Chicago Weekend Preview: July 31 to August 3, 2014

DJOYbeat Event Spotlightlolla

August 1 to August 3: Lollapalooza Music Festival

Each year, the best of the best get together for one of the biggest music festivals of the year. Chicago’s Grant Park hosts Lollapalooza each year, with a lineup that rivals Coachella. In fact, many of the biggest acts of the West Coast festival are coming to the Midwest to bring us worldwide superstars. This year, we welcome Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Sebastian Ingrosso, Krewella, Disclosure, Above & Beyond, and more. Now, we know you’re all bass lovers and DJ addicts, but the best of the rockers of the world are also going to be at Lolla. So, if you’re given the chance at the festival, check out some other awesome acts like Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon, Lorde, and Foster the People. This larger-than-life fest isn’t a camp-out, as usual in the downtown area, but as usual that gives out of towners a chance to see the best that the city has to offer. The after parties for Lolla are perfectly varied for each music fan, and of course in the best venues for their audiences. This week’s weekend rundown is going to light up Chicago like its never been lit before.

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The Weekend Rundown

Thursday, July 31

Lolla Pre-Party: Cash Cash @ The Mid

Banger trio Cash Cash are taking over The Mid to warm everyone up for the festivities this weekend. These guys have an incredible energy that should fill the packed Mid until the CO2 cannons become futile in cooling the crowd. These Jersey boys are no stranger to bringing down the house and it seems the perfect way to start the party.

Lorenzo Dada @ Spybar

Studying classical piano and composition in Italy, Lorenzo Dada brings his expertise to Spybar the night before all of Chicago is in a frenzy. Lorenzo’s cool grooves and varied tempos warm up Chicago for the talent to flood the city over the weekend. If you’re into something a little more complex than the usual four-on-the-floor, check out Spybar.

Chvrches @ Vic Theater

While Chvrches is a little closer to the Indie scene than the DJ scene, their beats and synthesizers are noteworthy to all. With both female and male vocals to haunt the audience, their upbeat and melodic music can make anyone smile. They have the ability to break down each song into a true concert. For a good taste of Lolla’s variety, check them out.

Friday, August 1

The Glitch Mob (DJ Set) @ The Mid

The Glitch Mob can bring any house down with their overwhelming drum beats. Even though the Mid doesn’t have the space for a live show, these guys are guaranteed to bring the best their drum machines can bring. Looking to have a hard hitting end to the first night of Lolla? The Glitch Mob is all you’re going to need.

Lolla After: Disclosure (Live) @ Aragon Ballroom

The ultimate event of the weekend for house music fans will be a live set from Disclosure. This show sold out faster than you can refresh your page, and it’s probably one of the most anticipated after parties of the entire weekend. I’m sure some people are choosing to forgo the festival entirely just to catch these brothers do what they do best. The huge Aragon Ballroom has housed some of the biggest acts in music, and Disclosure is no different.

Porn and Chicken @ Elektricity Nightclub

Chicago’s favorite sinful party/group/brand is taking over Elektricity Nightclub to fill bellies and give you a little peek into the porn industry. These guys have been filling clubs to capacity for years, and they bring the noise to make everyone happy. Beats, lust, and gluttony are on the list for this late night party. Let it all hang out at Elektricity.

Saturday, August 2

Lolla After: Martin Garrix & Chromeo (DJ Set) @ Aragon Ballroom

Saturday night brings a few conflicts when it comes to after parties. It’ll be hard to decide what to do after Lolla on the 2nd. However, if you’re trying to jump around and feel good, check out the Aragon. The youngest DJ to truly set the bar, Martin Garrix, will be bringing his unique sound that started a movement. That’s not all, because everyone’s favorite smooth talking ladies men, Chromeo, will be bringing their DJ set as well. This event will be more than a good time.

Lolla After: Rudimental & Kidnap Kid @ Evil Olive

A huge hit across the pond, Rudimental will be taking over the Evil Olive. This four-piece brings us what drum and bass lovers call good music. They’re versatile and broad, but will make everyone at the Evil Olive sweat. Kidnap Kid has some awesome grooves himself and has become a huge hit. These two groups in one night might lead people to forget that Lolla is even happening this weekend.

Sunday, August 3

Lolla After: Skrillex & Gesaffelstein @ Concord Music Hall 

One of the most criticized, one of the first, one of the best producers out there, Skrillex brings his expertise to the premiere venue in Chicago for electronic shows. Starting from rock and moving beyond, Skrillex is a genre in himself. He started a movement and continues to raise the bar with each release. He’ll be gracing the Concord with Gesaffelstein to close out the festival, and will leave all of us breathless.

Lolla After: Crizzly @ The Mid

Last, but certainly not least, Crizzly is the alternative option to a giant close out after party. The intimate setting of The Mid will bring everyone closer, and his soulful sounds and irresistible beats are a perfect way to close out the festival if Skrillex is a little too much for you.

Lollapalooza is one of those festivals that will leave everyone wanting more, while wearing you out in the same breath. It’s rare that one city can bring together such a diverse group of artists, yet Chicago seems to proudly pull it off all the time. Be safe this weekend, but don’t miss out on what Chicago has to offer.

Didn’t find the right party for you? Visit our events pages for the complete listings.

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