This weekend, Chicago indie label Pravda Records will celebrate 38 years of music with a two-day festival of live music performances from the label’s roster, outside of Sketchbook Brewing Co.
Chicago-based journalist, broadcaster and podcaster, James VanOsdol, will MC PravdaFest Weekend which will feature favorite current artists, surprise musical reunions, food trucks, a Pravda Pop-Up shop, and a special Anniversary Pravda38 Sketchbook indie rock lager. The festivities will take place on June 24th & 25th.
Kenn Goodman and Rick Mosher founded Pravda Records in the days of ‘zines and mail order records in 1984. Indie music lovers smoked as they soaked up indie sounds at Lounge Ax, Cabaret Metro (now Metro), and Avalon. Pravda Records Founder, Kenn Goodman, is excited to finally celebrate Pravda’s musicians and legacy after the prolonged hiatus of large gatherings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, “We wanted to do a 35-year anniversary party but it was derailed by the pandemic. We decided we liked the sound of Pravda38 and didn’t want to wait til we were 40!”
MC and local personality James VanOsdol elaborated on why this weekend means so much and shouldn’t be missed, “PravdaFest is a deserved celebration of an independent music institution. Pravda’s supernatural ability to hear, publish and support top-flight artists throughout the past 38 years will be on display all weekend at Sketchbook.”
The venue, Sketchbook Brewery Co., is a fitting, natural partner for the event and holds some sentimental value. “I grew up 5 blocks from the brewery,” reminisces Pravda founder Goodman. “They are huge supporters of independent arts and music. We got together and decided to brew an anniversary beer and have a party. Although I started the label, it’s the bands, fans and people involved that make us who we are today. I truly enjoy being around all of our bands and feel lucky that I’ve been able to keep doing this as long as I have.”
Adds Shawn Decker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sketchbook Brewing Co.: “Sketchbook is honored to host Pravda’s outstanding line-up of bands and celebrate their rich history in the Chicago music scene. As a community-supported Brewery founded and staffed by artists and musicians, we are huge supporters of our local artists. Our taprooms are the perfect place to combine great beer with lively discussion, wonderful music and art. What fun to brew our special Pravda38 beer to commemorate their anniversary!”
The jam-packed lineup will feature eight acts over two nights. Friday, June 24 will feature performances from:Boom Hank @ 7 p.m., Hushdrops @ 8 p.m., Steve Dawson @ 9 p.m., & Josh Caterer @ 10 p.m. Saturday, June 25 will feature performances from: The Handcuffs @ 7 p.m., Diplomats of Solid Sound @ 8 p.m., The Service @ 9 p.m., & The Slugs @ 10 p.m.
Tickets for the special celebration of Chicago music are available on Eventbrite. GA single-day passes are $30, GA weekend passes are $50, and VIP Packages are $75.
