Pitchfork memories as the music fest leaves Chicago

• It returned nearly every July and was headlined by legends such as Chaka Khan but also featured acts that were relatively unknown but later blew up, including St. Vincent and Run the Jewels.

Context: To celebrate the nearly two decades of the music and arts fest, we asked Axios Chicago music lovers, artists and readers for their favorite memories.

Mary Dixon, host, WBEZ Morning Edition: "Really loved seeing PJ Harvey and A Tribe Called Quest in 2017. Ric Wilson on the Blue Stage last summer was pure joy."

Jason Narducy, musician, Verboden, Superchunk and Bob Mould: "Pitchfork felt communal because of the smaller capacity, the attention to local entities like CHIRP, and the tent sales platform given to dozens of screen print artists like Jay Ryan. The programming was eclectic, like some European festivals have done for decades. It will be missed."

Andrew Barber, creator, Fake Shore Drive: "My first one — 2007. My buddy Matt Markoff was working on some Wu-Tang Clan business and had an extra pass for me. I got to hang out in GZA's trailer for hours and listen to him debate Killah Priest on who would win in a fight between a silverback gorilla and a grizzly bear. Then Sonic Youth dropped in to say hello. Surreal experience. I started Fake Shore Drive three months later."

Eve Ewing, author and activist: "Seeing Jamila Woods open for Solange, who was on tour for 'A Seat at the Table.' Amazing performance and was so proud of Jamila."

Matt Spiegel, WSCR afternoon host and lead singer of Tributasaurus: "In 2010, I made sure to be there early for the '90s nostalgia headliner. That meant getting the gift of St. Vincent — learning what an incredible guitar player she is live — and finding myself dancing and vibing with Big Boi as he gave us Andre 3000-less OutKast songs. Finally, we got Pavement. They hadn't played together in a long time, and it had been 15 years since I saw them. Bliss in the twilight, with a greatest hits set, good friends and a perfect buzz. Magic."

Greg Kot, longtime music critic at the Tribune and co-host of "Sound Opinions": "In its early days, it often felt like a chill community jamboree rather than a Lollapalooza-like corporate shopping mall. There were issues with logistics, amenities, the sound system. But it often got the music right, thanks in large [part] to the bookings of Chicago jazz drummer and Pitchfork co-founder Mike Reed."

• [In 2015] "Courtney Barnett arrives at this festival with some well-deserved hype from a striking debut album. But nothing quite prepares even ardent fans for this performance, as Barnett takes each of her songs and blows out the boundaries. Though justly celebrated as a songwriter and lyricist, it's her rhythm-lead guitar playing that takes her music to another level. She saturates everything in feedback, threading one song into the next with noise that she sculpts and modulates in a way that evokes some of her esteemed predecessors on the instrument. Kurt Cobain would be proud."

Chris Witaske, actor and writer, "The Bear" and "Chicago Party Aunt": Pitchfork 2010, the lineup was insane. Broken Social Scene, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, Pavement. Perfect Chicago summer days. The drugs helped, too."

Joe Shanahan, owner, Metro Chicago: "LCD Soundsystem on stage bringing the LCD dance party to Union Park was amazing. My wife Jen, my daughter Tara in the mix dancing and singing to the songs. Plus the added bonus of my son Michael working the stage? It was a family affair that Pitchfork brought us over the decades."

Terry Alexander, co-owner, One Off Hospitality: "For the past four years, I've taken my daughter to the fest, beginning with the Horsegirl show opening the 2021 fest. When I told her it was canceled she about cried and said, 'I'd rather go to Pitchfork than have a Christmas.'"

Alex Fruchter, co-founder, Closed Sessions records: "My favorite set as an audience member was A Tribe Called Quest's headline set in 2017. That was a really special and very emotional set. Also seeing Odd Future's proper debut with Tyler, the Creator in the cast was special. But my favorite thing was just being outside with so many friends."

Katie Tuten, co-owner, The Hideout: "For five years, Tim [Tuten] introduced the bands at [Pitchfork]. When Tim introduced Yoko Ono, everyone thought it would be a typical Tim Tuten rant — sound engineer gets up to go grab a drink or snack — but nope! Tim's introduction was 'Ladies and gentlemen, from N-Y-C, N-Y, Y-O-K-O-O-N-O!' We were all in shock."

Norm Winer, former WXRT program director: "Music festivals used to offer a wide range of musical experiences, presenting talent representing multiple genres and even eras. In recent years, too many festivals have become less ambitious, catering to a public more interested in the flavors of the month. Thankfully, Pitchfork consistently maintained a higher standard. In 2023, after Saturday's rain delay, Big Thief completely blew me away, as I witnessed them connecting to and reaffirming the soul of America."

Lisa Labuz, midday host, WBEZ: "One of my favorite parts of Pitchfork was whoever was on the Blue Stage because it was usually more punk or up-and-coming local rap — like Run the Jewels in 2013 and Japandroids in 2012. Also one of the great things is the sheer number of female artists they supported: Courtney Barnett, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis, St. Vincent, Solange, Mitski, Lucy Dacus."

Melissa Duprey, actress/artist: "The only time I mustered up enough strength and funds for a Pitchfork ticket was to see the 20th-year commemoration of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and she was a fitting 20 minutes late. It was a perfect night with the signature skyline in the background, the crowd singing every riff in perfect syncopation. Great music, dope crowd, gorgeous night, and an immaculate vibe."

Ryan Arnold, former WXRT disc jockey: "One of my favorite performances was Saturday in 2016 watching Brian Wilson perform the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds.' It was surreal to hear him play those iconic songs live, especially when John and Joan Cusack joined in for backing vocals on 'Sloop John B.' That's a once-in-a-lifetime moment."

Serengeti, hip-hop artist: "Seeing the band The Streets when it was Intonation Fest was cool. I remember f**king up 'Dennehy' playing there once."

Axios Chicago readers also weighed in with their memories:

"I remember seeing Kendrick Lamar on the small stage when he was still coming up and Lady Gaga was watching from the stage. That's when I knew he was going to get huge." – Anthony I.

"I saw Kendrick Lamar and Chief Keef perform in 2012! I also had an all-access pass so I got great views and free snacks and drinks." — Mike C.

"I had the fortune of going for the first (and unknowingly the last) time this past year … to see my favorite band MUNA. At the end of the night, I stayed for Alanis Morrissette, an artist I had loved in my teen years, and her set was phenomenal. I witnessed a mutual friend in front of me FaceTiming her mom for her mom's favorite song, which made me tear up a bit." — Sophia E.

"I went to the first one, Intonation Music Fest, curated by Pitchfork Media. (And then many, many more actual Pitchfork Fests.) Favorite memory? When tickets were $15 a day." — Matt B.

"Wilco debuting their brand new album, 'Star Wars,' at Pitchfork 2015. The band came onstage without fanfare and launched into the album with no introduction, playing the whole record straight through, pausing only about halfway through to acknowledge what was happening. The sound was crystal clear and we ate it up. Everyone knew we were seeing something special." — Peter P.