Oakwood Beach hosted Mamby on the Beach’s second year featuring acts by Milky Chance, Animal Collective, Atmosphere, Chet Faker, Santigold, Chromeo, Tycho, Lido and a surprise appearance by Chicago hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper this past Fourth of July weekend.
After a successful run last year, Mamby on the Beach and promoter React Presents returned yet again to host another lively effective music festival. In a city stocked with excessive summer festivals and versatile music, the barefooted bathing suit wearing goers flocked to the south side Oakwood Beach to immerse in some of the latest DJ’s and musician’s performances — all merely feet away from Lake Michigan.
There are many different ways to ‘do’ a festival. Some like to be in the action of the front row, rubbing CamelBaks and losing a sandal. Others like to be on the outskirts, enjoying the music, having space and not touching anyone. The latter option was the way to go for this year’s July 2nd and 3rd Mamby on the Beach. A spacious beach with volleyball, yoga and music resembled Chicago’s North Ave. beach on a hot summer day.
The Park Stage consisted of the best layout for the preferred method of choice. The early evening opened with Lido, a Norwegian rapper, record producer and songwriter.
Though he was 15 minutes late, Lido sympathized with the crowd, stating his love for Chicago and the tremendous amount of support he has had throughout his music career. And in his last two songs, Chicago’s hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper and Save Money crew member Towkio avenged the latecomer. An energy-driven performance of ‘No Problem’ ended the show on a high note.
Post Chance the Rapper, the Park Stage still had some life to it. With the sun setting, a picturesque visual of the Chicago Skyline welcomed Tycho — San Francisco’s ambient composer, songwriter and producer—to chill out the setting. Just days earlier, Tycho—now a live band — released a single titled ‘Division’ along with a mini-documentary to close out his most recent saga and LP, Awake. After some classic rhythmic favorites, Tycho performed the new single to a crowd hankering for the eclectic nostalgia.
As the sun glistened its last touch of light, headliner Animal Collective wraps up the Park Stage, releasing its experimental beats and various hard-hitting tones that range from many different genres, including neo-psychedelia and noise pop. As the band played its final song, a feeling of tiredness drew had already begun to draw upon the crowd. The festival day had come to a close on Oakwood Beach.
And during the summer months when there is an overcrowded schedule of music festivals, Mamby on the Beach is one that is doable. This festival weekend doesn’t put too much of a burden on your wallet, which leaves room for other festivals and concerts. The free shuttles to and from the CTA Red and Green lines severely lessened the amount spent on transportation. And the food (specifically a wood burned slice of pizza) is not nearly as expensive as another festival elsewhere. Prepare to see Mamby on the Beach continue to grow, adding just one more great selection of music that Chicago has to offer.
