Festival Review: Mamby on the Beach

Walking into Mamby, I quickly realized how out of the ordinary this festival was. Art installations welcomed me as I looked left and right. Walking down the entrance was like entering a realm full of color, passion, and great taste. Held on Oakwood Beach on the southern side of the city, the Chicago skyline acted as the perfect backdrop behind the main stage.

Musically, Mamby was different. With a combination of indie-bred genres, Mamby was really one of the more relaxed events I have attended. Sand volleyball, hair braiding, food trucks, tarot cards, and fire performers were carried throughout the event. It was the perfect way to enjoy a weekend on the beach.

With three stages, Mamby never missed a beat. Main stage and the Mixmag tent both lyed on the sandy Chicago shore with the third nestled in the grassy portion of the park. Transitioning from one to the next was a thrill as you took off your shoes when greeted by Lake Michigan. Tchami, MGMT, Flying Lotus, Will Clarke, Green Velvet, Walk the Moon, and Justin Martin all made appearances over the weekend.

The weather doesn’t always hold up in Chicago, so two days free of rain or any other bizarre weather is a blessing. Overall, Mamby on the Beach was a success. Musicians and the smiles on some beautiful faces were the only thing raining down on Chicago that weekend.

Connect with Mamby on the Beach: Website | Facebook | Twitter