The inauguration Beyond Wonderland Chicago is set to land at Chicago's Beautiful Huntington Bank Pavilion this weekend (June 1 and 2). The venue, located right on scenic Lake Michigan, will be the perfect setting for an incredible weekend of music for everyone in attendance. We've rounded up some of our favorite acts set to play during Insomniac's return to the Chicago Festival stage this weekend to get you excited. See you out there!
Xavi – Chesire Woods – Saturday – 14:00
Midwest producer Xavi's emotive take on dance music has been championed by other like-minded artists, including the Seven Lions host from his own Ophelia Records imprint for the wonderful The Endless Searing Skies album. What a great way to start what is sure to be a great weekend
NOTD – Queen's Domain – Saturday – 4pm
One thing I think is so important is to never listen to music in a vacuum. Songs, sounds, styles and genres can all be magnified in the perfect environment. NOTD is one of those acts that will benefit from having the outdoor summer Chi as a backdrop. Their pop-centric originals and remixes are perfect for singing along with your friends and hanging out at a festival. Remember, dance music is supposed to be fun. You've earned the right to enjoy the Chicago summer.
RL Grime – Queen's Domain – Saturday – 8pm
I know what you're thinking. “How cliche that Run The Trap recommends RL Grime.” You are right and we will not apologize for anything at all. It's Don for a reason and he's coming off a huge tour supporting his new I AM PLAYING album. And as he gets older, he gets better while raising the next generation with his impressive imprint on the Sable Valley. The only question is, what hip-hop junkie from Chicago will he throw into his set?
Audien B2B Jason Ross – Cheshire Woods- Saturday – 8.40pm
Rushing together B2B for a music festival is one of my least favorite things in the world. It's very obvious when they don't have chemistry and the fans are the ones who suffer the most. Luckily these two have gone b2b on many occasions and it's something that makes so much sense. Their euphoric melodies, love of crescendos and experience with similar genres make it ideal. Expect everything from progressive to trance to house in this killer b2b set.
Tazu – Cheshire Woods – Sunday – 2:00 p.m
Originally from Seattle but now calling Chicago home, this young producer is no stranger to jumping between genres in his productions and has dipped into the proverbial waters of trap, bass, future bass and even some synth-pop production . He comes armed with whatever the day brings.
Daily Bread – Cheshire Woods – Sunday – 8:00 p.m
The meteoric rise of Daily Bread just proved that the world was hungry for electro-psych and the unique twist on production it brings to the table. He has always perfectly straddled the line between beats and bangers while drawing on his years of diverse musical influences to create a journey that no one else in the lineup will be able to deliver. His southern hip-hop roots combined with his love of organic sounding samples is a match made in heaven.
Alesso – Queen's Domain – Sunday – 9:00 p.m
With Beyond Wonderland Chicago bringing a mega-fest feel – we need some mega-fest artists playing and Alesso is one of them. Alesso, now a veteran of the scene, has been consistently pumping out anthems from the golden era of euphoric progressive house on the dance floor, while being mentored by many of his elder artists such as Sebastian Ingrosso for example. As the weekend begins to wind down, take a moment, hug your friends and sing along to all those beats you remember and love while appreciating the weekend you just had. Like I said earlier, let's have fun.
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[All Photos Courtesy of Beyond Wonderland]
7 sets we can't wait to see at Beyond Wonderland Chicago