Riot Fest Chicago 2013, at least for myself, has the greatest lineup of artists out of the summer’s seemingly never-ending onslaught of music festivals. This year’s Riot Fest in Humboldt Park is a dream collection of bands that have played huge roles in my formative years as I made my way through the musical spectrum, falling in love with all types of bands, musicians, artists, etc. Considering this is my first Riot Fest since Riot Fest 2006 and that Ruby Hornet, as a whole, is growing into a much larger outlet that covers many more forms of entertainment, music genres included, Brynn Bixby and I have decided to put together our recommendations of the top bands to see this weekend.
With a lineup as amazing as this, there are a number of bands we have left off of our lists. However, don’t let that detract you from experiencing new music! Take a chance and walk over to a random stage whenever you have downtime; I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy any band on this year’s lineup… just make sure you prioritize our choices. Get your vocal cords ready to scream along to every song; get your suspenders and checkerboard Vans so you can control the skank circle; lace up your Docs so you can moonstomp like no other; these are Ruby Hornet’s Top Bands to See at Riot Fest Chicago 2013. – Geoff Henao