Arts & Entertainment
Outdoor Music Festival 'ShedFest' July 21 in Highland Park
HIGHLAND PARK, IL— Popular Chicago funk and rhythm band “Dick Holliday and the Bamboo Gang” will be the headline performer at ShedFest, a 12-hour, outdoor concert that will showcase about a dozen local bands on Saturday, July 21.
Hosted by The Shed, the North Shore’s premier musician’s club, the all-day event planned in a Highland Park industrial area will benefit a Chicago non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for teen depression and bipolar disorder.
“You might call this our ‘coming-out-of-The Shed’ party,” grins owner Jim Schiffman, who will be among the musicians performing on stage with his band, See Alice.
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For the 49-year-old, The Shed represents a dream come true: for years, the Lake Forest resident envisioned a “musician’s club” for affluent, North Shore professionals interested in re-visiting their musical past. The club, Schiffman explains, is really dedicated to those who traded in their musical aspirations to pursue careers, get married and have families. “Only this time,” he says, “they’ve got the money to do it in style.”
Located off of the Edens Expressway in an industrial area, the club’s location within an industrial warehouse area at 1480 Old Deerfield Road is ideal for musicians: it’s remote, open late, and has plenty of parking. “When you’re surrounded by warehouses,” Schiffman says, “you’re never too loud, and can play as late as you want.”
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The ShedFest idea for an audience, the owner relates, borrows a bit from the mandatory-attendance imposed on parents for a school play or dance concert. “But this time,” Schiffman adds, “it’ll be their kids in front with the video cameras, and the adults the ones nervous on stage.”
Given the overwhelming RSVP response, he decided to make ShedFest a public event—complete with food and a $10 admission charge. Patrons seeking a heartier fare are invited to sample gourmet food inside the building for a $75 donation.
Along with Dick Holliday and the Bamboo Gang, the other bands scheduled to appear include: Sor Show Rockers; School of Rock Music/AdultRockers; 341; See Alice; Borrowed Time; Matt Feddermann Band; and The Big Cluster/Big Band.
For more information, including the complete, event line-up, call The Shed at 847-780-4944, or visit www.theshed1480.com
