The summer heat finally made it to Chicago, just in time for this weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park. The festival staple will return from July 19th through the 21st and will host a diverse line-up of fan-favorites, up-and-comers, and local talent ranging from twee indie pop to rap to Japanese disco-punk. What we’re trying to say is that there’s a lot to take in over the course of Pitchfork 2019‘s three days. To help sort through an incredible line-up, we’re sharing some of our Midwest-centric favorites day-by-day.
Let’s start with Friday:
Great Black Music Ensemble | 1:00PM at the Green Stage
Arrive right on time, and start the entire weekend with elements of jazz, funk, reggae, swing, and whatever else The Great Black Music Ensemble throws at you. Pitchfork always does a great job booking their festival, finding cool, local acts that might be a step outside of the box for the average attendee.
Valee | 3:20PM at the Red Stage
Although we’re expecting to hear Valee’s hit “Womp Womp,” the Chicago rapper released a surprise EP just this past June which is full of total bangers. Runnin’ Rich (released via GOOD Music) features fellow Chicagoans Vic Mensa, G Herbo, and King Louie.
Grapetooth | 4:00PM at the Blue Stage
Grapetooth’s self-titled debut was a personal favorite from 2018, and now they’re bringing this Polyvinyl release to Pitchfork’s Blue stage. We’re hope to hear album standouts “Red Wine,” “Trouble,” and “Violent” during their performance and can only hope that their cool, synthy tunes offer some respite during a toasty weekend.
Mavis Staples | 7:25PM at the Red Stage
Chicago-born and raised soul singer Mavis Staples just celebrated her 80th birthday last week and damn does she have a lot to celebrate. A 70-year career (as a solo artist and with The Staples Singers), a slough of top 40 hits, and most recently a new album (We Get By) produced by Ben Harper. Don’t miss the legend herself as she performs Friday night on the red stage.
Low | 7:45PM at the Blue Stage
The Duluth, Minnesota trio is making their way to Union Park to build soundscapes and send us into another dimension. Their most recent release, Double Negative, dropped last September to critical acclaim. I’m looking forward to hearing these tracks live, as I anticipate they’ll feel massive.
Stay tuned throughout the week for more of our “Pitchfork Must-Sees” and be sure to keep up with us this weekend as we post photos and other goodies from the festival grounds. And of course, visit us as we table at the CHIRP Record Fair!
Pitchfork Music Festival Official | Full Lineup & Schedule | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram