This year, Riot Fest will undergo a transformation in to a three-day outdoor festival in Humboldt Park on September 14-16 and join the ranks of other Chicago destination festivals including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and North Coast Music Festival.

The initial lineup for the revamped Riot Fest includes headliners Rise Against, Iggy and the Stooges, The Offspring and Elvis Costello.

Other acts of note are Coheed And Cambria, Descendents, Gogol Bordello, NoFx, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Promise Ring, Built To Spill, GWAR, Nobunny and Chicago’s own White Mystery. Check out the complete lineup here.

Additionally, here’s a map of what the Humboldt Park grounds will become during the festival:

Three and two day passes are on sale for $90 and $36, respectively, and two-day VIP passes are on sale for $155 now at RiotFest.org.

The festival goes down in Union Park – the same park Pitchfork will take over a few weeks earlier – on Labor Day weekend, which is Friday, August 31, through Sunday, September 2.

The lineup was revealed via a Groupon on early Tuesday morning that offered a three-day pass for only $62 and promptly sold out.

Past lineups have leaned more towards the electronic, hip-hop and jam band territory, and this year so far appears no different.

The lone announced headliner is American electronic artist Pretty Lights. Also included are two DJ/Producers from the Swedish House Mafia trio: Axwell and Steve Angello.

Hip-hop fans should be happy to see Big Boi and Atmosphere included, and so should indie fans as electro poppers Yacht and Dan Deacon will also perform.

Other notables include Chicago roots rockers Van Ghost, New Orleans brass legends the Rebirth Brass Band and The Rapture.

Check out the initial North Coast Music Festival lineup below:

Pretty Lights
Awell
Atmosphere
Big Boi
Steve Aoki
Excision
The Rapture
Alesso
Modestep
Mord Fustang
Felix Da Housecat
YACHT
Dan Deacon
King Khan & the Shrines
Rebirth Brass Band
Van Ghost
Maya Jane Coles
Steve Angello
Com Truise

As we previously reported, the headliners appear to be car commercial, afro-poppers Vampire Weekend, mellow pop songstress Feist, post-rockers Godspeed you! Black Emperor and British electro-pop outfit Hot Chip.

But today’s new additions are a slew of Pitchfork favorites. The biggest name is obviously Wild Flag followed by Real Estate and Beach House – both very recent P4K Fest alumni. More of the latest adds are post-hardcore outfit Chavez, Atlas Sound, Big K.R.I.T., Nicolas Jaar, Cults, Ty Segall, Oneohtrix Point Never, Youth Lagoon, Thee Oh Sees, King Krule, Lotus Plaza, Dirty Beaches, Lower Dens, Milk Music, the Psychic Paramount and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Also included, much to our delight, are Chicago’s own Outer Minds and A Lull!

Rounding out the bill are previously announced noise-poppers Sleigh Bells, indie-experimentalists The Dirty Projectors and buzz-DJ Flying Lotus. Other acts added were Danny Brown, Clams Casino, The Olivia Tremor Control, Iceage, The Men, Purity Ring and Schoolboy Q. In terms of locals, windy city metal outfit The Atlas Moth and Chicago’s up-and-coming anti-folker Willis Earl Beal will also be there.

Three-day passes are now sold out, so if you want to hit Union Park this summer, go grab individual day tickets, available for $45, over at PitchforkMusicFestival.com.

Check out the complete line-up along with the day schedule below:

Pitchfork Music Festival 2012

A Lull
AraabMUZIK
Beach House
Chavez
Dirty Beaches
The Field
Iceage
King Krule
Kendrick Lamar
The Men
Milk Music
Thee Oh Sees
Oneohtrix Point Never
Real Estate
Ty Segall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Vampire Weekend

Last year’s schedule caused a commotion due to its pitting major headliners against each other. This year’s schedule, save for Friday night, does a somewhat better job of spacing out the talent.

Naturally there are some odd scheduling choices. Namely legendary new wave rockers The Cars taking the stage at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, but I digress.

If you’re heading to Lolla hoping to see some fine Chicago talent such as Disappears, Gold Motel, Kids These Days, Maps & Atlases or The Smith Westerns, get there early. Disappears and Gold Motel, especially, open the festival around noon on their respective days.

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, one-day passes are currently on sale for $90 a piece. Three-day passes are now $215.

But, of course, what’s an outdoor festival without food? Famed Chicago chef Graham Elliot will curate “Chow Town” yet again. Look for the usual local fare such as Connie’s Pizza, Kuma’s Corner and Elliot’s own Grahamwich to sling grub at Lollapalooza among many others. Get the full list of food vendors here.

The festival, which is scheduled to run from Friday, June 24, to Sunday, July 3, returns to the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park. The biggest names on the festival’s main stage are Natalie Cole, Loretta Lynn, The Lemonheads and MaterialReissue.

The Illinois Lottery Taste Stage lined up a few local rockers Loud Loop Press readers will recognize: Archie Powell & The Exports, Empires, California Wives, White Mystery and Gold Motel.

Taste of Chicago will devote several days of its musical programming to formerly independent city festivals: Viva Chicago, Gospel, Celtic and Country Music Festivals. The four fests were merged into the Taste as a cost saving measure earlier this year.

Get this year’s schedule after the jump.

Friday, 6/24: Viva! Chicago Latin Music Day, 5:00 p.m.

Los Horoscopos de Durango

Saturday, 6/25
TBA

Sunday, 6/26: Gospel Music Day, 3:30 p.m.
Donald Lawrence
Reverend Milton Brunson’s Thompson Community Singers

Monday, 6/27: Broadway in Chicago, 6:30 p.m
Including Beauty and The Beast, Million Dollar Quartet, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Memphis, The Addams Family and more.

Tuesday, 6/28, 5:00 p.m.
The Lemonheads
MaterialReissue  

Wednesday, 6/29: Celtic Music Day, 5:00 p.m.
Natalie MacMaster 
Liz Carroll, John Doyle and John Williams
 
Thursday, 6/30, 5:30 p.m.
Natalie Cole

Friday, 7/1: Country Music Day, 5:00 p.m.
Loretta Lynn
Court Yard Hounds (featuring Martie Maguire and Emily Robison from Dixie Chicks)

Saturday, 7/2, 3:00 p.m.
Everest
The Jayhawks

Sunday, 7/3: Radio Disney Presents, 3:00 p.m.
Greyson Chance (YouTube Sensation)
Shane Harper

2011 ILLINOIS LOTTERY TASTE STAGE

Friday, 6/24: Viva Latin Music Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Guitarra Azul
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Jose Valdes & The Mambo Allstars
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Angel d’Cuba
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Freddy Kenton, Jr. & La Dynastia
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – 2012
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Orquesta Bambu

Saturday, 6/25: Rock/Pop Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – St8 of Grace
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Yeah Dude
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Archie Powell & The Exports
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Jon Drake & The Shakes
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Empires
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – California Wives
 
Sunday, 6/26: Gospel Music Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Mahalia Jackson Centennial Salute featuring Queenie Lennox
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – The Brown Sisters
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Dr. Abertina Walker Tribute
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Nichols Sisters
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Chicago’s Next
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Chicago American Gospel Quartet Chapter

Monday, 6/27: World Music Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Black Bear Combo (Balkan Brass)
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Megitza Quartet (Polish Highlander)
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Lamajamal (Gypsy Surf)
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Mar Caribe (Tropical)
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Mas Trueno (International)
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Funkadesi (Latin/African/Indian)

Tuesday, 6/28: Singer/Songwriter Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Nina Ferraro
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Briar Rabbit
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Karlye Lapetina
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Jessica Robbins
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Chris Gelbuda
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Jessica Lea Mayfield
 
Wednesday, 6/29: Celtic Music Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Celtic Dancing
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Glen Ayre
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Celtic Dancing
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Baal Tinne
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Bua
 
Thursday, 6/30: Variety Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Steelin’ Jazz
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Black Slang
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Shining Star
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – White Mystery
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – KTP Band
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Generationals
 
Friday, 7/1: Country & Americana Music Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Country Doctors
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – Whitey Morgan and the 78s
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Musikanto
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Heartsfield
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Anna Fermin’s Trigger Gospel
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – The Giving Tree Band
 
Saturday, 7/2: Variety Day
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Chicago Yestet
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. – JT & The Clouds
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. – Tommy McCracken
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Congregation
5:20 – 6:20 p.m. – Marrakesh Express
6:40 – 8:00 p.m. – Gold Motel

Sunday, 7/3: Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Party
Noon – 2:20 p.m. – Li’l Ed & The Blues Imperials with guest vocalists Lurrie Bell and Eddie Shaw
2:40 – 5 p.m. – Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King with guest vocalists Eddie Shaw and Maurice John Vaughn

The totally rad Lollapalooza lineup you’ve been thinking about since trudging off a steamy, muddy field after Arcade Fire hit the last note of “Wake Up” is finally here. But let’s not waste your time as Rolling Stone just broke the headliner news.

As previously rumored, Eminem, Foo Fighters and Muse are three of the fest’s big headliners. And also taking the stage in Grant Park on August 5 – 7 will be Coldplay and My Morning Jacket.

Now we’ve got Chicago’s own Mr. Kot with a look at how the rest of the lineup rounds out.

Other big names include Deadmau5, A Perfect Circle, Cee-Lo, The Cars, Ween and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Nas. Additional acts are as follows…

Death From Above 1979, Arctic Monkeys ,Bright Eyes, Black Lips, Best Coast, Ratatat, Beirut , Atmosphere, Cold War Kids, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Big Audio Dynamite, Deftones, Delta Spirit, Disappears, DJ Mel, Dom, Beats Antique, Crystal Castles, Cults, Black Cards, Boy & Bear, Cage the Elephant, Chico Trujillo, Titus Andronicus, The Joy Formidable, The Kills, Christina Perri.

But there’s much more:

City and Colour
Phantogram
Portugal the Man
Reptar
Rival Schools
Ruby Jane
An Horse

OK Go
Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
Ryan Leslie
Sam Adams
Sleigh Bells
The Mountain Goats

Smith Westerns
Electric Touch
Ellie Goulding
The Naked and Famous
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Fences

Fitz & the Tantrums
Flogging Molly
Foster the People
Friendly Fires
Gold Motel
Skylar Grey

Explosions in the Sky
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
Iration, J. Roddy Walston and the Business
Julia Easterlin
Kerli

Kids These Days
Lia Ices
Lissie
Tennis
The Drums
Grouplove

Imelda May
Local Natives
Lykke Li
Manchester Orchestra
Maps & Atlases
The Chain Gang of 1974

Mayer Hawthorne & the County
Noah & The Whal.
Patrick Stump
TAB the Band
The Kingston Springs
The Pretty Reckless, the Vaccines
Tinie Tempah

Two Door Cinema Club
Typhoon
White Lies
Wye Oak
Ximena Saritana
Young Man

Lord Huron
Los Bunkers
Young the Giant

Perry’s Lounge electronic/DJ stage:

Girl Talk
Skrillex
PerryEtty vs Chris Cox
Chuckie

The Glitch Mob
Busy P
Joachim Garraud
Pretty Lights

Kid Cudi
The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew
Afrojack
Modeselektor
Busy P

Joachim Garraud
Super Mash Bros.
Jay Electronica
12th Planet
Daedulus

Feed Me
Jackmaster
Collie Buddz
Savoy
Kyle Lucas & Captain Midnite

Ana Tijoux
Midnight Conspiracy
L1ght
Lady D

But there’s plenty more where that information came from. The lovely Neko Case, rockers No Age, Kurt Vile, Baths, Shabazz Palaces, HEALTH, Gang Gang Dance and the Fresh & Onlys have also been added to this year’s Pitchfork Music Fest lineup.

Single-day passes are still available for $45 at TicketWeb.

Get the revised lineup below:

Friday, July 15:
– Animal Collective
– Neko Case
– Guided By Voices
– James Blake
– Das Racist
– Curren$y

Saturday, July 16:
– Fleet Foxes
– The Dismemberment Plan
– Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
– No Age
– Gang Gang Dance
– G-Side
– Woods
– Sun Airway
– Kylesa
– Chrissy Murderbot

Sunday, July 17:
– TV on the Radio
– Cut Copy
– Deerhunter
– Destroyer
– OFWGKTA
– HEALTH
– Kurt Vile
– Yuck
– The Fresh & Onlys
– Radio Dept.
– Baths
– Shabazz Palaces
– Twin Sister
– How to Dress Well

UPDATE: There’s been a few updates to the lineup from the TNK 2011 Facebook page. First off, Oberhofer, Cloud Nothings and Jaill have been added to the Handsome Furs show on Saturday, January 15, at Schubas. Bone and Bell will open for Markéta Irglová on Thursday, Januar 13, at Schubas. Local indie rockers Lionlimb have been added to the S. Carey show on Sunday, January 16, at Schubas, and Sun Airway will support The Helio Sequence at Lincoln Hall on Wednesday, January 12. You can find the complete, updated lineup after the jump.

Additionally, five-day pass holders for Tomorrow Never Knows 2011 will get free shuttle ride between Schubas, Lincoln Hall and The Metro courtesy of the Chicago Trolley Company!

A quick glance at the initial schedule looks promising thus far. There are big names such as Besnard Lakes and Freddie Gibbs performing alongside up-and-coming new local groups such as psych outfit A Lull and indie rockers Pet Lions. And, as you will see, there’s still a lot to look forward to as many “Special Guest” spots are reserved for bands that have yet to be announced.

This year, the other big news is that in addition to the usual TNK venues Schubas and Lincoln Hall, the Metro will participate this year on TNK’s Friday and Saturday nights. A limited number of $75 five-day passes and $15 single-day passes will be available this Friday, October 29, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Passes can be purchased at Schubas.com, Lincolnhallchicago.com or Metrochicago.com.

Check out the current lineup below:

Wednesday 1/12/11

Schubas: Special Guest with Generationals, Drink Up Buttercup and Pet Lions

Lincoln Hall: The Helio Sequence, Sun Airway, & Special Guest

Thursday 1/13/11

Schubas: Markéta Irglová with Sam Amidon, Jeremy Messersmith, Bone and Bell

Lincoln Hall: Besnard Lakes with Special Guest, Lia Ices and A Lull

Friday 1/14/11

Schubas: Special Guest with Fol Chen, Apache Beat and BRAHMS

Lincoln Hall: Mystery Jets with Title Tracks and Guests

Saturday 1/15/11

Schubas: The Boogers (daytime family series show),

The Concretes with The Red River and Special Guests (evening show)

Lincoln Hall: Handsome Furs, Oberhofer, Cloud Nothings, Jaill

Sunday 1/16/11

Schubas: Human Tim/Robot Tim (daytime family series show),

S. Carey with Darwin Deez, Young Man, Lionlimb and Sea of Bees (evening show)

Lincoln Hall: Little Dragon with Alex Winston and Guests

Confirmed Metro Artists: Freddie Gibbs | Rita J | Tanlines (Dates & Time To Be Announced)

Lollapalooza is back and bigger than ever with an eclectic set of headliners that ranges from the post-Madonna, dancehall pop of Lady Gaga to reunited Seattle grungers Soundgarden to the unbridled anthems of indie rock saviors Arcade Fire. But of course, you probably are familiar with those groups. So, we decided on keying you in on some of our favorites who play the other eight hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get ready, Chicago. Here’s your Loud Loop Press Lollapalooza 2010 preview…

FRIDAY, August 6

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WAVVES: Budweiser Stage, 12:15 -- 1:00 p.m. | Saturday, 8/7. Empty Bottle, 11:00 p.m. 21+. $15.

Nathan Williams and his basement-recorded, noise pop outfit Wavves figured to be pretty much done after a drug-induced meltdown at Barcelona, Spain’s Primavera Sound Festival in May 2009. But Willams regrouped and conquered Chicago on Pitchfork’s small stage last summer. Now, he’s teamed with ex-Jay Reatard bandmates, drummer Billy Hayes and bassist Stephen Pope, and has released the dirty summer binge-party record King Of The Beach, which is powered by William’s Cuomo-meets-Hoppus-with-a-touch-of-Cobain, irony-fueled vocals and a whole lot of distorted guitar. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfTJyuu8Y8k

Another Pitchfork Festival 2009 flip-flop act, The Walkmen’s contemplative, REM-esque indie rock worked quite well when they had a late afternoon time slot at last year’s Pitchfork fest. Will Hamilton Leithauser’s vocals still have the same hypnotic effect at 1:00 p.m. with the sun shining brightly? As long as they pull out the horn section, especially on rousing takes like “Louisiana”, The Walkmen should prove they can work a crowd regardless. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hKUJnMners

Member of the legendary Staples Sisters, Chicago gospel singer Mavis Staples’ career has been on a bit of an upswing as of late. Not only did she release the critically acclaimed Live: Hope at the Hideout in 2008, but now she’s getting ready to drop a new Jeff-Tweedy produced album in You Are Not Alone. For the younger generation at this year’s festival, this booking may cause them to stray, while the slightly older crowd realizes that Staples is a pure diamond in the rough. Will Tweedy make a guest appearance? Seeing how Wilco’s headlined Lolla a few times in the past, it would make sense. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCLqaMPqtkQ

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS: Budweiser Stage, 4:00 -- 5:00 p.m. | Thursday, 8/5. The Metro. 18+. $30.

When one thinks of supergroup, instantly the image of arena rock-sized forces joining together is conjured up, but while the New Pornographers aren’t exactly your big riffs and tight leather pants band, they’re no less a supergroup. This Canadian outfit is a who’s who of talented musicians including, but not limited to, A.C. Newman of Superconductor, Dan Bejar of Destroyer, John Collins of The Evaporators, Neko Case and more. The band’s throw-back, Fleetwood Mac-ian pop rock is pure joy, which is a necessity once the mid-day heat rains down. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpZa8Ie1FEU

Are We Not Men? We Are Devo! is the classic 1978-Brian Eno produced album that put the Ohio new wavers on the map. After some dormant time, Devo are back in full force with the release of 2010′s Something for Everybody, which is appeasing old-school, die-hard fans of the lego-looking-hatted group. Known for their zany fun live shows, this set should be quite a diversion…in a good way. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsSzeQpM0Q0

Here’s a band that can mix abstract, deconstructed, syncopated and complex song structures with a wide arrangement of instruments and still deliver something that will make you tap your foot or bob your head in rhythm. Dirty Projectors have been at it for awhile but it wasn’t until last year’s Bitte Orca (the group’s seventh full-length) that they caught fire and the attention of the masses. And when David Byrne is part of the masses, going so far as to collaborate with the fellow art rockers, you know they’re doing something right. (Andrew Kahn)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMPF6lpM0XM

Chromeo will no doubt be throwing the crazy disco dance party at the festival this year. The French Canadian duo of keyboardist P-Thugg and guitarist/vocalist Dave1 make sexy music with fat beats and a whole lot of retro spacefunk. Just like the band and their carefree sound, stop taking yourself so seriously for an hour and stop in on their set to soak up the grooves and dance yer ass off. (Andrew Kahn)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNC0uAaCv0

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SOFT PACK: Budweiser Stage, 12:30 -- 1:15 p.m.. | Saturday, 10/7. Schubas, 11:00 p.m. 18+ $15

So now that the hype machine has wound down a bit on San Diego’s Soft Pack, perhaps we can talk honestly about what they are -- A very pleasant band playing solid three cord indie pop that would sound great driving around in your Jetta. Can’t that be good enough? Not everybody is changing the face of rock n’ roll. (Ross Meyerson)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QCYOK8vAWE

Chicago’s Skybox play that sort of warm hearted rock that’s just perfect for opening a festival. Their songs range form reflective folk offering such as “Slipping” to the electro-tinged, head-bobbing pop of “In A Dream”, the track for which the released a rad monster attack video for last year. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqY_En0daY

The past few years has been filled with rough times for the band (kidney transplants, loss of loved ones, and record label parting). But that hasn’t stopped them from putting out albums filled with their lo-fi, catchy, indie rock songs, layered with chimey guitars, upbeat melodies with Zach Rogue’s soft, tenor vocals that melt perfectly. Comparable to bands like Nada Surf, Elliot Smith and Yo La Tengo, Rogue Wave is one of those bands that you can’t help but adore for their fearless, open-hearted music and ability to put on an unforgettable show. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8wulSNIo6A

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BEATS ANTIQUE: Perry’s 1:45 -- 2:30 p.m.

Oakland based group Beats Antique combine orchestral gypsy music with break beats, glitch, dubstep, and one drop dead gorgeous, scantily clad, contemporary belly dancer named Zoe Jakes. David Satori and Tommy “Sidecar” Chappel are known for their intelligent beat mixing as well as using live instruments including haunting violin melodies, wild Turkish banjo solos and playful clarinet. While they create the music, Jakes visually pleases the crowd with her own mix of alluring traditional belly dance with touches of breakdancing. The eclectic sights and sounds of Beats Antique will leaves your eyes senses excited. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm0v7Q5WcZY

L.A.’s Warpaint might have cool Hollywood ties and junk, but don’t dismiss them just yet. When they played Do-Division earlier year, they plain rocked. It’s worth checking them out for drummer Stella Mozgawa extremely hard-hitting yet intricate beats. Plus, it’s early enough to see them up close while you still can. (Ross Meyerson)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOFxb0F2F2A

Darlings of the chill wave scene, The xx quickly became one of last year’s buzz bands following the release of their highly acclaimed self titled, self produced debut album. Still garnering praise (the album’s been nominated for the distinguished Mercury Prize) the London based trio rides into Chicago along with their laid-back but still attentive vibe. Relying heavily on atmospheric soundscapes and minimal instrumentation their approach creates the soundtrack to hazy dream that you don’t want to wake up from. (Andrew Kahn)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI2eO_mNM88

The psychedelic, indie-folk rockers, Grizzly Bear are coming to bring a breath of fresh air to the Lollapalooza main stage. Known for their haunting yet playful Beach Boys-esque three part harmony vocals, extraordinary layers of carefully mastered melodies, and the use of exotic instruments that make you look twice, Grizzly Bear is not a show to pass up. Just be prepared to loose yourself in the ethereal wonder and be completely blown away by their musical genius. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puph1hejMQE

Toronto indie rockers Metric make rocking out and compelling people to dance look easy. The four-piece fronted by Emily Haines, guitarist Jimmy Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead, and drummer Joules Scott-Key are very good at creating intimate experiences. Whether it is from the stage or online, the band wants a relationship with you and they are willing to do establish one in any medium in which you are comfortable. Don’t miss your chance to see Metric supporting its dreamy, dance rock album Fantasies one more time before they disappear into a recording studio. (Audrey Leon)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRtd8ArvH_s

Formed in 1978, this highly influential American punk rock act originally broke up in 1985 due to Mike Ness’ drug problems. But the band regrouped a year later and are still rocking with the best of them even after the death of guitarist Dennis Danell from a brain aneurysm in 2000. While Social D’s lineup may change these days, Ness is the constant and chief of the group. Their melodic, sometimes jangly, punk rock antics are sure to show the crowd how punk used to be before, twemo-punks Green Day slapped on the eye-liner. (Richard Giraldi)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x_FiQIB6E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MINIATURE TIGERS: Playstation Stage 11:30 -- 12:15 p.m. | Saturday 8/7. Double Door. 11:00 p.m. 21+. $20. (Sold Out)

With the feisty attitude of The Cars and the tongue-in-cheek humor of Weezer, Miniature Tigers aren’t as small as they sound. They come to Lollapalooza this year with their bright, bittersweet indie rock songs reminiscent of bands like Of Montreal and The New Pornographers. The band has some entertaining live show antics with the lead singer and his dead-pan, deer-in-the-headlights look, while the rest of the band is a non-stop barrage of motion behind him. Check out these itty-bitty felines Sunday morning for your happy, indie rock wake up call. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrUrv7CBbN4

LA noise rockers Health are likely best known for their 7-inch split with Canadian electro-rock duo Crystal Castles and the latter’s infectious remix of the Health song “Crimewave.” Health’s most recent album Get Color’s subdues the listener with an abrasive mix of synths and drum beats while front man Jake Duzsi’s vocals hauntingly float over the music. From the video below, it is obvious they are not to be missed live. (Audrey Leon)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiO4Tvba800

Twenty-eight-year-old Frank Turner’s career trajectory has not been typical. Turner went from fronting the successful London-based alternative rock band Million Dead to playing punk-infused, acoustic folk rock on his 2007 solo debut Sleep is for the Week. His latest album, 2009’s Poetry of the Deed, features Turner with a full-band, yet his lyrics about heartbreak and loss, and soulful voice remain the primary focus of Turner’s sound. (Audrey Leon)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RbNdwY4ujw

It wasn’t but a few years ago that Chicago’s Company of Thieves lead vocalist Genevieve Schatz was playing open mics at Uncommon Ground. Now, this tiny girl with her big, big voice and fiery, indie rock band are playing Lollapalooza. Influenced by 90’s alternative goddesses like The Sundays, Wild Strawberries and Fiona Apple, Company of Thieves writes energetic and emotionally powerful songs backed by the wall of passion in Schatz’s voice. Support your local musicians by catching this band. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_slOp6yhjQ

Blitzen Trapper comes from the wooded areas of Portland, Ore. bringing with them a rootsy, organic sound punctuated with golden vocal harmonies. This summer’s Sub Pop release Destroyer of the Void took a couple steps toward some prog like composition to pair with their folksy approach. Put it all together you get some well crafted songs, some eloquent song writing and a group that’s totally comfortable in their own sound. (Andrew Kahn)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI6jrdnUIv8

Gritty Chicago folk rockers The Ike Reilly Assassination often feel like the perfect soundtrack for a film set in an old saloon where the main character alternates between bourbon shots and a cold bottle of sarsaparilla. Reilly’s latest album Hard Luck Stories, which is a perfect blend of punk, soul and blues rock, cements his reputation as a daring and humorous storyteller when singing about the roughest of situations such as the single father who loses custody of his daughter for growing pot to support them both (“Ballad of Jack and Haley”). (Audrey Leon)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RyIbAdHWT4

Seattle experimental rockers Minus the Bear are hard to pin down musically because the group is always straddling the line between math-rock and complex psychedelic rock. The band has made a career out of wearing its sense of humor on its sleeve with nonsensical album titles (They Make Beer Commercials Like This) and songs named after inside jokes (“Let’s Play Guitar in a Five Guitar Band”), but the band is ready to get serious. Minus the Bear’s latest album Omni shifts the band away from its past fits of humor and gets amorous. Singer Jake Snider wants to seduce you while keyboardist Alex Rose, drummer Erin Tate, guitarist Dave Knudson and bassist Cory Murchy fill your ears with the perfect blend of body moving noise from new wave keyboard notes to guitar taps, pulsing drum beats and throbbing basslines. Minus the Bear’s live show is strictly can’t-miss. (Audrey Leon)

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HOCKEY: Sony bloggie, 3:30 -- 4:30 p.m.

This town right now loves hockey. All right, maybe not exactly the quartet from Portland, Ore. but it’s a start. Unlike many of the other 80’s-revival-electro-synth-new-new-wave bands Hockey stands out in the teeming crowd due to lead singer and lyricists Benjamin Grubin’s biting wordplay and confident (even bordering on cocky) delivery. He’s brash without being arrogant and can write a hook in ways many only dream of. (Andrew Kahn)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qovo61G9GOU

Indie-electronic, psychedelic-space rockers, MGMT are bringing their funky music to Chicago to make you shake your money maker. It took just a quick listen from MGMT’s first EP to get the attention of Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann, who produced their first album. On stage, MGMT looks like something straight out of Woodstock with wild costumes with spacey flute, which they’ve adopted in support of their love-or-hate it 2010 album Congratulations. Compared to big names like Flaming Lips and Beck, MGMT’s carefree stage antics and quirky songs will be a welcome treat to your ears. Plus, you probably already know all the words to “Electric Feel”. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZexg8sxyk

Riding in on the second wave of the house music scene here in the windy city, Chicago’s Felix Stallings, Jr. became well known at the tender age of 15 when DJ Pierre helped him release his first single “Phantasy Girl”. After a sabbatical from the house music scene, Felix came back stronger than ever as Felix Da Housecat and has continued to be one of the highest in demand house DJ’s in the world. His collaborations include everyone from Thom Yorke to Madonna. Felix is known for transcending borders and creatively mixing rock and dance music with house beats and adding eclectic and playful vocals. (Britni Day)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=arVfrYOhSJ8

For More information about Lollapalooza visit Lollapalooza.com, and check out our daily picks right here.

UPDATE: Riot Fest rolled out another set of bands to play this year’s event. The Cap’n Jazz reunion will continue as the band take part in the festivities along with Pennywise, Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine, The Bronx, Torche and Kylesa.

Additionally, a benefit show for Chicago Coalition for the Homeless from those behind The Busted at Oz Chicago punk compilation will go down at the Double Door on Wednesday, October 6, featuring the early Naked Raygun lineup, The Effigies and original lineups from The Subverts, Steve Bjorklund, Da!, Silver Abuse and Toothpaste.

The headliners originally announced include Bad Religion, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Circle Jerks, Snapcase and Less Than Jake. The bill also includes locals The Lawrence Arms, Articles of Faith, Smoking Popes and a few bands in the metal sector such as High On Fire and Corrosion Of Conformity are thrown in for good measure.

Last year’s fest played host to a reunion from Cock Sparrer , this year’s Riot Fest features reunions of Buffalo’s Snapcase, Articles of Faith who will play with their original lineup for the first time in 25 years and Corrosion of Conformity return for the first time with their Animosity-era lineup of Mike Dean, Reed Mullin and Woody Weatherman.

Riot Fest 2010 will feature 21 shows at Congress Theater, Metro, House of Blues, Double Door and Subterranean, and this doesn’t even include the top secret shows. Additionally, in an effort to make traveling to and from shows easier, Riot Fest will be running shuttle buses from the Cobra Lounge to each venue and back, where there may be some late-night show shenanigans going down. Finally, some secret shows that will take place at undisclosed locations in the late summer and fall will be announced at RiotFest.org, so pay attention!

Early-bird 5-day passes that are good for all 21 Riot Fest 2010 shows go on sale in limited quantities on Saturday, July 10 for $115. All Riot Fest 2010 tickets go on sale on Saturday, July 17 at Ticketweb.com. Be sure to check back with RiotFest.org for new additions and secret show information.

Check out the current lineup (more headliners should be announced soon) for Riot Fest 2010 below:

Bad Religion, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Circle Jerks, Articles of Faith, Snapcase, Less Than Jake, The Lawrence Arms, Bouncing Souls, Corrosion of Conformity (Animosity lineup), High on Fire, Smoking Popes, “Busted At Oz” Reunion, Cro-Mags, Fun, Negative Approach, RedOktoberFest presented By Red Scare, Zero Boys, Riverboat Gamblers, Bhopal Stiffs, The Meatmen, Agnostic Front, Off With Their Heads, Brendan Kelly, The Toasters, Roy Ellis aka Mr. Symarip, Mr. T Bone, Easy Action, Shot Baker, Cobra Skulls, Eastern Standard Time, The Flatliners, The Copyrights, Banner Pilot, The Dopamines, Have Nots, The Brokedowns, Explode and Make Up, Vultures United, Mother of Mercy, New Lows, Green Room Rockers, Whut?, Righteous Fool, DJ Chuck Wren, The Infected, X Is For Eyes and many more to be announced