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Review Mon Nov 24 2008
Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival Wrap-Up
The Congress Theater may be huge, but I still went into the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival Saturday afternoon wondering how the festival's organizers were going to fit everything they had promised into an indoor space. Let me assure you, each inch of the theater was utilized, with music pouring out of every nook and cranny. Still, I never felt cramped, and concert-goers were allowed to wander around the different stages and booths with ease. With two stages of music plus bands playing in the balcony, a comedy troupe, marching band, delicious food, art and jewelry vendors, and dancers, there was something entertaining happening at every moment to satisfy each member of the diverse crowd. Best of all? The festival was 100 percent independent, meaning you weren't bombarded with banners for cell phone companies, beer companies, or electronics stores everywhere you turned. One thing is for certain - music festivals aren't just for summer anymore.
See additional pictures from the festival after the jump.
(The Avett Brothers pictured above)
Tangleweed playing in the balcony:
Marching band:
Ha Ha Tonka:
Majors Junction:
David Grisman:
Chris / November 25, 2008 4:43 PM
We had a great time from noon til midnight, never felt bored and liked most of the bands a lot. No sense in giving opinions, there was something for everyone. Not as much bluegrass or blues though as a show billed as such should have had.
And I guess the reviewer didn't know the big 312 signs were for a beer though, although they low-keyed it and weren't onoxious like yer standard sponsors.