Summer Sounds: Best of the Taste

After you chow on that corn on the cob and turkey leg, be sure to leave some room for the live acts at this year’s Taste of Chicago. We narrowed it down to the top five acts you shouldn’t miss!

Jon Drake and the Shakes
Friday, June 25
Chicago’s own Jon Drake and the Shakes help to kick things off on the first day of the fest. Their eight piece group melds classical instruments like organs, trumpets, trombones and even a glockenspiel into folky-pop goodness. Their tunes are the stuff Zooey Deschanel movie soundtracks are made of.

Los Lonely Boys
Tuesday, June 29, Petrillo Music Shell
Tejano brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza first topped the charts with their 2004 hit “Heaven” and last year released an album comprised entirely of covers of hits from the year 1969. Now they’re bringing their Texican rock and roll to the Petrillo Music Shell to wow us all. If you’ve never seen their high energy live show, don’t miss out!

The Heavy Saturday, July 3
Chances are you’ve already seen that Kia commercial with the sock monkey and his buddies joyriding. If so, you know The Heavy, the band behind the commercial’s song. This UK band’s soulful, funky rock will get the party going as they grace the Taste Stage this year.

Robert Randolph and The Family Band
Sunday, July 4
When Robert Randolph asks you to shake your hips, you’d better do it. Randolph brings his steel guitar (and the family) to the stage to get the party started with some funk and soul. Trust us, he’ll have you shaking more than just your hips.

Passion Pit
Sunday, July 4
Here’s another group you’ve probably heard in a commercial. Passion Pit’s danceable electro-pop closes out the fest with feel good music that’s light, fun and easy to move to.