Chicago always has a diverse array of music festivals to explore all sides of your personality. You can go rave at Spring Awakening Festival in June, exhaust yourself from partying at Lollapalooza in August, and mosh your way into the hearts of many at Riot Fest in September. One of the more laid back and trendy festivals you will encounter in the city is Pitchfork Music Festival, which will be taking place from July 20 through July 22 at Union Park this year. This year Pitchfork has one of the most diverse lineups I’ve ever seen, which will ultimately bring the strangest array of people together in musical harmony. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of what we can expect during the festival.
Friday-OGWGKTA Takeover
Friday almost seems like Adult Swim sponsored it with the alt-hip hop, lo-fi additions we see on the first day of the festival. We see two members from Odd Future taking the main stages that day with Earl Sweathirt and Syd. Fellow Chicagoan Open Mike Eagle is also a notable act to go see that day, his infectious experimental style is sure to make a stellar impression on attendees who aren’t familiar with him and excite those who are.
Saturday-Ladies Night
Although Fleet Foxes is headlining the pack for the evening, Saturday is truly all about the ladies. Songstress Kelela is a Pitchfork veteran, but will be returning to the stage this time for a headlining spot. Kelela has definitely made quite the unique imprint on the music scene with her atmospheric and buttery vocals, so it comes as no surprise that she will be one of the most anticipated acts of the night. Zola Jesus will cover the experimental side of things with her macabre lo-fi style. With her latest album Okovi, she received Best New Album from Pitchfork, so it is only natural that Pitchfork brought her on for the 2018 festival. Alt-rock duo Girlpool is also on the bill for the day. Comprised of Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad, their melodic and breezy style will be a memorable experience on a hopefully gorgeous summer day.
Sunday-Legends in the Forecast
Sunday will be pretty legendary and will also bring out probably one of the most diverse music festival crowds that you will ever see. The headliner of the evening will be none other than ‘The Queen of Funk’ herself, Chaka Khan. Although Chicago hometown hero Chaka Khan hasn’t dropped a new project since 2007 she has a lifetime of work to make for an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime set in the city that holds her heart. Ms. Lauryn Hill will also be hitting the stage for an exciting The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary performance (screams in fangirl).
Be sure to grab tickets to the Pitchfork Music Festival on their website.
