Saturday, July 19, is perhaps Chicago’s best concert day of the year. My ticket’s already punched for Pitchfork, but there are two other shows I’d be attending if it wasn’t for the conflict. At Charter One Pavilion, STUMS9 brings together two of the country’s best jambands – Umphrey’s McGee and Sound Tribe Sector 9 – for a co-headlining tour. And over in Tinley Park, there’s Rock the Bells, which boasts the finest hip-hop lineup I’ve ever seen. Damn you July 19 – why must you be so greedy?
• The STUMS9 tour is named for the two popular bands’ oft-used acronyms: UM and STS9. I have a special affinity for Umphrey’s McGee, having seen their rise from small South Bend, Ind. bar band to a jamband powerhouse that sells out the Aragon Ballroom every year for New Year’s Eve (they're now based in Chicago). Umphrey's is a genre-jumping, prog rock group that will fly through metal, electronica, funk and good old-fashioned rock in the matter of a few songs. They have an extensive and diverse catalog of originals, but don’t be surprised if a cover of Steely Dan, Talking Heads, Bob Marley or Snoop Dogg pops up at one of their shows. STS9, on the other hand, won’t be playing any covers. In fact, you’re not gonna get any vocals (unless it’s a sample) from these California electro-rockers. In my opinion, this is the best all-instrumental band playing today, with one of the better drummers (Zach Velmer) I’ve seen. Their music is fast and up-tempo, yet smooth and chill. Think elevator music on ecstasy.
• This year’s Rock the Bells tour offers a great collection of rap stars from yesterday and today. Representing the old school, it’s Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Pharcyde and Rakim. Representing the now, it’s Nas, Mos Def, Method Man and Redman and Kidz in the Hall. Going to this concert will be like getting a little lesson in rap history. And since the Lollapalooza lineup came up short on hip-hop artists once again, here’s a perfect chance to get a proper dose of quality rap.
And if Pitchfork, STUMS9 and Rock the Bells don't wet your musical appetite, maybe the American Idol tour will. That's also going on this Saturday at the All State Arena.
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Jim Collins
Jim Collins follows Chicago's live music scene for the Windy Citizen with his Live Wire blog. He recently graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a master's degree in new media. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter for one of the Sun Times News Group's suburban newspapers and a small daily in southwestern Michigan. Jim's also a music junkie, who appreciates a wide range of musical tastes. From hipster to hippy, raver to rapper, he likes it all. More
Comments
Jim, if you had to pick between one of the two non-Pitchfork events...what would you go with?
In a perfect world, rock the bells at noon and stums at night. I just wish they were all on different weekends, so I could see them all!
Wow, no way to call Chicago "Second City" with this musical line up! Most cities would love to see this much talent in a summer.
Wow, no way to call Chicago "Second City" with this musical line up! Most cities would love to see this much talent in a summer.
Wow, no way to call Chicago "Second City" with this musical line up! Most cities would love to see this much talent in a summer.
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