So this past weekend we drove to Chicago for Lollapalooza. For those not in the know, the touring Lollapalooza of the 90s has given way to a one-stop, multi-day festival held in Grant Park, along the shores of Michigan Lake. Last time we went was three years ago. This year’s was twice as large, taking up the entire park. More than 100 bands played on multiple stages spread out over a mile of park. I was able to catch Radiohead, Bloc Party, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, The Raconteurs, The Black Keys, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Mark Ronson, and a few others I’m forgetting at the moment.

Highlights? Radiohead’s fireworks display, Rage doing their thing just as I remember, having to climb 8 stories because the elevator was broken (again), and Reznor’s varied set. It was a very enjoyable time with nice weather, beautiful people, lots of shade, clear views of the stages, and even a variety of good vendors selling food and schwag. There was rumor of Barack Obama showing up to introduce an act (perhaps Chicago natives + Obama supporters Wilco or Kanye West) but that didn’t pan out. Shoot.

The drive from our doorstep to Chicago is about 14 hours, which is definitely a haul. We had a little spare time to spend around the city and ate some tasty food (including a Thai restaurant around the block from our hotel, and an African restaurant where I had fufu with spinach sauce, which was unexpectedly great).

It was one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve attended and a really nice escape from the 9-5 drudgery.

Want pics? I didn’t take any (they don’t allow SLRs in without a press pass), so check out what’s on Flickr.