North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is excited to announce the first ever Off North Shore: Skokie Music Festival on June 21 & 22 INDOORS & OUTDOORS at the North Shore Center. Each of the two days will feature headliners as well as several local and national supporting music acts.
Friday, June 21
Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs –9:05pm – 10:20pm
From Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Mike Campbell was a member, architect and co-captain of the Heartbreakers, a band he co-founded with Tom Petty, whom he met in a Gainesville, Florida carport in 1972. The Heartbreakers lead guitarist, Campbell co-wrote many of the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers hits and also co-produced many of their albums – in addition to penning songs for Don Henley (“Boys of Summer”), Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and playing on records by Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. In 2018, Campbell joined Fleetwood Mac’s World Tour on lead guitar and in 2020, Campbell released Wreckless Abandon, the first album by The Dirty Knobs, a group that was Campbell longtime side project but is now his primary musical focus. Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs released their second LP External Combustion in 2022 and toured the USA, including runs opening for both Chris Stapleton and The Who.
Larkin Poe -7:20pm – 8:35pm
Grammy Winners Rebecca & Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe are Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist sisters creating their own brand of Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll: gritty, soulful, and flavored by their southern heritage. Originally from Atlanta and currently living in Nashville, they are self-producers of an electrifying, critically acclaimed body of work and are known for constantly touring across the globe with a fiery vitality.
The Bones of J.R. Jones – 6:20pm – 6:50pm
The Bones of J.R. Jones is the musical project of Jonathon Linaberry, an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful blend of blues, folk, and Americana. With a distinctive raw and gritty sound, Linaberry captivates audiences with his powerful vocals, skillful guitar playing, and dynamic one-man band performances. His music explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience, resonating with authenticity and emotion. The Bones of J.R. Jones has garnered acclaim for its compelling live performances and soul-stirring recordings, showcasing Linaberry’s ability to channel the spirit of traditional roots music while infusing it with a contemporary edge.
The Empty Pockets -5:15pm – 5:50pm
Sincerity, pathos and powerhouse vocals. “Polished yet rootsy Chicago outfit Empty Pockets” (Rolling Stone) celebrates old-school classic rock, folk, and the blues, skillfully blending singer/songwriter catharsis with rich harmonies and real players. Bold Americana flavors straight from the soul.
When not busy recording in their personal studio, The Empty Pockets are out on the road headlining or opening for acts like Bob Schneider, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers) and Dave Mason (Traffic), among many others. They also have passionately served as backing band for a number of artists of note, including Kenny Loggins, Al Stewart, Gary Wright, Richie Furay (of Buffalo Springfield), and Simon Kirke (of Bad Company).
Saturday, June 22
Grace Potter 8:30pm – 10pm
Soulful Rock Grace Potter is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Renowned for her powerful and soulful vocals, Potter rose to prominence as the frontwoman of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, a rock band with blues and roots influences. Her versatile musical style spans rock, blues, folk, and pop, showcasing her diverse talents. Potter received acclaim for her solo work, particularly her 2015 album “Midnight.” Recognized for her dynamic stage presence, she has collaborated with various artists and remains a respected figure in the contemporary music scene. Grace Potter’s distinctive voice and genre-blending contributions continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Donavon Frankenreiter -7pm – 8pm
For nearly four decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been travelling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16.
These days instead of surf competitions, it’s concert halls that brings Frankenreiter to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery.
You can find him touring the world with his three-piece band and still catching waves anytime he can.
Jaime Wyatt -5:30pm – 6:30pm
Hailed by Pitchfork as one of the “most exciting and skillful storytellers” working today, Jaime Wyatt is the kind of generational talent whose raw, honest lyricism is matched only by the power of her huge, unmistakable voice. Wyatt first began turning heads with her breakout 2017 debut, Felony Blues, which chronicled her now much-publicized battle with addiction and transformative journey through the criminal justice system. Wyatt’s 2020 follow-up, Neon Cross, tackled even more profoundly personal revelations. Both records arrived to universal acclaim, with NPR praising Wyatt’s “remarkable voice” and Rolling Stone lauding her “lush, layered, and complex” performances.
JC Brooks Band 3:50pm – 4:50pm
JC Brooks is an American singer known for his dynamic and soulful performances. As the frontman of JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, he gained recognition for blending elements of soul, funk, and R&B with a modern edge. The band’s energetic and eclectic sound, combined with Brooks’ charismatic stage presence, garnered attention in the indie music scene. Known for their soul-infused covers and original compositions, JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound achieved acclaim with albums like “Want More” and “Howl.” Brooks’ distinctive voice and the band’s fusion of retro and contemporary styles contribute to their appeal, making them a notable presence in the soul and indie music landscape.
