A Rollercoaster of Music and Weather: 2023 Pitchfork Music Festival Day Two Recap
As the sun rose on the second day of Pitchfork Fest, eager festival-goers were buzzing with anticipation for another day of outstanding performances from their favorite artists. Day two began with a calming performance by the gifted Black Belt Eagle Scout, followed by the mesmerizing music of MJ Lenderman, who perfectly set the tone for what was to come.
Mother Nature, however, had other ideas. Vagabon's set was cut short as foreboding clouds formed just as he was ready to enter the stage and the sky suddenly burst open with torrential rain. Immediately after the decision to evacuate the entire festival, guests sought shelter in local eateries in the hopes of finding a brief break from the rain. I, and other press personnel, grabbed refuge from the downpour inside the adjoining venue known as Bottom Lounge.
The festival's spirit persisted despite the interruption. The celebrations continued as planned at 6:00 p.m. once the planners determined it was safe to do so. Julia Jacklin entered the stage with grace and mesmerized the audience with her performance. There was no chance for a letdown as the roster continued to feature an astounding assortment of talent, including the consistently captivating King Krule and the lyrical Yaya Bey.
The Red Stage belonged to Weyes Blood at 7:25 p.m., and it appeared as though the rain had held off just for her. She embraced the puddles that had gathered on the stage with an ethereal glow and enthralled the audience with her lovely voice. Every audience member who was fortunate enough to see her spectacular performance will never forget the way songs like "Andromeda" and "Movies" tugged at their heartstrings.
As the evening wore on, excitement for the main act, Big Thief, who was scheduled to close up the Green Stage, peaked. The band entered the stage with an air of expectation, to thunderous cheers from the audience. They headlined one of the most prestigious music festivals, and their performance was nothing short of outstanding.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, day two of Pitchfork Fest provided remarkable memories that will reverberate in the minds of attendees for years to come, starting with the rain-soaked moments of Weyes Blood's performance and ending with the thunderous climax by Big Thief. Pitchfork Fest once again demonstrated its standing as a top celebration of both well-known and up-and-coming artists, giving performers a chance to make their imprint and inscribe their names in the rich fabric of musical history. ♦
