Chicago – Day two of Pitchfork Fest was wet and wild. Rain came pouring down a little after three, forcing the festival to close. People were ushered out of Union Park and readmitted later in the afternoon, when the fest kicked back off at 4:20. Go ahead and laugh. We all did. It made the fact that a handful acts were cut short or canceled a little more bearable.

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Bully

The afternoon started with a packed green at the Blue Stage for Nashville rockers Bully. The foursome were excited to play and attend their first ever Pitchfork. Talking with people in the crowd, I’d say plenty of people were excited to see Bully perform for the first time. I remember that high. It was great. Watching these guys and listening to Alicia Bognanno ferociously belt out smart and honest lyrics sends chills down your spine. The single “Trying” ignited some moshing up front. At times things got a little too wild, to which Bognanno endearingly said, “Hey, you can mosh, but just be safe. Okay?” Given the blazing afternoon sun and the rising temps, it’s surprising anyone was moving, but then again, it’s hard not feel Bully’s infectious tunes. Security sprayed water over the crowd, keeping kids jumping to “Milkman.” Bully made getting up early oh so worth it.

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 Parquet Courts

An even livelier mosh pit erupted at the Red Stage thanks to Brooklyn punks Parquet Courts. Austin Brown thanked the crowd for coming and “enduring the rain.” Parquet Courts make it hard to miss out on the fun. There’s always some thrashing to be had and some laughs to give in response to the band’s witty banter. Midway, Brown asked, “Who snuck in today?” A few hands went up. Brown smiled and enthusiastically said, “Good on you!” The guys had people tromping around to “Everyday It Starts” and “Uncast Shadow of a Southern Myth.”

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 Shamir

By early evening, the lawn by the Blue Stage was barely navigable with a large mix of people excited to see Las Vegas singer Shamir and Vic Mensa fans hoping to squeeze up front, patiently – and at times not so patiently – waiting for a good spot. When the teen pop sensation finally came on stage, he was greeted with squeals and applause. He dished out song after song, including hits “Call It Off” and “On The Regular.” When introducing “Hot Mess,” he giggled and said, “This is basically the autobiography of my life.” Shamir was far from a hot mess at Pitchfork. He chilled with friends and fans all day around the Blue Stage, walking around barefoot and flashing that beautiful smile of his, and his performance definitely earned him new fans. I overheard so many conversations remarking just how damn amazing he was. People who were there to catch Vic Mensa could be heard asking, “Who is this? He’s great!” while dancing to the beats. I’m going to make a bold statement here, but I stand by it: Shamir is set to become this generation’s Michael Jackson. You can quote me on that!

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Vic Mensa

Chicago rapper Vic Mensa filled the southern grounds of Union Park with more fans than the green could handle. He also filled with Blue Stage his SAVEMONEY crew, beginning with his special guest Towkio. Fans went crazy. A sea of teenagers and twenty-somethings bounced up and down, rapping along word for word. When Mensa came out, fans got even louder and people pushed towards the front, packing themselves in like sardines. People climbed trees to get a better view. Mensa seemed to channel his mentor Kanye West, with his lighting and wardrobe choices, but even more so with his matured stage presence, especially for “Feel That.” This new and improved Vic Mensa, I can feel that!

We have one more day left of Pitchfork! Keep your eyes peeled for more coverage here and on our twitter!

All photos by Sarah Hess

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Sarah Hess

At the age of six, Sarah Hess discovered True Blue by Madonna. This resulted in her spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush microphone, belting out "La Isla Bonita" off key. Her love for music only intensified over the years thanks to her parents; her mother exposed Sarah to The Jackson Five and had her hustling to the Bee Gees, while her father would play her albums like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Some Girls' from start to finish, during which he'd lecture on and on about the history of rock & roll. Sarah would eventually stumble upon rap and hip-hop, then punk and alternative, and fall madly in love with Jeff Buckley and film photography.

After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.


You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.

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