Welcome to the Lollapalooza stage ... Barack Obama?!
National politics and Chicago music are getting friendly in August, here and in Denver.
First, as reported on Sun-Times pop music critic jim DeRogatis’ blog today, presidential candidate Barack Obama may be planning an appearance at Lollapalooza, the three-day alt-rock festival Aug. 1-3 in Chicago’s Grant Park.
(Sun-Times file)
Music news Web site the Daily Swarm added: “Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has left a slot open in his schedule during the first weekend of August for an appearance at the Lollapalooza music festival in his hometown of Chicago, according to multiple sources familiar with the ongoing planning and logistics.”
No official confirmation from the Obama camp, but the Daily Swarm goes on to highlight several of the senator's connections to artists on the Lollapalooza bill.
Wilco, the Chicago-based roots music band, is scheduled to play Lollapalooza at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 2; the band’s leader, Jeff Tweedy, has performed for Obama fund-raisers this year.
Then, when Obama heads to Denver for the 2008 Democratic Convention, he’ll encounter another Chicago superstar: Kanye West.
Billboard reports that West, Wyclef Jean and N.E.R.D. are expected to perform at convention.
The convention, which begins Aug. 25 at Invesco Field in Denver, will culminate with the party’s nomination of Obama three days later.
West is rumored to be performing on behalf of Bono’s One Campaign. Jean and N.E.R.D. are expected to headline a party thrown by MTV and Rock the Vote.