_edited.png)
Pitchforks’ 16th annual music festival hosted in Union Park has officially come to an end, so to wrap it all up here are my top 5 moments from the weekend.
Parquet Courts’ Andrew Savage performing on Friday. (UIC Radio)
5. Parquet Courts
Parquet Courts are an American rock band consisting of Andrew Savage (vocals, guitar), Austin Brown (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Sean Yeaton (bass, vocals), and Max Savage (drums). I have always liked their music, but I would never have considered myself a super fan. After an amazing set on Friday that had the crowd in a mosh pit while it was raining— this was definitely the performance that set the tone for the rest of the festival.
CupcakKe during her set on Saturday (UIC Radio)
4. CupcakKe
CupcakKe was an artist that I and many others were disappointed to see so high on the day 2 list of performances. Obviously it’s great to have a talented opener but I would argue CupcakKe was way overqualified. She drew a massive crowd to the red stage considering she was only the second performer of the day and gave an absolutely epic performance. The audience was promised that it would be the “most sexual set in this b****” and we were not let down. Amazing energy, and amazing talent, this Chicago native definitely set festival goers up for a great day 2 at Pitchfork.
Lucy Dacus during her set on Saturday. (UIC Radio)
3. Lucy Dacus
Lucy Dacus performed on what was informally dubbed ‘Sad Girl Saturday.’ Sandwiched between artists like Magdalena Bay, Japanese Breakfast, and headliner Mitski— it’s easy to see how the day got its name. I am a huge fan of Lucy and her set was a performance I was really looking forward to. The first thing I immediately took note of as she walked onto stage was the pastel rainbow outfit that juxtaposed the emotionally charged songs she is known for. Her vocals throughout the set were stunning especially on songs like “Thumbs,” and her closer “Night Shift.” She even did a cover of Cher’s “Believe” which she performed live for the first time at Pitchfork. This was an emotional experience that I will never forget.
The Nationals’ Aaron Dessner performing on Friday. (UIC Radio)
2. The National
Day 1 headliner, The National, capped off the night with an incredible performance that truly celebrated the worlds ‘official’ return to live music following the pandemic. This was a set that truly was best experienced with everyone in the audience that night. Opening with “Don’t Swallow The Cap,” their set included fan favorites like “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” “England,” and “Fake Empire.” Lead singer Matt Berninger even made his way down to the audience and weaved through the crowd while audience members helped guide his mic cord around the field. It was such an emotional and unifying experience. It was exactly what this moment needed and The National did not fail to deliver.
Tariq Trotter also known as Black Thought, of The Roots, performing on Sunday night. (UIC Radio)
1. The Roots
I hate to admit it, but before seeing their performance on the last night of the festival, I was one of a handful of people confidently boasting that the only thing I knew about The Roots was that they were the band on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I am here to announce that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Every single member of the group performed with such technical perfection I could have been convinced that they were pre recorded holograms on the stage. The stamina of the entire band was so impressive as they weaved in and out of songs barely taking a few breaths between each number before moving on to the next. They played a full 80 minute set but it seemed as though they got more energy as their performance continued. Dynamic, powerful, electrifying, life-changing. I will be spending the rest of my summer catching up on everything The Roots related that I have clearly been missing out on.
Comments