Concerts are in full swing this first week of June
The first week of June kicks off with a bang for music fans and XRT fans in particular. Some lucky few may say there’s no reason to see Death Cab for Cutie since they got to see them at XRT’s Live from Studio X event at Martyrs a few weeks back, but for the other 10,000 who did not get in, they will pack the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park this Tuesday night to see a full set from the band underneath the stars with the city skyline as the backdrop. Quite possible one of the best music settings in the country (We dare you to tell us some others that are better), cross your fingers and hope the rain stays away long enough to enjoy the night.
Later this week, two major XRT superstars (Dave Matthews Band and REM) come to town on the same night. While the younger crowd will most likely choose the DMB show at Toyota Park as their spot of choice, the triple bill at the United Center is not too shabby when put all together – R.E.M., Modest Mouse, and The National. We highly suggest getting to both shows early to see the openers – Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings with DMB, and The National and Modest Mouse before REM.
Others shows in town include The Kooks at The Vic, and don’t forget to do what every Chicagoan should do at some point in their lives and spend some time in Grant Park for the Chicago Blues Festival. Being the Home of the Blues – not going to see and experience what this city is known for in the music world would be a shame.
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
25th Anniversary of the Blues Fest! I am super excited about that one. I went for the first time last year and it was a blast. I really wish I could make it to the Blues Broadcast on Thursday.
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Love it. This week is what is so great about summer in Chicago - warm weather, live bands and lots of them, and plenty of options to get out and about. I have had my plans for Bluesfest and REM for the last month!
June 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Loved the Kooks and Morning Benders, but XRT sponsored shows don’t always make for the best experiences. The crowd is usually a mix of docile on-lookers and XRT staff. Feels like a SXSW industry show!
June 11th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
This past weekend I attended my first Blues Fest ever and not only did I have an amazing time but I also got to meet some of the most interesting people from all over the world! It’s crazy how this fest lures all types of true blues fans from so far away for just one weekend. Aside from a couple hours of rainy weather, Blues Fest couldn’t have been a more enlightening and enjoyable way to kick off summer 08′!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I absolutely loved seeing R.E.M at the United Center! By far, they are one of the best bands of the 80s and 90s and it’s still true for today. They played some of their greatest hits and countless songs off their new album. Michael Stipe was a great showman - his vocals were on and his dance moves were the best. What a great show to start off the summer!
June 11th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Ode to R.E.M. They picked two great opening bands, and they’ve managed to sustain their charisma and sound through the decades. They still make stadiums full of people nod along, sway, and sing out to classic rock songs and new favorites. Their loyal listeners wouldn’t want to miss a performance like the one last Friday; it was well worth the costly ticket prices. One die-hard R.E.M. fan seated in front of me can attest to this as he rocked out with his air guitar while Stipe amusingly danced with his microphone on stage. I’m not exaggerating when I saw tears rolling down this fans face when R.E.M. played “The Great Beyond” mid set. I gladly gave that guy a high five.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I went out to Blues Fest on Sunday just before I had to run to the Millennium Park Parking Garage for thunderstorm shelter. Everybody was feeling the blues then. Later the sun came out and I had an enjoyable afternoon and enjoyed hearing B.B. King play.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Blues Fest was awesome this year! The weather was so so but it was a really good time! Good music and great food!
June 16th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I’m just so excited for the Jack Johnson show at Alpine this weekend, I can’t wait until Saturday!!!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I saw the Rolling Stones at the United Center on their Forty Licks tour, very skeptical of the venue but it ended up being awesome. They had two stages set up, one at the front with a walkway connected to a centered stage in the middle of the floor. They put on an incredible show (obviously) and without a doubt, it was a one great performance by Mick.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:38 am
The Kooks have been a new interest of mine! I was so excited to see this concert at the Vic. I had not known many of thier songs but it didn’t matter, I still had so much fun! They are a band of so much energy and are very entertaining! This concert only fed my interest for this band and I will definitely want to see them again when they come to town. They were great!
October 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Does anybody have the kooks song listing from the Riviera this past saturday?