At least in the Midwest, no festival has a better "ground game" than Chillicothe, IL's Summer Camp. They wrap community building or awareness campaigns into local Chicago show by affiliated artists all year round, energize their base via social media, and keep acts at all levels involved in the process.
Each spring, they sponsor a showcase of local talent which results in a festival slot for band's with the most support under the moniker of Summer Camp On The Road. This year's even will be held Friday and Saturday at Cubby Bear Wrigleyville.
Fans entering the venue will be given a ticket to "vote" for the band of their choice, by dropping into a box marked for their pick. A winner will be chosen for each night after are votes are tallied by the Summer Camp representative and a Cubby Bear staffer.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Here's the schedule for each night as well as a bit of handicapping from The Barn...
Night 1 - Tickets
Doors: 8:30PM
Shapes and Colors: 9:30-10:15
Sure Fire Groove: 10:35 - 11:20
Chicago Funk Mafia - 11:40 - 12:25
I think Chicago Funk Mafia takes it. They'll represent our city great with Chicago right in their name and their grooves are hard hitting and ready for the festival stage.
Night 2 - Tickets
Doors: 8PM
Bullfights on Acid: 9-9:45PM
Brown Bag: 10:05-10:50PM
Business As Usual: 11:10-11:55PM
R34L: 12:15-1:10AM
We'll really be pulling for Brown Bag on night two. A group of truly deserving down-to-earth musicians who have been hitting it hard on the Chicago beat in various bands for years. They have crafted some great original tunes that fall right in line with the Summer Camp ethos. Check out our recent feature on them for more.
The festival is held Memorial Day Weekend and will feature sets by moe., Umphrey's McGee, Widespread Panic and dozens of our favorite artists. More information can be found here.
