Chicago Street Festival: The Raven in Chase Park
This past weekend, the boyfriend and I checked out the brand new The Raven street festival in Chase Park (corner of Clark and Leland). It was obviously a brand new event because the kinks were not all worked out yet. Still, that’s what made it feel so different. Everyone was very laid back and just enjoying the lovely day. It wasn’t jam-packed with drunken former frats and fratettes. It was also very well staffed with almost too many lime green wearing volunteers.
They made it very clear that the $5.00 suggested donation (and it really was a suggestion) and the funds raised from the event went to updating the park’s playground. In line with this community focus, there was a large kiddie play area with inflatable slides and a moonwalk. There were also pony rides, face painting, and rock walls.
The food and entertainment took up only one block, but I thought it was a good start. The massive communal tents with tables and chairs were a great touch. These became especially helpful if you wanted to get a slab of ribs from Cordis Brothers. Mmm. The litter pick-up crews went through consistently to keep the areas clean. For the most part, the attendees controlled themselves and didn’t dirty up the environment. This was another fine byproduct of a looser, friendlier crowd.
The music line up was also impressive. Rather than all the Chicago street fair staples and some weird cover bands, The Raven had some really talented independent acts from across the country. I caught the sets of Tulsa (from Boston) and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (pictured). Music began at the top of the hour on alternating stages.
I hope the organizers will build on their promising start this year and continue this tradition. It’s only unfortunate that every time I hear or say “The Raven,” my mind wants to follow it up with “Nevermore.”