Chicago Innerview Magazine | Live Music | Festivals

Chicago Open Air Announces 2019 Lineup

After taking 2018 off, Chicago Open Air is back for its third year in 2019 at Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium (formerly known as Toyota Park). Taking place May 18-19, the 2019 edition of the metal/hard rock-focused event will include Tool, System of a Down, The Prodigy, Ghost, Meshuggah, Gojira, The Fever 333, The Black Dahlia Murder, and more. The event, co-produced by Live Nation and Danny Wimmer Presents, will also include Chicago-centric food offerings and regional craft beers including Revolution Brewing. Tickets are now on sale for $100 and up.

Pitchfork and the Art Institute Announce New Midwinter Festival

This February, a miniature version of Pitchfork Music Festival is coming to the Art Institute. A new 3-day festival called Midwinter will be taking place at the Art Institute of Chicago from February 15-17, featuring 30+ live acts including Deerhunter, Joey Purp, Zola Jesus, Slowdive, Kasami Washington, Panda Bear, Tortoise, Mount Eerie, Oneohtrix Point Never, Perfume Genius, Haley Fohr, Weyes Blood, Hiss Golden Messenger, Grouper, and Mykki Blanco. Performances will be held amongst the museum’s collection at venues through the space, with select performances including original music inspired by museum art. The event will also include soundscape compositions, a pre-event dinner and a live broadcast from Pitchfork Radio. Tickets are now available for $50 and up.

Tomorrow Never Knows Announces 2019 Lineup

Tomorrow Never Knows, taking place January 16-20 at several venues across Chicago, has announced its 2019 lineup. Popping up in the middle of the frozen Chicago winter every year since 2005, the annual festival of up-and-coming independent acts will take place at Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smart Bar, Hideout and, new this year, Sleeping Village. Musical acts include CAVE, S. Carey, Varsity, Sarah Shook, Charly Bliss, and MNDSGN, with comedy acts including Neil Hamburger, Helltrap Nightmare, and Kate Berlant. 5-day passes cost $100, with single-show tickets also available. Visit the TNK Fest website for additional information.

LIVE REVIEW: INNERVIEW AT RIOT FEST 2018, DAY THREE

Mom Jeans kicked off day three of Riot Fest to get the sluggish crowd moving with a fun set including sing-alongs and emo vibes, before Calpurnia showed the crowd these kids have some serious chops with a riotous garage punk set that included diverse covers from The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down” to Twin Peaks’ “Butterfly.” JD McPherson played one of the most boring sets of the weekend that entertained no one except maybe the parents there with their kids, while Fear and The Avengers trafficked in fiery punk nostalgia that vindicated the obscure pairing as two of Riot Fest’s more inspired bookings. Blondie’s Debbie Harry donned a green wig for a set that, while certainly not as tight as the old days, delivered with the same characteristic cool and hits like “One Way or Another.” Alkaline Trio put on a career-showcasing set that was heavy on Chicago love and short on theatrics, before Father John Misty strutted the stage in a white suit (a move he quipped was pretty punk) with the backing of horns and strings that felt out of place only to those unfamiliar with his shtick. Late addition Run the Jewels closed out the festival with the same raucous energy that has made them festival kingpins in recent years, mixed in with some very 2018 reminders to keep your hands to yourself and call suicide prevention hotlines if you’re feeling depressed — reminding us that while music and festivals are certainly a fun escape, the wider world is never too far away. BY JOHN KURNAT–PHOTO BY JASON PENDLETON
Previous: Riot Fest Day Two

Chicago Open Air Announces 2019 Lineup

Pitchfork and the Art Institute Announce New Midwinter Festival

Tomorrow Never Knows Announces 2019 Lineup

LIVE REVIEW: INNERVIEW AT RIOT FEST 2018, DAY THREE

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