Pulling into Summer Camp for my first time I couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive. Everything I’ve read or seen on the web says “It’s an amazing fest… as long as it doesn’t rain“ Yet, here I was, pulling up to the gate on Friday morning after 3 solid days of precipitation. Stepping out of my jeep into the parking lot I immediately sunk into the mud up to my ankles and thought to myself “Welp, I guess it’s time to get dirty!”
I unloaded all my gear with the help of a few amazing friends (I will be bringing a wagon next year) and took my place at the end of a long, mud-covered, tie-dye-colored snake heading for the country version of TSA. Upon entering the festival, I was shocked by the vision in front of me. What was once a farmers field just a few weeks prior had been transformed into a musical utopia. My senses were blissfully overwhelmed. The smell of chorizo bread (my new favorite fest food), the vibrant colors of Dimple Dye tie dyes, and in the distance you can hear Keller Williams warming up for his set. I knew this was going to be good! After quickly setting up my tent in the woods and strapping on my cameras, I clogged through the once feared mud and prepared to scratch that musical itch that had been steadily building for weeks.
Summer Camp Music Festival seems to have figured out how to please a wide range of musical tastes all in one location. From a saxophone playing Sasquatch to jamgrass virtuosos Armchair Boogie, to freaking MOE! There is truly something for everyone.
As I trudged through the muck, I was greeted with smiles from every person I passed, usually followed by the mantra “Happy Scamp.” Groups of wonderfully and uniquely dressed people got in line behind their creative totems and made the pilgrimage to where the real magic happens.
My first set was Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass at the sunshine stage. In the beginning, the crowd was apprehensive at first. Circling all around the mud pit like a high school dance. People seemed to need a nudge to get down and dirty and Keller Williams happily obliged. By the third note played all within earshot had surged into the deep muck and were swaying back and forth like Keller’s curly locks.
My next set was moe. at the Moonshine stage. Moonshine was by far my favorite place to consume music. Set on a hill and adjacent to the camping area, it gave concert goers many options on how they wanted to attend. From your campsite hammock, riding the muddy rail, or sitting on a blanket up the hill - you can do it your way. Moe. left nobody wanting and I had to remind myself many times to close my jaw and pick up my camera. They simply melted faces.
The rest of Friday was a blur of amazing music. From Family Groove Company, to Mungion, to Here Come the Mummies, I topped everything off with a killer set by Umphrey’s McGee. As I lay down to rest at the end of a long day I drifted off to the soothing sound of trap music coming from a DJ near the boofing bridge area deep within the wooky woods (it’s cool they stopped by 6 am).
Saturday started off right with the incredible Maggie Rose. Her soulful voice is just what I needed to recover from the 17,000 steps (but who’s counting?!) I took through the mud the day before. Next, I stopped by the Campfire stage to see a personal favorite of mine, Old Shoe. Old Shoe made a hot day even hotter as they never fail to bring the heat every time. I decided to check out the Soulshine tent after that and saw the amazing Armchair Boogie. Those boys bluegrass your ass off. The highlight of my day was shooting Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Not only did they bring energy few can replicate but I had the honor of shooting alongside legendary photographer Jay Blakesberg (a goal of mine since I picked up a camera).
Sunday began with the wise words of Chicago Farmer and the Field Notes. Cody’s lyrics make you stop and think. I feel that this is so important in a time where most new music is built around a boring hook. The heat got a little intense, so I enjoyed moe. from the comfort of my campsite and refueled in order to close out this fest right. Smashing Pumpkins was my next choice, and I was so pleased that I went. Billy Corgan did not fail to deliver. Every song was on the lips of everyone in the crowd, it was truly a magical experience. After Smashing Pumpkins, I stopped by the Frick and Frack Casino. I was truly amazed at how much fun was had there. I closed out Summer Camp at the Campfire stage, easily my second favorite stage. I saw Lespecial for the first time and was blown away by their unique sound. Closing out my first Summer Camp was the endless ball of energy they call Andy Frasco and the U.N. You know it’s going to be a fun time when the first thing that happens at the beginning of the set is a fan throwing a bag of mushrooms up to Andy. Hours later with my gear soaked by raining whiskey and feet numb from miles walked all in the name of music, I laid down in my tent with a huge smile and already began to think about what I learned to make next year even better.
Summer Camp, I will be back and I’ll be smarter and stronger next year! I learned so many things in my time spent at Three Sisters Park. First, bring socks!! - all of your socks. Walking around with dry feet is so nice but also a necessity if you are going to walk 10 miles a day. Second, make friends with your neighbors. When the Sunday ground score ticket holders come through the woods it’s nice to have someone who knows who belongs at your campsite. Lastly, whatever you do, visit the Frick and Frack casino. The staff there is hilarious and it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.
In closing, I want to thank June and Grateful Web for making this incredible experience possible. It’s a weekend that I’ll never forget.
Russ Boxer
Check out more photos from Summer Camp 2022. | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
Billy Strings brought a unique and electrifying energy to the Windy City, transforming the Allstate Arena into a bluegrass haven on Friday, May 24, 2024. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Chicago’s own bluegrass legends, the Henhouse Prowlers, kicked off the evening, entertaining a vibrant crowd of tie-dyed fans and setting the perfect tone for the night. Their harmonies and spirited performance stirred the audience, building an infectious excitement that only grew as the night progressed.
The production team truly outdid themselves, crafting a mesmerizing light show and immersive video graphics that perfectly complemented the music. The visual spectacle was as captivating as the performance itself, creating an all-encompassing experience for the audience. The lights danced in sync with the rhythms, and the screen displayed vivid, swirling patterns that seemed to pull the crowd deeper into the music. This visual artistry, paired with Billy Strings' dynamic stage presence, created an unforgettable ambiance that heightened every note played.
The first set opened with an electrifying cover of Larry Sparks’ “Takin’ a Slow Train,” instantly raising the bar for the evening. Billy Strings seamlessly blended new and old tunes, showcasing his versatility and deep connection to bluegrass traditions. His fingers flew across the strings with an ease and precision that left many in the audience speechless. As he moved through a mix of originals and covers, each song seemed to weave a story, pulling the audience along on a musical journey. The set closed with the fan-favorite “Dust in a Baggie,” a song that has become emblematic of Billy’s career, leaving the audience in awe of his musical prowess.
The second set was a masterclass in bluegrass, featuring a series of outstanding covers. Billy Strings delivered powerful renditions of Bill Monroe’s “Dusty Miller,” Jimmy Driftwood’s “Tennessee Stud,” Greensky Bluegrass’s “Reverend,” and Béla Fleck’s “Slipstream.” Each performance was imbued with exceptional skill and passion, breathing new life into these beloved classics. His ability to interpret and reinvent these songs showcased not only his technical skill but also his deep respect for the genre’s roots. The audience responded with thunderous applause, recognizing the mastery and heart Billy brought to each piece.
The highlight of the night came towards the end of the second set when Billy invited his stepfather to the edge of the stage for a heartfelt trio of songs: “Mother’s Not Dead,” “On the Southbound,” and “Little Cabin Home on the Hill.” This intimate moment added a deeply personal touch to an already unforgettable show, showcasing the familial ties that inspire Billy’s music. The emotional depth of these performances brought a sense of warmth and connection to the crowd, reminding everyone of the powerful stories behind the songs. It was a touching reminder of the personal history and relationships that fuel Billy’s artistry.
Billy Strings’ performance at Allstate Arena was a night to remember, brimming with electrifying energy, exceptional musicianship, and heartfelt moments. From the vibrant opening set to the poignant family duet, every moment was crafted with care and precision. It’s no wonder he continues to captivate audiences wherever he goes, leaving an indelible mark on the bluegrass scene. Fans left the arena with a sense of awe, their spirits lifted by a night of pure musical magic. Billy Strings not only showcased his technical brilliance but also his ability to connect deeply with his audience, making this performance a true celebration of bluegrass and community.
Chicago in February isn’t exactly known for its tropical vibes, but when The String Cheese Incident rolls into town, they bring enough jam-soaked heat to melt the lakefront ice. On a frigid Saturday, fans flocked to The Salt Shed—Chicago’s newly minted temple of sound perched on the bones of a former salt factory—and transformed the night into a kaleidoscopic carnival of music, lights, and borderline delirious happiness.
First Set: Solution, Lost, Saturday In The Park, Restless Wind, Ain't I Been Good To You, Bhangra Saanj, Shantytown, The Big Reveal
The evening began with “Solution,” a fitting opener that felt like a direct remedy for the cold, snapping the crowd into a communal groove. From there, SCI effortlessly slid into “Lost,” only to pull off a cheeky surprise with the iconic horns and chorus of Chicago’s “Saturday in the Park.” On a Saturday in Chicago’s winter, that nod was a wink, nudge, and grin all at once—an homage to the city that invented the track (and the unstoppable spirit behind it).
The entire first set brimmed with that classic Cheese synergy—where bluegrass, funk, rock, and electronica twist themselves into an unstoppable jam-laden swirl. Michael Kang’s mandolin soared atop Kyle Hollingsworth’s organ textures, with Bill Nershi’s acoustic guitar grounding it all in a warm, rootsy center. “Restless Wind” whipped the place into a free-spirited boogie, while “Ain’t I Been Good to You” offered a sultry, bluesy breather. But the band didn’t rest long—“Bhangra Saanj” fused Eastern rhythms and the band’s world-beat proclivities, reminding us SCI can globe-trot within a single measure. “Shantytown” and “The Big Reveal” closed the set with plenty of exultant jamming, leaving fans with eyes shining like disco balls.
Special mention has to go to Michael Smalley and his extraordinary lighting. As the swirling jams climbed into the upper atmosphere, the lights blanketed the entire Salt Shed in a prismatic glow. It was an immersive, multi-sensory feast: at times you felt like you were standing inside a swirling tie-dye tapestry, at others inside a 3D fractal dream. Smalley’s lighting has become as vital to the SCI experience as the band’s interplay, and he was in top form here.
When the house lights finally popped on, a sea of “cheesy” smiles drifted out to The Salt Shed’s spacious deck. Despite the February chill, people gathered to gaze at the breathtaking Chicago skyline, share stories of shows past, and sip on warm beverages. The Salt Shed’s deck—arguably one of the venue’s best features—felt like a gathering spot for old friends and new acquaintances alike, everyone buzzing about that “Saturday in the Park” moment and joking that maybe we’d get “25 or 6 to 4” next.
Second Set: Valley of the Jig, Close Your Eyes, World Gone Crazy, Impressions, Joyful Sound, Eye Know Why, Desert Dawn
Round two found the band firing on all cylinders from the jump. “Valley of the Jig” unspooled in a frenzy of electronic-inflected bluegrass—affectionately dubbed “trancegrass” by those in the know. It’s a hallmark of SCI’s boundary-pushing style that they can pivot from a Celtic jig feel straight into a pulsating EDM groove. The place went absolutely bananas for it, as if shaking off every last bit of winter lethargy.
“Close Your Eyes” brought the energy down just enough to highlight SCI’s melodic brilliance, but things amped up again with “World Gone Crazy.” If the first set was the amuse-bouche, this second act was the main course: layered, exploratory, and peppered with the band’s signature sense of adventure. Their take on “Impressions” took everyone on a jazzy deep-space excursion—Coltrane would’ve tipped his hat. Then, “Joyful Sound” lived up to its name, drenching the Shed in feel-good vibrations. “Eye Know Why” was a heady swirl of funk, and finally, “Desert Dawn” rose like a triumphant sun, radiant and euphoric, capping off a truly barn-burning second set.
Encore: Colorado Bluebird Sky
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect encore. “Colorado Bluebird Sky” is a longtime fan favorite, an ode to SCI’s Rocky Mountain roots. It felt like they brought a piece of that clear, high-altitude sunshine straight to Chicago’s snow-covered streets. Everyone in the crowd sang along—some with eyes closed, soaking in the last notes of the night, others capturing the moment on phones while trying not to spill their craft beers.
As the lights came up for good, a collective sigh of satisfaction rose from the audience. The String Cheese Incident once again proved that no matter how cold the world outside, their cosmic stew of genres, visionary light show, and genuine camaraderie can thaw the iciest hearts. The Salt Shed provided the perfect crucible for this wintertime meltdown, its spacious deck and top-notch acoustics earning it major points in the pantheon of Chicago venues.
Massive thanks to The Salt Shed, Grateful Web, and of course, The String Cheese Incident for gifting us a night that soared high above Lake Michigan’s icy waters. The pictures—some capturing those swirling beams of color, others the ear-to-ear grins of faithful “Cheese” devotees—serve as a reminder: SCI isn’t just a concert, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned musical magic.
