FLOODfest Chicago 2018 Holds Court

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel used to be an exercise club, but no basketball was played there last weekend—though Japanese Breakfast, St. Vincent, and Just Loud definitely dunked on the crowd’s expectations at Stagg Court. Now in its fourth year, FLOODfest Chicago lit up Lollapalooza with a line that snaked around the block and three acts who’d put any sports game to shame.

Just Loud opened the night, cool and clad in all black, his croon echoing through the court as he played from his debut EP. St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark, our 2018 Festival Guide cover star) was next, arriving in a shiny black trench coat and sneakers for her very exclusive DJ set. “Are you ready to dance to really sad songs?” she asked the crowd before spinning everything from NIN to Cardi B, JAY-Z, Kanye West, David Byrne, and Björk. You can listen along to a playlist of Annie’s picks here.

Finally, Japanese Breakfast took the stage for a high-energy headlining performance. Michelle Zauner danced in sparkly shorts and even moved through the crowd perched atop someone’s shoulders, singing all the while. In addition to their own songs, the band covered The Cranberries’ “Dreams” in honor of the late Dolores O’Riordan, who passed away earlier this year.

Festival guests got their drink on courtesy of our partners Deep Eddy Vodka, Line 39 Wine, and Goose Island. Special props, too, to our buddies at Original Penguin for helping us keep FLOODfest alive, Chicago Athletic Hotel for being such gracious hosts, and Do312 for helping get the word out.

Oh, and hey—while you’re here, check out the 2018 FLOOD Festival Guide: