The large crowd that sprawled out on blankets and settled into folding lawn chairs Friday for the first of the three-night Out of Space festival at a Skokie field got more than gorgeous weather. Seated or standing, they witnessed memorable performances from two of the most formidable and visionary guitarists in any genre, not to mention singer-songwriters whose narratives often prove as sharp as their solos. Courtney Barnett and Bob Mould hail from different eras.
And separate continents. Yet both share the same connection to rock music moved forward by fearless nerve, humming amplifiers and six strings attached to contoured slabs of wood. Barnett headlined and arrived with her familiar trio configuration.
Mould, who played Thursday at Empty Bottle and whose relationship with Chicago stages started more than four decades ago, went at it alone. Given his history of collaborations with Evanston native Jason Narducy, fans could be forgiven for wishing he’d brought a band. But by the end of his too-short 50-minute set, any reservations evaporated.
Besides, Out of Space seemingly prevails as a complaint-free zone devoid of many of the hassles and hang-ups that impact other area events. Due to renovation work at Canal Shores Golf Course, the festival temporarily decamped from its usual Evanston home to the north field at Skokie’s Illinois Science + Technology Park. The benefits of previous years’ events — room to stretch out; a family-friendly atmosphere; reasonably priced .