The stars were out long before the sunset for the start of Riot Fest, the annual alternative extravaganza that draws a capacity crowd from all across America and otherwise to Douglass Park between North Lawndale and Pilsen.

A major reason was likely to see funk’s fairly official godfather George Clinton lead, or perhaps more accurately, direct his merged Parliament-Funkadelic collective through classics stretching back to the early 1970s.

Given the fact he’s now 82-years-old and in the midst of a farewell tour, albeit one that seemingly has no end date in sight, it was absolutely essential to post up early to hear possibly the most frequently sampled songbook in music history.

Indeed, Clinton and company’s influence on hip-hop, pop and rock is immeasurable, and as they mashed up House Of Pain’s “Jump Around” with “Get Off Your A** And Jam,” obviously downright ageless as well.

“Flashlight” followed closely behind in this “One Nation Under A Groove” retrospective, steadily building the beats towards the grand finale jam “Atomic Dog,” which like the entire family tree of Parliament-Funkadelic, still maintains all of its bark and bite. 

Following close behind when it came to those who impacted the left side of the dial was Kim Gordon, former front woman for Sonic Youth, who of course was a groundbreaking precursor to Nirvana and basically everyone who followed.

Now solo for a hearty helping of “No Home Record,” the singer/songwriter kept right on taking risks and experimenting with the open-minded attitude of someone much younger than her 70 years, yet applying incredible insight earned along the way.

In fact, The Breeders were one such act influenced by the above, which sure is saying something considering the band was an extension of Kim Deal’s time blazing just as many trails in the Pixies.

Carrying on a Riot Fest tradition, the alternative rock/noise pop players performed all of the landmark “Last Splash” from front to back, including such killer cuts as “Cannonball,” “Divine Hammer” and “Saints,” plus a few unexpected bonuses.

Speaking of complete collections, post-hardcore/alt-metal men Quicksand blasted through all of “Slip,” channelling pummeling power chords and unrelenting intensity, introducing themselves to an entire new generation in the process.

Fresh off supporting Blink-182’s reunion outing, Turnstile took a melodic approach to a hardcore punk aesthetic and possessed one of the most magnetic examples of sheer musicality and neck-snapping showmanship.

Shout-outs are also in order for British post-punk/indie rock gods in-the-making Yard Act, alongside Olivia Jean, who happens to be married to Jack White, but bravely built up her own gusty singer/songwriter side beyond The Black Belles as Riot Fest got up and running towards a full weekend filled with tons more electricity and diversity.

---

Click here for more photos of Riot Fest at Douglass Park.

Riot Fest continues at Douglass Park through Sunday, September 17. For additional details, visit RiotFest.org.