Edgewater Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of Edgewater Music Fest, a new addition to Chicago’s vibrant festival scene, taking place Sept. 5–7 in one of the city’s most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods, featuring more than 35 original acts performing across two stages and more than 80 local vendors. This marks the Chamber’s first large-scale street festival in six years, designed to attract visitors to explore all that Edgewater has to offer, spark new energy and support local small businesses. The fest will run along Broadway from Thorndale Ave. to Ardmore Ave., Friday from 5–10 p.m., Saturday from 12–10 p.m., and Sunday from 12–10 p.m.
Headlining acts for the inaugural Edgewater Music Fest will include punk icon Laura Jane Grace, former lead singer of Against Me!, performing with the Mikey Erg 3, Chicago hip-hop/funk sensation Ric Wilson, and Cincinnati-based stadium rockers Foxy Shazam. A diverse lineup of local acts will join them, including '90s punk rock band Sludgeworth, drag queen-led garage-pop band Bev Rage & The Drinks, ska punk and power-pop band Devon Kay & The Solutions, queer femme indie rockers PINKSQUEEZE, The Brokedowns, a punk group out of Elgin, IL, indie-emo duo OK Cool, and postpunk trio Uniflora, whose released their debut album in June .
Past Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Event – Photo Credit: Michael Courier
“Edgewater has been craving a dynamic street festival for quite some time. Not just the same copy-and-paste fest we see in other places. We're excited to launch a new music-centric experience hat feels edgy and exciting, features local food & drinks, and will bring tens of thousands of visitors and new economic investment into our business districts," said Garrett Karp, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. “We are collaborating with Chicago's own Kickstand Productions, known for booking talent for prominent venues across the Midwest, to deliver a curated selection of high-caliber touring, up-and-coming and local artists that will bring energy and serious talent to Edgewater.”
Laura Jane Grace (LJG) is best known as the founder and lead singer of punk rock band Against Me! and is notably recognized as being one of the first highly visible punk rock musicians to publicly come out as transgender. Against Me! formed in 1997, releasing a string of influential albums, and became a vital voice in both punk culture and LGBTQ+ representation. Now performing as a solo artist, Grace is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, author and founder of Total Treble Music, currently on a U.S. tour to promote her newest album “Adventure Club,” releasing July 18. LJG will perform with backing band the Mikey Erg 3 led by Mikey Erg, drummer and lead vocalist of The Ergs! and a long-time fixture in the punk community.
Ric Wilson is a Chicago-born rapper, vocalist and activist known for his infectious blend of funk, disco, hip-hop and soul. He first made waves as a solo artist with socially conscious lyrics, upbeat grooves and explosive live energy that quickly gained attention beyond the city’s DIY and activist scenes. Wilson has performed at major festivals including Lollapalooza, SXSW and Pitchfork (where his performance was called one of the best concerts of 2019 by the Chicago Tribune) and has collaborated with acclaimed artists like Chromeo and Terrace Martin. He continues to use his music to champion racial justice, joy and liberation, and released his newest album “America Runs on Disco” last month.
Foxy Shazam is a glam-infused rock band known for their theatrical stage presence, wild energy and genre-defying sound that blends elements of classic rock, soul, punk and pop. Formed in Cincinnati in 2004, the band quickly gained a cult following with explosive live shows and frontman Eric Nally’s larger-than-life persona. After signing to a major label, Foxy Shazam released several acclaimed albums, including their breakout self-titled record in 2010 featuring the hit single “Unstoppable.” They’ve toured alongside acts like The Darkness, Panic! at the Disco and Slash, and have played major festivals such as Warped Tour and Lollapalooza. Following a hiatus, the band returned with renewed momentum and new music, continuing to deliver bold rock performances.
In addition to its cultural draw, Edgewater Music Fest plays an important role in supporting the neighborhood’s local economy. By bringing thousands of visitors to Edgewater’s shops, restaurants, and small businesses, the fest helps increase foot traffic, drive sales and build long-term visibility for local entrepreneurs. It’s part of the Chamber’s broader mission to boost economic activity, tourism and Edgewater’s brand recognition and strengthen the business community. Karp notes that many street festivals are not profitable in their first year, and that Edgewater Chamber considers Edgewater Music Fest an up-front investment in the local business community. A suggested $10 entry donation supports the nonprofit Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and helps ensure the festival, and other community-focused initiatives, can continue for years to come.
For more information about Edgewater Music Festival, visit edgewatermusicfest.org and the social pages @EdgewaterChamber. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor spots are available, please email info@edgewater.org to learn more.
About Kickstand Productions
Founded in 2006, Kickstand Productions (KSP) produces festivals and events at some of the most esteemed venues in the Midwest. KSP serves as the in-house talent buyers for Subterranean, Beat Kitchen, Wicker Park Fest, and Do Division Street Fest, in addition to producing events throughout Chicago, Michigan, Central Illinois, Milwaukee, and Iowa City.
About the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1984, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that promotes and supports business in the Edgewater community through marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs. The Chamber also works with the Edgewater Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to further the goals of increasing commercial activity, promoting economic development, and strengthening existing businesses in the Edgewater community.
The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce administers Special Service Area #26, a special tax district provides funding for additional services, programs, and improvements in Edgewater’s business corridors on Broadway (from Foster to Devon) and Devon (from Broadway to Glenwood). More information about the Chamber can be found at Edgewater.org.