No, this year’s Lollapalooza does nothave giant bands like last year’s headliners Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine, two acts who hardly ever play Chicago.But the fest still is really, really, reallygood.
In fact, picking a small number of highlights from the 130-plus artists on the bill is a challenge in itself. If you see only 30 acts at Lolla, these are the ones to give priority.
Friday
April Smith
11:15 a.m. at BMI Stage
Folk-pop that’s like secrets Smith is trusting you not to tell. You wouldn’t, would you?
Hockey
11:30 a.m. at PlayStation Stage
A pop band that makes you want to bob your head, clap and shimmy all at once. That’s a weird style of dancing but a great reason to arrive early: This band is bound to break out.
Hey Champ
12:15 p.m. at Chicago 2016 Stage
We liked these locals better doing straightforward pop, but their dance-rock is catchy too.
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
1 p.m. at VitaminWater Stage
Not as funky as James Brown, but it’s close.
Gaslight Anthem
2 p.m. at Chicago 2016 Stage
You could listen to these rockers’ “The ’59 Sound” for a month and not get sick of it.
Also: 11 p.m. Sat. at Double Door (with Constantines)
Andrew Bird
7 p.m. at PlayStation Stage
Chicago’s eccentric multi-instrumentalist takes on Of Montreal. Bird may not be weirder, but he’s certainly more restrained.
Of Montreal
7 p.m. atVitaminWater Stage
When singer Kevin Barnes is on stage, anything is possible. Good thing the music supports the visual spectacle.
Kings of Leon
8:15 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
Caleb Followill has the sort of voice that means he could sing about anything and you’d believe him.
Saturday
The Low Anthem
Noon Sat. at VitaminWater Stage
More haunting folk to keep the buzz going from Fleet Foxes’ set.
Also: 10 p.m. Sat. at Hideout
Delta Spirit
12:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
This California band’s jangle is the perfect way to kick the day into gear.
Also: 10:30 p.m. Fri. at Schubas (with Other Lives)
Ida Maria
2:15 p.m. at Citi Stage
The Norwegian singer’s exciting “Fortress ‘Round My Heart” makes most other debut albums look lazy.
Los Campesinos!
2:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
Their unbridled energy would be contagious on its own. The great, feisty songs don’t hurt either.
Atmosphere
2:30 p.m. at Chicago 2016 Stage
This Minnesota hip-hop group churns out one solid album after another. New free EP, “Leak At Will,” keeps the streak alive.
Joe Pug
3 p.m. at BMI Stage
We’re convinced this wise local singer has eight decades of experience behind him. He looks good for his age!
Also: 10 p.m. Sat. at Hideout
Care Bears on Fire
3 p.m., 11:30 a.m. Sun. at Kidzapalooza Stage
Yes, they’re young. They also write fun punk anthems worth hearing.
Arctic Monkeys
4:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
We really can’t wait to hear these rockers’ new “Humbug,” due Aug. 25. Generally, this band does no wrong.
Also: 11 p.m. Fri. at Metro
TV on the Radio
6:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
If great albums yield great performances, 2008’s “Dear, Science” will be a blast live.
Also: 11 p.m. Fri. at Double Door
Tool
8:30 p.m. at Chicago 2016 Stage
The masters of mood may not match the frenzy of last year’s Rage set, but intensity will be in large supply.
sunday
Sam Roberts Band
11:45 a.m. at PlayStation Stage
The Canadian group deserves to be a lot bigger than they are. Pick up “Love at the End of the World” and see why.
Friendly Fires
12:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
English dance-rockers who inspire the sort of hip swiveling that doesn’t normally happen right after lunch. Unfortunately.
Ra Ra Riot
12:30 p.m. at Chicago 2016 Stage
Gorgeous voices, perfect strings, wonderful arrangements. Got a problem with that?
Portugal. The Man
1:30 p.m. at PlayStation Stage
The Alaska group’s new “The Satanic Satanist” comes awfully close to what the New Radicals might sound like if they were still around.
Dan Deacon
3:30 p.m. at VitaminWater Stage
His new “Bromst”
asks to be listened to in full and won’t let you start dancing too soon. How demanding!
Also: 10 p.m. Sun. at Logan Square Auditorium (with Deerhunter, No Age)
Passion Pit
5 p.m. at Citi Stage
If you don’t think their full-length debut, “Manners,” is fun, then you need to revisit your definition of “fun.”
Lou Reed
6:30 p.m. at Budweiser Stage
Hmm, see the leader of Velvet Underground or see Snoop Dogg’s laid-back bravado on the South Stage? No contest.
Matt Pais is the
Metromix music and movies producer. mpais@tribune.com
More Lolla pre- and post-shows
Full event info at Metromix.com
Crookers, Simian Mobile Disco
8 p.m. Fri. at Congress Theater
Asher Roth
10 p.m. Fri. at Cubby Bear
Band of Horses
10:30 p.m. Fri. at House of Blues
Kaskade
10 p.m. Sat. at Smart Bar
The Raveonettes, Living Things
10 p.m. Sat. at Empty Bottle
Dan Auerbach, Cage the Elephant
11 p.m. Sat. at Schubas
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons, Blind Pilot
11:30 p.m. Sat. at House of Blues Back Porch Stage
STS9
Midnight Sat. at House of Blues
MSTRKRFT, L.A. Riots, Dark Wave Disco
9 p.m. Sun. at Bottom Lounge
