In its seventh year, North Coast Music Festival is a collaboration of independent Chicago promoters: React Presents, Silver Wrapper, Cold Grums Productions and Metronome Chicago. Collectively they presented three days of taste-making music on September 2nd, 3rd ad 4th at Union Park in the near west side of the city.
Union Park Chicago
Between three main stages, a dome-venue plus two silent discos, the event boasts 88 live music performances ranging from bluegrass and jam bands to EDM and hip hop. Adding to the festival spirit are the numerous large scale art installations, live graffiti art painting, an art gallery, reasonably priced food, room to spread out and fans costumed for revelry and dancing.
More music than any one person can see from stage to stage, there is an overwhelming effort to try anyway. The cross section of headliners and local emerging local artist proved to be great music at all levels of popularity.
In no time, everyone knew the drill. There was still a sense of calm and friendliness in the atmosphere while people seemed determined to either hunker down by a particular stage with a group of friends or to simply nurse a beer, wander around and keep their minds open to hearing a brand new sound.
North Coast was a very together festival. Security, first-aid attendants, vendors and production crew did a great job of treating fans, artist and media with respect and were always there to help out or offer a friendly greeting. Things went smoothly and, of course, it helped that the weather was fantastic. The diversity music and the ability to move back and forth between stages to catch more than one act was great.
Photo highlights caught by gratefulweb.com include Galantis, GROUPLOVE, Jamila Woods, Nasty Snacks, Odesza, Sleigh Bells, The Revivalists, Bassnectar, Claypool Lennon Delirium, Future Rock, Raury, The Floozies, Twiddle, Vulfpeck, Action Bronson, Greensky Bluegrass, Matt and Kim, Stick Figure, TAUK, The Polish Ambassador and Umphrey's McGee.
