I’m getting ready to head out the door and induce a music coma at North Coast Festival but before I do let’s talk about some of the fun stuff going on around town this long weekend:

First up is Brighton Park Fest. Starting tomorrow you can head out to Archer Ave (between Sacramento & Kedzie) for food, rides and 2 stages of live music featuring local acts: [.DESCARGA.] (my favorite latin alternative band), Maladicto, Legion, Soul Pollution, Maria Blues Trio, the lovely La Gitana, Malafacha and DJs Angelfuk and Nando to name just a few.  Descarga’s very own Jose Calvo says, “people should come out and enjoy this festival because it’s something special for the community, there are few festivals like this in the city that celebrate latino unity, but the number of them is growin! So come out and enjoy the food, the rides, the arts, and the music, which will be awesome because the line ups are made up of talented local latino bands. I am very honored to be part of this great festival.”

Also, don’t forget that last weekend’s featured girl crush, Rita J will be at Schuba’s Saturday night with Bumpus.

Jazz Fest returns to Grant Park and the always awesome Chuchito Valdez goes on Saturday at 5.

Lastly, the inaugural run of Joyous Outdoor Event (J.O.E.) kicks off at South Belmont Harbor this weekend featuring a main stage ‘curated’ by the Metro and Smart Bar and will include hometown rocks The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Saturday at 7p.  A $15 ticket gets you all day general admission, for $25 you get all day access plus entrance to that evening’s main stage.  You can get the full schedule and more info HERE.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend! Check back for North Coast recaps, follow me on Twitter for live updates and check out the Facebook page for more photos and video.

Despite the cold rainy weather Sunday night the turnout was great and the music was fantastic with an eclectic lineup of rock/pop, blues and punk.

Our Hosts: Luis & Yvonne

First up we had Color Radio.  Chatting with the band before taping began we learned that this current incarnation of the group has been together for six months.  They played Smile At A Funeral and It Won’t be Long.  Jonathan (lead vocals/guitar), Matt (keys), Joel (bass) and Tohm (drums) played a solid and frenzied set and you were the perfect band to kick things off and so very cool to talk to.  We declare you the Crush of the Week and urge everyone to check them at their upcoming shows at The Bog-Illinois Tech’s Hermann Hall and at Beat Kitchen.  You can click on the picture below for more information on their upcoming shows.

Color Radio

Next we heard from Maria Blues. She killed it.  She killed it with one jam: Freedom.  How to describe her? Hmmm…think: the love child of Janis Joplin and BB King. She set it on fire with hot riffs and extended solos.   She’s got a show this week that we suggest you check out but fear not she’ll be around town the next few weeks. Please, please, please check her out, we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Maria Blues

The night was closed out with an energetic set from Conciencia Total.  They brought it loud, hard and fast. We would not have been surprised to see a mosh pit start during their set.  Pikachu (vocals/bass), El Companero (guitar/vocals) and Gallo (drums) treated the crowd to: the politically charged Hagamos Conciencia, La Nina Bonita (which Gallo promised was dedicated to yours truly) and Ramona.  I’m keeping an eye out any upcoming gigs and promise to post them on this site but until then you can get your fix by clicking on the picture below.

Pikachu of Conciencia Total

El Companero of Conciencia Total

Gallo of Conciencia Total

You can watch this and other bands on E>N>E Chicago Rocks every Wednesday at 8PM on Cable Channel 25.

Next week’s lineup: Maladicto, Stank Star and Skamorfosis.

Shout out to The HBIC: Sandra, Hector Ivan, Jose C, Val, Ivan, Fabian, Luis and Maria.

Stop by Cobra Lounge on Sundays starting at 6PM, check out some cool bands and get some free goodies along the way.

See you there!