Chicago Venues Seek Support from Devastating Economic Impact of Covid-19
Live music venues have been one of the most negatively impacted industries of the global shutdown caused by the coronavirus, and Chicago is no exception. Local venues, particularly smaller independent operators, are in an existentially precarious position at the moment — with no one knowing when this will end or if they will even be able to reopen when it does. As one of the first industries to close and likely one of the last to reopen, local music venues need your help more now than ever. To that end, the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) has assembled a handy one-stop shop for donations to individual local venues such as Metro, Empty Bottle, Reggie’s, Subterranean, Beat Kitchen, Sleeping Village, Thalia Hall, The Vic, The Riv, Park West, The Hideout, The Whistler, The Promontory, Martyrs’ and more. If you have the means to do so, please consider donating to one or more of these venues here.
Do Division, West Fest Chicago Cancelled Due to Coronavirus
In a highly discouraging sign for the future of 2020 summer music festivals in Chicago, two of the city’s most popular neighborhood street fests — Do Division Street Fest and West Fest Chicago — have both been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The West Town Chamber of Commerce, which operates both festivals, has also cancelled a third festival: Chicago Brewing District’s Dancing in the Streets. Do Division is typically held in late May/early June, with West Fest usually happening in July. The news comes on the heels of the recent cancellations of both South Shore Summer Fest and the Silver Room Block Party (which were slated for July and August), as well as the City of Chicago’s decision to cancel all events operated by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events through May 15. Needless to say, “The Year of Chicago Music” isn’t getting off to a great start.
Pitchfork Music Festival Announces 2020 Lineup
Pitchfork Music Festival, hosting its 15th anniversary festival this summer from July 17-July 19 in Chicago’s Union Park, has announced its 2020 lineup featuring headliners Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Run The Jewels, and The National. Additional acts include Kim Gordon, Twin Peaks, Danny Brown, Thundercat, Cat Power, Angel Olsen, The Fiery Furnaces (playing their first show in 10 years), Deafheaven, Waxahatchee, Sharon Van Etten, Big Thief, and more. Leading up to festival weekend, there will also be a week of special anniversary events commemorating 15 years of the Pitchfork Music Festival and the city of Chicago (further details TBA.) Pitchfork Music Festival tickets are currently on sale for $185 for a 3-day pass and $75 for a single-day pass.
LIVE REVIEW: TEMPLES RETURN TO CHICAGO WITH SOME HOT MOTION
It is safe to say that a concert was outstanding if any band member goes out into a sold-out audience to crowd-surf after their encore. And that is exactly what James Bagshaw, lead guitarist and vocalist from Temples, did to close out a supercharged evening at Lincoln Hall on Friday, January 31. Temples came to Chicago ready to rock. And did they ever.
