The Flaming Lips. The Roots. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Girl Talk. These are only a few of the artists that will be playing at this weekend’s Summer Camp Festival in Chillicothe, Ill. Less than 300 miles- about a five hour drive from Bloomington- the festival is dedicated to showcasing its artists to the fullest capability.
"It’s all about the music," Michael Armintrout, talent buyer and marketing director for the Summer Camp’s production company, Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment, said. Armintrout said that the festival will run four stages simultaneously and at least two bands will always be performing. He noted that all the campsites and stages are very close to each other, so a festivalgoer could catch every act there.
The festival is unique in its camp layout, Armintrout said. Besides a small RV area, the site is dedicated solely to primitive camping.
"[It] takes everyone back to nature for the whole weekend," he said.
The city of Chillicothe is located on the Illinois River, just 15 miles north of Peoria, Ill. Summer Camp's venue, the 400-acre Three Sisters Park, is one of the five parks in the area.
Many of the artists performing at Summer Camp have previously played in Bloomington. Chicago Afrobeat Project was at this year’s WIUX Culture Shock in Dunn Meadow, Girl Talk filled the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre in March 2007 and The Flaming Lips also rocked the Buskirk just a few years ago.
Matt Schory, 2008 IU alumnus and drummer for local band the Buzzkills, will be working on the production side at this year’s Summer Camp. He said he will be involved with the accommodating the performers throughout the festival.
Schory also hopes to catch some of the festival’s performances.
"The Flaming Lips put on the craziest show I’ve ever seen," he said.
The band is known for its extravagant live performance; from the fluorescent lighting to costumes to lead singer Wayne Coyne’s exploration into the crowd while inside a giant translucent bubble.
Schory also said he wants to check out Umphrey’s McGee, The Roots and some regional jam bands.
Armintrout said that Summer Camp grows each year. Its first run in 2001 only showcased 11 acts, including jam band moe., who has since headlined every year. This year, there are over 60 bands in the festival’s lineup.
"Not only have the number of fans increased, but the caliber of bands, number of headlining acts and number of stages seem to grow a little bit each year," Armintrout said.
