After a delayed start to the Pitchfork Music Festival last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event returns to its rightful home in July. And like all years, the 2022 Pitchfork Music Festival promises an eclectic lineup across multiple genres, featuring musical acts both big and small. Whether you’re looking to groove to classic hip-hop with The Roots or settle in for a late night of indie dad rock from The National, this year’s lineup has a little bit of everything for the music site’s broad array of fans.
Pitchfork will take place July 15-17 at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Gates open each day at noon, but gate times are subject to change. Main gates are located on Ashland, south of Lake Street, and at the corner of Ogden Avenue and Washington Boulevard.
Friday
DON’T MISS: In a better world, Dawn Richard would be one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Her music — complex, vulnerable, endlessly catchy — would undoubtedly elevate any run-of-the-mill pop star to stratospheric heights. But Richard, for the most part, has always operated on the fringes of the mainstream music scene. After first finding fame as a member of the “Making the Band” girl group Danity Kane, Richard has spent the better part of the last decade operating as an independent solo artist. And unlike the middling compositions she sang on as part of Danity Kane, Richard’s solo music is the stuff of wonder. From her critically acclaimed “Goldenheart,” “BlackHeart” and “RedemptionHeart” trio of solo albums to her most recent release, 2021’s “Second Line,” Richard has not been afraid to experiment with sound. Pop, R&B and electronic music all combine to create transformative, almost Afro-futuristic music that situates Richard as a provocative, avant-garde wonder worthy of greater praise. Her set is sure to produce one of the most captivating performances of the weekend.
BEST STAGE: Arrive early for the Red stage to hear the ethereal sounds of Ethel Cain. Stick around longer for a dance party as Tierra Whack, whose popularity has surged in recent years thanks to social media apps like TikTok, is sure to perform hits from her latest and critically acclaimed new EPs, “Rap?,” “Pop?” and “R&B?” Classic indie rock fans will enjoy an early evening set from Spiritualized who, after four years away, released their latest brilliant album, “Everything Was Beautiful.”
SOMETHING ELSE: In recent years, rising pop and R&B artists have found a home at Pitchfork before breaking through to the mainstream (just take a look at SZA’s recent ascent). Folks interested in discovering who’s next should make sure to catch Amber Mark, who headlines the Blue stage. After years of bubbling on the scene with catchy singles and EPs, Mark finally released her debut album, “Three Dimensions Deep,” a full-bodied collection of charming tunes with mass appeal.
Saturday
DON’T MISS: Homegrown rapper CupcakKe is not for the faint of heart, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out her sure-to-be-talked-about set. A formidable and prolific talent, CupcakKe (born Elizabeth Eden Harris) has made a name for herself in the independent rap scene internationally by refusing to conform to industry standards (think trap). Instead, Harris has embraced a DIY ethos both sonically and image-wise. And although she is best known for her extremely raunchy lyrics, some of her most compelling work addresses LGBTQ rights and her experiences with childhood sexual assault. For those looking for an early afternoon party, CupcakKe is sure to be your best bet.
BEST STAGE: Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any stage on this day. Each stage features a stacked lineup of up-and-coming acts, like the just announced replacement group The Linda Lindas, with established indie darlings such as Mitski and Japanese Breakfast. Often considered the most packed day at the festival, use this Saturday as a time of leisure and discovery.
SOMETHING ELSE: A decade ago, hyperpop was just in its underground infancy. Now, it has (somewhat) entered the mainstream under the direction of young artists like PinkPantheress and yeule, the latter of whom makes her Pitchfork debut. Don’t let this Singaporean producer and songwriter’s delicate vocals fool you. Minus a track or two, many of the songs on yeule’s second album, “Glitch Princess,” are an abrasive mix of piercing synths and appealing melodies.
Sunday
DON’T MISS: Yes, The Roots have largely traded in their touring days for a nightly slot as the house band on “The Tonight Show.” But that doesn’t mean they have lost their spark or are no longer perennial showmen. Old school hip hop heads will especially get a kick out of this set, which is sure to traverse the landscape of the group’s more than 25-year-long career. Younger fans who are more used to the current trap leanings in rap music may find the group’s soulful and groove-oriented sound a nice surprise.
BEST STAGE: Every stage this day has excellent acts, but we especially love this Sunday’s Red stage, which will feature an eclectic lineup of acts. Chill pop and R&B musician Toro y Moi headlines the stage, but we are especially excited for the triumphant return of former Chicagoan Noname, who’s garnered as many headlines recently for her political activism as she has for her music. Earlier in the day, audiences should also get a kick out of L’Rain, who makes powerful and emotive songs steeped in yearning and desire.
SOMETHING ELSE: Unlike some other popular music festivals around the city, Pitchfork has always shown love to many local artists, and this year is no exception. Soulful singer Kaina will hit up the Green stage this day and likely perform selections from her brilliant and critically celebrated sophomore album, “It Was a Home.” Fans who follow the local music scene will likely notice a few familiar faces (like Sen Morimoto) performing in collaboration with the singer or as part of her band.
What to know
TICKETS: Both 3-day (from $200) and single-day (from $99) general admission tickets (all ages, prices plus service fees) are still available as of press time; pitchforkmusicfestival.com/#tickets. Children 10 and under can attend the festival for free.
STAGES: Music is on the Red, Green and Blue Stages. Each day’s primary headliner performs on the Green Stage.
UPDATES: For up-to-date information from the festival, follow @pitchforkfest and the festival’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages; check pitchforkmusicfestival.com or get festival emails.
FOR ENTRY: Guests must have a photo ID and a digital ticket for entry to the festival.
Unlike last year, the Pitchfork Music Festival will not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend the festival. Most major music festivals such as Pitchfork have adopted the practice of following state and local requirements; this policy is in accordance with IDPH and CDPH guidelines.
Festival organizers encourage patrons to be up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters before attending. Guests should self-monitor for symptoms and are encouraged to self-test before attending.
Masks are not required for attendance at the festival, but organizers recommend patrons bring a mask to wear when needed.
Bag policy: All attendees and their bags will be searched upon entering the festival. Bags will be restricted to small purses, satchels, fanny packs or drawstring bags, and may not exceed 14 by 11 by 5 inches. No multi-pocket backpacks or bags. Guests will be required to empty their pockets. Pitchfork reserves the right to refuse entry.
Lockers are available for rent at Entertainment Lockers. PLUS+ ticket holders receive complimentary rental lockers.
SAFETY: Guests who have safety questions or concerns, or those who need special accommodations can contact the festival ahead of time at info@pitchforkmusicfestival.com, while guests with medical-related questions can reach festival staff at medical@pitchforkmusicfestival.com
Resource and Response Center: The center includes professionally trained counselors and a dedicated security team for patrons who may witness behavior in violation of the festival’s Code of Conduct.
Pitchfork has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion and disability status. Those found in violation may be removed. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Resource and Response Center if they feel harassed or unsafe.
Additional staff trained in crowd anxiety and related fields will be on hand.
ACCESSIBILITY: Ramps from the sidewalks to the street will be available as well as an ADA entrance on Ashland, near the festival’s main entrance. ADA restrooms will be available on-site. Designated viewing platforms will be available for ADA festival attendees for all three stages. To view these stages, patrons must check in at the ADA entrance.
Guests with preexisting medical conditions that require medication, special diets or awareness can notify security staff upon entering the festival. Security staff will direct patrons to the first aid tent so they may properly store any medications and ensure any other needs are met.
Medications must be stored within their pharmacy-labeled container which states the prescription, dosage, and patient name. Medicine in the container must match the prescription medicine noted on the label. Guests should provide a government-issued ID that matches the name on the container and are only allowed a sufficient supply of the prescribed medication for that day. Inhaled or smoked medicines are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. OTC medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for the day.
ALLOWED:
Blankets, sheets and towels.
Strollers accompanied with a child.
Factory sealed vape pens, factory sealed vape cartridges, empty vape pens.
GoPro cameras (no GoPro sticks), point and shoot cameras, disposable cameras, binoculars.
Two factory-sealed bottles of water (up to 1 liter each). Security will break the seal upon entry. Empty CamelBaks, empty hydration packs, and empty plastic or aluminum water bottles with a maximum size of 36 ounces.
Sunblock (non-aerosol), does not need to be factory sealed. Factory sealed bug spray (non-aerosol), security will break the seal upon entry. Hand sanitizer. Factory sealed tampons.
NOT ALLOWED: For a full list of prohibited items, consult pitchforkmusicfestival.com/info.
No outside food or beverage except for two sealed water bottles; no bota bags.
No glass of any kind, laser pointers, water guns or misters.
No weapons of any kind (regardless of permit); no pepper spray; no knives or sharp objects, including pocket knives.
No bike chains, bike locks, wallet chains (that exceed 12 inches in length and a width of 1 inch)
No professional-grade radios or walkie-talkies; no video recorders or cameras with detachable lenses; no professional cameras, detachable lenses, tripods, GoPro sticks, monopods, audio recording devices/equipment or selfie sticks; no laptops or iPads/tablets; no drones, remote flying devices or unmanned aerial vehicles.
No tents, canopies, or umbrellas larger than 12 inches.
No flags or totem poles, chairs, hammocks or inflatable couches.
No stuffed animals or dolls (including stuffed animal purses)
No unauthorized solicitation of materials, including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls or giveaways.
No wagons, skateboards, push carts, bicycles, scooters, hoverboards or ATVs.
No pets except service animals.
No coolers or grills of any kind, open containers.
No sports equipment (including Frisbees)
No aerosol cans (including deodorant, bug spray, sunscreen and perfume)
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
