WICKER PARK — Fearing that the neighborhood has lost its bohemian vibe?
Promising a lively day of music that "celebrates the history and creative roots of Wicker Park and Bucktown," ChillFest will bring 120 free acoustic music concerts to dozens of shops and restaurants from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Everything from pet grooming salons to camera shops and fashion boutiques will be included in the intimate 20- to 60-minute long "living room-style" concerts, according to a news release.
For a schedule, artist bios and map, visit the ChillFest website.
"The impetus for this event was wanting to marry the great musical history of this neighborhood with the wonderful local businesses," said Adam Burck, executive director of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber, which worked with a planning committee to select the 120 participating bands from a pool of 250 contenders, is organizing the fest with support from the neighborhood's Special Service Area No. 33 taxpayer district, GigityTV, MOTU Management, and the Bucktown Community Organization.
Stuart Riske, a member of The Root Cause, a band chosen for ChillFest, said he hoped the festival would shine a spotlight on the budding acoustic music scene in a city that often gets overshadowed by the music communities of New York, Los Angeles or Austin.
"From an acoustic standpoint, we are very strong," Riske said of the local scene. "I think if people started looking in our direction, there could be a big buzz about what we're trying to do."
The day will conclude with a networking event "meant to make meaningful connections for local businesses, music industry professionals and artists" followed by an after party concert featuring The Voice star Jamie Lono, The Root Cause, Mike Golden & Friends, Moonrise Nation and Mississippi Gabe Carter.
Both the networking session and concert will be at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
While ChillFest is free, tickets to the networking session/after party are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and can be purchased online.
ChillFest is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Nov 16. To stay updated on performers, schedule and list of venues visit chillfestchicago.com.
