Kara Jackson performs at Thalia Hall on Dec. 1, 2023.
Everyone attending this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival – taking place at Union Park in Chicago July 19-21 – is surely excited to see the headlining performances from Black Pumas, Jamie XX, and Alanis Morissette, but there are several artists that shouldn’t be missed performing in the early hours of each day. From poetic singer-songwriters to experimental artists, here are five sets you won’t want to miss.
Kara Jackson
Poet. Singer. Songwriter. Musician. Artist. Oak Park native Kara Jackson has many titles, yet her music is difficult to define. Soulful and contemplative, the songs from Jackson’s debut studio album, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?, are substantive and fulfilling to the soul. The Green Stage is the place to be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 as Jackson is sure to deliver a set that challenges the mind and warms the spirit.
Rosali
When the sun is shining high in the sky, the Blue Stage serves as a shady, tree-filled oasis where fans can enjoy an eclectic lineup all day long. On Friday, July 19 at 2:45 p.m. Rosali is set to delight festival-goers with an intimate set full of her unique brand of indie rock. Songs from her stellar 2024 release, Bite Down, will surely appear on the setlist giving fans a chance to hear her bring the critically acclaimed material to life.
Joanna Sternberg
Low-fi and vulnerable, the music of Joanna Sternberg is easy to fall in love with. Whether singing about the positive attributes of isolation or imagining a love perfect and pure, Sternberg’s earnest approach to music is instantly appealing. They are set to open up the Red Stage on Sunday, July 21, so set your alarm for 1:45 p.m. so you won’t miss a moment of their performance.
L’Rain
Picture yourself at the Red Stage on Saturday afternoon, where gentle piano chords are swirling with etherial vocals. Just as you find yourself swept away on a cloud of comforting melody the music evolves into a swirling blend of analog meets digital avant garde mastery–– noisy and beautiful. This satisfying experience is all but promised when L’Rain opens the Red Stage with a 1:45 p.m. performance that promises to be one of the most talked about of the fest.
Akenya
Opening the Green Stage at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 is Akenya, an incredible artist who blends jazz, hip-hop, soul, pop, classical, and world music to create a craveable listening experience. This Chicago-based composer/arranger/vocalist/pianist is set to blow minds and redefine festival music. Don’t miss it.
Click here to pick-up tickets to Pitchfork Music Festival 2024, taking place July 19-21 in Chicago. More information can be found at Pitchforkmusicfestival.com.