The Estrojam Music and Culture Festival begins Tues., Sept. 18, at various venues throughout Chicago. Artists, musicians and activists unite for this six-day event, marking the celebration's five-year anniversary. Some of the several draws include Kristin Hersh, Margaret Cho, 8 Inch Betsy, Evil Beaver, ESG, The Noisettes and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals ( pictured, right ) .
Unfortunately, ESG has announced that its performance on Fri., Sept. 21, at Abbey Pub will be the group's swan song. For ESG's send-off, the ground-breaking group will be joined by Yo Majesty, Bahamadia, Psalm One, Rita J and multiple graffiti artists. Not only can this pioneering dance and funk band be heard in a Mini Cooper commercial, but ESG's music has been sampled by LL Cool J, Public Enemy, TLC, The Beastie Boys and Wu-Tang Clan and ESG is cited as a major influence by Le Tigre and Peaches.
Margaret Cho has proven that she is royalty among comics. Recently, the notorious one has branched into burlesque dancing and directing music videos. ( Check out her newfound skills on Joshua Klipp's clip for Rescue Me. ) Cho's performances have challenged the current political climate as well as stereotypes. Between Sept. 19 and 22, Cho is slated for six performances at The Lakeshore Theater with her variety show, The Sensuous Woman. This spectacular combines Cho's love for burlesque and comedy.
British avant-garde rock outfit The Noisettes plans to take to the stage on Sat., Sept. 22, at The Metro. Frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa combines elements from Yoko Ono, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Skunk Anansie's Skin. If you don't see the comparison to John Lennon's widow, Shoniwa has been known to play her guitar with a loaf of bread.
Also sharing the bill that night at The Metro is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. The Vermont-based group hits the target on the sophomore album This Is Somewhere. Blending Americana rock with elements of soul and folk, this quartet has won over fans with its spirited live shows.
In addition to comedy and music, this festival offers insightful panels and workshops. Topics range from Surviving The Twenty Something Identity Crisis hosted by Chicago Women's Health Center on Wed., Sept. 19, to DJ Skillz 101 and Music Biz 101, both on Fri., Sept. 21.
The beneficiary of this year's Estrojam festivities is We-ACTx. This organization is an international community-based initiative that began by AIDS physicians, activists and researchers with extensive experience in caring and advocating for HIV-positive women. The outfit's primary goal is to increase women's and children's access to HIV testing, care, treatment, support, education and training in resource-limited settings.
For a complete schedule and further details please visit estrojam.org .