Chicago Gets Ready for a Riot

There’s been much chatter about the sixth annual edition of Chicago’s definitive punk music festival, Riot Fest, which brings everyone from X to Danzig to Weezer to the city this weekend, October 5 – 9. Started in 2005 by Michael A. Petryshyn, a corporate whiz who had moved to Chicago for its roots in the punk/ska scene, the former New York club promoter had come up with an idea to bring together all his favorite bands into one saluted performance. The first year united the Lawrence Arms and Bouncing Souls while year two saw a reunion by Chicago mainstays Naked Raygun. In the years since, Petryshyn has further developed his brand, adding days and venues to each lineup, debuting Riot Fest East in Philadelphia this past September, and questionably bringing on Red Bull as a corporate sponsor while signing mainstream acts like Weezer to Chicago’s 2011 lineup.

Controversial or not, few would argue that the 2011 edition is a noteworthy addition to Chicago’s festival season and one of the few multi-day explorations of the much-loved genre that, due to its success, shows no signs of slowing. Here are our picks for each day of Riot Fest:

Wednesday October 5

X (playing all of Los Angeles) at the Double Door

Thursday October 6

Social Distortion, The Tossers, and Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at The Congress Theatre

Friday October 7

DANZIG LEGACY: Danzig, Samhain, Danzig & Doyle (perform MISFITS), Youth of Today, Macabre, Nachtmystium, and The Infected at the Congress Theatre

Saturday October 8

Descendents, Suicide Machines, Leftöver Crack, Strike Anywhere, The Flatliners, Flatfoot 56, The Menzingers, Shot Baker, and The Co at the Congress Theatre

Sunday October 9

Weezer, Urge Overkill, Teenage Bottlerocket, and White Mystery at the Congress Theatre

Get information on each day’s lineup and purchase tickets at riotfest.org/chicago/.