One look at the headliners for Chicago’s Riot Fest confirms what everyone has quietly suspected for some time: the 1990s are back, and they seem to have dragged the ‘80s out of the cupboard with them. But while the Social Distortions and Offsprings of the world may be able to fend off Father Time, they can’t escape the fact that punk, at its heart, is a young man’s game. For every receding hairline you spot this weekend in Humboldt Park, you’re likely to see several up-and-coming acts cutting their teeth on the crowds that deign to show up early. We’ve picked out five lesser-known performers to look out for on the smaller stages. Miss them at your own risk.
