Pitchfork Music Festival: Where Diversity, Talent, and Good Vibes Converge

Pitchfork, a three-day music festival held annually at Union Park in Chicago, is an eagerly anticipated event that draws a diverse array of artists from various backgrounds, both locally and internationally. This packed weekend extravaganza was a delightful celebration of music, emotions, and unforgettable performances that leaves attendees buzzing with excitement.

With an abundance of shops, the Renegade fair presents a treasure trove of clothing, vinyl records, and other unique items. The food was all local restaurants ranging from pizza to ice cream, to brisket mac and cheese and so much more.

While the weather was a bit unpredictable at times, the Pitchfork team handled these situations as best as they could and even gave out free water at stages when the weather was scorching. I felt so safe and had so much fun! Everyone there, working and attending, was so kind and caring. With an impressive lineup of artists, the choices were endless, making it a delightful challenge to attend as many performances as possible. Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage, and it’s a joy to share some of the standout moments from these magnificent shows. Read below to check out some of the highlights!

On Friday the 21st, I got to see Perfume Genius and Alvvays. Perfume Genius put on an electrifying performance full of indie rock jamming sessions and funny banter on and off the stage. The singer, Michael Alden Hadreas, came out on stage with long red leather gloves covering his arms.

Yellow tulle lined the stage creating a golden atmosphere that complimented the bright sun shining on the stage. The music was very nice and easy but still filled with emotion and great to dance to. So many people were smiling at each other and having a great time. The music complimented the atmosphere of good vibes and friendly people. Hadreas engaged with the crowd for the entire show, engaging in banter and making jokes.

Alvvays was another amazing performance of blue lights and rock tunes that took us through the 7 pm sunset at the park. While the band played some fan favorites and old classics, some new songs were played that hadn’t been released yet. A performance packed with angelic singing and melancholic guitar strums floating through the air of the red stage.

You could tell each member of the band was emotionally invested in every song and really wanted to play for their fans. The song “Fourth Figure” featured a heavy organ making the song feel spiritual. Their most popular song, “Archie, Marry Me” was a huge hit as the crowd knew every word and sang along with ease. Emotions poured out from the speakers and into the ears of hundreds of people.

On Saturday the 22nd, I got to see King Krule, Weyes Blood, and Big Thief. Saturday was a tough day for everyone involved as there was a small storm that ended up in evacuation. Some of the artists didn’t get to perform and others had their show times pushed back. Despite the weather and the issues that came with it, the festival went on! While all were amazing performances, I have a special musical connection to King Krule.

After the weather cleared up, I rushed back inside to get to the green stage to see King Krule. This show was jaw-dropping and full of sadness, love, anger, despair, and intense rock beats. The song “Stoned Again” started with an intense guitar riff that everyone instantly recognized. The band was full of new and familiar music that the crowd accepted with open arms. Their saxophone player was a huge hit as he ran about the stage and played his instrument radiating power.

“Easy Easy” is easily a fan favorite, and my favorite, with its deep and somber guitar opening. This performance was so amazing and had such a hold on me, I even cried at the end of this song! Though the band had a great setup and funky lights, no one paid attention to the decor as all the focus was on the sound erupting from the stage. I luckily got to the front of the stage and captured the essence of three different albums the band performed. It truly was a show of a lifetime. I don’t think I will experience something quite this emotional again!

Weyes Blood came out on stage in a long flowing white gown made of silk. The red and purple lights reflecting off of her dress made her illuminate the dark sky around her. Her long dark hair draped over the dress contradicting the pure essence of her outfit. Her song “Andromeda” highlighted her wide vocal range and ability to hit very high notes with ease. She gave a very ethereal and spiritual show that locked the audience in a trance. She played her acoustic guitar the whole time gently strumming her ballads of love.

Big Thief was the last act of the night and they really sealed the deal on this show. The intertwining emotional songs with love and anger and the singer’s unique voice made this show special. The band wore fun bright colored costumes which were glowing on stage. The song “Dried Roses” showcased a melodic softer side to their music which allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the show.

Soft lights and smooth vocals guiding our way to the end of this Saturday night. “Certainty” grabbed the attention of the audience with a more upbeat rock tempo to their typically slower songs. This song had great emotion and energy as the sound of the singer’s vocals were reverberating throughout the park. A variety of instruments were used, including many guitars and a cello, which kept their set interesting and unpredictable.

On Sunday the 23rd I got to see JPEGMafia, Illuminati Hotties, and Kelela which all put on amazing last-day shows. While all have very different genres of music and style, they all had one thing in common: a fun exciting show that was for the audience and the audience only. All artists didn’t just have a show, they put on a full performance; one to remember for years to come!

JPEGMafia worked on the stage alone rapping and using his own computer for mixing sounds. He had a huge chunk of aluminum foil covering the computer to prevent overheating, though sometimes that was out of his control. He loved his audience and talked to the crowd between each song. Even if it was just a few words, you could feel the love and respect he had for his listeners. His song “Bald!” was a real crowd-pleaser. He stripped his pants off to reveal little shorts underneath as he paraded around the stage despite the heat.

He threw in a few verses of free rap between his songs which kept his music fun and entertaining. He even played his cover of “Call Me Maybe,” originally by Carly Rae Jepsen, which lit up the crowd as everyone knows the words to this song. The combination of audience engagement, a fun performance, and crazy lights all ended with his message “I just wanna say thank you to every last one of y’all for coming out here to see me today. Sorry for my computer overheating, but thank you for rocking with me.” The crowd erupted in one final cheer as he left the stage.

Next was Illuminati Hotties. The area around the stage was filled before the band even entered the stage. When the band came out and immediately played “Joni: LA’s No.1 Health Goth,” which is by far my favorite song of theirs. They featured many guitar solos throughout the show which kept the music on a rock vibe. Fun blue lights complimented the lead singer, Sarah Tudzin’s, teal guitar. This guitar and her uniquely high voice took over the show and surely wowed the crowd.

The screaming and change in tempos in the song keep it fun and catchy. Their song “Frequent Letdown,” another favorite of mine, brought a slightly chiller feel to the stage as this song was a bit more mellow and rhythm-based. Still, the band kept the energy high with banter on and off the stage. People were jumping, dancing, and screaming lyrics to their favorite songs which I also, gladly I might add, participated in. A blending of genres executed so well that surely left a lasting impression on every fan in the crowd!

The last show of the night was Kelela. Kelela’s music blends R&B with hints of dance and electronic music that keeps each song easy to dance to. The crowd packed in tight for this show and many people even camped out at the red stage an hour before to get the front row (my friend and I did this as well)! It was a tight squeeze, but so worth it.

She came onto the stage strutting in her pink outfit and studded silver boots that shimmered in the purple light and smoke. She sang with one high note and the crowd started screaming and welcoming her to the city. Her mystical and ethereal vocals weaved throughout the park and could be heard from every side of the festival.

Each song transitioned smoothly into the next making it feel like one big song that accompanied so many genres and emotions. She gracefully hit every single note as her voice soared to unimaginable heights. At the end of her show, she walked to the back of the stage and emerged out of the smoke and blue lights.

When she got to the center of the stage, a white light illuminated her and made her look like an angel. She looked celestial in the white light amidst the blue and purple surrounding her. Her energy, voice, and glow radiated from the stage onto the crowd. People cried, screamed, and gave all of their love to her.

Pitchfork was a total hit! I had such an amazing time and got to see a ton of very talented artists perform. Although I have been to many concerts and festivals, I’ve never experienced something so special and surrounded by so much genuine kindness and talent.

I never understood when people told me they get post-concert depression, but now I understand how it feels to be surrounded by thousands of amazing people and the need to experience more.

I can’t wait for Pitchfork next year! Make sure to check out their Instagram for pictures of all the artists. Also check out all of the artists, their music, and be on the lookout for new singles and albums dropping (some artists hinted at this)!