By Joshua Mellin | November 28th, 2010
The contest for winning free passes Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival continues! Five lucky winners will get to see bands over the course of three days from 12/3-12/5 at various locations throughout the Windy City. Bands include the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Right Now, The Skatalites, and many more.
Over the few days, we will be publishing previews that give background info on bands you won’t want to miss. Comment below or on our Facebook posts on why you deserve the 3-day passes (make sure to include your full name and e-mail address) and we’ll be announcing winners on Wednesday, December 1.
Below is a round-up of some bands to catch on Saturday, December 4:
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (featured)
Edward Sharpe is the manifestation of lead singer Alex Ebert’s imaginary rehabilitation messiah. According to Ebert, Sharpe was “sent down to Earth to kinda heal and save mankind… but he kept getting distracted by girls and falling in love.” He met lead singer Jade Castrinos outside a L.A. cafe, and the two began touring the country with a ragtag team of musicians nearly 25 strong. Edward Sharpe travels the country in a big white bus, spreading love and honesty. Following their riveting set at last year’s Lollapalooza, this is their highly anticipated return to Chicago!
After their wonderful afternoon set at this past September’s North Coast Festival, this Vermont-based band samples the funky blues soul rock of the 60s and 70s, often channeling Jefferson Airplane with a rousing rendition of “White Rabbit” at live shows. Lead singer Grace Potter plays electric and acoustic guitar along with an electric piano. The band has been featured on TV shows like One Tree Hill, ER, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Delta blues guitarist David “Honeyboy” Edwards is a can’t miss! A living legend at age 95, he picked up a Lifetime Achievent Award at this year’s Grammy Awards. Playing with the likes of Keith Richards, he boasts that he remembers all the intricate details of his nearly 70-year career — including witnessing Robert Johnson down that fateful bottle of whiskey the night he sold his soul.
“Come boy, sit down and rest” and listen to this eight-man folk/roots collective formed by brothers Todd and Eric Fink, who live and record under one roof in Yorkville, IL.
Featuring Trey Anastasio band member vocalist Jennifer Hartswick, Van Ghost was formed by concert promoter Michael Harrison Berg in Chicago in 2008. Playing their first shows at the famed Metro, they’ve drawn comparisons to bands such as Wilco and Ryan Adams & The Cardinals.
High energy, harmonic homegrown Chicago bluegrass act reminiscent of the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Taught how to write songs by Daniel Johnston, Beck’s former roomate Paleface and girlfriend drummer Monica Samalot bring along their high energy anti-folk.
A staple at Bottoms Up on Tuesdays in Pekin, IL, and Six Strings in Bloomington, IL on Wednesdays, Chicago Farmer packs up his charms and Bob Dylan-inspired wit, and brings them to the big city.
Although he’s only been playing songs for less than a year, SPIN has already described Derek as a “force to be reckoned with.” Come find out why.