Summer in Chicago is fleeting from the day it begins, and every year we’re met with the challenge of soaking it all up. We dine al fresco while we can before that first glacial chill sweeps through, and we do not take for granted the luxury of leaving the house without a coat on. It’s no secret that this town and her people transform in the summer. Combine this annual frenzy with the pent-up energy from a skipped year, and if you’re anything like me you’ve had a little too much fun. But there’s another exciting reunion coming up before we close for the season, and that is this weekend’s return of Pitchfork Music Festival to Chicago’s Union Park.
This year’s festival already looks a little different than is has in the past: its been pushed back to September 10-12 from its usual steamy July weekend, and proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or negative Covid-19 test results will be required to attend. As for the music, the headliners this year are a refreshing show of feminine energy with both veterans and newcomers, including Phoebe Bridgers, Kim Gordon, Angel Olsen, St. Vincent, and Erykah Badu.
We know we’ll be treated to very cool sets from the above powerhouses, but one reason why we love Pitchfork is because of the newer acts they introduce us to. Here are a few reasons to show up bright and early each day at noon when the fest begins.
Friday
black midi
4:15 – Green Stage
The unpredictable UK rock band is returning to Pitchfork after a show at the 2019 festival with a new album to play from. Cavalcade came out in May, and you can preview “Cruising” below.
The Fiery Furnaces
5:15 – Red Stage
Talk about reunions, Oak Park natives and siblings Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger and their band are back after a 9-year hiatus, and have recently signed a new record deal with Third Man Records.
Saturday
Divino Nino
2:30 – Green Stage
The Columbian Chicago natives have more than earned their spot at Pitchfork with a wonderful blend of dream-pop sounds and bi-lingual lyrics.
Jamila Woods
6:30 - Blue Stage
If it sounds like I’m biased toward Chicago musicians it’s because I absolutely am. Jamila Woods is Chicago’s own poet, community organizer, collaborator, and solo artist with an addicting, laid back R&B sound.
Sunday
oso oso
2:45 – Blue Stage
Long Island’s Jade Lilitri performs under oso oso with a sweltering pop-punk via singer-songwriter approach.
The Weather Station
4:00 – Blue Stage
Tamara Lindeman leads the jazz band with commanding yet soft vocals, and bursts of bright, brassy chaos, as they play from their 5th studio album Ignorance, released earlier this year.
Andy Shauf
6:30 – Blue Stage
We’ve been wanting to all get together and have a good cry, and Andy Shauf’s raw vulnerability already has me tearing up.
View the full lineup and schedule here.
3 Day General Admission passes have sold out, but single day passes are still available, and can be purchased here.