Entering its thirteenth year as an annual summer music festival, Pitchfork Music Festival looks to continue it’s promise of on-brand entertainment that fans and followers have come to expect from the publication. Returning to Chicago’s Union Park, just outside the heart of the city, the festival boasts an impressive line-up of seasoned and up-and-coming acts from a variety of genres. With a strong and endearing line-up, here’s what you can expect from the festival to ensure you get the best Pitchfork experience:
FRIDAY
Tame Impala:
After playing as a high-card act at the similarly Chicago based Lollapalooza in 2015, Tame Impala makes their Pitchfork debut with a headlining set on Friday night. The acclaimed psychedelic rock group fronted by Kevin Parker has been relatively quiet since they dropped their latest album, “Currents,” in 2015. Could they be planning on debuting new music during their set? It seems uncertain at this point, but their performance is sure to deliver more of their signature brand of dreamy psychedelia that fans have come to know and love.
What Else to Expect:
Friday proves to be a strong start to the festival, with an abundance of indie rock and hip hop acts. Saba, Open Mike Eagle, and Tierra Whack are all scheduled to perform Friday night, each with their own distinct voice in modern hip hop. Syd of “The Internet” fame also has a solo performance scheduled for the evening. Indie rockers Julien Baker and Big Thief also have sets planned for the night, in addition to indietronica act Mount Kimbie. Before Tame Impala closes the night, Courtney Barnett is slated for a performance with plenty of new music, following her latest two studio records within the past year.
SATURDAY
Fleet Foxes:
Last year was a big one for the Seattle based indie folk outfit. They released their first album, “Crack-Up,” since their hiatus in 2012, and concluded a worldwide tour in promotion of the record. Marking their third appearance at the festival, their headlining performance is sure to be a defining moment of the festival.
What Else To Expect:
Saturday looks to be a great day to catch a number of emerging acts in the indie scene. Art pop acts Circuit Des Yeux, Zola Jesus, and Moses Sumney all seem like strong choices for festival goers. In the realm of modern R&B, both Kelela and Blood Orange are slated to perform, with the latter likely teasing cuts off of his forthcoming fourth record. The female fronted Girl Pool is set to perform Saturday afternoon following last year’s “Powerplant.” The evening also promises a lot of memorable performances, including a special performance by the landmark 80’s post-punk group This Heat (performing under the pseudonym This is Not This Heat) and a set from The War on Drugs, featuring their signature blend of indie rock and Americana.
SATURDAY
Lauryn Hill:
One of the most notable and elusive voices in contemporary R&B, Lauryn Hill concludes the festival with a headlining performance on Sunday night. Her performance celebrates the 20th anniversary of her iconic debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and promises to perform the album in its entirety. Don’t be surprised if the founding Fugees’ member throws some of her old hits in there as well.
What Else To Expect:
While the festival wraps up on Sunday, it is far from falling short in terms of quality entertainment. Alternative hip-hop acts Smino and Noname, are sure to impress alongside the wildly successful DRAM of “Broccoli” fame. Not to be confused, Japanese Breakfast and Japandroids are both set to perform their distinct respective visions of dream pop and noise rock. Chicago local Ravyn Lenae is also slated to perform following the release of last year’s acclaimed “Crush” EP. Finally, festival goers can expect an all out dance party for the legacy performance by Chaka Khan, full of the colorful sounds of disco and funk.
All in all, this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival appears to be on of the strongest in recent memory. Taking place this weekend in Chicago’s Union Park, its a festival that any fan of indie rock/hip-hop won’t want to miss. Limited tickets are still available so make sure to grab them while you still can!
