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Pitchfork Fest Day 3 Highlights

Another year at Union Park has come and gone, with many standout moments in between Friday afternoon and Sunday night. By the time Sunday rolled around, the crowd at Pitchfork had definitely dwindled down (three days of nonstop music can really get to you), but the performances were still topnotch. If you missed the festival and didn't opt to have Pitchfork couch party with the live streams, here's what you missed at the final day of Pitchfork!

Kilo Kish Got Theatrical

The LA based multi-talented Kilo Kish opened up the festival on Sunday, getting a little theatrical on The Green Stage. As Kish took the stage, it almost felt more like a Broadway musical was about to begin, rather than a festival performance. Kish's work as a visual artist definitely bled through into her performance as a musician. The multi-faceted and dynamic performance also featured dancing from Kish and she remained emotive while singing, which made for a perfectly well-rounded start to Sunday at Pitchfork.

One of the many expressive faces made by Kilo Kish

One of the many expressive faces made by Kilo Kish

Danny Pudi Watched NE-HI

Chicago's own NE-HI had quite the draw at The Green Stage despite their early slot at 2:30PM on the last day of the festival. Among the thrones of locals coming out to support their own, actor and comedian Danny Pudi, who is best known for his role on Community, was spotted watching NE-HI's set. Regardless of their audience, NE-HI gave the same energetic performance they always do, with guitarist Michael Wells doing his signature high jumps and lead singer and guitarist Jason Balla throwing himself around the stage as he strummed his guitar. If you missed NE-HI at Pitchfork, catch them in the fall with fellow Chicagoans Whitney. 

Jason Balla of NE-HI

Jason Balla of NE-HI

Vic Mensa and Towkio Crashed Joey Purp's Set

Things got rowdy by 4PM on Sunday when Joey Purp took the stage with the support of his DJ Knox Fortune, Peter CottonTale of The Social Experiment, and a whole lot of bass. The crowd at The Blue Stage immediately went wild, reciting the Chicago based rapper's words back to him. During Purp's set, fellow Chicago rappers Vic Mensa and Towkio made a surprise appearance. Purp's set highlighted the collaborative nature of the Chicago music scene. 

Joey Purp rapping to a packed crowd 

Joey Purp rapping to a packed crowd 

Pinegrove Practically Hosted a Singalong

Some music festivals draw people in for the fashion or the non-music activities, but at Pitchfork most of the folks are there simply to enjoy their favorite bands. While devoted music fans staked out to see their favorite artists all weekend, none seemed more dedicated than those that watched the New Jersey natives of Pinegrove perform on Sunday evening. From the instant that lead singer Evan Stephens Hall sang the first note, the audience became a backing choir, loudly singing along to every word in songs like "Old Friends" and "Then Again." Hall fed the energy right back the enthusiastic crowd, giving a passionate performance. 

Evan Stephens Hall mirroring the energy of the crowd 

Evan Stephens Hall mirroring the energy of the crowd 

Jamila Woods Got Moved To The Main Stage

Another Chicago artist at Pitchfork this year, Jamila Woods got a much deserved stage bump on Sunday evening when her set got moved from The Blue Stage to The Green Stage. Unfortunately, The Avalanches had to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency, so the poet and singer songwriter filled in for their slot on the main stage. Many fans had camped out all day to see Solange, and they got treated to an elegant and well-rounded performance featuring Wood's silky vocals and her boisterous backup singers. The Chicago music scene is alive and well thanks to talented songwriters like Woods, and we can't wait to see what else 2017 has in store for her.

Jamila Woods singing in the sunshine 

Jamila Woods singing in the sunshine 


The festival may be over, but our coverage isn't! Stay tuned for a full photo gallery of the entire weekend, coming tomorrow, and check out our social media for some sneak peeks at photos. Also make sure to checkout our highlights from the first and second day. 

Pitchfork Fest Day 2 Highlights

After and eventful first day at Pitchfork 2017, we returned to Union Park for another full day of music. During the second day, we managed to watch more than ten bands, but here are the moments that stood out as the top five highlights!


Jeff Rosenstock Became Obsessed Over The Wave

Brooklyn based punk rocker Jeff Rosenstock had the crowd at The Red Stage getting rowdy before the clock struck 2PM on Saturday. From the get go, Rosenstock expressed his elation about his band being invited to play at Pitchfork, even joking at one point that the person who invited his band to play must have gotten fired. Early on in his set, Rosenstock requested that the huge crowd did the wave, shortly after asking, "What if we do a converging wave, and when it gets to the center, everyone just does spirit fingers?" (The crowd happily obliged again). Rosenstock kept the crowd hooked for the remainder of his set with his humorous stage presence and lighthearted songs that had the crowd screaming back the lyrics. If you didn't roll out of bed on time to see him yesterday, catch him tonight at The Beat Kitchen!

Jeff Rosenstock rocking The Red Stage 

Jeff Rosenstock rocking The Red Stage 

Cherry Glazerr Crawled On Stage

Los Angeles based rock band Cherry Glazzer played a very sold out show at Schubas Tavern on Friday in advance of their Pitchfork Fest performance, and as one of the buzziest bands around at the moment, it's no surprise The Blue Stage viewing area filled up quickly for their 2:45PM show. Known for her outlandish stage presence, lead singer Clementine Creevy entered the stage by crawling to her mic stand. As the performance continued, Creevy continued her boisterous antics, making faces at the crowd and working the entire stage. Definitely one of the most entertaining sets at Pitchfork so far, Cherry Glazerr is a band you don't want to miss live. 

Clementine Creevy crawling onstage

Clementine Creevy crawling onstage

Mitski Was So Grateful She Almost Cried 

"I can't thank you enough," Mitski told the crowd early on during her afternoon set, which followed Cherry Glazerr's show at The Blue Stage. Although she's quite the contrast to the over-the-top Cherry Glazerr set, Mitski drew in a massive crowd with her mellow narratives, which provided a nice break from the fast-paced day.  Mitski first mesmerized the crowd with her soft, ethereal vocals, but quickly showed off her chops when the pace gradually picked up and she held out a roaring note towards the end of her set. Mitski reiterated her appreciation of the crowd saying, "This has been my dream since I was a little girl," her voice wavering with her thanks. If you missed Mitski's compelling set, she'll be back in October with The Pixies. 

Mitski singing her heartfelt songs 

Mitski singing her heartfelt songs 

Francis Climbed a Tree 

Francis Farewell Starlite, the man behind Francis and the Lights, has collaborated with everyone from Bon Iver, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper, recently remixing his song "May I Have This Dance" with the latter. That new collaboration coupled with Chance's tendency to show up announced at Chicago festivals had the crowd buzzing with rumors about a Chancis (Francis + Chance) performance. Although Chance never did end up joining Francis during his set, Francis kept the crowd glued to him the entire time, darting around from one end of the empty stage to the next as he sang over his tracks like "See Her Out (Thats Just Life)" and "I Want You To Shake" from his debut album Farewell, Starlite!  Towards the end of his set, Francis took the energy up a notch, climbing a rig on the side of the stage and eventually making his way over to a tree next to the stage to climb that. Francis's Pitchfork performance reinforced his captivating stage presence as a musician and as an entertainer. 

Francis and the trees

Francis and the trees

A Tribe Called Quest Brought On Nostalgia 

Although it's been a while since they've toured and the iconic 80's hip hop group lost one of their founding members Phife Dawg last year, when A Tribe Called Quest hit the stage at 8:30PM Saturday, the energy at Union Park reached an all time high. Festival goers of all ages could be spotted screaming the lyrics back to the stage, which was lit up by the constantly-changing graphics and videos designed for this farewell tour by A Tribe Called Quest. The remaining members of the tribe also paid tribute to Phife Dawg, leaving an empty mic stand on stage in his memory. The nostalgic performance wrapped up about two minutes before the noise curfew of the festival and left the crowd wandering out of the park in awe of the historic performance. 

A Tribe Called Quest making their Chicago comeback

A Tribe Called Quest making their Chicago comeback


Day 2 also included incredible performances from Vagabon, PJ Harvey, Angel Olsen, and more. Stay tuned for a photo gallery of the whole weekend, featuring photos of performances across the entire weekend, and follow along on our socials for real time updates of the third and final day of Pitchfork!

PHOTOS: WEST FEST 2017

Undoubtedly the best Chicago street fest line up of the summer, the Empty Bottle Presents stage at West Fest hosted a wide variety of musicians over the course of the July 7th-9th weekend. Although the stage's lineup also included more established acts like Har Mar Superstar and Local H, our favorite sets included Chicagoans Post Animal and DEHD. If you couldn't attend the festival, get a glimpse of what you missed with our photo gallery featuring both of the aforementioned bands as well as Woods and Palehound! 

Post Animal and Co. Rocks the Pants off the Subterranean

“Playing Subterranean has been a long time coming for us,” said bassist and vocalist, Dalton Allison prior to his band, Post Animal, headlining the sold-out Wicker Park venue on Monday, July 10. The show was very much a homecoming for Allison, Jake Hirshland (guitar, keys, vocals), Matt Williams (guitar, vocals), Javi Reyes (guitar, vocals) and Wesley Toledo (drums)— who have been in the wet, sticky center of a summer-length, nationwide tour.

Photo Credit: Rachel Zyzda 

Photo Credit: Rachel Zyzda 

Presented by ANCHR Magazine & KickstandProductions, the 17+ show featured a full bill of five acts all in benefit of the ACLU. Right before Post Animal took stage, evening organizer and ANCHR editor, Rachel Zyzda, announced that the overzealous and very sweaty crowd had helped raise over $4,000.

The night had been slowly building to this celebratory moment. Revivalist pysch jams by Condor & Jaybird and Jude Shuma had the psychedelic-wallpaper-clad crowd bobbing and swaying like a lava lamp. To compliment the music, Olivia Oyamada, Emily Schexnayder and Haley Sumnicht (collaboratively known as EO Lightshow) used colored oils and overhead projectors (the same your teacher used in middle school) to cast drippy light and moving patterns on the stage backdrop. This mix of sound and visuals peaked with The Evening Attraction and Post Animal, each ratcheting the dials on their amps and the body temps of the tightly packed crowd.

The venue’s industrial fans did little to cool an enthusiastic head-banging and crowd-surfing group. By the time Post Animal took stage near 11pm, Subterranean was near bedlam. From the opening, riff-heavy stomper (from yet-to-be-released new album) to their heaviest song—by far—“You Were Not There” it was apparent Post Animal—and the crowd—were hell-bent on rocking out.

“In the last year, we’ve realized we wanted to lean more towards heavy rock and rock and roll,” said guitarist and keyboardist Jake Hirshland. “It’s kind of an identity change for us, not a huge change, but definitely a change in identity over the last year.” The shift is evident in their live show. Having seen the band for Water Activity shows at venues such as Schubas and Double Door, the transformation from swaying psychedelic rock to full on rock and roll is striking—but welcomed. All culminating in a Chicago show with enough energy to power an Edison bulb. Post Animal had the crowd in its hairy paw, with kids crowd surfing and romping into one another like moths to said bulb. Beads of sweat flung in the air as heads bobbed. And I left immediately after the closer—for it was long past my bedtime.

Those outside of Chicago can still catch Post Animal with The Evening Attraction on their current tour.


Can't get enough Post Animal? Check out the video for their latest single "Special Moment" below, and revisit our interview with them here. 

Stay tuned for a full photo gallery of the benefit show by Jennifer Machuca

PHOTOS: Twin Peaks at Taste of Chicago 7.7.17

Hometown heroes Twin Peaks played their last show in Chicago on Friday before they head off on a month-long European tour. Although the seated show at Taste of Chicago made for a pretty tame crowd, the band still delivered an energetic performance, supporting headliner Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. Check out the full gallery of Twin Peaks' performance below! 

Chicago, Twin Peaks will be DJing at Culture Collide's Lolla kickoff party with Mac DeMarco. RSVP for the free show here. The band will also be touring with Spoon in the fall and playing Audiotree Festival! Check out all of their tour dates here and listen to their live LP Urbs in Horto below. 

PHOTOS: Dem Yuut and Now, Now at Lincoln Hall 7/7

Minneapolis based bands DEM YUUT and Now, Now shared the Lincoln Hall stage this past Friday evening to deliver a rare performance on their short cross-country tour. New project DEM YUUT kicked off the evening, bringing their unique and experimental sound to the Chicago venue. Members of DEM YUUT later joined Now, Now for one of their first live shows in three years. Check out the photo gallery of the evening and stay tuned for an interview with DEM YUUT. 

Now, Now continues their US tour throughout the week, with shows still left on the east and west coasts. Check out all of the remaining dates and grab tickets here. Now, Now will also return to Illinois for Pygmalion Fest in September. Get ready for their upcoming shows by listening to their newest single, SGL. 

PHOTOS: Wolf Alice at Schubas Tavern

Wolf Alice made their live comeback in Chicago, after taking a hiatus from the road to write and record their new album Visions of a Life. Their intimate set at Schubas Tavern included brand new, live debuts of a few songs from the upcoming album. Check out the photo gallery and the set list from the night! 

The Set List

  1. Don't Delete The Kisses
  2. Bros
  3. You're a Germ
  4. Yuk Foo
  5. Lisbon
  6. Planet Hunter
  7. Visions of a Life
  8. Blush
  9. Beautifully Unconventional 
  10. Heavenward
  11. Silk
  12. Fluffy
  13. Giant Peach
  14. Moaning Lisa Smile 

PHOTOS: Summerfest July 5th

We headed back to Milwaukee for Summerfest on Wednesday, July 5th. Check out the photo gallery featuring Girl Talk and Felly. 

PHOTOS: Go Fest Featuring Bleachers, MUNA, Mutemath, and The Naked and Famous

7 Must-See Acts To Catch at Pitchfork

Headliners Solange, A Tribe Called Quest, and LCD Soundsystem close out each night at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival. While we're excited to see these incredible acts who all contribute their own artistry in addition to great music, we're equally as excited to catch these seven non-headlining acts during the annual Pitchfork Fest next week. With so many talented musicians playing over the course of three days, it's hard to narrow down our picks, but these are the acts on the very top our list. 

Francis and the Lights

If you couldn't tell from our Eaux Claires highlights, we're big fans of Francis Farewell Starlite and his work. Certain parts of his debut album may be an acquired taste, but once you dive into Farewell, Stalite! it's hard to come up for air from the addictive melodies and Starlite's distinct vocals, which have drawn some comparisons to Peter Gabriel. In recent years, Francis has also collaborated with Kanye, Justin Vernon, and Chance The Rapper. Besides his massive stage presence and smooth dance moves, you may just want to catch Francis's set for the possibility of guest performers. Chance has been showing up during his set at festivals throughout the summer, and at Eaux Claires, Francis invited some of the crowd up onstage to have a dance with him. To make sure you're in on all the fun, catch him Saturday at 5:15 on The Blue Stage. 

Credit: Rachel Zyzda

Credit: Rachel Zyzda

For Fans Of: Bon Iver, James Blake, Blood Orange

Start With: "See Her Out (Thats Just Life)" and "May I Have This Dance"


NE-HI

It's been a whirlwind of a year for the Chicago four-piece NE-HI...putting out their sophomore album Offers in February (including an exclusive vinyl version at Shuga Records), performing on JBTV, and now playing one of the biggest festivals in their hometown after touring consistently. The group effortlessly encapsulates the vintage, fuzzy rock sound and feel-good melodies that has become such a signature feel of Chicago rock'n'roll music. That sound coupled with their high energy performances makes them a must-see on the final day of Pitchfork. Catch them Sunday at 2:30 on The Green Stage. They'll also be playing a special Pitchfork after show at Lincoln Hall on July 15th. Grab tickets here. 

Credit: Bryan Allen Lamb

Credit: Bryan Allen Lamb

For Fans Of: The Walters, Twin Peaks, White Reaper

Start With: "Stay Young" and "Sisters"


Priests

This post-punk group from Washington, D.C always pushes the limits on their sound, delivering a refreshing and sonically diverse debut album Nothing Feels Natural this past January. Since then, Priests has been perfecting their high energy set while touring relentlessly. Catch them bright and early Friday at 1:45 on The Green Stage. They'll also be performing Saturday, July 15th at Schubas Tavern; grab your tickets here. 

Credit: Audrey Melton

Credit: Audrey Melton

For Fans Of: Chastity Belt, Sheer Mag, Bully 

Start With: "JJ" and "Appropriate" 


Frankie Cosmos

Fronted by Greta Kline, who has adopted the stage name Frankie Cosmos, this outfit from NYC craft dreamy, indie pop tunes perfect for a festival. The upbeat melodies paired with Kline's ethereal vocals on songs from their two albums Zentropy and Next Thing will be sure to get the crowd dancing. Don't miss them on Friday at 5:15 on The Blue Stage. Frankie Cosmos will also be performing alongside Hoops at The Virgin Hotels on Friday evening. Get the scoop on that show here. 

Credit: Matthew James-Wilson

Credit: Matthew James-Wilson

For Fans Of: Japanese Breakfast, Alvvays, Diet Cig

Start With: "Young" and "Fool"


Pinegrove

Another east coast group, Pinegrove, has been all over the place this year, touring in support of their 2016 record Cardinal. The album features a raw approach to capturing frontman Evan Stephens Hall's vocals; their sound standing out from other indie rock outfits thanks to their slight country twang. The New Jersey band has also become known for their evolving live lineups consisting of many of their multi-talented bandmates, like Nandi Rose Plunkett, who fronts her own project called Half Waif. Regardless of their set up, their show at Pitchfork is one you won't want to miss. Catch them Sunday at 5:15 on The Blue Stage. 

Courtesy of Brace Yourself PR

Courtesy of Brace Yourself PR

For Fans Of: (Sandy) Alex G, LVL UP,  Whitney

Start With: "Old Friends" and "New Friends" 


Angel Olsen 

The Chicago via St. Louis singer-songwriter Angel Olsen puts a raw and retro spin on her building and often brooding narratives. Her newest album My Woman  has received rave reviews from both fans and critics, and Olsen has just announced another tour in the Fall to follow up her current festival run. Her show at Pitchfork will undoubtedly be one of the most captivating performances of the festival. Catch Olsen's performance Saturday at 6:15 on The Green Stage.  

Credit: Amanda Marsalis

Credit: Amanda Marsalis

For Fans Of: Mitski, Molly Burch, Big Thief 

Start With: "Unfucktheworld" and "Shut Up Kiss Me"


Vagabon

With her soft yet powerful vocals that instantly hook listeners, Lætitia Tamko (aka Vagabon) will be sure to deliver a compelling set at Pitchfork. Although it's only eight tracks long, the New York based multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter takes listeners on a winding sonic journey during her latest album Infinite Words. You can experience these visceral songs by catching Vagabon on Saturday at 1:00 at The Green Stage. Vagabon will also be performing at The Beat Kitchen on July 15th (tickets here) and The Virgin Hotel on July 16th. 

Katie Thompson

Katie Thompson

For Fans Of: Jay Som, Daughter, Girlpool

Start With: "Fear & Force" and "Cold Apartment"


Check out the entire schedule for Pitchfork Festival here to plan out your entire weekend, and don't forget to check our gig calendar for all of the after shows too! 3 day passes for Pitchfork are still on sale, starting at $175. Grab them here.