Chicago Cultivate unites cannabis lovers from a far-flung family of musical subcultures
Chicago Cultivate celebrates cannabis culture, specifically the longtime friendship between music and marijuana. The lineup at this three-day bud bash assembles elites from the worlds of reggae, hip-hop, punk, and rock and adds sponsorships and vendors from some of Chicago’s best local brands. For obvious reasons, it’s a 21+ event, and though cannabis won’t be sold on-site, consumption is encouraged; CBD beverages will be available at the bar, and audience members can commute via shuttle buses between the festival grounds and nearby dispensaries.
On the music front, Friday’s lineup includes super-eclectic rockers Andy Frasco & the U.N., Chicagoland punky hard-rock faves Lucky Boys Confusion, New York hardcore lifers Murphy’s Law, and zany heavy-metal parody band Mac Sabbath. Among Saturday’s highlights are alt-hip-hop icons the Pharcyde, Swedish rockers Graveyard, garage-rock veterans Black Lips, and midwest psychobilly rodeo swingers the Goddamn Gallows.
Sunday promises to be just as exciting: GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan will perform his quintessential 1995 album Liquid Swords with his live band the Phunky Nomads, “Because I Got High” singer and unlikely activist Afroman will blaze through, and all-time great ska-fusion band Fishbone will tear up the stage. World-renowned songwriter and producer Julian Marley (son of reggae icon Bob Marley) will bring his inspiring vision of Rastafarian culture to Cultivate, along with his band the Uprising.
Consuming cannabis while making or listening to music is a tale as old as time; you might feel euphoria, increased focus, or increased connection to the sounds. Modern history is loaded with examples of the love affair between musicians and cannabis—reggae is deeply intertwined with Rastafarianism and its belief in marijuana as a sacred plant, 60s rockers embraced weed (and other drugs) along with psychedelia, and hip-hop artists have long celebrated blunts—and Cultivate is the perfect place to see that all play out. So stay hydrated, find a designated driver (or take public transit), and get lifted.
Chicago Cultivate day one Fri 8/25, Crumb headline; Andy Frasco & the U.N., Lucky Boys Confusion, Murphy’s Law, Mac Sabbath, and Otnes open. 3-10 PM (gates at 2 PM)
Chicago Cultivate day two Sat 8/26, the Record Company headline; Graveyard, the Pharcyde, Black Lips, Brant Bjork, the Goddamn Gallows, Dry Reef, and Oux open. 1:30-10 PM (gates at 1 PM)
Chicago Cultivate day three Sun 8/27, GZA & the Phunky Nomads headline, performing the album Liquid Swords; Julian Marley & the Uprising, Earthless, Fishbone, Afroman, the Crombies, and Highball Holiday open, and Vic Mensa makes a special appearance. 1:30-10 PM (gates at 1 PM)
The Nursery, 1800 W. Lake, single-day tickets $49.98, three-day pass $99.98, 21+
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