What is Middlewest?

Middlewest Fest is Northern Illinois’ annual celebration of the live music and arts, taking place throughout the weekend of Sept. 9th & 10th in DeKalb, IL. All Middlewest events are hosted at The Egyptian Theatre, Ottos Nightclub, The House Cafe, The Van Buer Plaza, O’Leary’s Irish Pub, Tapalaluna, Hometown Sports Bar & SMLTWN Skate Shop as well as various art spaces, halls and local business in historic downtown DeKalb, just a stones throw away from Northern Illinois University.

Middlewest is not a genre-specific festival. Variety is the spice of life, is it not? Well, that variety is the is the central ingredient to the feast of the senses that shall be Middlewest! You may find a singer-songwriter plucking away at his acoustic guitar in a tiny corner bistro, a boisterous heavy metal band playing a rock club down the street while the art gallery next door hosts an independent film viewing. Middlewest is the convergence of the local music and art communities and a celebration of the vibrant culture of the Northern, IL area!

Middlewest Fest is produced by your friendly neighborhood concert promoter, Kickstand Productions! Team Kickstand produces monthly events at Ottos Nightclub and The House Cafe, as well as events throughout the Northern, IL area including events at Schubas Tavern (Chicago), Durty Nellies, The Castle Theatre (Bloomington, IL) and The Convocation Center here in DeKalb.

The Egyptian Theare – 263 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – All Ages

http://www.egyptiantheatre.org
The Egyptian Theatre is the location of Middlewest’s marquis events and will serve as the festival’s main stage. The Egyptian Theatre is a 1929, fully restored, Egyptian Art Deco movie palace, operated and staffed by the volunteer group, P.E.T. Inc. (Preservation of Egyptian Theatre) and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Known for its beautiful architecture, The Egyptian Theatre is atop many DeKalbians list as a preferred place to see an event. The theatre has a storied history, having hosted legendary acts such as BB King, REM, The Psychedelic Furs and The Violent Femmes.

Ottos Nightclub & Underground – 118 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – 21+

http://www.ottosdekalb.com
Established in May of 1985, Otto’s has become a favorite of college students as well as the locals. Otto’s is a multi-story building, featuring the legendary main room (upstairs) as well as a second stage, bar and game room in the lower level. The Nightclub is, without doubt, DeKalb’s historic rock club, having hosted National acts such as: Wilco, Dinosaur Jr, Motorhead, The Jesus Lizard, Joy Division, George Clinton & P-Funk, Clutch, Snoop Dogg, Against Me! and They Might Be Giants.

The House Cafe – 263 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – All Ages

http://www.thehousecafe.net
Located on the corner of Lincoln Hwy and 3rd street, The House Cafe is DeKalb’s cultural hotspot. The lovely cafe is known for it’s great coffee, friendly staff and love for local art. Over the years The House Cafe has gained a reputation for hosting some of the biggest names in today’s underground and independent music scene. Previous bands to have graced The House Cafe’s historic stage include; Of Montreal, MGMT, Boys Like Girls, Mates Of State, Dan Deacon, Crystal Castles, The Devil Wears Prada, Chiodos, Matt & Kim, The Gossip, The Black Dahlia Murder and Metro Station.

The Van Buer Plaza – 2nd & Locust St – DeKalb, IL – All Ages / 21+

New to this years Middlewest, The Van Buer will serve as the mainstage for the fest! Best of all the stage is located outdoors, in the lovely Van Buer Plaza (directly across the street from The Egyptian Theatre). The Plaza will serve host to not only a live music but the Middlewest Arts & Crafts Market and the Huskies SEE DeKalb event on Friday Sept. 9th!

O’Learys Irish Pub & Grill – 260 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – All Ages

www.olearyspubandgrill.com
O’Leary’s is located at the corner of 3rd Street and Lincoln Hwy, just across from The House Cafe, in DeKalb’s cozy downtown district. Formerly a JC Pennys department store in the 1950′s, O’Leary’s serves as Dekalb’s premier Irish Pub & Grill. Boasting an upscale, yet laid back ambiance, O’Learys is a true fixture of DeKalb’s downtown culture. The banquet room in the buildings upper level will serve as a performance space for Middlewest events.

SMLTWN Skate Shop – 229 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – All Ages

http://smalltownskates.com/
DeKalb favorite skateshop!

Tapa La Luna – 226 E. Lincoln Hwy – DeKalb, IL – All Ages

http://tapalaluna.com/info/
By day, Tapalaluna is one of DeKalb’s fine-dining destinations. The restaurant’s menu features everything from gourmet cuisine to tapas to a wide selection of exotic wines. By night Tapalaluna transforms into a cultural hotspot of DeKalb’s nightlife. Featuring everything from acoustic musicians to wine tastings and cultural events. Tapalaluna will host Middlewest’s acoustic artist showcase on Saturday night.