Via Festival 2014

In its fifth year, the Via Festival brings its mission of audio-visual innovation to Chicago. The electronic gigs, underground parties and workshops are produced in partnership with Them Flavors, who hold down regular nights at Primary. Much of the events take place in that club, though half are listed at a "Secret Location." Check in with the fest's website for more details. The four-day event kicks off with hyperactive Nintendo geeks Anamanaguchi at Emporium Arcade Bar (an ideal setting) on Wednesday 1. Primary headliners include house music futurists Distal (Thu 2), L-Vis 1900 (Fri 3) and Bambounou (Sat 4). Fascinating out performance artists and avant-garde rappers Mykki Blanco (Sat 4) and Cakes da Killa (Fri 3) headline the "secret" gigs and should not be missed by fans of subversive pop.