Qveen Herby conjured up a witchy atmosphere on Lollapalooza day 2

03.08.2024 02:12

Chicago Sun-Times

The second day of Lollapalooza got underway Friday afternoon, with fans streaming into Grant Park at a steady, yet noticeably slower pace than Thursday — with far less pink cowboy hats to show.

The day’s big-draw names include R&B talents SZA and Victoria Monét, K-Pop idols Stray Kids, hip-hop powerhouse Sexyy Red and contemporary pop-jazz artist Laufey, featuring the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra — all scheduled for evening sets.

A largely clear day brought intense sunshine on festivalgeors, making shade a commodity, unless you were a lucky VIP or GA+ ticketholder with access to the park’s more lush, shaded areas.

Fans cheer as Queen Herby performs on day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

Many fans spent the early part of the increasingly sweltering day day waiting — some at stages — to get a good view of a headliner hours later. Others waited in long lines for hydration stations, a makeover at Ulta Beauty’s “House of Joy” pop-up and Tree Hut’s “Self-Care Studio”for skin care products, or a chance to pose with a Lollapalooza prop in front of Buckingham Fountain.

The name of the game for fans was to stay hydrated and enjoy the day to the fullest. — Matt Moore

All Lollapalooza Reviews

Thursday

Friday

Geese

The Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage at Lollapalooza is an unforgiving place. Tucked in the southwest corner of Butler Field, known as the Petrillo Music Shell throughout the rest of the year, anyone attending a midday performance at the stage must stand on sizzling concrete and face the sun head-on.

Maybe that’s dramatic, but it sure was hot Friday afternoon, and things only got hotter when the Brooklyn four-piece Geese kicked into their blistering 11-song set.

Frontman Cameron Winter’s voice soared over the band’s post-punk, rock-and-roll, alternative and new-wave-leaning sound. Winter’s vocal ability shone throughout the set, especially on songs like “I See Myself,” a standout track from their 2023 sophomore album "3D Country" — a record that veers into twangy, indie rock territory while still keeping the band’s alternative roots. Fans embedded in the modest crowd gathered at the stage belted out the chorus along with Winter’s rasp and vibrato, as the singer nodded and said “I see myself in you, Chicago!”

In between songs, Winter shared his musings on Chicago, noting, “You guys have loud trains, loud public transport. It’s good. It snaps me out of my trance and back in the world.”

Drummer Max Bassin and bassist bassist Dominic DiGesu held down the rhythm section with precision, compelling some in the crowd to headbang and start a shortlived mosh pit. Keyboardist Sam Revaz added a vital level of texture, filling out the band ma sound. Midway through the set, Revaz grabbed what might be the only keytar played this weekend, as Winter pounded on the keyboard. The two would trade keyboard duties for the duration of the set.

In addition to Winter’s freewheeling verses and catchy choruses, Geese’s strength lies in its guitarist Emily Green, who shredded on each song, breaking into guitar solos ranging from tasteful to all-out chaos.

Geese performs on day two of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

“Thank you for all coming to the Tito’s Vodka Stage — we really hoped we would get this stage so we’re happy it worked out,” Winter said with a slight smile.

The band capped their tight set with another “3D Country” highlight, “St. Elmo,” ending with an in-your-face jam session. — Matt Moore

Lollapalooza Day 2: Sets we're watching

12 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

1:50 p.m.

3 p.m.

3:20 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

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Laufey with the Chicago Philharmonic

6:45 p.m.

Stray Kids

8:30 p.m.

SZA

8:45 p.m.

Wisp

There have been quite a few artists making festival debuts this weekend (not just Lollapalooza debuts) including the DIY shoegaze project of Natalie Lu, who has been the focal point of a ton of chatter on social media over the past year, ever since she released her first single “Your Face” in April 2023 that cascaded into a ton of shares and views — 100,000 overnight and one million in a week.

The rise has been so fast that some online have bizarrely alleged that she has to be an industry plant. Afterall, how could she have more followers than My Bloody Valentine?, they scoff.

The thing about the Wisp is that she’s not only incredibly solid but the 19-year-old is introducing the genre to a whole new generation of impressionable music fans that have never heard of Slowdive, Catherine Wheel or Cocteau Twins.

“I’m so nervous, I can’t lie, but thank you guys for being so supportive,” the meek Lu shared during the set. Not that she should’ve had any doubt. When she prompted the decent-sized crowd about who they were most excited to see on Friday, there was a unanimous chant of “You!”

Her music tracks, like that first single and several others from her debut EP “Pandora” (released April 5 on Interscope), are scene-setting masterwork. Lu’s high-register vocals are given a hazy dreamlike treatment, and they’re paired with a thundering crash of drums and crunchy guitar work that pays homage to shoegaze and dream pop and builds on them; that’s the beauty of a music genre when the gatekeepers step aside.

As of now, Wisp has a few more festival dates this year including Outside Lands and Levitation, but there’s no doubt a full-blown tour is coming – the music is just too good to keep locked up. — Selena Fragassi

Qveen Herby

Queen Herby performs on day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

“Oh s - -t! It better not start raining again!” said Nebraska-born singer and rapper Amy Noonan, performing Friday afternoon in her guise as Qveen Herby over the course of one hour on the T-Mobile south main stage. (While rain largely missed the festival Thursday afternoon, it did fall during Hozier’s headlining performance opposite Megan Thee Stallion Thursday night.)

Without a Chappell Roan performance on the docket, Friday's fest, at least early on, saw smaller crowds but festival grounds remained in decent shape on Grant Park’s south end, with only easily avoidable mud — a minor issue largely negated by the day's high temps and the proactive use of wood chips and more throughout Hutchinson Field.

“The drama, darling…” mused Qveen Herby on stage.

Noonan performed solo, singing live over a series of instrumental backing tracks during an intricately curated set, which relied as heavily on interactive, physical performance as it did singing, with Qveen Herby invoking props throughout a set heavy on performance art.

Emerging in a hooded, blue cloak, Qveen Herby conjured up a witchy feel early, invoking that word frequently throughout a set from which themes like self-empowerment and transformation quickly emerged.

As the sound of a phone ringing rang out across Grant Park, the artist ran to answer one on stage, a small part of the cinematic feel that largely drove the impressive performance. “Hello, it’s your dream life calling!” she exclaimed, setting up “Housewife,” a saccharine sweet pop track driven by an uber-catchy beat.

Later, ducking behind an onstage curtain, Qveen Herby suddenly appeared on the massive video screen flanking the main stage, blowing a kiss to the crowd before reappearing on stage in a new costume for “Mission,” with a spooky, organ-fueled track soon giving way to pounding drums.

“Anybody know anybody toxic?” asked the singer, setting up “Chakras.” “I’ve got some instructions!” she joked, with the crowd soon providing the bulk of the lead vocas l on “Sade in the 90s,” presumably the weekend’s only on-stage shoutout to both orange soda and author Deepak Chopra.

“I want you to know something. You mean the world to me,” Qveen Herby late in the set. “That I can exist as an independent artist out here being all witchy and s–t? That’s you. And I thank you.” — Jim Ryan

Ava Maybee

First impressions are everything for up-and-coming artists, and Ava Maybee didn’t waste her opportunity, adding in her very own “You Oughta Know” moment at the BMI Stage Friday afternoon.

Introducing her song “Colors,” the singer-songwriter noted it was about a “s - - -ty a- - ex,” but then took it one step further.

“He’s actually in the audience right now, so scream the lyrics so he gets it in his head!," said the jovial talent, whose vibrant energy and charismatic stage presence are as contagious as her catchy lyrics.

When she wasn’t dishing out her own originals like the alt rock “Self Doubt” or the pop punk gem “Puke,” she had the crowd engaging in another round of Chappell Roan’s “Hot To Go!” dance routine and then dished out a cover of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl,” teasing a “very special guest.” But not the one most were thinking of.

Seriously though, collaborating with her dad, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, on that song would have been totally uncouth; instead, Ryan Santiago of Royal & the Serpent was a solid pick for the vocal duet.

Maybee didn’t need Smith’s presence to bring attention to her set anyway. The budding talent brought her own level of star wattage and a sizable league of fans who likely saw her make it through to the finals on “American Idol” a couple years ago.

“I was here one year ago supporting my friends in Beauty School Dropout on this stage and now I get to play it, which is f- - - - - g crazy,” said Maybee, echoing the relatability factor that became a strong theme of her set. “If you’re in the back, can you come up front? We don’t bite!” she added.

With a promise to release more music soon, Maybee offered a small sliver with the new track “Pinch Myself,” perhaps evocative of this latest milestone in her career, though more are likely coming soon. — Selena Fragassi

Check back later for more reviews.

Lollapalooza 2024 in photos

Fans cheer as BigXThaPlug performs on IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans arrive in Grant Park for the first day of Lollapolooza on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans arrive in Grant Park for the first day of Lollapolooza on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans arrive in Grant Park for the first day of Lollapolooza on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as BigXThaPlug performs on IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as BigXThaPlug performs on IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Tyla performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Tyla performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Iverson Woods and Jade Flournoy pose for a photo on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

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Matt Hansen performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Matt Hansen performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Matt Hansen performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as BigXThaPlug performs on IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Elizabeth Gorney and Makayla Cooper, pose for a photo in pink cowboy hats that represent Chappell Roan on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Queen Mcneil poses for a photo on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Festival goers enjoy Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Kayleigh Cowan, Megan Drake and Kiersten Maurer pose for a photo in their Chappell Roan shirts on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans watch as Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Fans watch as Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Chappell Roan fans wait at the barricade before her set on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Adan Diaz performs on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

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Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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A fan holds the heart that Kesha threw out into the crowd as Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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A fan pretends to bite the heart that Kesha threw out into the crowd as Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Kesha performs on the IHG Hotels and Resorts stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Labrinth performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Labrinth performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Labrinth performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Hozier performs to a packed crowd during the 8:30pm set on the Bud Light stage on day 1 of Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2024. | Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

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Hozier performs to a packed crowd during the 8:30pm set on the Bud Light stage on day 1 of Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2024. | Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

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Hozier performs to a packed crowd during the 8:30pm set on the Bud Light stage on day 1 of Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2024. | Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

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Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Stay Safe Lolla is displayed on a tower prior to Megan Thee Stallion performing on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Fans cheer as Megan Thee Stallion performs on the T-Mobile stage on day one of Lollapalooza, Thursday, August 1, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Thousands flock to Grant Park for day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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Wisp performs on the second day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Kids watch Taj Farrant perform at Kidzapalooza on the second day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Peyton Reich/Sun-Times

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Queen Herby performs on day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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Vocalist Cameron Winter and bassist Dominic DiGesu perform as Geese on day two of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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Thousands flock to Grant Park for day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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Festival-goers dress up as the Power Rangers as thousands flock to Grant Park for day two of Lollapalooza, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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