When the beat drops in Chicagoland this summer

Emma Regal, staff writer

With record crowds in 2014, the Taste of Joliet is returning this summer with the intentions of making an even better festival. With 25 food vendors, a carnival, a kids’ zone, and headline entertainment, the Taste is by far one of the most exciting things happening locally this summer. With past performers such as Hunter Hayes, Cody Simpson, and Zendaya, this year the Taste is bringing to the stage some pretty big name artists. On day one of the Taste, Friday, June 26th, 7th Heaven and Cheap Trick will be performing live at 7 and 9pm. Saturday, from 3-9pm the stage will be continually occupied with live music from Big & Rich, Parmalee, Danielle Bradberry, Joel Crouse, and Ruthie Collins. To wrap things up on Sunday, there will be three live performances from The Plain White T’s, Big Dog Mercer, and Skinny Williams. In past years, the audience has gathered around the stage or sat on either side of the stage in the bleachers. The music can be easily heard from anywhere within the stadium, and usually outside of it, too, and it gives a very carefree, fun, summery feel to the whole event.

Even more jam-packed with live music this summer is the 2015 Lollapalooza, taking place on July 31st-August 2nd. Grant Park, Chicago, is always roaring with music and the cheers of thousands of people who come from all over Illinois to be a part of the extravaganza. Well over 100 artists will be performing live at Lollapalooza this year, including some very popular artists like Sam Smith, The Weeknd, Tove Lo, Charli XCX, G-Eazy, Kid Cudi, and Tyler, The Creator. Multiple festivals keep everyone busy and having fun from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave, and the wind seems to carry every word that is sung, rapped, and spoken. The Taste of Joliet and Lollapalooza are two of the biggest music events this summer, and not having to travel to experience them makes them even more worth the time and money. These two events will draw in families, teens, and music fanatics alike!