Lollapalooza Roll Call

I'm flying in super early Friday morning, staying at the Marriott at the airport, because I got it for cheap ($50/night), and getting the subway to Grant Park each day.

I didn't get aftershow tickets, but I have invites to some of the parties on Friday and Saturday night.

Oh, btw, I'd definitely check NIN's show. Apparently, they did a preview show in LA a couple of days ago, and played one HELL of a show. If you liked The Slip or Year Zero, you'll LOVE the setlist. God knows I did!

I'm also hoping that at least one of the girls joins in for Broken Social Scene! It's really a different show without the girls.

Flying in early Friday morning as well. Staying at the Palmer House Hilton with some friends.

We're going to the HOB show on Saturday night. I'm sure the venue is bad (been to the one in Vegas before), but I love me some Bloc Party.

The House of Blues isn't horrible…it's not great (I prefer the Metro), but the sound can be pretty decent. In general, the House of Blues is very generic and if you've been to one of them, you've been to all of them really. But there are worse venues. My favorite venues in Chicago are definitely the Metro and the Vic Theater. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Riviera (I saw my first concert there) and the Aragon has improved. If you're seeing a medium-sized show, that's still a really interesting place. I'm excited about seeing My Bloody Valentine there. The Double Door (I haven't been there in years) is OK, not great. Not a huge fan of the Park West, but it's fine.

how far is the U of Chicago from Grant Park? They have private rooms there for cheap…

Originally posted by wanderlust j. marshmallow:
how far is the U of Chicago from Grant Park? They have private rooms there for cheap…

if it's the main campus, it's about 7 miles away. you would have some mass transit options.

Just pulled the trigger and got a ticket for Bloc Party saturday. I'm interested in seeing CSS in a club setting as well so we'll see how that goes. So any of you guys know much about the Hostelling International Chicago?

Originally posted by bearman:
The House of Blues isn't horrible…it's not great (I prefer the Metro), but the sound can be pretty decent. In general, the House of Blues is very generic and if you've been to one of them, you've been to all of them really. But there are worse venues. My favorite venues in Chicago are definitely the Metro and the Vic Theater. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Riviera (I saw my first concert there) and the Aragon has improved. If you're seeing a medium-sized show, that's still a really interesting place. I'm excited about seeing My Bloody Valentine there. The Double Door (I haven't been there in years) is OK, not great. Not a huge fan of the Park West, but it's fine.

hows the empty bottle? i saw a show at double door last time - and loved the neighborhood.

Originally posted by wml7:
I'm interested in seeing CSS in a club setting as well so we'll see how that goes.

I would bet on CSS playing either 930, BC, or Sonar soon enough to tour for Donkey.

Originally posted by bearman:
The House of Blues isn't horrible…it's not great (I prefer the Metro), but the sound can be pretty decent. In general, the House of Blues is very generic and if you've been to one of them, you've been to all of them really. But there are worse venues.

agreed, that's pretty much what i said. i'd have the same measured reaction to them if they didn't take themselves so seriously. don't try passing yourself off as morton's when you are in fact mcdonalds.

So I hear that house of blues is very strict on camera policy. They wand everyone before they go through. I was hoping to head straight to the show after Lolla but looks like I might make a stop at the place I'm staying. Ridiculous.

Originally posted by sweetcell:
i think it's totally walkable: 1.2 miles.

With three full days of standing and walking back and forth across Grant Park in the heat ahead, I would get a cab.

Originally posted by Bags:

Originally posted by sweetcell:
i think it's totally walkable: 1.2 miles.

With three full days of standing and walking back and forth across Grant Park in the heat ahead, I would get a cab.

indeed, for some this is the way to go.

however, last year i stayed 2.3 miles away from grant park and walked all three days, there and back. plus i'd typically throw in a detour on my way home (after-parties, bars, etc). just saying that it can be done :)

Yeah, I'm sure it can be done but do you want to be all hot and sweaty once you get to the after party? I think I'll cab it or take the EL because I want to catch as much of the show I can.

i'll be at the BSS afterparty and maybe The Whigs….

Originally posted by sweetcell:

Originally posted by bearman:
The House of Blues isn't horrible…it's not great (I prefer the Metro), but the sound can be pretty decent. In general, the House of Blues is very generic and if you've been to one of them, you've been to all of them really. But there are worse venues.

agreed, that's pretty much what i said. i'd have the same measured reaction to them if they didn't take themselves so seriously. don't try passing yourself off as morton's when you are in fact mcdonalds.

don't pass yourself as morton's, period. boring staff, basic steaks, dark atmosphere to hide the lack of. ruth's chris is better, but blt and charlie palmer make me creme brulee.

Just out of curiosity, but how much do these festival trips generally cost if you include stuff like travel, tickets, lodging, food, etc?

$250 airfare
$265 share of hotel (got corporate discount)
$60 early bird ticket
$300 food, drink, transpo, incidentals
$875 TOTAL

lolla is a relatively inexpensive festival for me, i suspect that last year's coachella ran me closer to $1500.

it's decadent, i realize, but i'm at a stage in my life when i can afford it in terms of both money and time. probably won't always be the case, so i'm taking advantage of it while i can. music is what i spend my money on - festivals let me get it done and over with in one fell swoop :)

At your age, you should probably be investing your money more wisely. It's not like you're 22. :)

Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
At your age, you should probably be investing your money more wisely. It's not like you're 22. :p

on the upside, i usually act like i'm 16… so spending like a 22-year-old is actually an improvement.

thanks for your concern. no worries, i'm also saving up.

You should do as I did…have a sibling move to Seattle, and marry someone who's parents live in Chicago. Then you have free room and board for a multitude of things!

Originally posted by sweetcell:

Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
At your age, you should probably be investing your money more wisely. It's not like you're 22. :p

on the upside, i usually act like i'm 16… so spending like a 22-year-old is actually an improvement.

thanks for your concern. no worries, i'm also saving up.