When it was confirmed that Wavefront Music Festival was less likely to happen this year than a Deadmau5 and Martin Garrix collaboration, Chicago house music fans shed a tear. Fortunately for Chicagoans, a back-up plan for 4th of July weekend was quickly announced – the inaugural Riverwest Music Festival. Boasting a lineup with top-notch artists like Dubfire, Jamie Jones and Loco Dice, the festival will take place from Friday through Sunday (7/4-7/6) alongside the Chicago River. (Caution: Do not jump in.) Here are five reasons you should rethink your weekend plans and join us at Riverwest Music Festival.
1. You haven’t already heard these sets 100 times this year. Anyone with a basic understanding of dance music would probably agree that this industry is currently facing a lack of originality and creativity. This comes through loud and clear at many mainstream festivals where you can barely even tell certain artists’ sets apart. I expect that Riverwest will fight against the status quo. Challenge yourself to explore the festival, visit all three stages and let yourself groove to artists you may not recognize. I promise you’ll survive without a weekend of bigroom festival bangers. Really, I promise.
2. Chicago knows a thing or two about Deep Dish. Earlier this year, famed house music duo Deep Dish reunited – a miracle their fans had been awaiting for eight long years. This match made in house heaven – comprised of Sharam and Dubfire – were huge contributors to the rise of dance music in mainstream America and even won a Grammy in 2002 for their remix of Dido’s ‘Thank You.’ Hands down this will be THE act to see at Riverwest.
3. Great company makes all the difference. Being surrounded by people who share your passion for music can make or break a music festival experience. Many Chicagoans (myself included) kept their 4th of July weekends clear for Wavefront, and I’d be willing to bet most of them will be found dancing up a storm at Riverwest this weekend.
4. Let there be bass. Fear not bassheads. Riverwest didn’t forget you. With sets from Vaski, Rusko and Excision, I can guarantee that your quads will be sore come Monday morning. That’s the beauty of Riverwest – the diversity of the music. One minute you’re jamming to some chill beats with Dixon and the next you’re at risk of getting whiplash with Rusko.
5. Do it for Frankie. The words Chicago and house music are synonymous. Due in large part to the late Frankie Knuckles. Almost one year ago to the date, I published an interview with the house music legend previewing his appearance at Wavefront last summer. Eight short months later, Chicago lost a legend. What better way to pay tribute to the legacy that Frankie left behind than a three-day dance party with some of the most talented house music producers with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop? It doesn’t matter if you’re into trance, dubstep, drum & bass, electro – you should recognize and appreciate where it all started.
Act fast! First and second release general admission weekend passes are sold out, but you can grab third and final release weekend passes for $159.99. Single day passes are also available for $69.99. All tickets are available now via http://riverwestmusicfestival.eventbrite.com.
