Not only did we get treated to an incredible show from D’Angelo this weekend at North Coast, we also got vintage Roots.
The Roots also performed Saturday night and Cam Be was there to capture the legendary crew with a gallery of epic closeups above. (Please credit @camovement x @gowherehiphop)
And since today’s a relaxing Labor Day, it feels like an undun day…
Last night, D’Angelo closed down North Coast to rave reviews. “Amazing show,” our photographer Cam Be simply said. Here’s his full review:
I’ve been to a lot of concerts. Most good, some amazing, while a few others have been major disappointments. So when I do stumble upon one of those amazing ones I try not to take it for granted.
D’Angelo and the Vanguard at North Coast Music Festival 2015 was one of those concerts.
Playing the majority material of his latest release ‘The Black Messiah’ D’Angelo was at the top of his game. I felt the spirit of James Brown, Prince, Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, and Jimi Hendrix. For a man who had been relatively quiet the last 15 years, D’Angelo seemed to be enjoying every minute on stage. His set filled with wardrobe changes, funky breakdowns, and virtuoso solos left us all saying thank you.
Moments like this remind of everything I love about attending concerts. More than just an hour of sight and sound. We got to witness a true showman pouring out his soul on stage. These moments we can’t take for granted.
– Cam Be
Above is Cam’s gallery of photos, showcasing D’Angelo & The Vanguard under the epic stage lights with some fresh looks to match.
Please credit @camovement & @gowherehiphop for photo use.
ICYMI: D’Angelo’s first interview in 10 years (!) with Tavis Smiley below.
http://video.pbs.org/viralplayer/2365556795
http://video.pbs.org/viralplayer/2365557593
What a great weekend to end Chicago’s summer festival season, the anticipated rain storms never rolled by allowing for clear sky’s all weekend. The location and complete transformation of Union Park to create this year’s festival was simply dreamy; you completely forget you’re in the middle of the city as you’re surrounded by dozens of trees and free spirits.
As for the music, we were able to catch every artist we were hoping to see and then some. On Friday we made it just in time to catch Washed Out playing every hit song of theirs back to back, to a fairly packed crowd, some of which never heard of the band but stopped on by the stage after grabbing their beers at the next-door beer tent to listen to the group’s chill tunes.
Before checking out the headliners we saw Action Bronson and boy was his performance interesting. In the middle of his set at the 773 stage he ran into the crowd to the adjacent 312 stage and started performing while his music was still playing at 773. After a short 3 minutes he jumped off the stage and began running back to 773 followed by a mob of male fans trying to touch and grab him. I’m used to seeing boy-crazed girls, but guys? This was definitely a new sight.
That night we hopped from Bassnectar, to ProbCause (who also brought out Taylor Bennett), to finally Alesso which had an incredibly high energy crowd mirroring the intensity of his visuals, laser show, bursts of fire on stage, and smoke explosions more so then his neighbor Bassnectar, ending the night with a bang.
More of Day 1 pics from the photo pit here
Some highlights of day II were checking out Future Islands, Little Dragon, Adventure Club, and Kid Cudi. Gerrit Welmers of Future Islands put on the liveliest of shows I’ve seen, he performed with such deep passion and theatrical dance moves it was nothing short of captivating, many times during his set he was singing while laying on the stage. Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon also was a fresh act to check out wearing a bright blue 90’s patterned jumpsuit, Janis Joplin style sunnies, while singing, jumping around, and beating on her tambourine. Now I can say I have first hand seen and experienced what all the hype is about with Little Dragon. As for Adventure Club fans packed the front of the stage about 30 minutes before their set was to begin and once their set started everyone was crammed in tight. Strangely, someone even flew in a helicopter which hovered over the crowd catching their set throughout its entirety (who this VIP was is TBD). Kid Cudi of course was another great act with an insanely packed crowd and colorful space themed backdrop. Unfortunately, his set was cut a little short as he fainted and did not return back. He tweeted:
I’m ok!!” and “Ill do better and make sure to eat properly on show days 🙂 scouts honor!
Nevertheless he gave a killer performance and showed a lot of love for his Chicago fans by reposting dozens of tweets, photos, and vines on his twitter afterward.
Be sure to check out our official day II photos here
Over the weekend we also had the opportunity to check out both the VIP and press lounges featuring free tastings from Southern Comfort, Rex Goliath, and Jimador tequila, along with a variety of Heineken and Red Bull drinks to choose from. Another perk was the full body massages offered up by Hands that Rock.
While exploring the festival grounds we checked out the array of food and merchandise tents. The food selection was definitely plentiful and diverse and most places gave out rather large portions. One of our favorites was Peace Love Tacos. We ran into our good friends at Lakeshore Treads where they were selling their trademark Chicago Beast T’s along with some new, featured apparel. I found a new shop I’m obsessed with called The Local Branch featuring “Made Throughout America” handcrafted capes, dresses, satchels, wallets and much more. To say the least this festival was a great way to close out the 100 days of summer here in Chicago. Until next season…
North Coast 2014 Day 2 artist photos are here! Check out the ones I snapped of Kid Cudi, Talib Kweli, Alex Wiley, Little Dragon, Future Islands, Adventure Club, and Cashmere Cat. Also in case you missed it, find our Day One photos here and our North Coast 2014 Review here.
North Coast Music Festival is always known as the last bang of festival season, and this year is their 5th year anniversary! We’ve been supporting them since year one, and it’s amazing to see how far they’ve come. Check out the day one photos I snapped of Bass Nectar, Action Bronson, W&W, Keys N Krates, Washed Out, and Prob Cause. More photos and reviews to follow.
Gowhere Hip Hop 