Sunday of Pitchfork Music Festival is always a bittersweet final chapter. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful for the entire day and fans were able to thoroughly enjoy the music under the sun. The last day of the weekend was jam-packed with continuous powerhouse acts! Jockstrap and Soul Glo were two standout artists that embodied what PMF is all about.
Jockstrap offered a dope fusion of sounds, providing one of the most lighthearted and fun sets of the weekend. Soul Glo was also an uptempo afternoon set but in a much different way… these dudes smashed their Blue Stage performance as they commanded a rowdy crowd with ease. I hadn’t heard of this Philly-bred hardcore band before Pitchfork but I will certainly be catching them anytime they make it back to Chicago. Pitchfork + JPEGMAFIA is a perfect match and even though Peggy had some technical difficulties, he threw down one of the most enthralling sets of the weekend. He said, “I guess Pitchfork got me back for all the shit I talk.” I’m not too familiar with his newer albums but I’m a huge fan of his older music; I was so glad to hear some of his wonderful new music live.
His immediate connection with the crowd was amazing to see, he’s truly the perfect Pitchfork act. JPEGMAFIA pits are the best kinds of pits, there was sheer joy radiating from the crowd throughout the whole set.
All weekend I saw fans turn around out of the moshpits after a set concluded, catch their breath, high-five their friends, and smile about what they just experienced. Live music is so dope.
Killer Mike offered a powerful tribute to his mother alongside a choir and a full band. His emotions poured out through the mic and the crowd was fully supportive as soon as his first track began. Kelela played a fantastic set filled with drum and bass/house vibes; her beautiful voice and personality won the crowd over with ease.
Bon Iver was a heartfelt and emotional end to the weekend. The largest crowd of the weekend came together to support the multi-instrumentalist throughout his set filled with a wildly eclectic range of sounds. Beautiful visuals complimented his ability to connect with each fan one-on-one as he seemingly sang to each member of the crowd as an individual. The dueling drum sets won me over; Bon Iver was the perfect closer to an absolutely ideal weekend.
Check out our photos from Sunday, below!
Photos and words by Jack Dombro
