When Pitchfork tickets first went on sale I wasn’t really sold on getting them. Well honestly, I had no cash, I just paid my rent. I wasn’t really bothered about it either. As Pitchfork got closer and closer and more talk about it got around, I was actually pretty mad I didn’t cop tickets. I kept saying to myself “It’s cool there’s only a few people on the lineup I want to see anyway & I’ve already seen Vic and Chance multiple times.” As many times as I’ve seen both acts I knew I wanted to see them both again and that I had to go. Vic performed Saturday night and I didn’t get to see it. I did attend his Pitchfork after party at the Virgin Hotels. The security at Virgin was really strict, which is completely understandable but it was hard to even get into the show. It was still a pretty great after party at a very nice establishment. So since I already missed Saturday.. I ultimately assumed I wouldn’t be at Pitchfork Sunday for Chance’s performance.
Well sometimes, social media isn’t so bad, I saw a tweet that said “Anybody want to come to Pitchfork?” I jumped right on it. At 6:30 I got in my car and headed over. I got pretty lucky to score a VIP pass so last minute. Chance didn’t go on till 8:30 so I mingled and filled up on free beer. There was even CHANCE THE RAPPER BEER!! (It was delicious, by the way.) It seemed like everyone in Chicago was there to see Chance close out the green stage. I saw so many people decked out in Chance gear. I decided it was time to settle for a spot and get ready for the show.
I was two people away from the railing in VIP and had a pretty good view of the stage with my two beers. I was ready. I could see everyone’s anticipation waiting for Chance. He had a big crowd in front of him. Suddenly you heard Chance’s famous shriek and “WE BACK!” and it was on! The SoX boys, Nate Fox, Donnie Trumpet, Peter Cottontale, & Stix were of course, all in attendance. Chance and the SoX boys performed a lot of songs off of his loved album ACID RAP and threw in a little bit of from 10 day. I’m not going to lie, I expected a lot more of Surf to be played, but I didn’t mind. The boys played “Miracle” and “Sunday Candy” off Surf. When “Miracle” was on I honestly felt a bit emotional, this is one of my favorite songs off the album. Even the words touch your heart, “It’s a miracle, to be alive & well” combining that with Donnie’s smooth trumpet, my eyes got a bit watery. Donnie on the trumpet is really mesmerizing.
Not only were the songs beautifully done by the boys.. you got to give it to their crew, the lights & visuals were crazy! Not only did Chance bring the SoX boys on stage with him but he added the Bulls Bucket boys & Ian Eastwood to the mix. The stage with lit up with beautiful music, amazing visuals, Chicago footwork & Chance’s amazing energy. “Sunday Candy” was performed and Chance was joined by backup singers & his partner in crime on this jam.. Jamila Woods. Kirk Franklin even joined the SoX squad on stage for Sunday Candy.. no big deal right? YES, KIRK FRANKLIN was on stage with CHANCE THE RAPPER. Mama Jan (Chance’s grandmother) & his mom were shouted out to the whole crowd. I saw the Bennett family standing next to the stage and could only think about how proud they must be of their boy. It’s amazing how ACID RAP has become so well known all around Chicago, how we all know it all so well, how everyone sang along and how it still felt brand new.
See our recap of the 10 best acts we saw at Pitchfork 2015
There were so many memorable moments. You could really tell how genuine these guys are about their music, their fans and their city. Pitchfork was a different type of feeling, it was Chance day and we got to show him just how proud & appreciative we were of him and his music. Chance talked about growing up at his performance and we can’t help but wonder if he’s talking about BIGGER things. If you were at this Pitchfork performance, it’s something you will never forget. It is only one of the reasons Chance is our hometown hero, his love for his music and community are admirable. We are always looking forward to what the soulful artist has next for us. I’m looking forward to his next performance and seeing Surf live. I want to thank Pitchfork, the SoX squad, the SoX crew, anyone involved in Sunday night’s show and Chance The Rapper, for a beautiful memorable experience.
