TVD Live: Pitchfork Music Festival, 7/20

On the second day of Pitchfork Music Festival 2024, the party was in full swing! The park was packed with fans waiting to sing their hearts out to their favorite artists. It was even hard to walk between stages because if someone wasn’t standing in the crowd, they were sitting down towards the back for a more relaxed viewing experience. The day was filled with tons of acts that had everyone moving and signing along.

We started off the day with local folk musician Kara Jackson. Kara’s sweet vocals feel like honey in your ears as she recites her poetic lyrics for everyone in Union Park to enjoy. She dazzled on stage with bright pink hair and a gorgeous denim dress. Her performance was enhanced by her backing band of all-star Chicago musicians, many of whom have graced the Pitchfork stage with their own projects.

After easing into the day with Kara Jackson, it was time to get angsty with Wednesday. The energy from front woman Karly Hartzman was intoxicating, with many fans in the crowd matching her energy and thrashing around. During the set, Hartzman reflected on the state of uneasiness some people have been feeling lately due to politics, lamenting that a lot of the crowd had “anger and sadness you want to let out and I do too; we can do it together,” calling for the crowd to unleash any of their pent up feelings by screaming along with them. And that they did!

For all of the old school hip-hop heads, getting to see De La Soul live was a special treat. Their Pitchfork performance was their first since the passing of original member Dave Jolicoeur in 2023. This highly anticipated set delivered, with guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch and Talib Kweli. Seeing the passion radiating from the surviving members, and how strong their bond is as they riff off one another on stage, proved why De La Soul are legends and will continue to be.

Turning the stage into a club called The Pearl, Jessie Ware donned the nickname “Mother Pearl” and truly turned the park into a club. Joined by two backup dancers and a full band, Jessie Ware delivered a set that would catapult her to legendary status. Her cover of Cher’s “Believe” made even the fans that were sitting in the back stand up and sing along.

After Jessie Ware’s performance, a mad dash ensued as everyone made their way to the next stage for Carly Rae Jepsen. The party started by Jessie Ware was continued, with Carly Rae Jepsen’s stage looking like a disco ball. Even her outfit sparkled just like the mirrors of disco ball. Carly Rae Jepsen was captivating; not only did she sound amazing, she was able to command the crowd full of screaming fans. Whenever there was a break between songs, the screams from the crowd were deafening. Looking into the audience, you can spot a handful of fans in tears as they are so happy to be singing along with their favorite artist. This is the loudest we have heard the crowd so far this weekend.

Continuing the theme of dancing, Jamie xx closed out night 2 of the festival with a house infused electronic set. It was very fitting for Jamie xx to pay tribute to house music during his set, as this genre came to be in the 1980s here in Chicago. Riding on the melodic beats, fans in the crowd had the time of their lives as they danced around, threw balloons, and watched as Jamie xx mixed music in real time. Fans were even displayed on the live cameras making dancing circles in the middle of the crowd. The xx’s DJ didn’t have to say a single word to captivate the entire crowd.

KARA JACKSON