Square Roots Festival – July 7-9
Headliners To Watch
Nikki Lane – An extremely talented and often overlooked talent in the country singer-songwriter scene, Nikki Lane blends a twangy western style with well-crafted songwriting to create a sound that’s hard to dislike.
Meat Puppets – Consistently amongst the best live acts around, Meat Puppets have a long-standing legacy of influencing the bands you love. The guitar-driven songs range from quick punk tunes to long psychedelic jams, giving a variety that’s perfect for a festival set.
Lucero – Alternative-country favorites Lucero have an intensity and energy that most similar bands lack, with distorted guitars and blistering solos really underlining the “alternative” part of the genre.
The Undercards
Parker Millsap – Roots songwriter Parker Millsap has a breezy, acoustic style and wonderful voice. His nostalgic, classic style is tough not to enjoy, and perfect for a summer festival.
The Accidentals – Young Michigan folk trio The Accidentals blend gorgeous harmonies with strings and simple, infectious songwriting for an accessible result.
Local Flavor
Scott Lucas and the Married Men – This is the side project of Scott Lucas, signer of the beloved Chicago alternative band Local H. The sound is more laid back than his other band, but the songwriting is still excellent.
You Need To Know
With multiple stages, including one on Lincoln Avenue and one inside Old Town School Of Folk Music, this Lincoln Square festival is centered around live music and craft beer. The festival asks for a $10 donation at the gate, and lasts until 10:00 on Friday and Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to a music lineup curated by Old Town School Of Folk Music, Square Roots Festival has one of the most enticing lineups of any summer street festival in Chicago, with three especially impressive headliners. The suggested donation is absolutely worth the talent here, and early July is the perfect time to be outside enjoying these bands.
