Concert Tue Sep 13 2011

Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements Brings A Weekend of Delights

By Kirstie Shanley

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed with your typical street festival, look no further for something truly original and enchanting. The Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements held in Chicago's Eckhart Park seems like it will provide just about everything to concert goers and thrill seekers alike. The weekend festival boasts a delightful and eclectic lineup musically as well as rides, games, circus acts, a farmer's market and the Renegade Craft Fair (which on its own typically draws a large amount of traffic). The Brilliant Corners website states, "Some might say that Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements hopes to reinvent the traditions of Vaudeville for a 21st century audience..." and considering what it's offering, this sounds quite accurate. Plus, if you're still on the fence, the festival has partnered with local non profits including Girls Rock Chicago to make this truly a feel good experience in all ways.

Some music highlights/recommendations include:

Friday, September 16, 2011

Bill Callahan (9pm-10:15pm)

Headliner Bill Callahan is always exceptional and never plays the same show twice. In addition to touring on another fantastic release, 2011's Apocalypse, Callahan has in the past (including most recently at Lincoln Hall) asked the audience members if they have any request. His voice is distinctive, filled with wisdom yet unconventionally soothing and his shows never disappoint. His songs are filled with the kinds of stories you won't mind hearing again and again. Though some time has passed since the dissolution of Smog, Callahan has proven many times over that he is a distinguished and talented songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player.

Cave (6pm-6:45pm)

Cave is one of those local bands who is gathering a deserved following and consistently enchant their audiences with their unique brand of psychedelic garage rock. The band is one of the many that helps remind us why our city is a great musical city.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

School of Seven Bells 9pm-10:15pm

Seattle's School of Seven Bells feel a little spooky and ultra feminine but often make for a delicious experience both on record and live. Their last show in Chicago at Lincoln Hall showed the band's stage presence to be a little smoky and almost trance inducing. They are certainly adept at establishing a rich mood and one that might be interesting to those who aren't even familiar with their recorded songs.

A Hawk and A Hacksaw 8-8:45pm

Those who find the multi instrumentalist style of Beirut endearing might find themselves similarly in love with A Hawk and A Hacksaw. Adept at serenading an audience with a unique and fun sense of rhythm and adept instrumentation, this band's live performances prove a pleasure for those who love to dance or merely breathe in the late summer evening a little more fully.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Shellac 9-10:15pm

Whether you love or don't like lead singer Steve Albini's strong opinions about music, his influence with Shellac and with his audio engineering work on the albums of other bands has left an indelible impression on the canon of music we now hear to say. Shellac often combines really unique lyrics with jarring rhythms but what is most remarkable is how solid the playing always is between his guitar playing, Bob Weston's bass playing, and Todd Trainer's drumming. The band is always exciting to witness in the flesh, bringing their creative compositions to a stunning fruition.

Dan Deacon 7-7:45pm

Dan Deacon always promises the sort of dance party that people can experience wholeheartedly. He's a little unpredictable but usually also a great deal of fun Deacon's set could be the perfect musical match for Brilliant Corners to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Check out a full schedule of all of the Brilliant Corners activities.