Fricket's special guest blogger recaps the very special 2012 Lollapalooza Music Festival. She came. she saw, she heard, she got wet and muddy, and she can't wait to do it again in 2013! Remember Fricket http://fricket.com/ helps you find the best tickets to all the big events!
Ellie Brzezenski is a Chicago native and a music lover. This was her 4th Lolla. She is currently a student at the University of Illinois studying advertising and global studies She's already been to 5 of the 7 continents so far, and knows her way around hot and/or crowded places, which really came in handy this year.
2012 Lollapalooza Recap.by Ellie Brzezenski.
It’s been a wonderful three days roaming around the grounds of Grant Park, but sadly all good things must come to an end. Sore, muddy, sunburnt and tired, the hoards of music lovers return to their daily routines, another festival under their belts. This year’s festival welcomed back many of its favorite elements, but also had a few surprises thrown in (75 mph winds and hail, anyone?) Here’s a look back on this year’s festivities while the countdown to 2013 starts begins!
Favorite performance- The Shins: Though I’m surprised this band didn’t have a larger time slot or a more important place on the festival schedule, the Shins gave an amazing performance Friday afternoon. Playing all good mixture of old and new material, including my favorite song “Australia”, the band sang to a large, but rather mellow audience as the sun set over the Red Bull Stage. Notable mentions: The Black Keys, Bloc Party, M83, and First Aid Kit.
Most unexpected performance- Sigur Ros: I had never listened to this band from Iceland, but I was told that seeing the band life would be a life-changing experience. Their songs were melodic and relaxing, the talent of every member extremely apparent. The band has been making music for almost two decades now, though their rise to fame has been relatively slow. Though it’s not your average easy listening, Sigur Ros is definitely a band that deserves your attention and your eardrums.
Biggest Regret- Jack White: Every year concert goers debate how to spend their time, no doubt running into scheduling conflicts along the way. This year’s festival wasn’t too bad for me, no major conflicts for bands I wanted to see, that is, however, until Sunday night. I ended my 2012 Lolla with Justice, a French electronic group, who put on an excellent performance at the Budweiser stage. However, as fun as it was, I still wish I could have seen the incomparable Jack White perform. The man is an extremely gifted guitarist, singer, and overall musician, putting on what I can only imagine to be a great final set of the day.
Biggest Upset- Alabama Shakes: Never before in my Lolla-going years has the festival ever been canceled due to weather, so when police were called in Saturday afternoon to shut down the park, we knew something serious was headed through Chicago. However, after the hail and winds passed through we were luckily let back in the park, the festival resuming as normal. It was a shame though, that due to the unpredicted chain events a few artists were cut from the bill. One of these groups was the Alabama Shakes, a relatively new band that has gained tremendous popularity since the debut of their first album. Though safety always come first, I know many were sad to have missed their performance.
Best New Discovery- Uncorked Wine Tent: It seems like every year, Lollapalooza ads some new element to make the festival more refined and luxurious. This year I happened upon the Uncorked Wine Tent, a hidden gem tucked away in the trees at the south end of the park. Visitors were welcome to sip wine at the colorful bar or on one of the comfy inflatable couches. After a day of sweating and running around in the dirt, it was nice to take a break and experience a little refinement.
Most Notable Fashion- frat tanks and denim shorts: I don’t know who sent out the memo, or why I didn’t seem to receive it, but it seemed this weekend’s attendees had an unofficial uniform. Almost every girl I saw wore high waited jean shorted, not my first pick for a hot Chicago day, and every guy seemed to be wearing some kind of shirt with a catchy slogan. Some of my favorites included, “Don’t Bro Me if You Don’t Know Me” and “I got 99 Problems but My Swagger Ain’t One”.
Favorite Food Find- Grilled Cheese on a stick: For those of you who didn’t walk through the festival’s farmers’ market, I feel sorry for you only because you missed out on a wonderful culinary experience. Through the wonders are Facebook and Instagram, my friend heard about this stand, called Brunkow Cheese, where they take a slice of cheese, put it on a stick, and grill it for you. My friend and I opted for the pizza flavored cheese and savored every bite. Thank you, Instagram.
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