Over 40 genre-spanning artists will converge on Chicago’s Union Park during the 14th Annual Pitchfork Music Festival on July 19 – 21. On top of three days worth of musical delights, the festival also boasts unique activities to inspire attendees to discover their new favorite albums, books or restaurants.
That said, here’s a look at some of the acts and activities we are most looking forward to experiencing later this month.
Charli XCX
With her highly-anticipated third studio album, “Charli,” set to be released this September, Charli XCX will surely share a sneak preview of new material with Pitchfork fans in between her already impressive arsenal of hits. “Boom Clap,” “Boys” and the infectious pop gem with a punk edge known as “I Love It” – which Charli XCX recorded with Icona Pop – will most certainly allow for dancing with abandon and singing until it hurts during her Sunday evening Red Stage set.
Tasha
Pitchfork thrives among the crowded Chicago festival scene in its passion for showcasing local, innovative musicians on the same bill as living legends. Case in point… Tasha, the racial justice warrior/poet/soulful singer/guitar Goddess, who is set to open the Blue Stage on Sunday afternoon. Arrive early to see a true artist on the rise.
Robyn
Get ready for a joyous dance party that may never be beat as Swedish songstress Robyn has been tapped to close out Pitchfork 2019 with a headlining Sunday night set on the Green Stage. Her recent stop at the Aragon Ballroom earlier this year found 5,000 fans coming together as one community to celebrate bittersweet songs of heartbreak and resilience.
Pitchfork is poised to top that with up to 20,000 fans – the festival’s daily capacity – singing “Dancing On My Own” in unison. Don’t miss it.
CHIRP Record Fair
There’s nothing like live music to inspire crate-digging among audiophiles and the CHIRP Record Fair will once again be stocked with selections from indie labels, local record stores and, of course, Pitchfork artists, both past and present.
Mavis Staples
If you can only see one set at Pitchfork 2019, make it Mavis Staples’ Friday night performance on the Red Stage. From the songs of The Staple Singers – “I’ll Take You There,” “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me),” “Respect Yourself,” etc. – to her luscious 2019 album “We Get By,” produced by Ben Harper, Staples has been an essential, strong and beautiful voice for empowerment and change for over 60 years.
The Pitchfork Music Festival will take place at Union Park in Chicago on July 19 – 21. More information – including daily schedules and how to purchase tickets – can be found at Pitchforkmusicfestival.com.