MOBfest preview

MOBfest
Various Clubs, Chicago
June 19 through 21, 2008

Long before Lollapalooza demanded the Chicago music scene’s complete and undivided attention, another form of festival had already left its mark on our summers. Despite also being a three-day affair, MOBfest might not dominate as absolutely as Lollapalooza inevitably will. Nevertheless, the music conference and showcase does compare by offering up a sizable array of talent, with the possibility that one of today’s unknown MOB underdogs could be next year’s Lolla darlings.

With show locations ranging from Uptown’s unsuspecting Kinetic Playground to the raw West Side haunt Cobra Lounge, this year’s edition of MOBfest is sure to keep active show-goers on the move throughout the city. Thursday night, fans of solid local indie-pop in the veins of The Changes would do well to check out Chicago’s Color Radio, performing at Wrigleyville’s new venue on the block, Mexican eatery and live music space Fiesta Cantina. Not far off, Ultra Sonic Edukators pop up at one of Metro’s low-dough Rock Against Recession shows, demonstrating a certifiable upbeat summer sound on songs like “Bad Blood,” from the group’s EP of the same name.

Friday night, Metro’s next-gen power pop showcase is practically a miniature Warped affair, featuring Made In Hollywood, White Hot Knife, Last Fast Action, Shock Stars, and The Frantic. Down the street at the Cubby Bear’s ASCAP showcase, young local synth-laden, electro-tinged rockers Par Avion start, which may or may not find the band dipping into playful Gwen Stafani material. Similarly, Cobra Lounge’s local closers Lazer Crystal ride the electro wave even further, melding their sound with melody, a healthy helping of irony, and prevalent slices of experimentalism. The group may sound green today, but given the city’s appetite for robo-rock (Dark Wave Disco events, Assassins, Walter Meego), there’s no reason to think Lazer Crystals couldn’t advance beyond midnight West Side showcases.

Saturday festivities kick off in the afternoon, with a day of music and marketing industry bigwigs, both local and national, descending upon the Metro. Expect a wide array of experts to delve into, among other topics, strategies, development, and promotions. The chats are recommended for bands keen on insight on breaking into “the biz,” or just anyone who enjoys panel discussions. For those who don’t feel like moving, the venue’s evening lineup continues its decidedly Chicago-centric pop showing of the night before, featuring Tonight The Prom, Danger Is My Middle Name, 2*Sweet, American Taxi, and Inept. Those seeking a more mature sound should be satisfied with the sweeping, grandiose, and often ambitious violin-laden rock of The Lifeline, who close out the fest with a headlining spot well past midnight at Elbo Room.

For all the information about MOBfest’s three days of showcases and panels, head to www.chicagomobfest.com.

— Jaime de’Medici

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly