If Pitchfork were an event, it would be an after-party—so it's only fitting that the site's mostly sold-out music fest has a bunch of pre- and post-shows this weekend. This year is a little different, with sets limited to Lincoln Hall, Schubas, and, slightly weirdly, the Virgin Hotel, where DJs will spin on the roof while bands perform in ritzy 25th-floor lounge, Cerise. The Schubas and Lincoln Hall shows are all 18+ and for sale now at lh-st.com, with discounted tickets held at the door for fest attendees; the Virgin Hotel shows are 21+ and free with RSVP. Here's who's playing each of them.
Thursday, July 16
Natalie Prass and In Tall Building at Schubas
For those who can't wait for the weekend, rising nu-soul singer and ex-Jenny Lewis keyboardist Natalie Prass joins Chicago local Erik Hall, backing his first In Tall Buildings album in four years.
7:30 p.m. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. $15.
Friday, July 17
Tobias Jesso Jr. and Whitney at Schubas
Penned amid the tear-jerker trifecta of a big move, a bad breakup, and a sickness in the family, Tobias Jesso Jr.'s debut LP Goon is the antithesis of party music—but its piano/voice heartbreakers should carry over particularly well to tiny Schubas.
11 p.m. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. $15.
Vic Mensa and Stefan Ponce (DJ set) at the Virgin Hotel
A year ago, Vic at a ritzy hotel bar would've been cause for head-scratching, but given his new sound and fresh deal with Jay Z, the room is small potatoes. Sometimes-collaborator Stefan Ponce spins on the rooftop.
10 p.m. Virgin Hotel, 203 N. Wabash. Free with RSVP.
Saturday, July 18
Ariel Pink and Mr. Twin Sister at Lincoln Hall
Watch Ariel Pink's daytime set at Pitchfork if you want to, but the '60s-revivalist's parodic glitz and glam is best ingested at night.
11 p.m. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln. $25.
Protomartyr and Bully at Schubas
Pluck '80s surf punk from California and drop it in the ice-cold Midwest and you've got Protomartyr, the Detroit quartet making big noise in small rooms across the country.
11 p.m. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. $15.
Future Islands (DJ set), Hit City U.S.A. (DJ set), the Orwells, and Ex Hex at Virgin Hotel
The members of synth-steeped Future Islands are more than capable of soundtracking a solid party, but this show's kicker is downstairs in the form of Elmhurst natives the Orwells, whose live set generally means destruction. Bold move, Virgin Hotel.
10 p.m. Virgin Hotel, 203 N. Wabash. Free with RSVP.
Sunday, July 19
HAIM (DJ set) and a surprise guest at Virgin Hotel
All three HAIM sisters will presumably spin well into Monday morning, which sounds neat if a bit crowded at the turntables. There's also an as-yet unannounced live guest performing downstairs at Cerise, so keep your ear to the ground for that.
10 p.m. Virgin Hotel, 203 N. Wabash. Free with RSVP.
Mourn and Star Tropics at Schubas
By far Pitchfork 2015's foremost feral youths, Barcelona–based quartet Mourn trumpet teenage jitters with the type of clamor you'd find in a slasher flick.
10:30 p.m. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. $12.
How to Dress Well and Lower Dens at Lincoln Hall
Despair at the weekend's end with the saddest songs ever sung in the saddest voice ever by the saddest dude ever, Chicago's own Tom Krell.
10:30 p.m. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln. $20.