Locals Rock Lolla
If there's any one unified complaint I've noticed from Chicago area music journalists against Lollapalooza, it's this – Not enough Chi-town representation. Without jumping on the bandwagon, might we make a helpful suggestion? How's about a special stage for local acts next time? That way the roster could be beefier and the locals will be satisfied. It's a win-win! But enough about 2010. The 2009 Lollapalooza lineup featured some local luminaries, and some acts with deep Chicago roots. The city of wind had plenty to cheer about, even though they had to seek the hometown acts out.
Perry's, Chicago Style
The local love began at Perry's with an electro rave by Dark Wave Disco. Dark Wave Disco has been a Chicago institution since 2005, best described as a "hipster A-Team" known for getting the party started like nobody's biz. The weather certainly wasn't cooperating with their efforts, it rained throughout their set. But the good vibes acted like an umbrella. And the infectious happiness of the people underscored a basic truth – everyone's nicer in the Midwest. For real. Instead of a stank "OMG I'm wet and miserable" attitude, there was frolicking in the rain, laughter, and some hardcore boogying down. Umbrellas and ponchos became accessories to the bacchanalia.
A Bit of Mood Music
Once the rain stopped on Friday, a chill set in. But that didn't stop legions of fans to come out for the violin-strumming experimentations of local brainiac heartthrob Andrew Bird. (Trust us, the girls were wild for him.) And who can blame them? Bird has talent out the wazoo, is nerd-cute and played the rainy evening in his socks. He danced in place while switching between his guitar and violin, and between his haunting, heart-stirring whistling and soaring vocals, singing his terrifically witty, highly-poetic songs. Those who didn't already have a crush on Bird surely did once his set was complete. Just more competition for the rest of us.
You Punks!
Straight edge. PETA-friendly. Ultra liberal. And punk as all get out. The members of Rise Against were born and raised to rep Chi-city, and they rocked the bejeezus outta their hometown on Saturday evening. The heat had subsided some, and there was no better band to get the audience revved up for the madness that was Tool's performance. Rise Against's frontman Tim McIlrath gave credit where it was due. Giving thanks to Chicago, he declared "we wouldn't be a band without you," and gave shoutouts to Grant Park while grinding through a high energy set chock full of crowd pleasers like "State of the Union," "Blood to Bleed," and "Dancing For Rain," which was more appropriate for Friday's weather. Still, nobody left this set disappointed.
Second City Strumming
Neko Case is a stunning Canadian songstress, but she famously left Canada, then Seattle, and settled in Chicago in an effort to find a city that loves local artists. She got exactly what she was looking for here, and fans came out in droves to settle in for her mellow, lush, inspiring set. Neko Case is an accomplished musician who spans genres from punk to "country noir," as her Blacklisted album is often described. Case stuck closely to her latest release Middle Cyclone, and made the audience smile at songs like "People Got a Lotta Nerve," and older songs like "Deep Red Bells." Case kept her set mellow, engaged the crowd warmly and lovingly, and got a lot of love in return.
A Little Love for the Newbie
Local troubadour Joe Pug earned himself a spot on the Lolla lineup based on the strength of one indie EP. Overnight he's become a singer with buzz, but local fans pshaw the accolades he's been receiving recently. Pug's been building a reputation in Chicago for three years now. He presented his brand of folk pop to a dwindling audience who fled the heat and booked it for the concession stands, but turned in an accomplished and enjoyable set and definitely won over new fans, despite the sweltering Saturday afternoon sunshine.
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