My Chemical Romance, Smashing Pumpkins announced for Riot Fest 2021

This year’s installment of Riot Fest has been postponed, but this didn’t stop organizers from unveiling the first string of acts for next year’s event.

Revealed today, The Smashing Pumpkins, Run The Jewels, and The Pixies will headline the event, which takes place from September 16 through September 19, 2021 at Chicago’s Douglas Park. September 16 (Preview Night) will feature secret sets from bands that will be only be available that day. Other bands set to perform include Fever 333, The Sounds, Circle Jerks, and Sublime With Rome. My Chemical Romance, who were slated to headline this year, will still perform at the 2021 installment.

You can check out the first wave announcement below. More acts will be released leading up to the event.

If you purchased tickets for the 2020 installment of Riot Fest, you can use them for next year or request a refund or transfer them to a friend here. Refunds/transfers are only available until July 16, 2020. Tickets for Riot Fest 2021 are available here. Entry into the Preview Night is only available for those keeping tickets for next year or folks buying tickets by July 16, 2020.

Riot Fest - First wave announcement

My Chemical Romance

The Smashing Pumpkins

Run the Jewels

The Pixies

Coheed and Cambria

Taking Back Sunday

Sublime with Rome

Dirty Heads

Lupe Fiasco performing The Cool

Vic Mensa

The All-American Rejects

New Found Glory

Simple Plan

Gogol Bordello

Circle Jerks

Thrice

Circa Survive

K.Flay

Toots and the Maytals

Jawbox

Les Savy Fav

Best Coast

Bayside

L7

Meg Myers

PUP

Mayday Parade

FEVER 333

Living Colour

Big Freedia

SWMRS

Beach Bunny

Alex G

Thursday

Saves the Day

Don Broco

Joywave

Hepcat

Fishbone

Fucked Up

Boston Manor

The Sounds

White Lung

KennyHoopla

Beach Goons

Meet Me @ the Altar

Radkey

Holy Fawn

Chubby and the Gang

Chicago's finest in improv and comedy take over C2E2 2020 this weekend

While the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo will be the epicenter of pop culture madness in Chicago this weekend, improv and comedy will deliver some entertainment through the convention. A list of amazing performances taking place at C2E2 can be seen below.

Tickets for the convention are still on sale here. C2E2 will take place at the South Building at McCormick Place from February 28 through March 1. More information about the convention can be found here.

Storytown Improv: Super Musical Improv Comedy!
Family HQ - Interactive Zone Friday February 28 (1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.) at Family HQ - Interactive Zone, Sunday, March 1 (12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater, (4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.) at Family HQ - Interactive Zone

Storytown Improv, which was founded by Jill Olson Stuck, have been delivering comedy musical improv for children since 2009. Aside from performing for the kids, they also teach children how to use improv in ther everyday life. They perform every Saturday inside Stage 77, which is located on 1225 West Belmont.

Improvised Jane Austen
Friday, February 28 (12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Improvised Jane Austen delivers memorable stories that iconic author Jane Austen could've written. The all-female troupe earned the title of Best Improv Troupe 2019 from Chicago Reader. Jane Improvised performs every Tuesday inside iO Improv Theater, which is located on 1501 N Kingsbury.

Improvised Star Trek (16+)
Saturday, February 29 (12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Popular podcast/stage show Improvised Star Trek will boldly go where no one has gone before during their exhilarating performance. Some of Chicago's best improv talent will take people on a journey on USS Sisyphus. The podcast, which began in 2011, recently had its final episode back in November.

Improv by The Second City
Friday, February 28 (2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) at Room S502A, Saturday, February 29 (2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) at Room S502A, Sunday, March 1 (2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) at Room S502A

The Second City is one of the nation's biggest improv theatres. On all three days, fans will be treated to amazing performances from the theater's brightest names. The Second City recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Second City also features theaters in Los Angeles and Toronto.

The Second City’s Temple of Geekdom: An Improvised Adventure
Friday, February 28 (8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) at UP Comedy Club, Saturday, February 29 (8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) at UP Comedy Club

Fandoms of all types collide with The Second City’s new show Temple of Geekdom: An Improvised Adventure. Five performers from The Second City will poke fun at various franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. Tickets for both shows can be purchased here. These performances will be held at UP Comedy Club, which is located on 230 W. North Ave.

Superhero Improv
Saturday, February 29 (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.) at Room S502a

If you're looking to get involved with improv, a panel of improv masters will discuss what makes it fun. During the panel, the crowd will engage in a handful of improv exercises. Garrett Gray, Jeff McNurlan, Jerry Sebastian, Logan Rutherford, Tyrone Grant, and Xyla Gatilao will be on hand to share their improv experiences.

Just Us Gals (18+)
Friday, February 28 (1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Chicago comedians Naomi Spungen and Clare Austen-Smith bring their comedy show Just Us Gals to C2E2 for an afternoon of sketch comedy, improv, and various other entertainment with a focus on female, non-binary and queer performers.

Message for Details (18+)
Friday, February 28 (2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

The Shithole bring some of the finest in comedy and improv for an hour of entertainment. Co-founded in 2013 by Zach Bartz and Kevin Gerrity, The Shithole delivers a handful of shows per week.

The P*ssy Paragraphs (18+)
Friday, February 28 (4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Taking inspiration from The Vagina Monologues, comedy show The P*ssy Paragraphs features some of the best transgender and nonbinary performers telling stories about their sexuality.

Congrats on Your Success (16+)
Friday, February 28 (5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Congrats on Your Success will bring some of the best comics from Chicago and beyond for an hour of laughs. The showcase, which began in 2012, normally takes place on the first Thursday of the month inside bookstore Uncharted Books, which is located on 5140 N Clark St.

The Cards Against Humanity Late Night Writer's Room (16+)
Friday, February 28 (7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater, Saturday, February 29 (7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Comedy show Cards Against Humanity: Late Night Writers Room mixes improv with the popular card game. After taking audience suggestions, a group of writers will play a round of Cards Against Humanity. The winning combinations will be performed live in front of the audience.

Dungeons, Dice, & Everything Nice (16+)
Saturday, February 29 (1:30 pm - 2:30 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

D&D podcast Dungeons, Dice, & Everything Nice will record a special one-off episode in front of a live audience. With Katie Mae as the Dungeon Master, the show features Sydney Foltz as barbarian Kai Abadite, Liz Burton as wizard Zil Nire, Carly Strait as half-orc ranger Griana Arande, Mckenzie Wilkes as soldier Dylan Rose, and Molly Shafer as gnome warlock Phibi Valpip.

Automation Anarchy - Robot Riot
Saturday, February 29 (2:45 pm - 3:45 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Robots will battle each other to become the last one standing in the biggest robot competition of the year. Robot Riot, which is Chicago’s only robot fighting league, was founded in 2015 by Adrian Choy.

Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestling (16+)
Saturday, February 29 (4:15 pm - 5:15 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Eight of the baddest arm wrestlers in Chicago will battle each other inside C2E2. Only one will be declared the winner. The event is produced by the Sideshow Theatre Company. Since 2009, Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestling has helped raise money for various non-profits in the city, including Chicago Women's Health Center and Ayodele Drum and Dance.

Second Annual Tee K.O. Live: Cards Against Humanity vs. Jackbox Games (18+)
Saturday, February 29 (5:45 pm - 6:45 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

The writers of Cards Against Humanity take on the staff of Jackbox Games in a friendly game of Tee K.O.! This game, which is included in The Jackbox Party Pack 3, finds players trying to create the best T-shirts out of slogans and pictures.

That's Weird, Grandma: Nerds Out!
Sunday, March 1 (1:30 pm - 2:30 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

Chicago’s family friendly sketch show That’s Weird, Grandma digs into its nerdy side for a special C2E2 performance. In May, That’s Weird, Grandma: A Hip-Hopera will open to the public.

Mortified (17+)
Sunday, March 1 (2:45 pm - 3:45 pm) at Room S402 - Cards Against Humanity Comedy Theater

In Mortified, a group of brave individuals will share their most embarrassing love letters, diary entries, and more from their younger years in front of complete strangers. The Mortified Guide, which is on Netflix, showcases several Mortified events across the country.

Five panels to catch at C2E2 2020

The 2020 installment of the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo arrives in a few days, and everyone is packing last minute things for the popular convention. If you’re looking for something to do in between autograph signings and show floor purchases, here are five panels worth checking out.

Tickets for C2E2 are still on sale here. You can save $10 by purchasing them before Thursday (February 27). The convention will take place at the South Building at McCormick Place from February 28 through March 1. More information about the convention can be found here.

Tabletop Streaming Secrets
Friday, February 28
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Room S403

Over the past few years, TTRPGs have seen growth thanks to Twitch and podcasts. Encounter Party podcast cast member Ned Donovan and Theatre of the Mind Players members Rob Wieland, Ethan Eichstadt-Anderson, Tony Cheek, Brad Davies, and Tawnie Thompson will discuss how to properly stream your next session for the world to see and hear.

15 years of Zenescope - Traveling Through the World of Fairy Tales
Saturday, February 29
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Room S405a

Zenescope Entertainment co-founder Ralph Tedesco will be on hand to celebrate the company's 15 year-anniversary at C2E2. Founded in 2005, the company has released popular titles such as Grimm Fairy Tales and Monster Hunter's Survival Guide. They've also unveiled licensed series based on Charmed, Final Destination, and Se7en. Other people joining this special panel are Zenescope's social media marketing specialist Allison Ray and artists David Nakayama and Jason Metcalf.

Making Comics: For Women, By Women
Saturday, February 29
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Room S405a

Creators Lily Williams, Karen Schneemann, Kat Leyh, and Lucy Knisley talk about the process in making comics specifically for women. Last month, Williams and Schneemann released the graphic novel Go With The Flow, which follows a group of high school students learning about themselves and the world around them. Earlier this month, Kat Leyh unveiled the graphic novel Snapdragon, which follows a young girl befriending an old witch. On Tuesday, Knisley will release (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood, which documents her life as a new mother.

C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay
Saturday, February 29
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Main Stage - S406

The C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay will bring the best cosplayers from around the world for one final stop. The winner will walk away as the Global Champion of Cosplay and have $10,000 in cash prizes waiting for them. Ivy Doomkitty, Ginoza Costuming, and PepperMonster Cosplay will be judging the competition.

Women of Marvel
Sunday, March 1
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Room S401

The Women of Marvel panel, which is being moderated by Judy Stephens, returns to C2E2 with three of the best writers in the industry. Acclaimed writer Gail Simone is best known for her work on Birds of Prey, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman. Last year, she worked on Domino: Hotshots and Tony Stark: Iron Man. Leah Williams made her Marvel Comics debut in 2017 with Totally Awesome Hulk #1. She currently writes for the titles Gwenpool Strikes Back and Amazing Mary Jane, and she’ll be writing the forthcoming X-Factor series. Rainbow Rowell began writing young adults novels before jumping into comic books with the 2017 revival of Marvel's Runaways. Last summer, she unveiled the graphic novel Pumpkinheads.

Daily lineups for Cold Waves Festival 2020 announced

Days after announcing the lineup for this year’s Cold Waves Festival, organizers have unveiled the daily lineup today.

Friday, September 18 will include a headlining performance from Stabbing Westward with support from The Young Gods, Ash Code, All Your Sisters, and Chris Connelly. The Smart Bar will include sets from Void Vision, Zoltar, and DJ Veganinblack.

Saturday, September 19 will have Front 242 headlining things with support from The KVB, Paul Barker, Cyanotic, and Kollaps. Broken Note, Hermes Pan, and DJ :EYG: will take over The Smart Bar.

Sunday, September 20 will have My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult closing things with special guests She Past Away, Actors, The Bellwether Syndicate, and Fee Lion. DJ Mutilato will rock GMan Tavern.

Single day and VIP tickets go on sale tomorrow (February 7) at 10 a.m. CST. Three-day tickets are on sale right now.

The Format announce reunion shows in NYC, Chicago, and Phoenix

12 years after going on hiatus, indie rock band The Format will return this year for some reunion shows.

Announced yesterday, the band will have two-night stints inside New York City’s Bowery Ballroom (March 20 & March 21) and Chicago’s Lincoln Hall (March 27 & March 28) before having a performance inside The Van Buren in Phoenix on April 3.

Pre-sale tickets for these shows are on sale right now. If you’re looking to spend more money, you can get a bundle featuring a ticket and a Live at the Mayan Theatre vinyl set. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday (February 7) at noon local time.

The Format recently re-released Live at the Mayan Theatre for most streaming platforms. You can watch it in full below.

The Format tour dates

March 20 - Bowery Ballroom, NYC

March 21 - Bowery Ballroom, NYC

March 27 - Lincoln Hall, Chicago

March 28 - Lincoln Hall, Chicago

April 3 - The Van Buren, Phoenix

Front 242, Stabbing Westward, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult to perform at Cold Waves Festival 2020 in Chicago

Front 242, Stabbing Westward, and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult are among those announced for the 2020 installment of Cold Waves Festival. Revealed today, the lineup for the festival also includes performances from The Young Gods, She Past Away, Chris Connelly, and Actors. You can check out the revealed lineup below.

Three-day passes for Cold Waves Festival are on sale right now. Single day tickets and VIP tickets will go on sale this Friday (February 7) at 10 a.m. CST. VIP tickets include balcony access, a meet and greet before doors open, a VIP laminate, a poster, and a CWIX compilation album. Single day lineups will be unveiled later this week.

Cold Waves Festival takes place at Chicago’s Metro from September 18 through September 20.

Cold Waves Festival 2020 lineup

Front 242

Stabbing Westward

My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

The Young Gods

She Past Away

The KVB

Broken Note

Actors

Ash Code

Fee Lion

Paul Barker

Chris Connelly

Cyanotic

All Your Sisters

The Bellwether Syndicate

Void Vision

Kollaps

Zoltar

Hermes Pan

DJ Mutilato

DJ :EYG:

DJ Vegininblack

Failure to perform first three albums in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City

Alternative rockers Failure will perform their records Comfort, Magnified, and Fantastic Planet in a trio of residencies in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Announced today, the band will perform inside Chicago’s Thalia Hall (July 9 to July 11), Los Angeles’ Echoplex (July 16 to July 18), and New York City’s Bowery Ballroom (July 23 to July 25). This will be the first time Failure has performed Comfort and Magnified in their entirety. In 2016, the band performed Fantastic Planet in its entirety to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

Tickets for the Chicago shows are on sale this Friday (December 20) at 11 a.m. CST. Tickets for the Los Angeles shows are on sale tomorrow (December 17) at noon PST. Tickets for the New York City shows are on sale this Friday (December 20) at noon EST.

These show announcements come alongside the reveal of a vinyl box set called Failure 1992-1996. Releasing on April 7, this box set includes their three aforementioned albums including some unreleased material. Pre-orders for this release can be made here.

Failure tour dates

July 9 Chicago, IL Comfort at Thalia Hall

July 10 Chicago, IL Magnified at Thalia Hall

July 11 Chicago, IL Fantastic Planet at Thalia Hall

July 16 Los Angeles, CA Comfort at The Echoplex

July 17 Los Angeles, CA Magnified at The Echoplex

July 18 Los Angeles, CA Fantastic Planet at The Echoplex

July 23 New York, NY Comfort at Bowery Ballroom

July 24 New York, NY Magnified at Bowery Ballroom

July 25 New York, NY Fantastic Planet at Bowery Ballroom