Sound check: Lolla is back in person this weekend
Lollapalooza weekend
Lollapalooza, one of Chicago's biggest annual summer music festivals, invades Grant Park this weekend, bringing a mix of pop, rock, electronic and indie artists, food and merch vendors and more. If you're not already hooked up, single- and four-day passes are still available at lollapalooza.com. And keep the celebration going with Lolla's lineup of aftershows at venues spread through the city. Note: All guests must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of attending; printed proof of vaccination or test results will be required upon entry. See more entry protocols at lollapalooza.com/safety.
Thursday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 1, at Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Find tickets, lineups and schedules at lollapalooza.com.
Homegrown celebration
Catch 15 bands, 10 acoustic acts and art vendors galore at the 9th Annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival in Lisle this weekend. The all-day annual festival, nestled into Lisle's Four Lakes community, celebrates the artistry of original musicians from Chicago and the suburbs in an environment that fosters exploration of the talent growing here at home. The full BaseCamp Pub food and drink menu will be available for purchase.
From noon Saturday, July 31, through 1 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $20 at the door or in advance at homegrownartsandmusicfestival.com.
Bitter Jester week 2
Congratulations to punk/metal band VenganzA for taking the win the first night of 2021's Bitter Jester Music Festival in Highland Park last weekend. The contest continues with a new set of artists — Beach Street, Flying Fuzz, Leo Sclamberg, Luscia Jane, The Simsons and Summer Drive — playing outdoors at Port Clinton Square Friday, July 30, along with a solo performance by 9 A.M. and the featured act Marigold. This week, fans will also be treated to a special guest appearance by 5-year-old rock-star-in-the-making Miles the Music Kid in his first public performance. Pizza, craft beer and gelato will be available for purchase, too.
6:45 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. Free admission; for more information on the event and this week's bands and judges, visit bitterjesterfoundation.org.
Brian McKnight under the stars
R&B and soul icon Brian McKnight makes his Ravinia Festival debut this weekend with a show at the outdoor amphitheater Friday, July 30. Platinum-selling artist (and 2003 “American Idol” winner) Ruben Studdard opens the show with his tribute to Luther Vandross. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated patrons; check ravinia.org for updated safety protocols.
7:30 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.) Friday, July 30, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. $27-$90; ravinia.org.
• Brian Shamie is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor and local music junkie. Email him at bshamie@dailyherald.com, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@thatshamieguy) or Instagram (@chicagosoundcheck). Brian also keeps tabs on the local music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.