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The Pitchfork Music Festival prides itself on “creating a reasonably priced summer music festival that provides an overwhelmingly positive, comfortable and fun festival experience for both attendees and musicians.” Pitchfork does not lie, for the cost of attending and the long list amazing bands I had the chance to see, my first Pitchfork experience did provide an overwhelming experience.

Friday night I arrived unsure of how the weather would hold up as clouds continued to roll in. Luckily for the bands, me, and the thousands of other concert-goers, the rain held off. I arrived pretty late, and by the time I finished exploring Union Park fully transformed into a well organized festival venue, it was already time to get a good spot for Built to Spill. I have been to numerous summer festivals in the past yet Pitchfork is probably the most comfortable and intimate outdoor festival I have ever attended. This was the first time I had seen Built to Spill live, and it was a great first impression. The sound was phenomenal, the atmosphere was great despite the 50 degree weather in July, and the crowd enjoyed every song they sent our way. Opening the set with “Liar,” and playing a wide variety of songs including “Big Dipper” and “Goin’ Against Your Mind,” Built to Spill did a great job of starting off my Pitchfork experience on the right foot.

Sadly enough I wasn’t able to attend Saturday, but from what I heard, The National, Beirut, and a number of other bands put on amazing shows. Sunday afternoon I arrived in time to see Frightened Rabbit, who I was most looking forward to seeing. Although they are only two records in to a very promising career, they seemed as if they had been playing together for decades. “Old Old Fashioned,” “Modern Leopard” and “Good Arms vs. Bad Arms’ (to name a few) pleased even first time Frightened Rabbit listeners. After stopping to get some delicious food, and saying hello to everyone working hard at the XRT tent, I camped out in a spot in between stages A and B allowing me to see some awesome shows by Blitzen Trapper, The Thermals, and DJ Rupture without even having to move. The variety of great music that I got to hear while comfortably eating, drinking and making friends was amazing, and really is the main reason Pitchfork might just be my favorite music festival to date. Although all of the shows on Sunday were incredible, everyone seemed antsy for Flaming Lips, which was sure to be a wild show. This was my third time seeing The Flaming Lips, yet somehow they still manage to surprise me. Opening with “Race for the Prize,” the band got everyone prepared for the spectacle that they always provide. In between the confetti and wild lights, the audience got to hear favorites like “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” and “She Don’t Use Jelly,” as well as some brand new songs off their soon to be released album. The Flaming Lips were a perfect end to my first Pitchfork experience. From the great lineup, food, and overall atmosphere, this will surely not be my last visit to Pitchfork.