Art vs Science posing. Picture taken by fellow fan.

Chicago has got to be one of the best cities to live in during the summer.  Great weather, beaches, outdoor eating and drinking, and my favorite: street festivals.  One might say that Chicagoans tend to have split personalities; many live as hermits during the winter months, but it’s the complete opposite during summer months, living life to the fullest.

So let’s chat about Chicago street festivals.  You can count on great food and music.  Do-Division is one of my favorite Street Festival & Sidewalk Sales.  The festival is located on Division between Damen and Leavitt in Wicker Park.  I went with a few pals, we grabbed some delicious street meat, and caught a few bands.  On Saturday evening, I was totally blown away from this punk band, Le Butcherettes.

The band gained notoriety in Mexico when they opened for The Dead Weather and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs during their Mexico gigs.  The band members include: Teresa Suarez (a.k.a.Teri Gender Bender) is the band’s HAWT front woman who also rocks the guitar, female drummer, Lia Braswell, and bassist, Omar Rodriguez Lopez of Mars Volta.  Ms. Gender Bender rocked a short dress but didn’t once let that take away from her intense commitment to shred and work the crowd.  If you ever have the chance to see this band, it would be a HUGE, mistake not to.  Teri’s sound extends beyond just a pretty punk rock voice — she delivers a raw experience that leaves you wanting more.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKRAHf-MRuo[/youtube]

The next day, I headed to Wrigleyville for Sausage Fest. Admittedly weary because of the name, I was quickly put to ease once Australian trio, Art vs. Science, came onstage.  I have previously seen this band perform in Portland and Chicago, and they bring it every time.  At the beginning of the show, there were a few dedicated fans near the stage, but by the end, they had drawn a large crowd of enthusiastic dancers.  They are an electronic rock band with a lively dance presence.  They had a stellar stage vibe and were cool enough to treat me to their set list and a pic.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse, some might know as McLovin, even came to support Art vs. Science at their Portland at Doug Fir last August. The guy has good taste in music. This picture was taken by fellow fan.

The Chicago street festival scene is unbeatable.  There is something for everyone—food, tasty beverages, music, arts and crafts, clothing sales, and fun crowds.   So, if you are in town, get out and enjoy the various Chicago street festivals.  Go to Festing’s Web site to get a list of the various possibilities.  Until next time, happy festing.