I
t's prime festival season and July (hopefully) will
bring some warmer drier weather to allow fans to
take advantage of some incredible music events. In a
year where Chicago has seen record rainfall, music fans
deserve some better weather in a month designed for fes-
tivals. Here's a smattering of some of the music festivals
this month. Just remember to bring your sunscreen.
PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 19, 20, 21
Union Park, Chicago
The 2019 edition of the Pitchfork Music Festival boasts
a little bit of everything for both current day AND former
hipsters. As an offshoot of the influential website, the
line-ups each year continue to champion the artists that
have received online exposure. Sunday’s headliner
Robyn was once slotted into a mid-afternoon set time,
but so consistent is P4K’s crystal ball, she’s now prime-
time. Another trend in their past few seasons has been to
allow classic artists to reach a MUCH younger audience.
This year's recipients of those headlining slots go to the
national treasures that are Mavis Staples and The Isley
Brothers, who will celebrate the milestone of 60 years in
the business. Stereolab will sate the aging indie rockers,
and from the undercard, perhaps one or more future
headliners will emerge. If anything, Pitchfork Music
Festival has groomed attendees to not only expect the
unexpected but that, during its three-day run, you may
find your new favorite band.
20 illinoisentertainer.com july 2019
AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 3,4,5,6
FirGerald's, Berwyn
The grandaddy of suburban festivals takes place in
Berwyn. Launched in 1981, FitzGerald's American Music
Festival has grown from a three-band barbeque night to
one of the most critically acclaimed summer festivals in
the Midwest. The festival's primary focus is
roots/Americana music – including traditional rock to
soul, rockabilly, country, blues, jazz, and bluegrass. The
FitzGerald's family welcomes bands from all over the
country and a healthy dose of local groups with a partic-
ular emphasis on music from New Orleans and Texas.
Unlike many of the popular music festivals in the city, the
4-Day Fest (July 3, 4, 5, 6 ) takes place on the grounds of
the club. This year's festival includes Texas music legend
Alejandro Escovedo, Bloodshot records alt-country star
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, local favorite Michael
McDermott, plus 65 other bands. 4-Day passes are avail-
able at www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
TRIBUTE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 19, 20, 21
Kenosha, WI
In one of those “why didn’t I think of that?’ moments,
Tribute Island brings together 58 tribute bands from
across the Midwest to Simmons Island in Kenosha to per-
form in a themed setting that mirrors English and
American festivals like Knebworth, Ozzfest, and The
Warped Tour, to legendary gatherings like Farm Aid and
Summerfest. We’re excited to see the Def Leppard tribute
Rok Brigade, plus Knebworth legends Kashmir (as Led
Zeppelin) and tributes to The Runaways (Cherry Bomb),
and Blink-182 (What’s Our Age Again). And it’s only $20
for all three days. Visit TributeIsland.com for details.
TASTE OF WESTMONT
June 12, 13, 14, 15
Downtown Westmont
Taste of Westmont is a classic suburban music festival,
but what pushes it over the top is the west suburban
town’s connection to blues legend Muddy Waters.
Muddy lived in Westmont during his twilight years, and
the festival dedicates an All-Star Tribute to him on
Sundays, as well as a Muddy Open Blues Jam. Top local
acts 7th Heaven and Sixteen Candles hit the stage on
Friday and Saturday.
ADDISON ROCK N’ WHEELS
Thursdays in July
Village Green in Addison
Summer car shows are part of the suburban outdoor
fabric. Not only can you see classic cars in Addison on
Thursdays, but they’ve brought in national bands like
Los Lonely Boys to the mix. This month's fireworks
extravaganza is offered on July 4, as well as ‘60s legends
the Buckinghams and New Colony Six, plus disco stal-
warts Boogie Wonderland and yes, even a Woodstock
night. Visit addisonadvantage.com for bands scheduled
through August.