July 2006

Lollapalooza 2006

by Martina Priadka

 

Photo by Brad Chmielewski

For Twin Cities travelers, Chicago has always been the name we use to help us identify our humble city for those world travelers who have never heard of it.   When a cloud of confusion comes over their faces we just have to tell them it is near Chicago and a lightbulb goes on over their heads.   Ah, yes Chicago, The Cubs, Wrigley Field, The Great Lakes. It all comes together.  

Maybe we are not exactly that close, but Chicago has always been my quick and easy get-away plan.   A six to eight-hour drive if you are in the mood for a little road trip or a quick plane ride gets you there and back in one day.

The list of restaurants is relentless from The Wiener Circle where you better have your order ready if you don't want to be shamed by the bossy counter girl to the fine dining experiences of Tru or Charlie Trotter's.   For those of you who are old enough to remember John Belushi in his Saturday Night Live skit about a burger joint that only serves cheeseburgers, Pepsi and chips then you can visit the real deal at Billy Goat Tavern just off the river. The palate pleasing is endless.

I have never had a boring moment in Chicago.   If I don't want to go see a Cub's game I can always wander Magnificent Mile and do some shopping.   When that gets boring I can go on a neighborhood exploration to take in the great Chicago architecture, do some gallery hopping or take a walk along Navy Pier and see if my ship has come in.   Usually by that point I am ready for a burrito and margherita, which happens to me every day in Chicago.   Good thing I have a spectacular choice of Mexican places to duck into about every half block or so.  

But what makes a trip to Chicago exceptionally fun this summer is the largest outdoor event in the Midwest.   Lollapalooza 2006 is sure to be three days of some of the greatest music around.   A line-up of over 130 bands including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mana Chau, The Shins and Thievery Corporation make this show the best festival going.   Held in Grant Park with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop, the energy and atmosphere promise to be spectacular.

A weekend pass is $150 but if you think of it as around a dollar a band it makes the value unbeatable.   Watching bands play live outdoors is one of the best of life's musical experiences and I have never been disappointed by any Lollapalooza event except the one I was unable to attend.  

Information on absolutely everything you want to know about the show from schedules and after hours concerts to travel arrangements by the Lollapalooza concierge can be found at the official website.

www.lollapalooza.com

4-6 August, 2006

Grant Park, Chicago

Gates open 11am until 10 pm

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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