We all know that Chicago gets under your skin in the way that very few cities do. It calls out to you and no matter how long you are away; you’re always looking forward to coming back.  But I’ve never heard anybody say, “When you go to Chicago, ya' got to make sure ya' go mid-February.  The rigid breezes are more brisk than anything, and you’ll love the four hours of sunlight.”  Ok, so it's not our winter that wins people over. So what is it about this city that causes such jubilation when discussed?  Is it our brutal winters? The wet and chilly falls? Or is it the barely there spring?  Nope. Not those.

Our redemption lies in none other than the glorious days of summer.  Chicago summers are historical; epic even.  We use every moment of this restoring weather to its fullest.  We take to the streets and throw parties every night.  Ladies and gentlemen: Now is not the time to sit inside.

We have longed for the days of sun and knew they would eventually arrive. June showed up, it was not a moment too soon.  No longer forced in doors, we are finally free to embrace our climate. And as this smile reviving month winds down to its last few days, we say thank you to June and turn to welcome in July.  Fireworks, barbeques, those red Solo cups that we all know oh so well and of course… music.

Festivals are everywhere.  Surrounding us everywhere we turn, and July is sure to start the month out right.  With the Taste of Chicago welcoming such talents as Counting Crows, Augustana, Buddy Guy, or The Wallflowers to name a few, there are no real reasons to miss out on summer music in Chicago.  Unless of course you don’t live too close to the lake front.  Then other things start to come to mind like traffic on 90, gas money, construction, $25.00 parking for the first 2 hours and don't forget  $12.00 per hour after that. And by the time you get to where you were going, you’re so burnt out and broke from getting there that you can’t even enjoy the music no matter how top notch it is.  Although there is always public transportation, and you can split parking with friends, there are some times that maybe you just want to be a bit more laid back with your weekend and there is nothing wrong with that. 

(Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong, I’m the first one to suggest that you should suffer through everything you need to if the show will be worth it.  But if it's too much hassle, then it's too much hassle, and that's just not fair.  No one judges you.)

It’s okay, because I have another idea.  Ever heard of Frontier Days? (http://www.festing.com/detail.cfm?festid=16891) It’s a pretty big deal for everyone in Arlington Heights.  Just a two minute walk from the Metra stop and this year they have a little band I like to call "Blues Traveler" playing for free.  Oh, what’s that you say?  You’ve heard of them?  And you like them?  Well what would you say to a carnival and a free concert in the park on July 2nd from Mr. John Popper’s legendary harmonica playing self?  Now that’s a hook that’ll bring you back. 

Don’t let tight wallets limit you this summer, because we only have 90 or so days to stock up our fun levels so that they can last us all winter long.  Please don't be afraid to check out the smaller things going on this summer.  Almost every town has its own festival, although most of them have not posted their line-ups yet, there might be a few shows that you would enjoy.  A few friends with a little space on a lawn, some live music, and the magical carnival lights silhouetting everything, it might not be so bad.  With Lollapalooza and Pitchfork still to look forward to, I know that there is still plenty more to come.  But we all know that these days go fast, so be sure to live em’ up.