FESTIVAL WATCH | The Great Lawn

Festival Watch is a Tomorrow’s Verse feature where we break down festival news into the facts you need to know.

UPDATE 7/19  -- It's not uncommon for first-year festivals to hit a snag, even with top talent and reliable promoters.  It appears that The Great Lawn will not proceed as planned.

Disappointing for Chicago area Greenskby Bluegrass fans, who were tempted by a promised two sets.  In other news, I know this is just an advertisement, but could it be any cooler?

The Great Lawn – July 22-23

Headliners To Watch:

Greensky Bluegrass – A favorite of Tomorrow’s Verse, the Michigan jamgrass band returns to Chicago to headline the second night of the festival -- with two full sets. The band’s ever-changing setlists and technical abilities combine to make them a show always worth seeing, and an excellent choice for the outdoor summer festival, a rarity in Chicago outside of street fests.

Houndmouth – Indiana’s Houndmouth have an infectious, classic-rock inspired sound that is made for the festival circuit. Combining vocal harmonies, rock ‘n roll soloing, and horns, the band will headline the first night of The Great Lawn, and absolutely shouldn’t be missed.

The Undercards

Shovels & Rope – Folk duo Shovels & Rope will lend a more immediately accessible Americana sound to the festival. Their gritty, hard-hitting songs are explosive in the live setting.

Dr. Dog – Throughout the last two decades, Dr. Dog have combined influences from roots music to indie to psychedelic rock, creating a massive arsenal of quality music to choose from in the live setting. The band’s set before Greensky Bluegrass will be a fine complement.

Hard Working Americans – Todd Snider’s supergroup has a classic Americana feel that is driven by its talented musicianship, sharing multiple members with Widespread Panic and Chris Robinson's Brotherhood. The group will offer a straightforward blast of rock into this bluegrass-heavy lineup.

You Need To Know

The Great Lawn will take place at Harrison Field on UIC campus on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, with four bands performing each day. Tickets cost $60 for a single day, or $110 for a weekend pass.

The Bottom Line

A brand new Chicago festival, The Great Lawn certainly tapped into some of the best talent in the bluegrass and Americana genres. Taking place outdoors in July, both days will become a must-see show for Chicago music fans.