see these and many other concert photos HERE.
Always a highlight on the summer calendar, the
2009 Pitchfork Music Festival kicked off this past Friday, with a highly anticipated bang. Although not the most ideal weather for basking in Chicago's Union Park, the four bands slated for opening night -
Tortoise,
Yo La Tengo,
the Jesus Lizard, and
Built to Spill, rendered the impeding clouds above meaningless to the thousands who had gathered to kick off the weekend.
Opening things up, Chicago's native sons
Tortoise brought their relaxing, somber tunes to the table, exuding the rhythmically talented band, and setting the stage for the compelling instrumentals to come.
Next up - and possibly the evening's high point -
David Yow and
the Jesus Lizard shed their rare bird feathers, tackling the stage with undeniable shrieks, and positively entertaining antics...including the resurrection of the band's glory years with plenty of crowd surfing. Only day one, the band set the bar quite high...though many bands throughout the weekend would play equals in their own way.
A tough act to follow, but perhaps no better band to do it than
Built to Spill, who pushed through and brought the first day to an obviously unwanted conclusion. Playing classic sort of fare like "Carry the Zero", the band displayed the unique specialties...especially when it came to the riffs. -
Lonnie Nemiroff
We'll have plenty more wrap-up on the Pitchfork fest as the week progresses. For now, check out the slew of photos taken by
Bekah Kinsella below, as well as in our
Photo Section.
The Jesus Lizard
Yo La Tango
Built to Spill
