Wicker Park Fest - Day Two

The summer music fest season hits its stride once again on July 28 and 29 with the arrival of Wicker Park Fest – the one and only street festival that annually ranks as one of the best music events of the year.  Presented by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the 2012 edition of Wicker Park Fest also features a bigger emphasis on art as well as a dedicated children’s area.

Over the years, Wicker Park Fest’s reputation has grown into epic proportions.  What began as a quaint neighborhood shindig nine years ago has blossomed into one of Chicago’s most highly-attended street fests, with over 65,000 expected to turn out to this summer’s two-day festivity. Some of the hottest local and touring bands highlight a jam-packed weekend – and the admission is only a fraction of most other big music events (a mere $5 donation).

In addition to a stellar live music bill, Wicker Park Fest is a showcase of its diverse neighborhood…historic yet hip, the district offers a variety of lifestyle options, including distinctive art, acclaimed restaurants, family activities and a trendy fashion scene, all represented at the fest.

Live Music:
Above all else, Wicker Park Fest is known for live music of the highest quality.  It’s become one of the most highly anticipated music events of the summer in Chicago.  With three stages of live action, there’s something for everyone, every genre.  This year’s roster includes:

North Stage:

Budos Band @ 8:30 pm

Miniature Tigers @ 7:30 pm

Tim Fite @ 6:30 pm

Ben Miller Band @ 5:30 pm

Lasers & Fast & Shit @ 4:30 pm

Soft Speaker @ 3:30 pm

The Kickback @ 2:30 pm

South Stage:

Lucero @ 8:00 pm

Horse Feathers @ 6:30 pm

Fort Frances @ 5:30 pm

Cheap Girls @ 4:30 pm

Derek Nelson & The Muscians @ 3:30 pm

Shams Band @ 2:30 pm

Jennifer Hall @ 1:30 pm

Center Stage:

Joe Pug @ 8:30 pm

Steepwater Band @ 7:00 pm

Tristen @ 5:30 pm

Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts @ 4:15 pm

Midwest Hype @ 2:30 pm

Dogpatch Ramblers @ 1:00 pm

Wicker Park Fest Arts:
This year, Wicker Park Fest is adding two new Arts sections showcasing unique and inspired works from two renowned local arts organizations:

Redmoon Theater presenting a piece called The Sonic Boom, a massive battery powered vehicle, sculpture, and performance platform. Redmoon performers will activate the two hydraulic performance platforms and mobile DJ booth with spectacle performance and sound pieces, a portion of which will be fully composed in advance and a portion that will be structured for live improvisation during the event. This piece will be on Honore Ave., next to Native Foods, from Milwaukee to the alley.

Defibrillator Gallery presenting a series of large-scale inflatable sculptures by six local artists that will be installed each day of the festival and activated with live movement & spectacle based performances throughout the festival. Artists include Claire Ashley, Marianne Kim, Helmut Heiss and three artists TBD.  This work will be installed on Wood St. NE from Milwaukee to Beach St. across from the family area.

For more info:  http://wickerparkfest.com/