Lollapalooza lives on in the Windy City

www.chicago-hq.com — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:00:03 +0000

Lollapalooza starts in Grant Park, Chicago today and runs through Sunday, and alternative rock fans around the world are breathing a sigh of relief.When Jane’s Addiction launched Lollapalooza as their farewell tour in 1991, there was no way of knowing the lasting success the tour would have. After its inception, the festival grew to encapsulate the alternative rock scene of the 1990s, including subgenres like grunge. The cancellation of the show in 1998 was seen as a major indicator that alt rock was past its prime. In 2003, a new iteration of the show toured before being cancelled again the next year. Then, in 2005, Chicago provided the birthing place for the new era of the festival. No longer a touring show, the festival is now scheduled to be held at Grant Park until 2018.Headliners for Friday night include Lady Gaga, The Strokes, the Black Keys, and Hot Chip. Classic post-punk group Devo will also be going on at 4 P.M. at the Parkways stage. Overall, there are 8 different stages, with artists from all across the popularity scale. Festival-goers are sure to find someone new during their visit. For those who can’t make it, there’s a Live Webcast available at the official website from 2 P.M. 10 P.M. each day.Festival goers are encouraged to go green as they rock out, by using public transportation or riding a bike. For food, they can visit Chow Town, consisting of booths from Big Star, Bleeding Heart Bakery, Kuma’s Corner, and more, all overseen by chef Graham Eliot. Alternatively, there’s the Green Street Farmer’s Market, featuring plenty of fresh fruit, smoothies, and organic espressos. And if you have a young rock star you want to bring along, you’re in luckchildren 10 and under get in free with an adult.

On the Calendar

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:21:41 +0000

If you’re in the Windy City during the sultry months of summer, your calendar is in luck. Chicago’s diverse city offers a dazzling array of events and performances that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you’re going to be in Chicago August 24-29, you’ll definitely want to visit the Navy Pier for Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010. During this unique festival, more than 20 historic Tall Ships sail into the Navy Pier. The Tall Ships, which consist of pirate reminiscent schooners, brigantines, brigs, and barques, sail in from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US. A festival honoring the ships offers nightly fireworks, daily music and entertainment, as well as tours and rides on the historic ships.If music is your scene, head over to the popular Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago on July 10^th and 11^th for the Rock Around the Block music festival. The festival features thirty of Chicago’s most talented bands performing on three stages throughout the day. Of course, delicious culinary stands and artisan vendors will be set up along the streets for your enjoyment.On August 7^th and 8^th, head over to Retro on Roscoea fun-filled street festival held annually. The festival consists of live music entertainment, the Windy City Chili Cook-off, and Retro’s Antique Car Show which showcases over 50 antique classic and muscle cars.In addition to outdoor festivals, Chicago also offers a phenomenal Broadway scene. This summer, Broadway in Chicago is featuring Billy Elliot the Musicala funny yet serious tale of a boxer turned dancer. The musical has been nationally recognized on many occasions: Time Magazine recognized Billy Elliot as the ‘Best musical of the decade’ and it won Best Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards and the NY Drama Critic’s Circle. Be sure to catch the show at the Ford Center for the Performing arts before it goes offstage on October 24^th.

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Lollapalooza lives on in the Windy City

On the Calendar