Preview 5 – Do I really have to sit here and list a number of reasons why you need to get your ass to the Group: What’s A Music Stage? at 7:30 on Saturday to see De La Soul? Right, didn’t think so. Instead I’m going to make this today’s earworm and post one the ultimate earwormy-single: Me Myself & I. I dare to get that song out of your head today! P.S. How fantastic to see they’re still touring all over the world?!
Preview 4 – Today’s featured band: Chicago math rockers Maps and Atlases. The group met as student’s at Columbia College, released a couple EPs and earlier this summer showed how musically they’ve matured with the release of their first full length “Perch Patchwork” (Barsuk). Their music is very technical, textured, rythmically and structurally complex so it will be interesting to see how this will play out on a large outdoor festival stage. They are virtuosos with their respective instruments often playing the necks of their guitars like pianos, plucking away at each note. Catch them on the Coast Stage, Sunday at 3p.m. Below is “Solid Ground” off Perch Patchwork.
Preview 1 - North Coast‘s inaugural run boasts one of the most eclectic lineups (hip hop, electronica, jam bands, etc) of the summer festival circuit, in the coming days check back for bands/artists that simply cannot be missed. Today we’re focusing on Chicago’s own Van Ghost. Sounds like: Ryan Adams/Wilco/CSN; alt country / Americana. Michael Berg, a veteran of the Chicago music industry, formed Van Ghost after much encouragement from friends and family to pick up his guitar and start writing and performing. He assembled a collection of seasoned musicians to form Van Ghost and I’ve fallen for Berg and Jennifer Hartswick’s vocals. Berg’s voice carries an honesty and conviction that is complimented by the force of Hartswick’s range. They will be at the ‘Groupon: What’s A Music? Stage’ at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Below is a video of “On The Way Home (Live)” filmed at The Metro. They’ll also be at Bottom Lounge on September 5 and their new release “The Domino Effect” (6 pack-EP) will be out soon.
