Hottest bands and artists on Earth ripping it up on stage? Check.
World class DJ’s flexing their turntable muscles? Check.
A weekend of non-stop fun, partying, beer, music and games attended by over 60,000 people? Check.
Welcome to Lollapalooza!
What the heck is this…Lollapalooza?
Lollapalooza is an annual American music festival (sucks for us Aussies – then again, there’s always the matter of flying there for the festivities?) that features alternative rock, hip hop, punk rock bands, dance and comedy performances and craft booths. Started by Jane’s Addiction singer, Perry Farrell in 1991 as a farewell tour for his band, Lollapalooza ran annually for seven years straight til 1997, declined in popularity soon after and was later revived in 2003. The festival is headlined by an astounding 70 performers on five different stages and has been known to draw crowds of over 60,000 people and more!
Weird name, huh?
Tell me about it. But it has a nice ring to it! Hmm, file this name away under “potential aliases for my future offspring.” Nickname – Lolly? Looza? On second thought, maybe not. Let’s not subject my future kids to future bullying and future years of psychological damage. Anyway! The term, Lollapalooza, is actually an American idiom from the early 20th century, which means “remarkable or wonderful person or thing” and also refers to a large lollipop. Farrell, while searching for a name to go with his festival creation, heard this quaint word spoken in a short Three Stooges film, loved the sound of it and the rest as they say, is history.
Cool! So what’s the lineup of performers like?
Lollapalooza has been known to unify artists across different genres and has helped popularise groups such as Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Hole. This year’s lineup is nothing short of amazing and includes the following artists:
I’m lost for words right now. What else can you do at this festival?
Aside from jamming to all the bands and artists tearing it up onstage, there’s the Lederhosen’s Biergarten (beer garden), where you can chill out, have a few beers or a picnic with mates and watch the live feeds from the main stages. You can also visit the f.y.e. Autograph booth, where you can get signatures of your favourite artists and pick up the latest CD’s and vinyls from your favourite Lolla acts. You can also play games at the Playstation Central area and for the kiddies who’ve decided to tag along, there’s the Kidzapalooza – featuring games, workshops, painting activities and much more for the wee little ones!
That’s it…I’m sold! Where and when is this? And how much does it cost?
Lollapalooza will be held at the massive Grant Park in Chicago from August 7-9, 2009 this year. View ticket prices and book your tickets here.
Ok, so how do I get there?
You sure are one inquisitive little bee aren’t you? Here are some of the ways you can get there:
- Public transportation – The Chicago Transit Authority has set up train and bus routes to Grant Park, throughout the city and to both major airports. Map out your route here.
- Bike Ride - Get some exercise and peddle down to Lolla! Bike racks are available next to the Lolla Box Office on Columbus Drive between Cabramatta Congress and Balbo. The windy city provides free, secure bike parking at the McDonald’s Cycle Center in Millenium Park, though you must provide your own lock.
- Bike Valet - Leave your ride in a secure, enclosed area money-free and worry-free. The valet is located on the northwest corner of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Streets. Hours of operation during the event are between 10 am-10:30 pm.
- Bike Rental - Don’t have a bike? Rent one and avoid traffic hassles while enjoying the lush scenery in the process! More information here.
- Taxis - Tell the cabby to drop you off on Michigan Avenue at Congress then head over to the Box Office and into Lollapalooza.
- Carpool, then park - Convenient and security patrolled 24-hour parking is available beneath the park in four underground garages. Parking is prohibited on festival grounds.
So what are you waiting for? It’s not too late to book your ticket for this music festival supernova! Any kind, generous soul out there who’s willing to help out a brother in need and fly him to Chicago for the festival? I’d totally let you be my BFF. And I’m talking about a life sentence here.
For more information, please visit the official Lollapalooza website at www.lollapalooza.com.
Photo source: www.lollapalooza.com
-
Only $1
Latest Issue Issue #24 featuring: Stephanie May and this month's nominees for StarCentral's A-List. Grab yours!
Post a Comment