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Saturday night at Riot Fest gave new meaning to “anything goes.”

From the mayhem and art punk of Les Savy Fav and the gorefest of Gwar, to the hope-filled rhymes of Vic Mensa and the high energy of Gogol Bordello’s gypsy punk, the party in the Park — Douglass Park — offered up plenty of excitement and controversial moments.

Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s top sets at Riot Fest 2021:

Run the Jewels

Killer Mike and El-P of Run the Jewels perform on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Saturday night.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Like Simon & Garfunkel, Hall & Oates and Salt-N-Pepa, El-P and Killer Mike will go down as one of the most important duos in modern music with a politicized set that always goes to the limit and pushes it– in the best way possible. Together known as Run The Jewels, the hip-hop pair were just as happy to be on stage as the crowd was that came to see them dutifully close out Saturday night at Riot Fest.

“This is only our third show in three years … we missed our job really badly,” El-P said at the start of the set. Much of the material from the night came from “RTJ4,” their fourth studio album that came out in June 2020, and one which they obviously never got to tour on until now. Though the album has a who’s who of guest stars including Chicago’s own Mavis Staples, the only ones on the stage all night were the two collaborators and their live DJ who, together, commanded it with the minimal personnel.

Killer Mike did take a moment to commend the ASL interpreters (as Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath also did earlier in the night) and also paid tribute to a mentor, the late Alice Johnson from North Chicago. As Killer Mike said, she taught him how to organize and first introduced him to the important work of civil rights leaders like John Lewis. Advising that there’s something greater than allyship — that being friendship — he pushed the crowd to “keep empathy alive” as an intro to the socially conscious diatribe “Walking In The Snow.” It’s tracks like that one that will make Run The Jewels a perfect fit when they finally get to join forces with Rage Against The Machine on the Public Service Announcement Tour next year.

Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Rise Against wasn’t supposed to be at Riot Fest this weekend. A few days ago the local punk act was announced as a last-minute sub-in for Faith No More, who regrettably had to cancel their tour and appearance at the fest so singer Mike Patton could take time for his mental health.

Rise Against singer Tim McIlrath acknowledged their huge absence, dedicating Saturday night’s set to the band and Mike, and then proceeding to launch into a rollicking set that shows why the quartet is always welcome at the event.

On a current short tour to promote their latest effort, “Nowhere Generation” (making a stop at Northerly Island just a couple weeks go), songs like the title track were anthemic crowd-pleasers that spoke directly to their young fan base that often feels “invisible” in the world today, said McIlrath.

The new material stood up well against their venerable catalog with songs like “Help Is On The Way” and “Ready To Fall” particular hot spots of the set. McIlrath also used the time on stage as a platform to spread local love, encouraging out-of-town visitors to come back often and reminiscing about making the video for the 2004 song “Give It All” on the Brown Line. He also gave a nod to the many other local bands on the Riot Fest lineup this year, among them Alkaline Trio and The Smashing Pumpkins. That’s the thing about Rise Against though — no matter how huge they get (and they’ve definitely reached that coveted top echelon in the industry), they always manage to remain humble and bring an intimacy to their shows that makes it still feel like you’re still seeing them at the Fireside Bowl. And much like Riot Fest itself, the band is a great representation of a homegrown affair that so carefully holds on to its roots.

The highlight of the set was a unique cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” with Damian Abraham of the Canadian punk band F***ed Up adding a guttural howl that amplified the wartime message of the song. It was the one chance to see Abraham this weekend — the band was supposed to play the fest but their drummer was unable to get into the country — and he used the time well.

Gogol Bordello

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglas Park on Saturday night.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Even Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz seemed to be in awe of the “Chicago choir” that came out ready to lend their voices to the gypsy punk’s high-energy takedown.

A Riot Fest favorite, the jumbo-sized ensemble that is Gogol Bordello expertly melds together ages-old Eastern European musical traditions with ballsy punk rock and a bit of folk-country, making many in the crowd wonder if they should waltz, mosh or start a hoedown. But as is the true ethos of punk, anything goes and it did in this energetic bonanza.

Around since 1999, the eclectic New York-based band with members from around the world, celebrated their latest album “Lifers” with their banner art while delivering fan favorites like the early career hit “Start Wearing Purple” that woke up the Riot Fest masses from a midday slump. The whole performance came off as one big party, with Hutz at one point swigging from a bottle of red wine that spilled down his jacket decorated with patches of The Clash, System Of A Down and the NYPD.

The attention equally turned to other members in the communal project with violinist Sergey Ryabtsev in particular demanding many turned eyes as he bared down on his instrument like he could have been wielding an electric guitar in his own solo. Those seeing them in their intimate after-show tonight at Concord Music Hall are in for a treat.

Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa proved why he remains one of the best in the scene today by going back to the beginning of it all in the hometown appearance at Riot Fest.

Offering a very rare album set of his debut mixtape “Innanetape,” the Hyde Park native took time to reflect on his origin story as a solo artist, talking about the place he was in his life when he made it in 2013, shortly after his genre-defying group Kids These Days broke up, as well as his personal motivation for wanting to be an artist.

“I wanted to talk about the man pushing the shopping cart on 47th Street with all his possessions, why life was like that for some while Obama five blocks away was the president,” he noted.

Blasting hip-hop’s materialistic and clout-filled nature, he added, “You can lose sight but practicing this album reminded me of what to be striving for.”

Mensa (wearing Rage Against The Machine’s infamous Che Guevara shirt) bounced around in the album order, but, accompanied by a live band, sold it on tracks like “Tweakin” (which features Chance The Rapper on the recording), “Lovely Day,” and “Holy Holy,” a song he wrote in memory of his brother Cam who was murdered when he was 17.

Gun violence has long been a focal point for Mensa as has police brutality, often using his music as a magnifying glass to larger societal issues. Earlier in his set, Mensa unleashed his powerful track “16 Shots” (inspired by the death of Laquan McDonald) that brought people across the park to his performance. Though the real draw was when he handed out free weed to the crowd, saying it was from his own upcoming handcrafted line that he claims is the first Black dispensary in Illinois.

Ending the set with his gripping anthem “We Could Be Free,” it’s a great example of how Mensa continues to imbue hope within his message, even when talking about some of society’s darkest moments.

Gwar

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Early Saturday at Riot Fest was the battle of who could bring the better performance art — and it was quite the matchup. Though it was not raining, the poncho army came out for scuzzy intergalactic provocateurs Gwar.

They started things off like they usually do with a big old bloodbath, their first victim being an impersonator of President Joe Biden, though sounding a bit more like JFK or George W. Bush. He mockingly touted his recent accomplishments, including a comment about ending the war in Afghanistan, quickly followed by an actor dressed as a member of the Taliban “beheading” him to get the blood Olympics going.

Gwar may best Andrew W.K. now as the band that has played Riot Fest the most over the past 15 seasons, and the droves always come out for their uncensored satirical theater that combines elicit eighth-grade boy humor and a bunch of tomfoolery that makes a commentary on the current day’s political environment. This set focused its gaze on the pandemic and mask-wearing for a good chunk while the music honed in on their best-selling 1990 sophomore album “Scumdogs of the Universe,” still in the midst of a 30-year anniversary tour. Though the group doesn’t carry the lineup it did in that era, the current band delivered the goods on “Maggots,” “Sick Of You” and “Death Pod,” which frontman Blothar the Berserker declared hadn’t been played in quite some time.

Les Savy Fav

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Les Savy Fav was another showstopper that has the corner on immersive art punk and physical comedy. Whereas some bands might rely on minimalism in their performances, frontman Tim Harrington is of the belief that everything and anything can be used as a prop or vessel for his show — like a folding table that became a crowd surfboard, or a large black tarp that was commissioned as a giant blanket to roll around in over the heads of the gathered fans.

Harrington is not only a master of the bizarre but he’s also incredibly engaging with his audience, like a comic who knows just who to pick out to become part of his routine. During the set, the singer stole sunglasses off people’s faces, spit water all over another person’s head (assuring it was no big deal since he’s “fully vaxxed”), made a headband out of pink gaffer’s tape plucked from the sound booth and then, best of all, spotted a person holding a mannequin head with a wig that Harrigton then turned into a tail and proceeded to ride a fan like a horse in the photo pit.

Behind him was a solid assortment of musicians that delivered the soundtrack to the escapades with buzzy post-hardcore bangers like “Hide Me From Next February” and “Hold Onto Your Genre.” Harrington’s body warpaint, fully visible when he stripped down to his underwear, was also a colorful display, but perhaps best of all were his temporary tattoos paying homage to a Chicago red hot on his back and the words “deep dish” above his knees.

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MILWAUKEE — David Ross would be the first one to tell you that baseball is a results-driven business. So when it comes to evaluating himself, despite different variables, everything boils down to wins and losses for the Cubs’ skipper.

Ross has had a whirlwind first two seasons at the helm for the Cubs and after leading the team to a NL Central title during the shortened 60-game season. This season, the team has started to take steps toward the future after trading away its core of Javy Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

As the Cubs begin to finish what will be a down year, Ross has had the steepest of learning curves and in what has been a long 2021 season, he’s gained perspective as he’s settled into the job.

“I never had trouble sleeping until I got this job,” Ross said with a laugh before Saturday’s game against the Brewers. “So yeah, man. It’s just, like you’ve got a lot to deal with. And there’s a lot. Winning is very important, getting better. There’s more to this job than I ever knew was part of this job. And I mean, like on and off the field.

“For players, they’re dealing with things outside of baseball, they come into my office. There’s communicating with players and coaches and staff and training staff and like how do we get better at this? How do we get better at that? It goes all the way down to the clubhouse guys. … There’s this middle ground that I have where you’ve got both sides that you’re communicating with all the time and different things you’re trying to everybody is on the track of just how do we get better?”

Ross has often talked about taking on the identity of some of his former managers as he’s developed his own managing style. Many of those managers could be described as player’s managers, making it no surprise he’s also taken that approach.

Infielder Nico Hoerner has seen Ross from the time he got the job and has appreciated what his manager has been able to do during his first two years.

“I can’t think of a more challenging first few years as a manager than what he’s had on his plate,” infielder Nico Hoerner said. “Obviously, between the last year whatever that was, and then the changes that have happened this year as well. So if there’s learning by experience, he’s definitely gotten every experience so far. So I’ve always appreciated just how direct and honest he is. I think that’s something that’s really stood out to me.”

Ross understands that evaluation is part of the job and even in a down season, he hopes what the team is building beyond wins and losses helps impact the seasons to come.

“I think I evaluate the people below me on the stuff I need to evaluate and let the people above me evaluate me. If I’m doing a good job, they’ll keep me around. If I’m not, we all know what happens. That’s the way I look at it. I don’t dive too deep into that, man. Like, either I’m doing my job or I’m not.

“So I try to create a winning culture and make that the priority around here. No matter what, like if we ever lose sight of that, then we’re not doing ourselves and the team and the organization justice. Like trying to win baseball games. I think when you change some of the personnel, you understand, maybe you’re going to take a step back. But maybe we took a step forward in some areas too.”

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Saturday night at Riot Fest gave new meaning to “anything goes.”

From the mayhem and art punk of Les Savy Fav and the gorefest of Gwar, to the hope-filled rhymes of Vic Mensa and the high energy of Gogol Bordello’s gypsy punk, the party in the Park — Douglass Park — offered up plenty of excitement if not controversial moments.

Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s top sets at Riot Fest 2021:

Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Rise Against wasn’t supposed to be at Riot Fest this weekend. A few days ago the local punk act was announced as a last-minute sub-in for Faith No More, who regrettably had to cancel their tour and appearance at the fest so singer Mike Patton could take time for his mental health.

Rise Against singer Tim McIlrath acknowledged their huge absence, dedicating Saturday night’s set to the band and Mike, and then proceeding to launch into a rollicking set that shows why the quartet is always welcome at the event.

On a current short tour to promote their latest effort, “Nowhere Generation” (making a stop at Northerly Island just a couple weeks go), songs like the title track were anthemic crowd-pleasers that spoke directly to their young fan base that often feels “invisible” in the world today, said McIlrath.

The new material stood up well against their venerable catalog with songs like “Help Is On The Way” and “Ready To Fall” particular hot spots of the set. McIlrath also used the time on stage as a platform to spread local love, encouraging out-of-town visitors to come back often and reminiscing about making the video for the 2004 song “Give It All” on the Brown Line. He also gave a nod to the many other local bands on the Riot Fest lineup this year, among them Alkaline Trio and The Smashing Pumpkins. That’s the thing about Rise Against though — no matter how huge they get (and they’ve definitely reached that coveted top echelon in the industry), they always manage to remain humble and bring an intimacy to their shows that makes it still feel like you’re still seeing them at the Fireside Bowl. And much like Riot Fest itself, the band is a great representation of a homegrown affair that so carefully holds on to its roots.

The highlight of the set was a unique cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” with Damian Abraham of the Canadian punk band F***ed Up adding a guttural howl that amplified the wartime message of the song. It was the one chance to see Abraham this weekend — the band was supposed to play the fest but their drummer was unable to get into the country — and he used the time well.

Gogol Bordello

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglas Park on Saturday night.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Even Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz seemed to be in awe of the “Chicago choir” that came out ready to lend their voices to the gypsy punk’s high-energy takedown.

A Riot Fest favorite, the jumbo-sized ensemble that is Gogol Bordello expertly melds together ages-old Eastern European musical traditions with ballsy punk rock and a bit of folk-country, making many in the crowd wonder if they should waltz, mosh or start a hoedown. But as is the true ethos of punk, anything goes and it did in this energetic bonanza.

Around since 1999, the eclectic New York-based band with members from around the world, celebrated their latest album “Lifers” with their banner art while delivering fan favorites like the early career hit “Start Wearing Purple” that woke up the Riot Fest masses from a midday slump. The whole performance came off as one big party, with Hutz at one point swigging from a bottle of red wine that spilled down his jacket decorated with patches of The Clash, System Of A Down and the NYPD.

The attention equally turned to other members in the communal project with violinist Sergey Ryabtsev in particular demanding many turned eyes as he bared down on his instrument like he could have been wielding an electric guitar in his own solo. Those seeing them in their intimate after-show tonight at Concord Music Hall are in for a treat.

Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa proved why he remains one of the best in the scene today by going back to the beginning of it all in the hometown appearance at Riot Fest.

Offering a very rare album set of his debut mixtape “Innanetape,” the Hyde Park native took time to reflect on his origin story as a solo artist, talking about the place he was in his life when he made it in 2013, shortly after his genre-defying group Kids These Days broke up, as well as his personal motivation for wanting to be an artist.

“I wanted to talk about the man pushing the shopping cart on 47th Street with all his possessions, why life was like that for some while Obama five blocks away was the president,” he noted.

Blasting hip-hop’s materialistic and clout-filled nature, he added, “You can lose sight but practicing this album reminded me of what to be striving for.”

Mensa (wearing Rage Against The Machine’s infamous Che Guevara shirt) bounced around in the album order, but, accompanied by a live band, sold it on tracks like “Tweakin” (which features Chance The Rapper on the recording), “Lovely Day,” and “Holy Holy,” a song he wrote in memory of his brother Cam who was murdered when he was 17.

Gun violence has long been a focal point for Mensa as has police brutality, often using his music as a magnifying glass to larger societal issues. Earlier in his set, Mensa unleashed his powerful track “16 Shots” (inspired by the death of Laquan McDonald) that brought people across the park to his performance. Though the real draw was when he handed out free weed to the crowd, saying it was from his own upcoming handcrafted line that he claims is the first Black dispensary in Illinois.

Ending the set with his gripping anthem “We Could Be Free,” it’s a great example of how Mensa continues to imbue hope within his message, even when talking about some of society’s darkest moments.

Gwar

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Early Saturday at Riot Fest was the battle of who could bring the better performance art — and it was quite the matchup. Though it was not raining, the poncho army came out for scuzzy intergalactic provocateurs Gwar.

They started things off like they usually do with a big old bloodbath, their first victim being an impersonator of President Joe Biden, though sounding a bit more like JFK or George W. Bush. He mockingly touted his recent accomplishments, including a comment about ending the war in Afghanistan, quickly followed by an actor dressed as a member of the Taliban “beheading” him to get the blood Olympics going.

Gwar may best Andrew W.K. now as the band that has played Riot Fest the most over the past 15 seasons, and the droves always come out for their uncensored satirical theater that combines elicit eighth-grade boy humor and a bunch of tomfoolery that makes a commentary on the current day’s political environment. This set focused its gaze on the pandemic and mask-wearing for a good chunk while the music honed in on their best-selling 1990 sophomore album “Scumdogs of the Universe,” still in the midst of a 30-year anniversary tour. Though the group doesn’t carry the lineup it did in that era, the current band delivered the goods on “Maggots,” “Sick Of You” and “Death Pod,” which frontman Blothar the Berserker declared hadn’t been played in quite some time.

Les Savy Fav

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Les Savy Fav was another showstopper that has the corner on immersive art punk and physical comedy. Whereas some bands might rely on minimalism in their performances, frontman Tim Harrington is of the belief that everything and anything can be used as a prop or vessel for his show — like a folding table that became a crowd surfboard, or a large black tarp that was commissioned as a giant blanket to roll around in over the heads of the gathered fans.

Harrington is not only a master of the bizarre but he’s also incredibly engaging with his audience, like a comic who knows just who to pick out to become part of his routine. During the set, the singer stole sunglasses off people’s faces, spit water all over another person’s head (assuring it was no big deal since he’s “fully vaxxed”), made a headband out of pink gaffer’s tape plucked from the sound booth and then, best of all, spotted a person holding a mannequin head with a wig that Harrigton then turned into a tail and proceeded to ride a fan like a horse in the photo pit.

Behind him was a solid assortment of musicians that delivered the soundtrack to the escapades with buzzy post-hardcore bangers like “Hide Me From Next February” and “Hold Onto Your Genre.” Harrington’s body warpaint, fully visible when he stripped down to his underwear, was also a colorful display, but perhaps best of all were his temporary tattoos paying homage to a Chicago red hot on his back and the words “deep dish” above his knees.

Check back soon for more.

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Nazareth’s season got off to a rough start. The Roadrunners were winless when they arrived in Niles on Saturday to face Notre Dame. And after the first half they were staring at a seven-point deficit.

Roadrunners coach Tim Racki made a change in the third quarter. He went with an incredibly rare sight in high-level varsity high school football: a freshman quarterback.

It worked. Logan Malachuck helped engineer a 24-21 comeback win for Nazareth.

“This the first season I’ve played a freshman,” Racki said. “[Malachuk] played against Lemont and did a great job. It isn’t on [starting quarterback Aidan Pieper] we just needed a spark and the kid certainly ran our offense effectively. He’s mature beyond his years.”

It was the running game that made the difference. Junior Kaleb Miller busted off a 34-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to pull the Roardrunners within 14-13 and then gave them the lead with a 33-yard touchdown run with 11:50 to play.

Miller had 14 carries for 105 yards.

“I’ve been hurt the first three games,” Miller said. “Just being healthy and having the line block for me and everyone do their part felt really good.”

Malachuk was 3-for-5 passing for 44 yards. Pieper was 6-for-10 for 97 yards with two interceptions and a 35-yard touchdown pass to Quentrell Harris.

Harris, a 6-1, 185 pound senior, was clearly the best player on the field. He had six receptions for 109 yards.

“He’s legit,” Racki said. “[Harris] is a big-time college prospect. Defensively, offensively, special teams, he has every weapon there is. Especially in high school.”

Malachuck is one of several very young players getting snaps for the Roadrunners. Harris and the other veterans have embraced the youth movement.

“Logan is a great guy,” Harris said. “That makes it easy for the team and everybody. We have all come together week by week. You can’t even tell the new guys are new anymore. They have all stepped up to the occasion.”

Notre Dame falls to 0-4. The Dons’ first three opponents are a combined 11-1, so the slow start didn’t necessarily indicate they weren’t a playoff caliber team. But this was a game they desperately needed to win. Notre Dame will likely have to win its remaining five games to make the playoffs.

Dons quarterback Vincenzo Ricciardi, a junior, was 17-for-28 passing for 125 yards. He threw a pair of interceptions and had a five-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Nazareth junior Zach Hayes picked off both of the interceptions.

“The defense just needed to settle in,” Hayes said. “We didn’t come out with juice or energy on the first drive and they drove it down our face. We studied a lot of film this week so we knew what we were going to do. It just took a little bit for it to kick in.”

Senior Colin Randazzo had 22 carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns for Notre Dame.

Nazareth still has tough upcoming games against Carmel and St. Rita, but finally getting the first win should help turn things around.

“We wanted this more than anything,” Miller said. “We’ve been working our butts off and we finally got our breakthrough.”

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Trayce Brim was never of the opinion that boys play some sports and girls play others.

“I grew up playing baseball and so that was always like the number one question,” the Kenwood junior said. “If they can do it, why can’t I?”

Now Brim, who also plays basketball and runs track for the Broncos, is one of the first girls in the city to try another sport traditionally dominated by males: football.

She’s one of around 400 athletes from 21 schools who have signed up to play in Public League’s debut season for girls flag football.

The program launched with assists from the Bears and Nike. The NFL team is providing organizational help, and coach Matt Nagy and the Bears Care charitable arm have teamed up to provide cleats to all players. Nike has donated uniforms for all the players.

The Bears hope the Public League pilot program will spark interest in girls flag football across the state to the extent that it will one day be an IHSA-sanctioned sport.

“In order to grow football, it has to be more inclusive,” said Gus Silva, the Bears’ manager of youth football and community programs.

He and the Bears have been working on the idea since 2018 and initially expected to launch with eight teams. When they found out more than 20 teams wanted in — during a pandemic, no less — they were pleasantly surprised.

“We believed if we did it right, it would grow organically,” Silva said.

Next year, he sees anywhere from 32 to 48 teams in CPS, and there has been outreach to other conferences around the state as well.

What’s happening in Illinois mirrors the growth spurt the sport is experiencing nationally. It’s already a recognized prep sport in five other states, and is starting to gain varsity status at NAIA schools and junior colleges. And the NFL is backing an effort to add flag football to the program for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

To get to that point, the pool of players will have to expand. That’s where the CPS program can help by drawing in athletes like Brim and Kelly senior quarterback Cynthia Villalvazo from other sports.

“I wanted to play tackle football or rugby or something. But then they came out with flag football for girls and I was like, that’s a nice experience,” said Villalvazo, who has played volleyball and softball. “I want to play [flag] football in college. I’m already trying to research schools that have it.”

“My track coach, she told me I should try out,” Brim said, and the Kenwood quarterback is glad she did.

“My team, we all have a nice bond so that makes everything better,” Brim said. “It’s just a great experience.”

And it’s a chance to learn as well.

“When I first came out, I was clueless,” Brim said. “I didn’t know anything about football and the past two weeks we’ve been practicing I’ve learned a lot.”

That includes the differences between the 11-on-11 tackle version of the sport and the 7-on-7 flag style Brim and her teammates play. There are two 20-minute halves. Though it’s pass-dominated — there are six eligible receivers — quarterbacks also are allowed to run. There’s a four-second rush count, with four blitzes allowed per game. Punting is allowed but there is no place kicking and teams have four downs to gain 20 yards.

CPS schools started practice Aug. 18 and a five-week regular season began Sept. 11. Schurz and Steinmetz are hosting games for teams in the North and West conferences, while Kenwood and Englewood STEM are hosting South and East conference games. The quarterfinals will be Oct. 12 at Gately and Rockne with the semifinals and title game Oct. 16 at Lane.

The future looks bright, according to Kenwood coach Khristina Cruz, who has played the sport for 10 years.

“Flag football is here to stay,” she said. “After this first year, everybody’s going to get the kinks out. Second and third year are the years to watch. That’s when it’s going to be super intense and super competitive. It’s going to say, ‘Yeah, this sport is here, should be in the Olympics, should be at the college level.'”

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Saturday night at Riot Fest gave new meaning to “anything goes.”

From the mayhem and art punk of Les Savy Fav to the gorefest of Gwar to the hope-filled rhymes of Vic Mensa to the high energy of Gogol Bordello’s gypsy punk, the party in the Park — Douglass Park — offered up plenty of excitement if not controversial moments.

Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s top sets at Riot Fest 2021:

Gogol Bordello

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglas Park on Saturday night.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Even Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz seemed to be in awe of the “Chicago choir” that came out ready to lend their voices to the gypsy punk’s high-energy takedown.

A Riot Fest favorite, the jumbo-sized ensemble that is Gogol Bordello expertly melds together ages-old Eastern European musical traditions with ballsy punk rock and a bit of folk-country, making many in the crowd wonder if they should waltz, mosh or start a hoedown. But as is the true ethos of punk, anything goes and it did in this energetic bonanza.

Around since 1999, the eclectic New York-based band with members from around the world, celebrated their latest album “Lifers” with their banner art while delivering fan favorites like the early career hit “Start Wearing Purple” that woke up the Riot Fest masses from a midday slump. The whole performance came off as one big party, with Hutz at one point swigging from a bottle of red wine that spilled down his jacket decorated with patches of The Clash, System Of A Down and the NYPD.

The attention equally turned to other members in the communal project with violinist Sergey Ryabtsev in particular demanding many turned eyes as he bared down on his instrument like he could have been wielding an electric guitar in his own solo. Those seeing them in their intimate after-show tonight at Concord Music Hall are in for a treat.

Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa proved why he remains one of the best in the scene today by going back to the beginning of it all in the hometown appearance at Riot Fest.

Offering a very rare album set of his debut mixtape “Innanetape,” the Hyde Park native took time to reflect on his origin story as a solo artist, talking about the place he was in his life when he made it in 2013, shortly after his genre-defying group Kids These Days broke up, as well as his personal motivation for wanting to be an artist.

“I wanted to talk about the man pushing the shopping cart on 47th Street with all his possessions, why life was like that for some while Obama five blocks away was the president,” he noted.

Blasting hip-hop’s materialistic and clout-filled nature, he added, “You can lose sight but practicing this album reminded me of what to be striving for.”

Mensa (wearing Rage Against The Machine’s infamous Che Guevara shirt) bounced around in the album order, but, accompanied by a live band, sold it on tracks like “Tweakin” (which features Chance The Rapper on the recording), “Lovely Day,” and “Holy Holy,” a song he wrote in memory of his brother Cam who was murdered when he was 17.

Gun violence has long been a focal point for Mensa as has police brutality, often using his music as a magnifying glass to larger societal issues. Earlier in his set, Mensa unleashed his powerful track “16 Shots” (inspired by the death of Laquan McDonald) that brought people across the park to his performance. Though the real draw was when he handed out free weed to the crowd, saying it was from his own upcoming handcrafted line that he claims is the first Black dispensary in Illinois.

Ending the set with his gripping anthem “We Could Be Free,” it’s a great example of how Mensa continues to imbue hope within his message, even when talking about some of society’s darkest moments.

Gwar

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Early Saturday at Riot Fest was the battle of who could bring the better performance art — and it was quite the matchup. Though it was not raining, the poncho army came out for scuzzy intergalactic provocateurs Gwar.

They started things off like they usually do with a big old bloodbath, their first victim being an impersonator of President Joe Biden, though sounding a bit more like JFK or George W. Bush. He mockingly touted his recent accomplishments, including a comment about ending the war in Afghanistan, quickly followed by an actor dressed as a member of the Taliban “beheading” him to get the blood Olympics going.

Gwar may best Andrew W.K. now as the band that has played Riot Fest the most over the past 15 seasons, and the droves always come out for their uncensored satirical theater that combines elicit eighth-grade boy humor and a bunch of tomfoolery that makes a commentary on the current day’s political environment. This set focused its gaze on the pandemic and mask-wearing for a good chunk while the music honed in on their best-selling 1990 sophomore album “Scumdogs of the Universe,” still in the midst of a 30-year anniversary tour. Though the group doesn’t carry the lineup it did in that era, the current band delivered the goods on “Maggots,” “Sick Of You” and “Death Pod,” which frontman Blothar the Berserker declared hadn’t been played in quite some time.

Les Savy Fav

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Les Savy Fav was another showstopper that has the corner on immersive art punk and physical comedy. Whereas some bands might rely on minimalism in their performances, frontman Tim Harrington is of the belief that everything and anything can be used as a prop or vessel for his show — like a folding table that became a crowd surfboard, or a large black tarp that was commissioned as a giant blanket to roll around in over the heads of the gathered fans.

Harrington is not only a master of the bizarre but he’s also incredibly engaging with his audience, like a comic who knows just who to pick out to become part of his routine. During the set, the singer stole sunglasses off people’s faces, spit water all over another person’s head (assuring it was no big deal since he’s “fully vaxxed”), made a headband out of pink gaffer’s tape plucked from the sound booth and then, best of all, spotted a person holding a mannequin head with a wig that Harrigton then turned into a tail and proceeded to ride a fan like a horse in the photo pit.

Behind him was a solid assortment of musicians that delivered the soundtrack to the escapades with buzzy post-hardcore bangers like “Hide Me From Next February” and “Hold Onto Your Genre.” Harrington’s body warpaint, fully visible when he stripped down to his underwear, was also a colorful display, but perhaps best of all were his temporary tattoos paying homage to a Chicago red hot on his back and the words “deep dish” above his knees.

Check back soon for more.

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Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s top sets at Riot Fest 2021:

Gwar

Early Saturday at Riot Fest was the battle of who could bring the better performance art — and it was quite the matchup. Though it was not raining, the poncho army came out for scuzzy intergalactic provocateurs Gwar.

They started things off like they usually do with a big old bloodbath, their first victim being an impersonator of President Joe Biden, though sounding a bit more like JFK or George W. Bush. He mockingly touted his recent accomplishments, including a comment about ending the war in Afghanistan, quickly followed by an actor dressed as a member of the Taliban “beheading” him to get the blood Olympics going.

Gwar may best Andrew W.K. now as the band that has played Riot Fest the most over the past 15 seasons, and the droves always come out for their uncensored satirical theater that combines elicit 8th grade boy humor and a bunch of tomfoolery that makes a commentary on the current day’s political environment. This set focused its gaze on the pandemic and mask-wearing for a good chunk while the music honed in on their best-selling 1990 sophomore album “Scumdogs of the Universe,” still in the midst of a 30-year anniversary tour. Though the group doesn’t carry the lineup it did in that era, the current band delivered the goods on “Maggots,” “Sick Of You” and “Death Pod,” which frontman Blothar the Berserker declared hadn’t been played in quite some time.

Les Savy Fav

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Les Savy Fav was another showstopper that has the corner on immersive art punk and physical comedy. Whereas some bands might rely on minimalism in their performances, frontman Tim Harrington is of the belief that everything and anything can be used as a prop or vessel for his show — like a folding table that became a crowd surfboard, or a large black tarp that was commissioned as a giant blanket to roll around in over the heads of the gathered fans.

Harrington is not only a master of the bizarre but he’s also incredibly engaging with his audience, like a comic who knows just who to pick out to become part of his routine. During the set, the singer stole sunglasses off people’s faces, spit water all over another person’s head (assuring it was no big deal since he’s “fully vaxxed”), made a headband out of pink gaffer’s tape plucked from the sound booth and then, best of all, spotted a person holding a mannequin head with a wig that Harrigton then turned into a tail and proceeded to ride a fan like a horse in the photo pit.

Behind him was a solid assortment of musicians that delivered the soundtrack to the escapades with buzzy post-hardcore bangers like “Hide Me From Next February” and “Hold Onto Your Genre.” Harrington’s body warpaint, fully visible when he stripped down to his underwear, was also a colorful display, but perhaps best of all were his temporary tattoos paying homage to a Chicago red hot on his back and the words “deep dish” above his knees.

Check back soon for more.

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A River North hotel clerk was defending himself when he stabbed a New York City firefighter multiple times earlier this week, the clerk’s defense attorney said Saturday.

Cook County prosecutors and defense attorney Matthew Kaplan painted two very different pictures of the altercation that unfolded Thursday afternoon at the FOUND Hotel, 613 N. Wells St.

Joel Brown, who is charged with attempted murder, was behind the front desk when the 29-year-old firefighter and two others tried to check into a room the group said they had reserved, prosecutors and Kaplan said during a bond hearing.

Brown and a witness got into an argument when Brown couldn’t provide the guests access to a room. The firefighter intervened and asked to speak to Brown.

Prosecutors allege Brown challenged the firefighter to a fight before the two went off to a nearby kitchen area to speak. Kaplan accused the firefighter of going behind the front desk and dragging Brown to the kitchen.

The firefighter asked Brown to apologize to his fiancee, both sides said. Prosecutors said Brown punched the firefighter, though Kaplan claimed the firefighter struck first.

The fight intensified from there. The firefighter, who Kaplan said is “approximately a half a foot taller than my client and much larger in stature and size,” allegedly tackled Brown to the ground. A witness kicked Brown and told him to stop, prosecutors said.

Brown ordered the firefighter’s group to get out of the hotel, allegedly throwing their luggage at them. The firefighter threw the items back at the hotel clerk, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors allege Brown grabbed a knife from behind the desk and approached another person in the group. The firefighter went to the person’s defense and was stabbed six times on the left side of his body, according to authorities.

But Kaplan claimed Brown grabbed the knife from a drawer behind the front desk when he was “on his back being battered.”

Kaplan said Brown initially called 911 when the group of New Yorkers refused to leave. Brown called 911 a second time after the stabbing to dispatch paramedics.

Brown stayed at scene until Chicago police officers arrived, both sides said. The firefighter was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.

Kaplan said the self-defense claim is corroborated by a video recording from the hotel and a CBS 2 report that featured witnesses’ accounts.

Brown, a Kenwood Academy grad, is studying audio engineering at Columbia College, Kaplan said. He’s worked at FOUND Hotel for the past six months.

A judge set bail at $75,000 for Brown. He’s expected back in court Sept. 27.

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Here’s a look at some of Saturday’s top sets at Riot Fest 2021:

Gwar

Early Saturday at Riot Fest was the battle of who could bring the better performance art — and it was quite the matchup. Though it was not raining, the poncho army came out for scuzzy intergalactic provocateurs Gwar.

They started things off like they usually do with a big old bloodbath, their first victim being an impersonator of President Joe Biden, though sounding a bit more like JFK or George W. Bush. He mockingly touted his recent accomplishments, including a comment about ending the war in Afghanistan, quickly followed by an actor dressed as a member of the Taliban “beheading” him to get the blood Olympics going.

Gwar may best Andrew W.K. now as the band that has played Riot Fest the most over the past 15 seasons, and the droves always come out for their uncensored satirical theater that combines elicit 8th grade boy humor and a bunch of tomfoolery that makes a commentary on the current day’s political environment. This set focused its gaze on the pandemic and mask-wearing for a good chunk while the music honed in on their best-selling 1990 sophomore album “Scumdogs of the Universe,” still in the midst of a 30-year anniversary tour. Though the group doesn’t carry the lineup it did in that era, the current band delivered the goods on “Maggots,” “Sick Of You” and “Death Pod,” which frontman Blothar the Berserker declared hadn’t been played in quite some time.

Les Savy Fav

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Les Savy Fav was another showstopper that has the corner on immersive art punk and physical comedy. Whereas some bands might rely on minimalism in their performances, frontman Tim Harrington is of the belief that everything and anything can be used as a prop or vessel for his show — like a folding table that became a crowd surfboard, or a large black tarp that was commissioned as a giant blanket to roll around in over the heads of the gathered fans.

Harrington is not only a master of the bizarre but he’s also incredibly engaging with his audience, like a comic who knows just who to pick out to become part of his routine. During the set, the singer stole sunglasses off people’s faces, spit water all over another person’s head (assuring it was no big deal since he’s “fully vaxxed”), made a headband out of pink gaffer’s tape plucked from the sound booth and then, best of all, spotted a person holding a mannequin head with a wig that Harrigton then turned into a tail and proceeded to ride a fan like a horse in the photo pit.

Behind him was a solid assortment of musicians that delivered the soundtrack to the escapades with buzzy post-hardcore bangers like “Hide Me From Next February” and “Hold Onto Your Genre.” Harrington’s body warpaint, fully visible when he stripped down to his underwear, was also a colorful display, but perhaps best of all were his temporary tattoos paying homage to a Chicago red hot on his back and the words “deep dish” above his knees.

Check back soon for more.

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Day 3 of Riot Fest is underway at Douglass Park.

On the bill today: Vic Mensa, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Gogol Bordello, Dropkick Murphys and Run the Jewels, among others.

There are plenty of COVID-19 safety protocols in place for the festival including hand sanitizing and hand-washing stations throughout the park, and an onsite COVID vaccination station (courtesy of St. Anthony Hospital; Pfizer and J&J vaccines only). In addition, all attendees must show proof of a full vaccination or negative COVID test results from within 48 hours, along with a photo ID.

A carnival provides a break from the music. And if you’re so inclined, a free onsite wedding chapel is available for those looking to tie the knot.

Sunday’s lineup will include Anthrax, Devo, Slipknot, Gwar, the Flaming Lips and Machine Gun Kelly.

But first, here’s a look at some of the sights and sounds of Day 3, from Sun-Times photographer Ashlee Rezin:

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Tim Harrington, of Les Savy Fav, performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Fans cheer as Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Fans cheer as Gwar performs on Day 3 of Riot Fest in Douglass Park, Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, 2021. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Check back soon for more.

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