I don't know about the rest of you, but 2011 has been a harsh mistress. Death has touched many people that I know, I myself had to fight off a life threatening illness this spring, and within so many people's lives there has been stagnation and frustration. At the same time, I received the promotion I have been working toward for the past four years and am exactly where I want to be professionally. I am writing this because this weekend is the annual Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, an event that has become like a mini-vacation from life for me over the past few years. I feel like this year's is somehow more important than any before only because life has turned so weird lately (even if it will be hard to beat last year's musically, because can't really compete against Pavement, Modest Mouse, Best Coast, Big Boi, Raekwon and LCD Soundsystem). Every year I have gone it has been an oasis of great music, food and people that revitalizes me and feels like home (minus the porto potties). This year, though, I feel like it is something more, a sort of "this is what it is all about and everything else is just bullshit that doesn't matter anyway" moment.
2011 has been a roller coaster, with a lot more downs than ups, but the next three days remind me that the music and community which have sustained me for so many years is still there, going strong, and I can lean on them the most when I need to.
If you are happen to be at the festival this year, look for me. I'll be the guy with two full sleeves, one of which has a big smiling starfish on it, and I will be smiling even bigger knowing that no matter what life throws at me and everyone else, there will always be moments like this that make it all worthwhile.
2011 has been a roller coaster, with a lot more downs than ups, but the next three days remind me that the music and community which have sustained me for so many years is still there, going strong, and I can lean on them the most when I need to.
If you are happen to be at the festival this year, look for me. I'll be the guy with two full sleeves, one of which has a big smiling starfish on it, and I will be smiling even bigger knowing that no matter what life throws at me and everyone else, there will always be moments like this that make it all worthwhile.