Festival Preview: Tomorrow Never Knows 2018
Chicagoans bitch about our dreadful winter weather just as much as we choose to embrace it. Even in the recent temperature drop, parka-covered civilians flood the streets with an air of normalcy and frigid determination. If there’s one thing we’re willing to brave the cold for, in particular, it’s good music. So when Tomorrow Never Knows sets up its thirteenth annual run during the freezing month of January, what happens? Chicago shows up.
The festival, taking place January 17-21, is a bold move considering the month is usually one of the slowest for touring artists and ticket sales. Patrick Van Wagoner, who booked the Lincoln Hall shows for TNK, says this is precisely what allows the event to stand out. Fans bundle up and come together at what he calls “the worst time of the year, celebrating up and coming bands and comedians.” Contrary to a typical music festival that is put together by major promoters like AEG and Live Nation, TNK’s host venues—Schubas, Lincoln Hall, Metro, Hideout, and SmartBar—are all independently owned and booked.
Lovers of all kinds of music will find something at TNK, with a lineup that features artists showcasing a variety of sounds from Latin, R&B/soul, indie, Americana, and, as Van Wagoner puts it, “that classic Chicago staple, garage rock.” Both Typhoon and Allan Rayman have delivered provocative, darker-toned albums in the last year that should translate into some seriously cathartic experiences on stage. If you’re into enjoying some unadulterated fun, the Madrid-based ladies of Hinds are guaranteed to deliver a healthy dose of their upbeat, charming rock and roll. For something fresh and innovative, check out OddCouple, the producer for top Chicago artists like Chance the Rapper and Jamila Woods who is bringing a solo set to the TNK lineup that is nothing short of a must-see.
If you’re looking for a place to warm up this January, the subwoofers at Lincoln Hall might be a good place to start. For full lineup and ticket information, visit tnkfest.com. –BY JULIET CANGELOSI
