Pitchfork Festival 2011 continued with a passion on Saturday, as thousands filled Union Park for another full day of music. Day 2 was hotter than the first, with the temperature reaching 90-plus, some concert-goers found shade in between acts, while others kept plenty of water and libations close. When we arrived we were greeted by the sounds of No Age, who provided a welcomed dose of harder and faster punk after Day 1 acts were heavy on the chill. At the same time, G-Side provided the only Hip Hop of the day as they performed at the Blue Stage. We later met up with Alabama’s G-Side after their set, as they soaked in the full experience.
Gang Gang Dance was taking the Green Stage just as G-Side was wrapping up. Or something like that. After a few hours of hopping from stage to stage and snapping pics, the times all become a blur. Gang Gang Dance did their thing with a full band setup of drums, guitars, keys, bongos, and even a dude who just danced around smoking a joint and carrying incense. Best. Job. Ever.
The rocking continued with OFF! providing a frenzied and aggressive set at the Blue Stage, as the LA Hardcore all-star band killed it. Dismemberment Plan’s set at The Green Stage was one of the most anticipated of the Festival. A few people I talked to said they bought their tickets way in advance just to see the D.C. band. They were not disappointed, as Dismemberment Plan played a hour-long set that ran through their catalog. It was another very strong set, and set the table perfectly for DJ Shadow.
DJ Shadow took the stage in a giant egg. The egg is used for visual effects, with lights, graphics, and other designs illuminating from its surface as Shadow plays inside. The problem yesterday was that it was too bright for the screen to really work, and for 30 minute a large crowd stood somewhat confused, just looking at a giant white egg. After the about a half hour, Shadow spun the egg around, opening it up for the crowd to see him. “You guys didn’t catch any of that, did you?” Shadow asked the crowd before doing the remained of his set fully exposed. He was a one man production studio as he went a collection of songs from Entroducing…, Private Press, and his forthcoming LP, The Less You Know The Better.
Fleet Foxes headlined on the Green Stage, and started their set off by bringing the hits. Whereas Animal Collective maintained a mellow vibe, Fleet Foxes brought the energy head on, their large sound playing perfectly as the sun went down in Union Park. Check out the pics of everything by Virgil Solis after the jump.
Gang Gang Dance
G-Side rocked the Blue Stage.
Keith Morris of OFF! calmly introduced the band, then kicked off their aggressive set.
The crowd at OFF! was hyped.
OFF!’s Steven Shane McDonald
OFF!’s Dimitri Coats
Beauty Bar in the house!
H-Plus Records at the Record Fair Tent.
CS: ATX available now!
Washington D.C.’s Dismemberment Plan turned in one of day’s best sets at the Green Stage.
Dismemberment Plan’s Travis Morrison.
Stay fresh!
DJ Shadow talked to the crowd before kicking his set off in a giant egg.
Fleet Foxes ended the night with a great set at the Green Stage.
Virgil got mad props on his Pot Stickers choice.
Just look for the green umbrella.
We don’t condone anything, but s**t happens.
More props for the Rice Krispy Treat.
Not so many props for the corn dog.
Lemonade was cool though.
