Review: To Infinity and Beyond at Out of Space Festival

On Saturday, July 27, it was one small step for music and one giant leap for womankind, as it was my first time attending the Out of Space Festival. Everything that day lifted me, up and away—from the food, to the music, to the happy people. There was so much beauty that evening as far as I could see.

I had stopped by on the second day of the annual three-day festival. En route to the main stage area, I was amazed by the beautiful weather. Everyone I met who had come the day before was also ecstatic that they were able to enjoy the clear skies. They brought blankets, chairs, and stylish outfits and explored the area. There were many local food businesses and vendors from the Skokie/Chicago area. I had the pleasure of meeting friendly faces, taking pictures of their joyful expressions, learning a bit about their businesses, and trying delicious food and drinks. I recommend the grilled cheese lobster sandwiches from the Happy Lobster Truck and getting a refreshing kick out of a lavender lemonade from Good Soul Coffee.

At 6pm, the show was ready for lift-off, starting with Jeremie Albino and his band. Their performance set a wonderful, retro, soulful mood, with songs that had elements of blues and country grassroots feel. Many older couples enjoyed his music, especially songs from his latest album “Tears You Hide” and his recent single, “Rolling Down the 405.,” It felt like a journey down Route 66.

Next up on the mic was St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Before the show, I had a lovely conversation with another photographer, and she told me about how she had photographed them and they were phenomenal. Being already pumped, when the show was kicking off it took my breath away. The in-unison horn section, the cool guitarists, and lead singer Paul Janeway striking poses for the cameras while getting down with the music with dance moves was a treat. The audience was on their feet dancing and moving like they were at a 1970s Earth Wind and Fire concert. Paul amazed me with his voice, hitting excessively high notes with such ease. Eventually, he put on a silver robe like robes worn by Elvis or James Brown back in the day, and walked into the crowd.  As the show neared its end, he stood on a ladder amongst the people and delivered an almost spiritual sermon with his voice, bringing everyone together. It was beautiful to witness. After such a high-energy set, I was amazed by Paul's stamina as I saw him walk off to his trailer to rest afterward.

As the sun moved across the sky, and prepared the night for landing, Thee Sacred Souls came on stage. People were holding t-shirts with the band in the air, vinyl covers, lifting others on their shoulders to see, and lovers held each other tight as they swayed to the band’s anthems of love. They opened with a lot of their hits from their self-titled LP. Lead singer Josh Lane commanded the stage running from side to side, on top of speakers, and catching a disposable camera from an audience member to take photos on stage. You can tell how connected he was to the people and the love that he sings about comes through in his actions of spreading that love. From the slow soulful vibes of the '60s, to covers of songs that Josh said he wished he wrote but talked about why they carried so much meaning, to songs utilizing in unison horns like songs of the '70s, I can sense how much joy it spread.

The aura of the whole festival had the theme of providing good heart and soul. I found myself filled with so much joy, experiencing good energy, wonderful music that transported me back in time, and love for everything I captured that day. I will definitely will be ready for takeoff again to Out of Space next year.

All photos by Lyra Wilson.

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Lyra Wilson