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Big Rob writesBig Rob Kerr Goes to Mamby on the Beach: Day 1
written by Big Rob Kerr
From the Red Line:
Empire of the Sun or Zhu was the biggest question of the first day at the first Mamby on the Beach festival on Oakwood Beach on Chicago's south shore.
There was a definite feeling out period needed upon arrival to Chicago's newest beach fest. Young camera-ready bodies eager to be viewed were mixed in with the venerable house music lovers which made for a great new party environment Saturday evening. Anxious excitement became dancers bliss when Felix da Housecat took over at 5 in The Tent stage.
Mamby's big day one question was answered for me as Empire of the Sun ended the night and had me melted to the same dance spot that Röyksopp had me melted to directly before them. Every track from their album Ice on the Dune hit the crowd sonically as well as visually.
Conflict is present as always with these events as I loved the second half of Saturday's lineup of entertainment immensely, but I must say I am concerned about the elitism apparent at this Mamby on the Beach. The biggest example of this being that general admission ticket patrons could buy only beers and sangria, no hard liqueur for the masses.
Mamby provided all in attendance a fantastic chance to see artistic dance music presented on a grand stage but it was troubling to see organizers divide it's attendees. A+ for the talent but a B+ for the production. That said, I cannot wait for day two.
With Love,
Big Rob at the Beach
(Photos produced by Carpe Momentum Media and Da Black Swan and provided courtesy of Mamby on the Beach)
(Da Black Swan)
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesThe Week That Was and Will Be: What’s Up at CHIRP Radio (7/13/15)
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
- Pitchfork is Here!!! Once again it's time for one of the world's premier music festivals. This Friday, July 17 through Sunday July 19. Wilco, Sleater-Kinney and Chance the Rapper headline. CHIRP Radio will also be there hosting the Record Fair and Other Delights, too. Friday single-day tickets are still available.
- CHIRP Radio presents "First Time: First Trip" at Martyr's on Wednesday July 15th
- CHIRP Radio welcomes Bonnie "Prince" Billy to the Old Town School of Folk Music on Wednesday July 15th
NEW MEDIA:
- Eddie Saygo interviews Toupee
- Story Week Festival: Literary Rock and Roll
- Stories of Philanthropy: The Urban Art Retreat
- Top Five songs about bicycles
- Firday MP3 Shuffle: Happy Birthday Ronnie James Dio Edition
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesFriday MP3 Shuffle: Happy Birthday Ronnie James Dio Edition
[photo credit: facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio]
Metal is fun. That’s one of the unspoken messages from Ronnie James Dio whenever he flashed the Sign of the Horns gesture he made standard issue in head-banger circles in the ‘70s and ‘80s. That gesture gave generations of fans their own shorthand for community and good times. A gifted vocalist whose neoclassical leanings added a new dimension to Metal’s sound and fury, Dio is best known for fronting Rainbow, Black Sabbath (following Ozzy Osbourne’s departure), and the band that was named after him. By the time of his untimely death in 2010, Dio’s reputation not just as a great singer but a representative of the genre was more than secure.
It’s only fitting that we throw horns in his honor on the occasion of his birthday. You can also play the MP3 Shuffle by sharing the first 10 songs you hear when you press the shuffle button on your MP3 player…
Big Rob writesCHIRP Radio Is Going to Mamby on the Beach
In amongst the stacked Chicago summertime entertainment calendar is a new event this weekend that could well be the party of the summer. Oakwood Beach will be invaded on the 11tth and 12th by the inaugural Mamby On The Beach this Saturday and Sunday (set times are posted here). Chicago’s newest beach festival features two days of indie dance music, headlined by Empire of the Sun, Röyksopp, Passion Pit, and ZHU’s Midwest debut. The lineup also draws a good amount from the local talent pool with Zebo, Good Life, Kinky Love, Felix Da Housecat, Redux, Orchard Lounge and more.
The excitement in the build up to this new event is hitting on a number of levels with the venue, the diversity in the talent and transport to the venue all seeming quite ambitious yet laid back. Mamby on the Beach will likely be the first visit to Oakwood-41st Street Beach for many festivalgoers, myself included. Drawing opinion only from the fest’s announcement video, the views and the surrounding area will set up well for a great party. Acts both new and well established from near and far will grace three spots in the venue; Main Stage, The Tent, and The Beach House as well as across the city at official after parties. The music will run at the beach from 1 to 10pm both days.
Looking over the transit arrangements and the festival map posted on the festival’s site, Mamby on the Beach looks like they have all their logistical ducks in a row. Chicago weather and CTA permitting, the new two day dance party going down at Oakwood Beach this weekend could be a highlight of the summer. Let’s See!
Follow this space for more as Big Rob Kerr goes to Mamby on the Beach.