Mamby On The Beach has quickly become one of the city’s favorite music festivals. The vibes are unlike any other – you have a beautiful view of Chicago’s gorgeous skyline and you get to enjoy some premiere music with sand under your feet. The 2018 rendition went off without a hitch and reminded everyone why they should have a music festival on a beach. Once again we had the chance to make it to the festival and after two days in the sun…we ended up having some fun. Here’s some of our favorite acts from the two day fest.
Towkio
The Chicago rapper hot off his new album www. had an incredible performances filled with energy, crowd pleasing songs and emotion. Towkio was joined by powerhouse producer Peter Cottontale and a live drummer. When he wasn’t running from one side of the stage to the other he was leading the crowd in incredibly live renditions of his songs. Chicago was alive.
Tune-Yards
Tune-Yards struck gold a few years ago. Pitchfork seemed to fall in love with them, and who wouldn’t. Frontwoman Merrill Garbus has a vocal range that is unbelievable until you see it yourself. She took the stage with her band members and contolled the crowd with her unique indie-rock sound. As she recorded her voice, looped it and distorted it it was easy to forget that there was only 3 people up there.
Jai-Wolf
Jai Wolf’s Kindred Spirits EP was carefully crafted to present a different kind of emotion that is usually lost on dance music. Sunset ona beach in Chicago is the perfect environment for that emotion to shine. Jai Wolf controlled the crowd during his entire 75 minute set playing crowd favorites from the EP and even DJ’ing through some harder house tracks that were a welcome addition to his set in Chicago. Hearing his sets end with “Indian Summer” never gets old.
Duke Dumont
There was plenty of great performances all weekend – but Duke Dumont may have won the weekend. His headling performance from the DJ tent had the crowd absolutely enthralled from start to finish. He weaved in signature Duke Dumont songs between some of the most notable house songs of the last few years. I don’t want to say ‘banger central’ but it truly was. I love hearing people sing along right before the drop and Duke Dumont had that going every other song.
Whethan
Have you ever heard of home field advantage in sports? At just 19 years old, Whethan reminded the city Fof Chicago why they helped him rise to the star that he’s at today. His music is made for sunny days, and sunny days we had. He led the cror the few that still don’t know who Wowd in a multi-genre dance party of future bass, house and everything in between. The crowd was deep and was loaded with friends. It might have been the most fun set of the weekend.
Richie Hawtin
I’ll admit – I was not positive how this booking was going to work out. I know Richie Hawtin is a master of his craft – but everything that I have spoken about for being such a great environemnt for a festival could have very well been the downfall for this kind of performance. Oh boy, I couldn’t be more wrong. As the sun set and darkness truly took its place, this king of techno thrived. He had a clear message – you don’t need anything fancy for an incredible set. Just some great tunes, and an eager crowd. Thank you, Richie.
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