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Embrace the rain
(Day 3)
(Day 1) Review and Photos
(Day 2) Photos

Lollapalooza 2011
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Aug. 5 - 7, 2011

The Cars (PS)

Cage The Elephant (PS)

Story & photos by Pete Schoen
Additional photos by Rob Grabowski

Music lovers attending day three of Lollapalooza were saturated with virtuous beats and monsoon rains. The rainy season was in full course amid Chicago's Grant Park, yet this was but a minor hindrance for the brawny music junkies in attendance at Lollapalooza. Musician's that performed consisted of The Car's, Damian Marley featuring Nas, Cage The Elephant, Arctic Monkeys, Deadmau5, Kid Cudi, Foo Fighters and many more. One of the highly anticipated performances of the day was 70's synth-oriented pop group The Cars. The recently reunited band primed the crowd with the tune "Good Times Roll" a vintage keyboard- heavy anthem. They also rocked out songs such as "Shake It Up," and "Blue Tip." However, after the first few opening tunes the performance took on a mildly stale vibe. Front man Ric Ocasek had a rather stationary stage presence while conveying a disinterested demeanor.

The Kentucky roots garage group Cage The Elephant hit the Playstation Stage like a package of dynamite igniting in a china store. Lead man Matt Shultz strutted around with a devilish gleam in his eye that frightened most people within close proximity of him. The band relentlessly tumbled through songs such as "In One Ear" and "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" while Shultz took air assaults with his body on the crowds front rows. Viewing this performance was like riding a mind-blowing endless roller coaster without any restraints.

Another one of Lollapalooza's must see bands were indie rock quartet group Manchester Orchestra. These Atlanta Georgia natives absolutely owned the stage. They set the tone with churning rhythmic distorted tunes like "Pride," and "April Fool." I also must say that Manchester Orchestra had some of the most loyal fans I have ever seen. Lyrics were sung note for note even through round two of the heavy rains.

Despite the ankle deep mud puddles and rain that wouldn't stop, the festival's final day was one that most people in attendance will remember. It was a hell of a lot of fun. The astounding atmosphere and stellar music helped to overcome Mother Nature's road blocks. This was one of the better festivals I've attended in a long time. I'm already speculating about Lollapalooza 2012.