Riot Fest 2023 Kicks off with a Sunny Start on Day 1
Chicago’s Riot Fest, the indie-spirited and community-flavored music festival, got off to a sunny start on Friday. The festival, known for its diverse lineup and energetic atmosphere, serves as a big send-off to the city’s music festival season.
Despite the forecast predicting rain for the rest of the weekend, festival-goers were treated to a dose of warm energy on the first day. Acts were ready to go early in the day, with stages like Riot, Rebel, Roots, Radical, and Rise presenting a full platter of sounds.
One of the highlights of the day was the headlining performance by Foo Fighters. Frontman Dave Grohl, who has a special connection to Chicago, shared a sentimental story with the crowd. He reminisced about the first time he saw a live band play at Cubby Bear when he was 13 years old, an experience that changed his life forever. Foo Fighters delivered a memorable set, including their hits like “Times Like These,” “The Pretender,” and “My Hero.”
Tegan and Sara also impressed the crowd with their energetic performance. The duo opened with the catchy track “You Wouldn’t Like Me” and continued to delight the audience with their poppy songs. Although some of their banter between songs seemed to bore some attendees, the duo’s music kept the crowd happy.
The Breeders brought nostalgia to the festival with their album play of “Last Splash,” celebrating its 30th anniversary. The band performed the album from start to finish, with hits like “Cannonball” captivating the audience. Kim Deal’s shout-out to Mexico on Mexican Independence Day added a special touch to the performance.
Ani DiFranco, folk rocker and LGBTQ+ icon, delighted her fans with a set that included songs from her albums “Dilate” and “Little Plastic Castle.” Her powerful and sultry vocals resonated with the crowd, showcasing her undeniable talent.
The Interrupters brought high energy to their performance, with anthemic songs that had the crowd skank dancing. They played their hits like “Take Back The Power” and also surprised the audience with a ska version of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” The band ended their set with a toast to the fans, thanking them for supporting live music.
George Clinton, the 82-year-old funk legend, delivered a memorable performance with Parliament-Funkadelic. Teasing his farewell, Clinton commanded the stage with his iconic presence. The crowd was treated to a united front of musicianship, with a horn and rhythm section that kept the energy high throughout the set.
Olivia Jean, a Nashville-based artist known for her retro rock flair, showcased her talent on the Riot Stage. With her three-piece backing band, she delivered a performance filled with unpolished grit and raw energy. Her set encompassed surf rock, bluesy guitar licks, and garage rock venom, highlighting her versatility as an artist.
Despite the uncertain forecast for the rest of the weekend, Riot Fest’s first day proved to be a success. The festival brought together diverse acts and passionate fans, creating an unforgettable experience. As Riot Fest continues into the weekend, attendees can expect more musical highlights and memorable moments to come.