When the original announcement of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan was made I was intrigued at the prospect of adding another music festival to our already jam packed Chicago summer line up. In addition to our regular venues many of our parks are turned into homes for some great live music. Pitchfork and Lollapalooza have established Chicago as their home, with North Coast as last years newbie, it was not a shock to learn that Chicago was chosen to house DMB’s Caravan, but its location did throw us a curve ball.  The site of an old steel mill located on the far South Side, dubbed “Lakeside” is were I and thousands of other’s trekked each day.

The fest itself was located close enough to public transportation and large expressways, however getting to the fest was not the hard part, but rather the hike from where a shuttle was dropping people off, or parking their cars to the main entrance was something I don’t think was anticipated.  Walking anywhere from 10- 15 minutes might not seem that bad to see your favorite band, which for most people was Dave, but walking trough rocks, not tiny stones or pebbles, but mini boulders in open toed sandals in not something the mass crowds were pleased with.

Once inside the gates one was greeted with a small uphill mulch covered climb, but then you were set for the day, with your choice of 3 stages.  The South Works Stage housed the larger acts, The Lakeside stage contained a nice mix of bands,lastly the smallest stage, The Slip Stage was were most of the bands that would draw a slightly smaller crowd were located.
Overall sound quality at all the stages were top notch. The bands that possibly drew smaller crowds due to unfamiliarity is were I put my focus.

Bobby Long was a great way to start the whole fest off on Friday. Coming from over the pond his charming looks, beautifully written songs, and overall stage presence are all components that will surly help make the boy have a long career.  At fests I feel it’s always difficult to tell how the crowd is responding because people keep coming and going, each song you must reconnect with a whole new group of people, but Bobby managed to do so and keep many people at his stage while drawing new comers throughout the set.  He is the type of person I would love to see at a small intimate venue, but definitely made the most of his surrounding.

While some of Bobby’s music can be found on his website, his first studio album is scheduled to be released this coming February on ATO.

Saturday’s act that was surprisingly entertaining was Bombino. Omar Moctar front man for the band has been dubbed Africa’s hottest young guitarist and proved so by rocking out early in the day. Dressed in bright purple, black shades, and killer guitar one would not expect to be as taken back by the traditional music mixed with heavy classic rock guitar.

Bombino’s music can be found on his website with a free download as well as iTunes for purchase.

By the time Sunday came around Sharon Jones and the Dap- Kings helped keep the crowd going into the evening.  While the Dap- Kings all dressed to impress in suits (which considering the temperature was a skill in itself) started an intro Sharon herself took the stage in a bright turquoise, fringe, and sparkle dress. She was vivacious and more entertaining then some bands/singers half her age.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are currently touring. The dates can be found on her website.

Overall I give the Caravan a B+ as far as fest go especially for a first year. If you are lucky enough to be in the vicinity of New York City, or George, WA then the Caravan is still coming your way, the line ups change slightly per city, but expect a good fest no matter what. Information about the Caravan can be found at here.