spent! For more information, check out the site here. 

Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival- Day 2 ='s AMAZING!!!!

Day two of Chicago Bluegrass and Blues festival was such a magical day. The first snow of the winter in Chicago, and what better way to celebrate then a day full of music? This isn't a regular old festival, it started on Friday at the Double Door (pictures to come), and yesterday was day two and took place at the Congress with three different stages, then tonight its at Lincoln Hall. For starters it puts a twist on the whole outdoors festival, no camping and no porta potties! From Van Ghost, The Giving Tree, Grace Potter, The Shams Band and final Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. All the bands displayed such a energy all day, it was such and excitement that was so refreshing to see and hear it come through the vocals.




The ending performance by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero was one of the best shows I've seen this year(this was the third time seeing them this year). Lead singer Alex, engaged the crowd from the very start of the show, by going out into the audience and embracing the crowd. At one point the crew needed to give him a longer cord, because he simply didn't want to remain on stage for most the set. About half way through the set he lost his shirt as well, his pants were also coming loose. The whole band you can tell has such a bond, and yet can tell have different personalities that bring them together. Other lead vocalist Jade, was the most animated and had the most sweet demeanor about her. She was all smiles on stage and you could see beaming with in her she is just so happy to be up there. At the end of the performance Alex (leader singer) had the whole crowd sit on the crowd and went out there and sang (pictured above) and the rest of the band went to the ledge of the stage (pictured above). It was such a large crowd, but yet they made you feel like they were playing for you in a small studio apartment. I had a interview with Christen from the band a few weeks ago, but due to my computer crashing, I will post it soon.



To view more pictures, go to facebook.com/sticoftheweek.