Best of the fests

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Styx might be broken up, but frontman Dennis DeYoung is in town.

Relive the…’70s
Shred a few air-guitarsolos in front of the mirror and comb your locks until they’re perfectly feathered—now you’re sufficiently pumped (and primped) to hit the Great Performers of Illinois festival, where former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung headlines.

Hear
Lighter? Check. Wave your hands and croon “Come Sail Away” loud enough to drown out DeYoung’s new music, like Hunchback of Notre Dame, the musical.

Beat it to
Great Performers of Illinois
Millennium Park, Michigan Ave between Monroe and Randolph Sts (greatperformersofillinois.com). Fri 10, 6:30–10pm; Sat 11, 7am–10pm; Sun 12, 10am–10pm; Mon 13, noon–8pm. DeYoung goes on Sun 12, 7:30–9pm.

Relive the…’80s
Roll up to Volleywood Beach Bash for parachute pants–loving rapper MC Hammer. Just leave the pleated, cuffed and stonewashed jeans at home. The ’80s are back, yes, but the cute ’80s.

Hear
It might seem like yesterday, but the ’80s were 20-plus years ago. Sure, you’re a young 40, but if you try to break it down to “Can’t Touch This,” there’s a hip bone at stake.

Beat it to
Volleywood Beach Bash
North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr (chicagosportandsocialclub.com/events). Sat 11, noon–7pm.

Relive the…’90s
Reengage with the flannel-cloaked angst of 15 years ago (why the hell were we whining pre-recession?) and hit up Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party for Ben Folds.

Hear
Anguished piano music that captures a deep emotional honesty—until the fest’s five free drinks hit you, and you’re all, “Brah, what’s your problem?”

Beat it to
Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party
Madison St at Desplaines Ave. Fri 10, Sat 11, 5:30–10:30pm. $40, advance $35, two-night pass $65. Folds plays Sat 11.

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