“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.
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.
What a great time! And your photos? They're amazing….
I don't care for large crowds either, so I make most of my family a bit nuts. They wondered how I could do Sock Summit – must have been the yarn fumes had a calming effect?
(((hugs)))
i'm so glad you had fun! i have problems with large crowds, so i have great admiration for your achievement. 🙂
Wow, what a great time you had! There is nothing like an outdoor concert!
What color/brand is that totally rockin nail polish? Love it.xoxo
You can be so proud of yourself to go tho this festival despite your fears, Bravo!
There is a Dutch radio show called Lollapallooza, I had no idea it is a festival.
Festivals are always so packed it's impossible to see everyone. I went to my first one this summer and suffered the idignity of burnt armpit flab but remembered that I do like a mild bit of headbanging. Glad you enjoyed it and had some nice surprises.
And thanks for being my lovely blog stalker and making so many lovely comments!
You did better than I would do with all those people! I am not a fan of large crowds.
And what else would you wear with a plad skirt but a tat? (says the woman who sports 2 tattoos but alas, no plaid skirts)
Glad you had a good time! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have survived. 🙂
I'm so impressed you braved the intense humidity and heat! Looks like you had a good time. Missing Neko Case must have been a disappointment, but at least she tours fairly regularly.
When we go to brewing festivals, I keep a tally of kilts, esp. "utility" kilts.
Very well said. So fun!
sounds like so much fun and if you can overcome the crowds of music festivals, i am optimistic that maybe one day, i can too!
love the photos!