Sound check: Celebrate Latin artists at Ruido Fest; 56 Music Fix takes over Mount Prospect

Ruido weekend

Argentine ska band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are cruising into town this weekend, and they're bringing singer-songwriter Cuco, the "high"-jinks of hip-hop group Cypress Hill, Babasonicos, Carla Morrison and a full lineup of Latin artists with them for the three-day Ruido Fest. Held at Chicago's Union Park, the fest celebrates the cultural contributions to the global musical conversation around alternative, electronic and rock en espanol. Save time Sunday afternoon to catch the funky, synthy grooves of Chicago's own George Arthur Calendar.

Gates open at 2:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, and 12:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $99.99 for single-day general admission, $199.99 for three-day, with VIP and Ultra VIP packages available. ruidofest.com.

56 Music Fix

Since 2018, the 56 Music Fix has been drawing scores of local and regional musicians and artists out of the woodwork, putting them on stages in venues, restaurants, shops and outdoor spaces throughout Mount Prospect. This year, the three-day music festival sports more than 60 musical acts - plus fine artists and crafters, dance performances, a classic car show and even a Disney singalong for the kiddos (at Capannari's Ice Cream - smart!). This year, the fest also adds a Teen Showcase, "The Kids Are Alright," featuring up-and-coming young acts showing off their skills from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Mrs. P & Me. Check out some of the town's local businesses while enjoying a mix of musical styles with free admission for all performances.

2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19; 11:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, in downtown Mount Prospect. Free. Visit 56musicfix.org for info on all the bands, venues and schedules.

Dandelion wine, tales and tunes

Waukegan fetes native celebrity Ray Bradbury - the celebrated author behind "Fahrenheit 451," "The Martian Chronicles" and "Dandelion Wine," to name just a few - with this weekend's Dandelion Wine Arts & Music Festival. The afternoon fest fills Bowen Park with art showcases, crafters and story times, while Juiette Z. Payne, Zion Ari, "Jazzman" Jeff Justman, Crooked Moon and more provide the tunes.

Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan. Free admission; food and drinks are available for purchase. waukeganparks.org/dandelion.

'Idol' auditions online

"American Idol" is once again taking to the internet to find its next star-in-the-making. Illinois auditions will be open Wednesday, Aug. 24, so either submit a full video audition recording (see requirements online) or sign up for a virtual audition slot at abc.com/shows/american-idol/auditions.

• 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). He also keeps tabs on the Chicago music scene at chicagosoundcheck.com.