Rockin' Chicago With One Steady Roll

"The blues had a baby, and they named it rock n' roll," sang the legendary Muddy Waters, and boy, is that child still wailing!

Just ask the cargo shorts boys, the gray-beards and babies and tattooed ladies who came out en masse for Lollapalooza 2009 in Chicago's Grant Park.

I had reservations as the date approached. For one, the hellish humid 90's descended just in time for the 3-day festival. For another, I have this thing about really large crowds.

Thankfully, I went to Lolla with friend B who knows my propensity for panic and was willing to stop and patiently remind me to just b-r-e-a-t-h-e. With that most excellent advice, I was able to watch and listen and really get into the rhythm of the crowd. What did I spy with my camera eye?

People with singular style like Star Child, Tats in Plaid and Cow Man

Veteran punks and rockers reminded me that somewhere within still lurks a thrashing headbanger.

Lou Reed

Perry Farrell

Dave Navarro

And did I mention beer?

Sadly, time and last-minute festival entrance changes squashed our plans to see Neko Case. A half-mile distance between stages meant we also missed The Killers. Jane's Addiction more than made up for it with their punk-laced hard charging drums (thank you, Mr. Perkins) and sweet guitar licks. The biggest surprise of the night was indie rock group Band of Horses (Flash warning!). They were new to me but they make some mighty fine music.

By nightfall, a steady, cool breeze began to flow across the park. What a perfect note on which to end a rockin' day.