Akenya confidently launches third day of Pitchfork 2024: Day 3 reviews and photos

As the final day of Pitchfork got underway Sunday, it was hard to tune into the music rather than the loud chatter circling the park. Just before the first act of the day took the stage, President Joe Biden made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election.

“Hey did you hear about Biden?” Chicago Votes could be heard asking passersby to its booth near the Blue Stage. A new partner for Pitchfork Festival this year, the organization is described as a non-partisan non-profit “on a mission to make democracy fun and equitable by engaging and developing a new generation of leaders from all corners of the city.” Reps at the booth were handing out stickers to children, engaging adults in conversation, and confirmed they had registered more than 100 new voters as of publication.

In addition to talking up the national election, the group also encourages Chicagoans to be informed and take part in local balloting as well. Of the other activations drawing in a healthy crowd, the large Nespresso iced coffee lounge continued to be a hit, particularly as the final day began with some of the warmest and most humid conditions of the weekend.

Pitchfork in photos

Akenya

People were slowly starting to trickle their way into Union Park as Chicago’s own Akenya took the Green Stage, blanketing the field with her mighty yet warm vocal power. The multi-disciplined talent was a formidable gateway to the feminine energy forthcoming in the park today with acts like Nala Sinephro, Jessica Pratt, Mannequin Pussy, MUNA, Brittany Howard and of course the music mother herself, Alanis Morissette (carrying over from last night’s Carly Rae Jepsen-Jessie Ware-Bratmobile trifecta).

“Chicago, is it hotter than July up in here?” Akenya said, poking at the sweltering summer day. Joined by a skilled four-piece backup band and three ebullient backup vocalists, Akenya was a total maestra leading the ensemble into a harmonious delivery of gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop and jazz.

Her reputation as a go-to music director for a slew of contemporaries (including Chicago rapper Noname) and also a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper and even Mavis Staples preceded Akenya’s set, as she came into her own well-deserved spotlight. “Is it alright if I move over to the piano and get a little intimate?” she asked before showing off another of her talents.

Among the standouts of the set was the new single “Hades Moon,” which appeared to be a live debut. It will be included on her forthcoming debut LP “Moon in the 4th,” alluded to with the celestial imagery in the backdrop behind the musical outfit. There was also her biggest single to date, “Decay,” delivered with aplomb. “Thank you all for over a million streams,” she said to preface the song.

Exiting the stage with the same confidence she entered it, Akenya left little doubt she will be one of the next musical names to hit big. —Selena Fragassi

Nala Sinephro

Playing the Blue Stage at 2:45 p.m., check back for a review.

Model/Actriz

Playing the Red Stage at 3:20 p.m., check back for a review.

Grandmaster Flash

Playing the Red Stage at 5:15 p.m., check back for a review.

MUNA

Playing the Green Stage at 6:15 p.m., check back for a review.

Les Savy Fav

Playing the Blue Stage at 7:45 p.m., check back for a review.