Time Out Chicago; Music article; Pitchfork tickets

Time Out Chicago / Issue 124: July 12–18, 2007

Music
No Pitchfork tickets? No problem
Yes, Pitchfork is totally sold out. But there still might be ways to get in.

By Gretchen Kalwinski

If you put off buying tickets to Pitchfork, you’re outta luck. These tips below, however, might help procrastinators rock out.

1. Craigslist (chicago.craigslist.org/tix) Sure, it’s obvious, and prices will be jacked up. But when’s the next time Yoko Ono will play alongside Aesop Rock, the New Pornographers and De La Soul in your backyard?

2. Volunteer Many vendors could use help, and you’d get in for free once you’re done for the day. Here are some people looking for help: Busy Beaver Button Co. (buttongal@busybeaver.net); Chicago Conservation Corp—you’ll help to recycle (Aicha_Menendez@hotmail.com).

3. Be a roadie Hey, those amps aren’t going to plug themselves in. Local bands are probably set, but some acts probably could use a little help with setup. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be, you know, hot. “[Roadies should be] really attractive, with an SAT score of at least 1550,” says Ramesh Srivastava of Voxtrot. Is he kidding? We’re not sure, but he did say anyone interested should e-mail the group at voxtrot@voxtrot.net.

4. Tailgate or sneak in (shhh!) It might be possible to see/hear performers from the playlot and swimming pool in Union Park. And not that we’re advocating illegal acts, of course, but two years ago, it was easy to sneak in from the pool area. Last year, however, organizers wised up and heightened security. So, trespass at your own risk.