Country On Western Music Festival Returning To Barney Callaghan's

CHICAGO, IL — Barney Callaghan's Pub in Beverly is an Irish bar with an affinity for country music. The tavern at 10618 S. Western Avenue will again host its Country on Western Music Festival beginning at 3 p.m. July 7. Eight country music acts will perform in the parking lot just south of the bar.

This is the second year for the festival, which drew about 1,000 people last year, according to Mary Callaghan. She owns the bar — named for the family's late mixed-breed dog, Barney — with her husband Bernard. Besides music, local food vendors will also be on hand to satisfy hungry concertgoers.

Americano's in nearby Morgan Park will be providing tacos at the festival, and Soggy Butts Barbecue will be serving award-winning favorites. Before grade school pals Todd Thielmann and Greg Dix purchased Swanson's Beverly Ritz Catering and Deli, the pair had a competitive barbecue team. Their Soggy Butts Barbecue sauce won first prize at a competition near Indianapolis in 2010.

Callaghan said the music festival will be kid-friendly until 7 p.m. For the adults, the event is sponsored by Texas-based Shiner Beer, which will be serving its classic Shiner Bock along with a light beer and a sea salt and lime summer lager in the parking lot.

It costs $10 in advance for a wristband required to attend the all-day festival and $15 at the door. Performers include South City Revival, Carson McHone, Coyote Riot, Driveway Thriftdwellers, The Stoned Lonesome, Abby Kasch, Ethan Kinsella and MC Whiskey of the Over The Side Band.

The summer festival actually began as Barney Callaghan's Whiskey Jam, which has a similar concept but is held indoors in February, Callaghan said. She added that headliner South City Revival has been instrumental in organizing the summer event and booking local acts as well as musicians from Austin, Texas and Milwaukee to perform.

"I think this year it will be even bigger," Callaghan said. "People are hungry for this stuff here." She believes that while street festivals are common elsewhere, such events are rarely seen on the far Southwest Side. Customers young and old are beginning to demand such gatherings in the often-overlooked corner of Chicago.

In fact, she said the reception this year could prompt a two-day festival next year. Thus, Callaghan said she's hoping for good weather, which undoubtedly contributed to the success of the inaugural event.

"I think even the musicians have a good time," she said. "You kind of forget you are in a parking lot."

Photos courtesy of Barney Callaghan's Pub