This last weekend I went to Chicago to go to Riot Fest. My younger sister, Ali, recently made the move there so I stayed with her. I didn't see her as much as I'd have liked though, so another visited will be in order soon!
We got our Chicago Diner fix...(okay, we went twice.)
Here's what I intended on viewing throughout the day. It was miserable, cold, and raining so I mostly only saw Title Fight, NOFX, and some other random bands. We left too early to see Slayer. We got Native Foods instead.
Here is our rain fashion gear.
Rina, me, and Rachael. In Bill we trust.
The rain obviously soaked all the ground into terrible mud. Thankfully, I had my trusty vegan Doc Martens boots. It was actually amazing how dry they kept my feet. Non slip too! The previous year at Riot Fest it also rained. I only had my Hunter wellies and they actually were quite slippery in the mud.
We got separated from our friends during GWAR. So we had to sit and wait for them.
Saturday definitely warmed up. Rina and I met up with some friends. They got brunch at a Mexican spot in Logan Square. Unfortunately, no vegan fare. The weather was much nicer. The sun was out most of the day, but it was still pretty cold.
I missed 7 Seconds. Got to see the Buzzcocks from a distance while eating pizza. They're SO OLD, but still rockin'. City and Colour sounded great. Rachael really wanted to see them. I never got into them, but they were pretty great live. Skipped a couple on the list to bask in the sun. Saw Lemuria finally for the first time. Their vocalist is just plain cool. Missed Wu-Tang to see The Get Up Kids play "Something To Write Home About" all the way through. Waited around that stage to watch Cock Sparrer. Also, SO OLD, but so kick ass. Met up with some friends to see Descendents play "Milo Goes To College." It was incredible. I'd never gotten the chance to see them before. This made the whole festival and all the terrible crowds and terrible weather worth it. It felt electric. After they finished up we ran over to Taking Back Sunday to meet up with Rachael. I really wish they'd been one of the bands to play a full-length old record through. I know they did a Tell All Your Friends tour, but that's mostly what I want to hear from them haha. But still a fun band to watch either way. Saw a little of The National, by Caitlyn and Ali's requests on their behalves.
The week before was humid, muggy, and hot. So it was kind of fun busting out the sweaters, gloves, and scarves.
We missed The Menzingers and Bouncing Souls to be able to get brunch. Watched Billy Bragg and Superchunk. Went over to La Dispute for Rachael, ran back for Tegan and Sara. (My one photo of a performance because I didn't wanna be "that guy" the whole time.) I usually forget to take pictures because I'm having such a good time too. This photo was taken to send to my sister. Tegan and Sara sounded like beautiful angels. We missed Mineral. Saw a little of Patti Smith then went on an hour long hike to find better Porta-Potties. Saw New Found Glory then left to go catch The Cure. Ended the night with Weezer playing the "Blue Album."
Sun/hater ray blockers
The weekend really made me realize how old my body feels and that's pretty depressing. But, I've gotta say, my friends make me feel young, reckless, and care-free. Up ThE pUnX!
