Chicago rain came pouring down in the night, so the pristine grounds of Lollapalooza 2011 have turned into a mixture of mud, hay and grass on Saturday, August 6. It now smells like the true heartland of America that it is. Yet nothing will deter the up-for-it music fans coming to Day 2 of the sold out event.
Sunday I sun screened, loaded up my ‘concert purse,’ stocked up on carbs and headed to the Sunset Junction. As I walked through the gates, I stumbled right into a mini techno fest with DJs spinning and girls dancing on the Electro Stage. After bouncing from stage to stage, I settled in at the Bates Stage for Girl in a Coma. I’d never seen them play before but was intrigued by a mixture of things I have heard about the trio and the fact that they are named after a Smith’s song. It was a bit angry chick rock at times but I liked it overall. The singer has powerful vocals and it was refreshing to see female guitar players rock out on stage. They played Static Mind, which was a catchy tune and then chose Femme Fatale for the encore. The crowd was filled with stylish-haired hipsters, many proudly equipped with Girl in a Coma merch. After the set, a festival attendee turned to her friend and said, “Wow! That was tight.”
Fitz from Fitz & The Tantrums play the 3 of Clubs Hollywood CA
Fitz & The Tantrums aren’t what you expect. Their melodic retro Motown/Soul infused rhythms keep the crowd guessing. Think Amy Winehouse on Orange Juice. The sound and the vibe for Songs for a Break Up-Vol 1 EP have everything to do with the acquisition of an old church organ, recommended by an ex-girlfriend. A phone call reluctantly returned that inspired Fitz to write the title track “Breakin’ The Chains of Love” the night he got it.