Our Official Guide to Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza schedule got your head spinning? We can help.

By Sarah Collins
Published: August 2nd, 2009 | 8:05pm

The key to three-day festivals like Lollapalooza is to have a plan. Know who you want to see, what stage and time the band goes on, and bring your running shoes. We’ve been pouring over Lolla’s 2009 schedule, letting the bands duke it out to see who comes out the winner of our attention. Here’s your official Venus Zine Lollapalooza guide to all that’s worth seeing at the fest and what you can afford to skip.

Venus Zine’s official picks for FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

The Builders and the Butchers put out the Gaslight Anthem’s fire — and the beats top the books on Day One

Start your Friday early at Lollapalooza. April Smith kicks things off at 11:15 a.m. at the BMI Stage with a set that’s sure to showcase off-kilter pop songs and her killer voice. From there, head straight to Zap Mama (1:00 p.m. at the Playstation Stage) for a little African-influenced, smooth soul that’ll get you in the mood for the rest of the day’s live acts.

The first conflict comes around 2:00 p.m. when the Gaslight Anthem (Chicago 2016 Stage) faces off against the Builders and the Butchers (BMI Stage): Overly earnest Bruce Springsteen imitation or honky-tonk, barn-raising revival? Call us when you write your Born to Run, Gaslight Anthem — our bet is on the Builders and the Butchers for the more riveting set. When they finish, try to catch Gaslight tour mates the Heartless Bastards (3:00 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage), who have our seal of approval, before scurrying over for sensitive singer-songwriter Bon Iver (3:00 p.m. Playstation Stage) whose afternoon show in the sunshine can’t be missed.

One emotional man is enough sad to last the whole weekend, and The Decemberists and Andrew Bird are too dreary for these sunny days — so skip the library and head to the dance hall with Crystal Castles (5:00 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage) and Of Montreal (7:00 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage). Crystal Castles are a Venus Zine favorite, and their electro pop makes it impossible to stand still. Stay in your dance spot because Of Montreal comes up next and you won’t want to miss the dance-happy beats of our beloved husband-and-wife duo. After all that fun, feel free to go catch some of Depeche Mode’s set (8:00 p.m. at the Chicago 2016 stage), but if you’d rather head home and put our feet up for Day Two, we won’t blame you.

Venus Zine’s official picks for SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Ida Maria’s one-woman show outnumbers Los Campesinos! and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a definite ‘yes!’ on Day Two

After giving their new record a perfect review, we think it’s worth getting up early to catch the Low Anthem start Saturday off right, 12:00 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage. After, you’ll have lots of buffer time to rest up for Ida Maria at 2:15 p.m. (Citi Stage), and trust us — once Maria tears into “Oh My God,” you’re going to need all that energy to sing along with her. We know it’ll mean missing the lovely Los Campesinos!, but you can always read Ellen Campesinos! tour diary to figure out what the band is really like on the road. Missing femme-friendly Atmosphere for Ida Maria is a shame as well, but we know you’ll love her just as much as we do. Trust us when we say she knows how to rock a fest.

After Ida Maria, we suggest staying in the crowd for one of our staff faves Chairlift (3:30 p.m. at the Citi Stage). The trio is a little stranger than most of their electronic peers at Lollapalooza, but we advise expanding your horizons for this can’t-miss set while soaking up the sun. You could always dash out early and catch some of Blind Pilot’s set (4:15 p.m. at the BMI stage), who are a lot more deserving of attention than a solo Perry Farrell DJ set or Coheed and Cambria.

Once Blind Pilot wraps up, you might need a shot of energy. After all, it’s the midpoint of the three-day weekend and you need some inspiration to pump you up for the rest of the fest. Head straight to see Santigold (5:30 p.m. at the Playstation Stage), who’s sure to put on a show that is “Unstoppable.” Keep that momentum by missing indie darlings TV on the Radio and aggro-punks Rise Against to catch Lykke Li who arrives at 6:30 p.m. at the Citi Stage. We can’t help but love this Nordic pop singer, and we know she will deliver as promised.

It’ll take all your energy to get through the next hour. So, instead of catching Animal Collective, grab yourself a spot up front for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ will-not-disappoint finale, 8:30 p.m. at the Budweiser stage. Just a forewarning: since Tool and Bassnectar are the only other headliners, we know the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ side of the park is going to be packed. But then again, being close enough to count the sequins on Karen O’s outfit is better than seeing anyone else.

Venus Zine’s official picks for SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Neko Case puts her fangs into Vampire Weekend and Lou Reed pretty much beats everyone else on Day Three

Ra Ra Riot will be a nice way to ease into Day Three at Lollapalooza when they take the Chicago 2016 stage at 12:30 p.m. We know their pop sensibilities will make you sway more than Friendly Fires, and their orchestral melodies are sure to enliven the mood. If Ra Ra Riot doesn’t fulfill your craving for beautifully-crafted pop songs, seek out the lush arrangements of Bat for Lashes (1:30 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage). We love Natasha Khan's style and her sound, and she’s an easy pick over Portugal. The Man.

When Rye Rye dropped off both Lollapalooza and the after show, we were left wondering who would bring the beats to the three-day fest. Thankfully He Say, She Say is here to break it down on Sunday (2:30 p.m. at Perry’s Stage). The electro rap duo craft catchy beats and cover them with intelligent lyrics. While we love the Airborne Toxic Event, we think you should catch He Say, She Say before they break.

You’ll have to run to catch self-confessed nerd Dan Deacon (3:30 p.m. at the Vitamin Water stage), but he’s definitely worth it. Deacon’s atmospheric songs sculpted from looped noises make us swoon, and his dance songs are a sure hit on a day featuring mostly of dreamy pop.

It’s no secret that we adore Neko Case, so it’s no one’s guess we choose her 4:30 p.m. set at the Budweiser stage over Vampire Weekend. Watch out, Vampire Weekend, because the fierce Ms. Case eats boys like you for breakfast.

Stay in your spot for Lou Reed’s 6:30 p.m. set at the Budweiser Stage because when we say Lou Reed beats out everyone, we mean everyone. Even if it means skipping Cold War Kids and Dan Auerbach just for a closer view, it’s worth it. Deerhunter is great and all, but we bet even they would skip their set for a chance to see the godfather of art-pop. And as for Snoop Dogg, well, we prefer our rap stars relevant.

After Lou Reed, end the night right with the Silversun Pickups (7:30 p.m. at the Vitamin Water Stage). In a weekend rather lacking in rock, the Pickups will bring the bite back to the night.